The seventh day of hiking began on a misty morning. The previous night had seen heavy rainfall, making the mountain trail quite treacherous. Approaching us was a brown packhorse carrying luggage, followed by a few lightly equipped hikers. The horse was panting heavily, its eyes devoid of recognition as it charged past us. We quickly stepped aside, fearing that it might collide with us and send us rolling down the hill. Watching the horse struggle to carry the heavy load down the mountain. It left us wondering why this group of hikers did not make use of motorized transportation services for their luggage.
Slowly, the chilly mist began to disperse, revealing a landscape where small streams descended from the highlands, nourishing lush vegetation. The mountains started to unveil their true grandeur, and when the peaks, still partly obscured, finally emerged, the towering, verdant pines and golden meadows combined to create a magnificent tableau.
We came across a tall, energetic elderly gentleman, and to our surprise, he was 83 years old! This gentleman was quite talkative and introduced himself as being from California. This time, he was visiting relatives in Sweden though. We all admired and marveled at his vitality. He cheerfully mentioned that he went on long hikes like this every year, even though he was already 83 years old. He maintained a strong regimen of exercise and outdoor activities, believing he would have no problem continuing these long hikes for another ten years. As the saying goes, life is all about staying active, and it seems to hold true in his case.
In his bestselling book "Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity" Dr. Peter Attia, known for his research in longevity medicine, fitness, and podcasts, elaborates on the four major components of human health: exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional well-being. Especially for exercise and fitness, Peter Attia suggests that fitness should be built upon these four pillars:
Stability (the foundation)
Strength
Aerobic exercise (long-duration, low-intensity aerobic activities)
Anaerobic Performance (short-duration, high-intensity bursts)
Hiking, in fact, incorporates elements of the first three components mentioned above.
As we descended the mountain, we came across a farmer and his sheepdog herding sheep. The sheepdog displayed remarkable agility, darting and leaping to effectively corral and control a group of over one hundred sheep. The sheep obediently gathered and stood in a huddle, attentively listening to their owner's commands.
Arriving at the low valley basin at the foot of the mountain, I was captivated by the lush and verdant meadows with babbling streams. The blue sky and white clouds created a sense of serenity, while the continuous rolling mountains, fertile grasslands, and winding streams added to the picturesque scene. The water and grasses swayed gracefully, casting beautiful and enchanting reflections. The clear creek allowed a view of the bottom, and I couldn't help but sigh softly, "This is the tranquil and idyllic countryside of my dreams."
This secluded roadside lake, with its mirror-like surface reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape, createed a soft and delicate perfect reflection that truly captivated me, making it hard to move away!
From a distance, we could hear the melodious jingling sound, and soon we spotted the charming cows. Each cow had a unique number, wearing a collar with a copper bell that created a harmonious, echoing symphony with every move they made in the valley.
The cows on the Alps might be the happiest cows in the world. They enjoy top-notch natural pastures, fresh mountain air, and lush meadows. They are also the cleanest and most romantic cows I have ever seen. Often, they pair up, nuzzling each other affectionately, displaying a strong bond.
Luiza, upon seeing the cows, couldn't resist stopping in her tracks. She affectionately petted and patted them, and the adorable cows responded by licking Luiza's hand, as if they were greeting an old friend or owner.
After lunch, we continued on our journey. Nicolas led us down a winding path, navigating through rocky terrain. The wilderness today was incredibly vast and tranquil, a pristine and untouched landscape that evoked images of the Scottish Highlands and bagpipes. It felt like the sweeping, desolate terrain and the expansive yet melancholic souls that Jamie and Claire traversed in the beloved British series "Outlander," which I hold dear.
Today, we crossed back into French territory after our journey through Italy. The winding and meandering mountain paths on the opposite hillside led to Aiguille des Glaciers, a glacier peak. I couldn't help but wonder if there were hikers up there, just like us. The challenging path ahead was as unyielding as iron, and today we began anew, stepping into the vast, sea-like mountains.
As we trekked through these towering peaks, the figures of the hikers grew smaller and smaller, reminiscent of the lyrics from the song "Ordinary Road" by a Chinese artist named Pu Shu: "Wandering on the road, are you going? Boiling with restlessness, where are you heading? I once crossed mountains, rivers, and seas, and passed through the crowds, and I once had everything that scattered like smoke in an instant. I once felt lost, disappointed, and lost all direction, until I realized that ordinariness is the only answer."
At the foot of the mountain near our lodging at Refuge des Mottets, there was a commemorative plaque. In November 1946, after the end of World War II, a Boeing B17 bomber flying from Naples, Italy, to Bovingdon, England, crashed into the Aiguille des Glaciers glacier during a mission. All eight American pilots and crew members on board lost their lives. A year later, aircraft wreckage was discovered in several glaciers in this area, and it wasn't until 1979 that the remains of the crew members were repatriated to the United States.
This commemorative plaque was constructed by the American War Memorials Overseas, Inc., a civilian organization dedicated to collecting and creating over a thousand memorials and plaques, specifically to honor American soldiers who sacrificed their lives in overseas wars.
Refuge des Mottets is a popular mountain refuge located to the south of Mont Blanc in the La Ville des Glaciers area. It is a sought-after destination for several reasons. First, it is the only refuge in this region and serves as a stop for those traveling along the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) route. In addition, it is situated in the valley bottoms of several glaciers and mountain peaks, surrounded by numerous hiking trails.
The lodging at Refuge des Mottets offers a variety of accommodations, including double rooms, four-person rooms, and large dormitories. Here, I witnessed what true dormitory-style lodging looked like. In a large room, there were rows of 24 beds connected in pairs, with partitions separating every eight beds. Genevieve, Monique, Hongbo and I chose the "comfort" option when we booked the trip so we shared a room tonight. Otherwise, we would be sharing the legendary large dormitory with other members of the group.
From right to left, we had Danielle, Monique, and Sandrine. You had initially thought that Sandrine was also from Quebec because she spoke French and was very close to the other Quebeckers. She was cheerful, warm, and incredibly hospitable. Sandrine had a special fondness for chocolate and coffee. During lunch, she would always distribute chocolates with different flavors to everyone. After lunch, she would prepare coffee using the hot water Nicholas brought and share it with the group. And without fail, every evening after dinner, she would enjoy a cup of coffee, seemingly unfazed by any concerns about sleep.
Staying in a refuge like this typically includes both breakfast and dinner (referred to as "Half-board"). In the dining room, several hiking groups each occupied one long table, while other independent travelers shared the other two tables. Despite the chill in the mountain air at this hour, the interior of the refuge was warm and cozy. The vegetable soup and sausage with rice were delicious. As everyone enjoyed their meal, a young and handsome server brought in what appeared to be an antique pulley cart. He took out a stack of wooden folding books and placed them in a small box on the cart. With his right hand, he cranked the pulley, while his left hand controlled the speed at which the folding books moved. The box began to produce beautiful music. It turned out that this antique pulley cart was a music box!
Marie told me its French name, and after looking it up later, I discovered that it's a type of French mechanical musical instrument called the Barrel Organ (French: Orgue de Barbarie). According to Wikipedia, it's also known as a street organ or crank organ. It consists of a bellows and one or more ranks of pipes, elaborately decorated and typically housed in a wooden box. The basic principle is similar to a traditional pipe organ, but the barrel organ is not played by an organist. Instead, it's activated by a person turning a crank or a spring-driven mechanism driven by gravity.
Musical compositions are encoded on a wooden barrel (or cylinder), similar to the keyboard of a traditional pipe organ. The person who plays the barrel organ is referred to as an organ grinder.
The music produced by a hand-cranked barrel organ had a unique and unpolished texture, quite distinct from the sounds of a guitar or violin. This young organ grinder played one tune after another, evoking a sense of nostalgia. In our hiking group, there were already a few cheerful memebers, and now they joined in singing along with even more enthusiasm.
"Les Champs-Élysées" (香榭丽舍大街): This is a famous song sung by Joe Dassin, a French pop singer who was born in the United States. The song beautifully portrays the romantic ambiance of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in Paris.
"Que Je T'aime" (How I Love You): This song is performed by Johnny Hallyday, often referred to as the "French Elvis." It's a beloved French song that expresses deep love and affection.
"Pour un flirt" (For a Flirt): This song was written and performed by Michel Delpech and released in 1971. It enjoyed immense success in France and internationally, becoming one of Michel Delpech's most famous songs. It's a classic French pop song.
Most of the songs were in French, but there were also a few familiar English songs like "Hallelujah." Then there was "Bella Ciao," which is a song well-known to Chinese people as "啊朋友再见" (Ah, friends, farewell)!
"Bella Ciao" is indeed a powerful and iconic song with a rich history. It originated as an Italian folk song but became a symbol of resistance and freedom. The lyrics express an unwavering spirit and a pursuit of liberty, making it a significant part of Italy's anti-fascist resistance movement.
It's interesting how this song has transcended its original context and resonated with people from various backgrounds. In the case of China, "Bella Ciao" is often associated with the Yugoslavian film "The Bridge". This movie tells the story of a group of Yugoslav Partisans who, through careful planning and perilous struggles, blow up a bridge to impede the German forces' retreat during the closing stages of World War II. The film became well-known in China during a time when few foreign films were imported, making "Bella Ciao" a familiar and beloved song among Chinese audiences. Music really has a unique way of transcending language and cultural barriers to touch the hearts of people around the world.
Regardless of whether it's in Chinese or French, without hesitation, both I and Hongbo joined the singing group.
That morning, waking up from a dream, "Oh friends, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye!"
One morning, waking up from a dream, invaders entered my hometown.
Oh, guerrillas, quickly take me away. Oh, friends, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye!
Guerrillas, quickly take me away; I can no longer bear it.
As we sang, each member of our group couldn't help but extend their arms, embracing their neighbors on the left and right. Everyone swayed with the melody, forming two waves of music. In that moment, we forgot about we spoke different languages and we had diverse cultural backgrounds. Instead we were lost in the rhythm and melody, joy and laughter, warmth and sincerity. It connected us on the deepest level of simple feelings and friendship. I felt the mist in my eyes and the warmth in my heart, deeply moved by the situation and emotions.
Refuge des Mottets, located in a remote area with nothing nearby except mountains, looked almost like something out of "Wuthering Heights." It's been the accommodation with the least light pollution along our journey. On the morning of the second day, a ray of sunlight casted a rich, golden hue on the thick clouds and mountains in the distance, creating a picturesque and charming scene in the wilderness.
On the eighth day of the hike, we passed by a cheese farm with a wall adorned with numerous awards, giving it the appearance of a renowned establishment. An employee was in the process of shaping freshly prepared cheese into a large round mold. Once it solidified, the cheese would transform into a delicious dairy product. Nicolas purchased a substantial block of cheese from the owner, and I thought he was going to take it home. However, a few hours later, during our lunch break, he surprised us all by cutting the cheese into portions to share with everyone.
The Alps are located in a temperate zone but with high-altitude terrain, resulting in a climate known as an alpine climate. This climate is similar to polar climates due to its high elevation, with abundant rainfall and snowfall, and it boasts rich glacier resources. Although the Alps cover only 11% of Europe's area, they provide over 90% of Europe's water resources. Major European rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Rhône, as well as their tributaries, have their sources or major headwaters in the Alps.
Thanks to the mild climate and abundant precipitation, the TMB trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, expansive meadows, steep cliffs, deep valleys, and gently rolling slopes with graceful curves. The autumn scenery is absolutely enchanting and captivating.
Followed by lunch break was an incredibly challenging climb to reach the mountain's summit. Once we reached the top, it became so windy and cold. The strong wind almost blew us away while we were trying to take a simple photo.
Reaching the foot of the mountain and finally witnessing the clear blue sky and white clouds was refreshing and uplifting. Taking a break, resting our feet, and having some wine, the group enjoyed a well-deserved and delightful moment for all.
I didn't remember what we had for dinner. The appetizer however was noticably beautiful and delicous: Jambon et Melon (ham and melon) is a classic French starter, typically consisting of thinly sliced ham served with ripe and sweet melon. The savory ham complements the sweet, juicy melon, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
On this day, it was our last night staying at the refuge, and it marked our final dinner together. Over the past eight days, the fifteen members of our group had spent day and night together. We climbed mountains, crossed streams, passed glaciers, endured scorching sun and torrential rain, and witnessed some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. We were all caring and treated each other with genuine kindness and warmth, feeling like both travel companions and family.
As we raised our glasses, clinked and shared joyful moments, Genevieve, in her usual exuberant manner, began the speeches. She expressed her deep gratitude for the beautiful moments we had shared in the past few days, emphasizing that this journey would be unforgettable and remain in her heart.
Genevieve's heartfelt speech opened the floodgates of emotions, and each of us took turns to express our feelings. I recorded everyone's speeches and listened to them again while writing this travelogue.
Here they are:
Genevieve: This is my first hiking trip, and it's been an extraordinary challenge for me. Each of you is so friendly, and I couldn't have dreamed of a better group. I cherish every moment shared with all of you. And those magnificent Alps, I can't find words to describe their beauty. I hope to relive such a fantastic and crazy experience one day. I will remember all of you in my heart.
Li: When I initially booked this trip, I only knew we would be hiking with a group of people. I was a bit nervous about what kind of group this would be – where everyone comes from, how well we'd get along. Our family have had different hiking experiences, but never nine consecutive days like this. This trip, however, has turned out to be an unforgettable and life-changing journey. Traveling is not only about exploring the beauty of nature, which is an important part of it, but also an opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Learning something from others and making meaningful connections is what makes a trip valuable. Even though most of time I didn't understand a lot of what you were saying in French, your laughters were so infectious. They tell me you were having a great time making me feel part of this team. Each of you is inspiring, and you've given me a lot of motivation and encouragement. I hope to have Rene's energy and curiosity. Norman, I hope to hear about your travels in Iceland next year. Marie, you are such a thoughtful and caring sweetheart, and your relationship with your father is touching. Danielle, you're a phenomenal communicator, your communication skills and patience are remarkable. You and Claude are so mellow, gentle and considerate. Luiza, you're a sweetheart, and your solo travels are inspiring. Although I can't mention everyone specifically, I want you to know that I cherish the time spent with each of you. Thank you for hiking the TMB with me and experiencing the magnificent and magical beauty of the Alps. Thank you all.
Luiza: I sincerely want to thank everyone! I've said this before, but I want to emphasize it again. Each of you is so kind, patient, and caring, making me feel like part of a big family. We've never lacked happy laughter throughout the journey, especially Sandrine, who is always so joyful. Marie, you are my role model and have given me inspiration. And my two English-speaking friends, your smiles brighten up my day. I once told Li that I consider myself somewhat of an introvert.
Luiza: I want to genuinely thank all of you! I've said it before, but I want to emphasize it now. Each one of you has been so gentle and patient with me. I feel like everyone has been helping and caring for each other, just like family. Our hiking journey was never short of happy laughter, especially Sandrine, who is always so joyful. Marie, you're my role model, and you've given me a lot of inspiration and motivation. And my two English-speaking friends, I've mentioned to Li that I feel like I'm an introverted person, and sometimes, when I'm alone, it could be challeging. I feel that everyone has respected me and given me some space when I needed it. The nice conversations with all of you during the journey made me feel close to you, which is rare. I hope we can all stay in touch. Thank you!
Claude (speaking in French, translated by Marie): I've always had a deep love for the Alps and for journeys like this. I did TMB once before in 2017, and I am thrilled to be able to share this experience with my wife, Danielle, this time. (Then a lengthy passage where everyone laughed happily, and it was hard to discern the specifics of what was said.)
Guy (speaking in French and English): This is our first time on such a trip, quite a large group, to be honest. You might wonder if there were too many French people on this trip, but fortunately, we had only three French participants! (laughter) Within our group, everyone talked to everyone. There wasn't a single moment when someone was left alone or fell behind. Some days, a few of us may have felt a bit tired or low, but we all cared for each other. It was truly an amazing collective experience!
I want to thank my daughter for enduring her father on this eleven-day journey together. I know she probably would have preferred to do a solo trip. I've learned something from each and every one of you, and I'm pleased to see fresh faces from Brazil and the USA. Our jokes along the way were so much fun! Rene's passion impressed me. When he sees a small frog, he's amazed, and when he sees a dying flower, he'll tell you about its past and future. (Nicolas chimed in at this point: "Rene always climbs like a wild goat, and he's like a seven-year-old kid.")
Nicholas: When I usually lead hiking trips, my job ends when the journey ends. In my career as a tour guide, I've led countless groups, but rarely have I encountered a special group like the one tonight. In the past few days of being together, each one of you has shown your individual personalities. Even though we come from different countries, regions, and cultural backgrounds, and most of us didn't know each other, we're like the ingredients in a salad. We had a great salad recipe, and each one of us was a fantastic ingredient, resulting in a delightful dish. Because we know that without good ingredients, you can't make a delicious meal. Each one of you created these wonderful moments in the journey. Being able to lead you on the TMB hike and share every moment of the trip is my honor and exactly what I strive for: building great relationships and sharing wonderful journeys. I sincerely thank all of you. Every one of you has demonstrated your endurance, physical fitness, and resilience, successfully completing this fantastic hike. It's a great accomplishment, and I'm proud of each of you!
Monique: After listening to everyone's speeches, I'm at a loss for words. I really enjoyed talking to each and every one of you during this journey. Thank you to my dear friend Genevieve, and thanks to Nicholas for making my TMB dream come true. Now, I am about to cry. Yesterday, we, along with Li and Hongbo, stayed in the same dormitory, and it was my privilege to spend a wonderful evening with you all.
Danielle: I am really emotional right now. To be honest, I didn't expect to find so many people from Quebec in this group. I was hoping to make new friends, and it turns out I'm still with fellow Quebecers. This trip ended up with lots of joy and I made new friends from Quebec, the States, France and Brazil. So I was totally wrong at the start and everyone is so special. (Then Danielle choked up and paused for a while before continuing with a teary voice). Thanks to Nicholas for being our guide and saving us from having to check GPS and find accommodations, and so on. I really enjoyed the conversations with Li and Hongbo, thank you for Luiza's smiles, and I appreciate your exploration and pursuit of this world.
Sandrine: (A long passage in French without translation) I hope that we all stay in touch, not just on WhatsApp, and we should plan a time in the future to do another trip like this. Just like Li said, I actually didn't understand what you were saying when you spoke in English, but I could feel your joy from your laughters. Laughter is the best universal language.
Marie: Before this trip, I was actually quite sick, so I thought the plan might have to be canceled. I hesitated until just a few hours before departure. However, if it hadn't happened, I would have regretted missing out on such a fantastic journey and all these wonderful moments. I am not a group person; I sometimes need time to be alone to find inner peace and recharge. I like being in my own space and enjoying my alone time. This trip helped me overcome some inner fears and pushed me out of my comfort zone, so I'm very grateful for that.
Rene: Like everyone else, I am very grateful and cherish the friendships formed during this trip. I have enjoyed the wonderful and jaw-dropping moments on this journey. Thank you everyone for your compliments to my energy and endurance.
Gaetan: I had really debated whether to go on this trip with a group or travel independently. Eventually, I decided to join a group, and I couldn't have made a better choice than Nicolas' guided hiking tour. To pursue a dream could take different paths which could end up different results. Traveling this way allowed us to fully enjoy the journey without worrying about PGS and directions. Having the opportunity to meet such a joyful group of friends was fantastic, just like having a cherry on top of a Sunday's Mont Blanc.
Norman: I remember all the laughters we had. For me it was my first trek and being part of such a nice group was a surprise. I was expecting and great adventure and I been more than satisfied. Everyone was superattentive of others. Thanks to all of you for being on the road for a little part of my life. I will always remember this great adventure.
(Unfortunately Bertrand's speech wasn't included as it was not recorded)
On the ninth day of our trek, Danielle, due to her knee injury, and her husband, Claude, made the difficult decision to conclude their TMB journey ahead of schedule. It was hard to say goodbye to them. Before departure, we gathered in front of the refuge to take one final group photo, a touching reminder of the unforgettable bonds we had formed during our adventure.
The highlight of today's journey was the Bionnassay suspension bridge, located only two kilometers from our final destination, Les Houches. This suspension bridge was a popular attraction for locals due to its thrilling nature. We reached the bridge after walking through a forest trail. It was a one direction traffic, and as you walk on it, it swayed and offered an nervousness and excitement. Beneath the bridge flew a river with thousands of gallons of water, and to the left, you could admire the magnificent Bionnassay glacier. On the right, there was an endless expanse of mountain ranges. Luiza, was bouncing around on the bridge, laughing heartily like a child. Hongbo and I took a final selfie here on this last day of our journey.
We had lunch on the lawn at the train station, and Genevieve, who loved to sing "Bella Ciao," started to sing again. A few of us ladies formed a circle, moved to the beat, and sang this song that symbolizes freedom and friendship. Thanks to Norman for recording it promptly, leaving us with touching and precious memories.
It's interesting that while many people start their TMB journey in Chamonix, the official starting and ending point of the Tour du Mont Blanc is actually at the signpost in Les Houches. It seems that Les Houches holds a special significance for TMB hikers, and most of them proudly take pictures at this location to commemorate their accomplishment.
We finished hiking around 4 o'clock, and at 5 o'clock, we took a group photo. Some of our teammates were planning to go to a bar for a few drinks. Hongbo and I had to catch a 6:30 Swiss Tour back to Geneva though, so, we hugged and said goodbye to everyone and took a shuttle to Chamonix train station.
There, we met three other Chinese people who were also waiting for the SwissTour bus to Geneva. To our surprise, we soon discovered that one of them was a renowned trail runner from China, Wang Xiaolin, who is known as the "Plateau Tank" in the field of extreme trail running. Wang Xiaolin has competed in numerous ultramarathons both in China and abroad, yet his most significant achievement was winning the overall championship in the 2017 Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning is a prestigious competition held in the United States, consisting of five 100-mile trail races, and participants must complete four of these races to qualify for the title.
Just two days before, Wang Xiaolin had completed the TOR450 (Tour of the Giants 450), which was the same ultramarathon mentioned in my previous post about our glacier trek – a 450-kilometer race that involves mountain climbing, river crossings, and glacier traverses. He wasn't alone; another young runner, Cui Zhigang, had completed the TOR330 (Tour of the Giants 330). The TOR450 is considered more challenging and covers a higher elevation, with many sections of the course being uncharted territory.
In the TOR450, 356 participants started the race, and only 124 brave souls managed to finish it. Wang Xiaolin, the first participant from mainland China to join the TOR450, secured an impressive 17th place, completing the race in a total of 160 hours with just a few hours of rest. What an incredible achievement!
On the same day that marked a milestone in our personal hiking journey, meeting someone of Wang Xiaolin's caliber in the world of extreme sports felt like a remarkable stroke of luck.
After returning, I read an article written by Wang Xiaolin, in which he shared his experiences and feelings during his participation in the TOR450. In this article titled "Nine Hundred Miles of Solitude," Ba Ling meticulously documented his psychological journey during the 900 miles he covered. He mentioned, "The TOR450 is not only long and filled with steep ascents but is also incredibly challenging in terms of course difficulty. I believe it's one of the most grueling ultramarathons I've ever run. Reflecting on my 160 hours during the Tour of the Giants 450, the predominant feeling was solitude. Thus, such long-distance ultramarathons are a form of personal practice."
Given the immense challenges he faced during this grueling race, one might wonder what Wang Xiaolin gained from the experience. He explained, "In our daily lives, we often wander through the concrete jungles of the city, constantly glued to our phones. Rarely do we have a few days to be alone, with only the mountains as companions, confronting our inner selves. I felt the greatness of nature and my own insignificance. Many of the so-called troubles are no longer significant." He emphasized that by being grateful to nature, others, and oneself, one can strengthen their inner self. Wang Xiaolin's words resonated deeply with me. The TMB trip we just finised was just like that - a profound journey of self-discovery and reflection, where we found solace and a sense of insignificance in the vastness of nature, ultimately leading to a stronger and more grateful inner self.
As we boarded the return flight, I gazed down at the mesmerizing mountain ranges below, it was hard to believe that we had actually completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, this epic trekking adventure. Just as Genevieve would later say, "I sometimes pinch myself by telling myself that this wonderful trek really happened."
Yes, the TMB trek truly did happen. I kept this map on my computer desk as a constant reminder of the beautiful memories we created on that magical land - the Alps ...
Epilogue: The WhatsApp group of our TMB team is still active to this day. Luiza, after completing her WorkAway experience in France, went on to Switzerland and Luxembourg and is currently still traveling in Europe; Genevieve and her husband returned from their travels in France to Quebec and continue to thrive, cycling around; Bertrand might have returned to his home in Greece, sharing some captivating Mediterranean photos; Marie and I have shared some books we read and podcasts we listened. Nicholas took on another trip and led a team on a hiking and coastal sailing adventure in the mountains of France.
Life goes on, friendships remain, and as the song says, "Bella Ciao," my dear friends, goodbye for now, until we meet again...
