Dropped a new episode with Lauren today and deciding what picture to use as the episode thumbnail was difficult. So, I am writing a blog post simply so I can use the photo above. This picture captures precisely what we felt when we finally got to the top of the mountain to Chalet de Theo for endless fondue. The incline was fierce. It was my fault. This picture is the payoff. You can hear "we did it, now get us a beer" screaming from the picture.
Shoulder season in Chatel was beyond fantastic, because it was sunny, warm, quiet, charming, and in France. The cheese was on point. We had the cheesemonger on speed dial. We had zero plans going in, and we left having a trip of a lifetime.
We drove to Switzerland to spa hop, and the drive across the border was stunning. However, after the day at the spa, we were incredibly hungry. It was at the inconvenient hour in France between lunch and dinner, when if you ask for food at any establishment they stare in disbelief at you. "Why in the actual F are you asking us that dumb question American, don't you see what time it is." So, we stopped at a gas station, and I made the mistake of buying sunflower seeds with the salty shell. Turns out, they don't open very easily once in hole (your mouth). So, I just ate them whole. Dehydrated, I regretted that decision later.
Lauren drove, a common theme, as I have not had my license in 15 years. This is my 2025 resolution, FYI.
