Poèmes du Japon...

Day 512:

Today would be the big day. But first...tsukemen, French style!

And French-style pork with mushrooms!

Then it was off to Grenoble University for my girlfriend's charity poetry event.

I was her biggest fan.

The event was a great success. With more people showing up than expected, it was amazing to see them all show their support for Japan. My girlfriend was amazing too. It was my first time seeing her perform on a stage like this and I was very, very impressed.

Time to celebrate.

Now time to leave France. We fly out from Geneva tomorrow morning so we had to catch the last train out of Grenoble. A big thanks to all the wonderful people we met while in France. This has been one great life experience that I will never forget.

Upon arriving in Geneva, we decided to go for Chinese food...again. It's funny how we've been craving Asian food every time we've been here.

Then it was off to our hotel to relax...

Now that was a fine beer!

La Bastille...

Day 507:

Today we were invited to spend the morning with some students at a nearby school in Grenoble. We talked about Japan, shared stories, and my girlfriend even read some of her poems. They were all so happy to see us and we were overwhelmed by their thoughts and prayers. To see so many people who are thousands of miles away still care so much about the tragedies in Japan was amazing and very heartwarming.

Afterwards, we toured the city of Grenoble.

And hopped on the cable car leading to the Bastille.

Look mom, I'm flying!

The view from up here was astonishing.

And "the keep" was intimidating.

As explained to me by my friend, "this is the Château d'If of Grenoble."

The view overlooking the city of Grenoble with the Chartreuse mountains in the distance.

I wanted to venture up the mountain some more, but we didn't have much time.

So onto the city we went.

It's still hard to believe I'm in France, but these scenes definitely tell me I'm in Europe. It feels great.

A Sator Square!

Break time!

Thank you JMarc!

French sushi!

My favorite snacks.

bon appétit...