Dueling Pianos: Jeff & Rhiannon: May 2011

Last month we were lucky enough to get a gig in Lausanne, Switzerland at a music club that brings in different acts from around the world. It was so much fun. First, the Lavaux region of Switzerland is possibly the most beautiful place in the world. The club put us up in a hotel smack dab in the middle of Lausanne with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It was heaven. The shows were really great as well. A very different crowd that we are used to (all Swiss-French). I was shocked at the song knowledge of the people...some barely spoke English but knew all the words to the American/British songs. Our repertoire was a bit different...more Robbie Williams and Queen. And the #1 most requested song? No, not Piano Man...not Journey...but 'It's Raining Men.' I kid you not. I got a good chuckle every night when people brought up their requests...again, English not being a first language. I got songs like 'I While Survive' and 'Sweat Child of Mine.' Classic. Here are a few pictures from our time in Lausanne...

Walking around Lake Geneva

The beautiful city of Lausanne. One of the hilliest cities I've ever been to. No need for the gym here!

A view of the Lavaux region of of Switzerland. One side of the lake are the Alps and the other side are vineyards. So beautiful!

We took a small train up to the top of the vineyards.

We snuck a picture in the vineyard. Possibly not permitted.

This one explains itself.

Up in one of the mountain villages for lunch.

It was hard not to just keep taking pictures!

After Switzerland we took an 8 day vacation to Paris. It was magical. As you may know, Paris is my favorite place in the world. Well...it still is. We were blessed the entire time in Europe with unbelievable weather (sunny and in the 70's every day). While in Paris we walked an average of 8-10 miles a day and ate out at some beautiful restaurants and enjoyed the cheap wine (afterall, it's less expensive than water or soda!) The 8 days flew by and by the end I was not ready to go...

Jeff's favorite building in Paris...Notre Dame. We visited it several times throughout the trip...spectacular.

Taking a break from behind his camera.

The french crepe. Heaven.

Fontaine de Medicis, one of the fountains inside the Jardin du Luxembourg.

The second fountain in the gardens: Fontaine de l'Observatoire.

We took a day trip to Giverny, France, the home of Claude Monet. There we were able to visit his famous gardens, pond, and lily pads. So breathtaking.

The floral colors were so brilliant.

Posing on the bridge that Monet made famous.

The next day we went to the Musee de l'Orangerie where Monet's large lily prints are displayed. He created these paintings just for this space. Sadly he passed before he could see them installed.