DAY 6 - SEPT. 7 -

After breakfast we sat out on the terrace enjoying the Sun and the view. It was a very lazy day. Ron didn't feel like driving to Vevey/Montreux, and said that side of the Lake (the Swiss side) was too expensive. So, we rested, and steeled ourselves to face the long drive the next day to Feldkirchen-Westerham (near Bad Aibling where Ron served almost four years in the  Army). 

The hotel faces the long promenade along the lake. One of the funny incidents we recall from days gone by was when we hailed a taxi along the promenade. Ron promptly opened the driver's side door and prepared to get in. At the time we were living in Australia, and he was so accustomed to the passenger being in the left seat. All the drivers standing around began laughing, and our driver remarked, "Monsieur, normally I drive the taxi." 

Around 5 PM we requested the hotel shuttle to take us up to the Hotel Royal, part of the Evian Resort. That is the first place we stayed in Evian, and many times after. The first time I went in to inquire, and came back to report the room price. Ron said, "That is outrageous - no way!" Then I reminded him that the currency was French Francs not German Marks. The Franc was about 7 to the dollar, while the Mark was 2 to the dollar. We had a wonderful visit and that is when we fell in love with Evian.

When we arrived at the Royal, the gates were closed, and all traffic was being turned away. It seemed there was a special conference going on. So, we proceeded up the hill to the sister hotel Le Ermitage. We had also stayed here in the past, and love the old-world, elegant ambiance, but the lake view is more distant.

Terrace, gardens looking toward Lake

Lovely revolving door

Small part of library/bar

We enjoyed sitting on the terrace, watching the people. There were many children, some very badly behaved, running and screaming in dangerous spots. 

After we finished our drinks, Ron gave the waitress the card for our hotel driver, and asked her to call. "Oui, oui", she said, but after we sat for about half-an-hour there was still no hotel car, so Ron went back and found the waitress, and asked if she had called. She said that she had given it to the receptionist, but it turns out she had not called either. Finally, after more discussion, the call was placed, and the driver arrived to pick us up.

So, we were back to our room by 9 PM. Another early, but pleasant evening.