STL2Geneva @stl2geneva - Tumblr Blog

We're Moving Out... of Tumblr

Hey Friends and Family! I wanted to inform you that we are chaning our blog host to.... https://catchingclem.wordpress.com After the most recent update to the tumblr webpage, I can no longer post photos from our trips and still write a long post. Bummer, right? Anyways, I hope you can come find up on our new blog and keep up with our most recent and upcoming travel.

Ski Week & Busy Season!

Zach is still plowing through mound of work with his teams but we are almost half way done with this dreaded time of year. Lucky for us, busy season here isn't as bad as it is in the States. Most evenings, Zach is able to come home for dinner and then we post up on the couch (with his lap desk) to enjoy our favorits TV shows. We are currently on a Big Bang Theory marathon! This coming week is ski week and I am very much looking forward to week away enjoying some of my favorite people in the world! There is a big surpirise in store and I could not be more excited. Check back later for an update! :) Zach just has one more week until Valentine's day which marks the our next oppotunity to escape to the mountains together!

Snow Day!

Ok. Ok. It wasn't truly a snow day. Zach still had to go to work, working his LONG busy season hours but yesterday we had our first city snow day. Since being in Geneva, it has never snowed in town, always in the mountains, never in the city. I loved it. I was up early this morning and enjoyed my coffee and the quiet snowy scene while Geneva was just starting to wake up.

Zach and I are people not made for the sun! We burn so easily! It's almost crazy... our poor none existent children. So, since we don't do hot sunny weather, we have always loved a snowy winter. The rule of thumb here in Geneva (during winter) is, if it is raining in the city, it's snowing in the mountain. Which normally makes us get the itch to take off super early Saturday and Sunday to go snowboarding. Snowboarding offers us complete relaxation. All you ever think about is getting down the mountain or how incredible the view is. For Zach, this is huge. It is the one activity where he can truly destress after a long week of late nights and auditing.

Since the snow day came to the city, we know that it must have really been snowing in the mountain. Which that alone makes us warm and fuzzy inside. If anyone thinks we have fallen off the radar this weekend, its because we crossed the border and heading to the mountains for a much needed romantic day of boarding! XO, Court

Heading Home: ETA August 2016

We haven't had the chance to talk to everyone individually yet but Zach and I have some exciting news! Zach and I have accepted the opportunity to stay another year in Switzerland! YAY! Zach has put in a lot of hard work this past year and during his review, the partners offered him the opportunity to stay based on client needs. At first we didn't think we were interested but when we sat down and listed out what we have done and what we still would like to do, we just didn't have enough time.

Since being here, our list of festivals and places to visit kept expanding. We still have a 'Must See' and "Would Like to See' list and I am sure we will not see everything, but an extra year will give up the opportunity to keep exploring the world. With that, keep reading for updates on our travel plans, past trips and life as we know it. Since we are staying another year, we will now be moving home in August 2016. I know it seems far away but time is flying by and we fully recognize the special opportunity we have in front of us and the many blessings we have because of life here. It's an opportunity of a life time. This experience has given us so many memories and the opportunity to build a great foundation for our life together.

Thank you to all our friends and family who have given us unconditional support, even though they want us home much sooner. :) XO, Court

Tis' the Season

As you all now it is the beginning of 2015 and in our home, this means the dreaded BUSY SEASON!! Ugh! So while Zach is off working long hours, I am at home, cooking, reading and looking for things to do. I am always open for suggestions on books, recipes to try and people to chat with. Zach got me a puzzle for Christmas, looks like I will be starting that soon. These long days make me miss him... LOTS! But we have successfully completed the first week of busy season and Whole30. Here is to the next 7 weeks of our life and looking forward to our celebratory end of busy season trip to Zermatt, Switzerland. XO, Court

Bring on 2015

Zach and I had the privilege to bring in 2015 in Verbier, Switzerland. We spent the week with Anna and other PWC family members. Verbier tends to be a pretty expensive place but over the past year, Zach and I have figured out ways to work the system because, lets be honest... Nothing with get between us and snowboarding.

We drove up to the mountains during a snow storm, 60 cm!!!! Anna and I successfully put on snow chains on our tires and Anderson (our mini cooper) chugged up the side of the mountain like a champ. I was honestly impressed!

Zach and I were both so excited to get out on the mountain, we convinced the group to be one of the first people in line for day passes @ 8AM! With my new snowboard, beau and friends, we hit the slopes! Zach and I spent sometime alone shredding off piste and breaking in the new board! It was a perfect day. Snowboarding has become our favorite past time together. Zach and I ride opposite from each other so when we go, we can really play and goof off while still playing safe on the slopes. We did the same on Monday but were able to meet up with some other friends who guided us all the way down to an apres ski bar, Le Rouge. With log benches and fur throws, we sipped our well deserved beer!

Sadly, on the way down, Zach twisted his knee pretty bad. We think it is sprained. :( Tuesday was a day to relax. Zach, Anna, and I headed to Leukerbad, Switzerland and soaked away our sore muscles in the thermal baths.

New Year's Eve was spent in the city center with the whole PWC family! We had a DJ and the square was packed with people drinking, singing, and shooting off fireworks. This is a place we would love to be every year!

We are still debating on our New Years resolutions but tomorrow is Monday and the start of the dreaded busy season. So our fresh start will start bright and early. XO

Merry Christmas from Geneva

For our second year in a row, Zach and I spent Christmas in Geneva. There is always a little bit of sadness not being surrounded by family this time of year, but we always have a wonderful day and this year were able to have a little bit of home here with us!

Our friend Anna landed on Christmas Eve! We invited our friend Sveta to join us for a day full of food, games and champagne.

We hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas surrounded by friends and family! Miss you and love you all. XO

USA! USA! USA!

Disclaimer- LONGEST BLOG POST EVER! In November, I loaded the plane bright and early to go back to the States for a two week visit. After a long 17 hours of travel, my parents showed up at the airport with our family lab and brought me home for a delicious home cooked meal and a glass of wine. I was supposed to decorate the desserts we were making my eventful weekend but decided a glass of wine and rest would do me some good. Let's just say, I was in bed by 7 PM and awake by 2:30 AM. I had an amazingly productive morning. Besides accidentally setting of the house alarm at 4 AM, my parents we pleased to see all the chores I did to fill my time. Jet lag... Get's me every time. After I woke up at 2:30, there was no time for rest. Tonight was my sister's sprinkle for my sweet baby niece! After a long day of running errands for the sprinkle shower, bachelorette party and wedding, I was able to put myself together and grab finish a cup of coffee before the guests arrived. Needless to say the sprinkle was a success and it an efficient was to visit with many family friends whom I have missed. Baby Charleigh was gifted lots of diapers and adorable outfits! I excused myself early but in true Jarvis fashion, a small group of friends hung out until 1 AM.

Next on the agenda was my besties bachelorette party. A few months before I arrived, I was able to plan a fun cooking class and lingerie bachelorette party with the other bridesmaids. It was a great evening with some much needed girl time... Sorry Zach ;)

The next week flew by with lunches, coffee dates, wedding errands and family time. Before I knew it, Zach had landed and we were at the rehearsal dinner. Like a real trooper, Zach got off the international flight and put on a good (but tired) face and hung out with us at the rehearsal dinner. It wasn't long before he snuck out with my parents and headed of to bed. K and myself, took Casey out for a little night cap at Robust Wine Bar just caddy corner for the hotel and welcomed our dear friend into the 'Wives Club.'

The wedding came and went, it was a well planned, beautiful, emotional and spiritual union. Lots of happy tears in the room and not to mention the bride. There is just something about a bride who can pull off a traditional, hollywood glam kind of look. Simply perfect!

Sunday was also our 1st Anniversary! In following the tradition of anniversary gifts, Zach got a new watch (modern-time) and a pinnable world map (paper), for us to pin all the places we have been. Zach stuck with time and we spent the day together down in the city. He planned a day so it would mimic our wedding day, plus bowling. He even had out baker make our wedding cake (neither one of us had time to try it on the actual day). Zach is very creative with gifts and I'm pretty lucky to say, I am never disappointed!

The last week of our trip, Zach and I were able to spend some time with his family in S. Carolina. We really took this time to relax. Grandma and I took a nap on the couch one day, spent lots of quality time with Koby and Oshi (our dog and cat), and had a Thanksgiving meal.

We wrapped up our trip visiting with some of our groomsmen at iTap and seeing the new Hunger Games movie, "To Kill a Mockingjay-Part1." Our trip was quick, busy and we saw a lot of people, but we still weren't able to see everyone we wanted to see. Thanks for always making a trips home so enjoyable. XO, Court

Oktoberfest 2014-Bucket List Item

Zach and I like to think of ourselves as beer and wine connoisseurs... well novice ones so we had to make it to Oktoberfest in Munich Germany this past year. So we did!

We squeezed into our dirndl's and lederhosen and set our alarms for 7 am because we were going to make it into the tents! The waiters and waitresses were marching around with 6-9 liters in hand and selling each one as they came out of the kitchen. We ate more sausages and pretzels than anyone would wish to but we had 18 friends from all over the world hanging out and drinking with us.

Oktoberfest itself is a huge state fair. Each year the brew houses put together their ply wood "tents" and people wonder from tent to tent in between carnival rides. Our particular favorite was bumper cars. We met a really great group of English men on a bachelor party; some how i ended up with their coats and an extra 100 euros. Lets just say the first few rounds of bump cars was on us :)

Oktoberfest is a very popular thing to go to but I would advise anyone to go with a smaller group. I love everyone who came but 18 people in one group was just to many to manage. I think 6 would be the perfect number. Our trip to Munich was well worth every penny! You start drinking beers are eating sausages at 9AM and don't stop until 10PM when it is time to crash. In between all the chanting, chugging contest and mugs smashing together, you find yourself in the thick of the German culture. We met people from all over the world over the three days in Munich; it is truly amazing how one event can bring so many people together.

Prost!

October's Amsterdam Trip

The Clem's (hehe, it's still weird to be calling myself a Clem) went to Amsterdam at the end of October with our friends Doug and Melanie (sans children, thanks to Doug's parents). We only planned a few things while we were their and spent the rest of the time wondering around the canals. Between the Mike's Bike Tour, Ann Frank House and the Heineken Experience, I would say the Ann Frank House and the Heineken Experience are a must see. It was down pouring rain during our bike tour and the tour guide was just ok. The Mike's Bike Tours in Munich are killer. We have done them twice and each time was great, but none the less we still had fun and learned a lot about the history of Amsterdam. Didn't realize it was such a big part of World War II. Sorry history buffs, I didn't pay much attention in high school ;).

That evening we wondering into a coffee shop and had a nice mexican dinner. Surprisingly, Amsterdam does mexican food well. Saturday was the Heineken Experience, the first brewery tour we've ever paid for and totally worth it! I think it was about 16 euro per person and the tour was very hands on, plus extra beers at the end and a beer glass for each one of us. Who doesn't love that?!?

Onto the Ann Frank house... we couldn't take any pictures but as you can imagine it was a very eye opening experience. Going to World War II "tourist attractions" are often a very humbling experiences. If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, buy your tickets online early! We skipped a line that had a 2 hour wait. No THANKS! The annex itself, is very spacious. Maybe not for 2 families plus a few additional people but for a place a hiding, its pretty big. In fact, its bigger than our current apartment ;) The decor is old for todays standards but I imagine for the 1940's, it was decorated nicely and not to far out of date. This flight back was just as early as our Rome flight but this time we ended the evening like responsible adults. Took a stroll through the infamous Red Light District and headed to bed. I will say, the Red Light District is pretty interesting. Not at all what I had imagined but the guys "shopping" are just as creepy as you would imagine. Customers are literally window shopping for men and women. You just knock on the window, pay your fee and they close the curtains. The self employed men and women of the Red Light District have a union. A union! They have lobbyists and protected by the government. Learn something new everyday and that information was the most interesting to me.

Until our next trip. Au Revoir

Rome Ruined Us

Hey! I'm back. Sorry for the delay. It took a bit of time researching how we wanted to purchase a new computer. Good news! I got one while we were back in the states for my best friends wedding. But more on that in my next few posts. I need rewind a bit and take you back in time to when we went to Rome in mid-September. Zach and I landed in Rome on Thursday night and went straight to our adorable little, did I say little, because I mean LITTLE italian apartment. We slept on out first murphy bed! Honestly, this place was laughably small but we loved it. On Friday morning, we made it into the city center for breakfast and to map out our plan of action. Rome is a very walkable city and it is much smaller than people think it is. From Piazza Venezia, we headed to the Colosseums, and on our way we were ambushed by street Gladiators. You know, those goofy dudes dressed as gladiators so you can stage pictures... Well Zach and I got cornered and spent 40 euros! Talk about a trip budget buster. Lol.

The Colosseums and Palatino Hill are really something. Rome has done a tremendous job keeping them preserved. We wondered around those, taking the time to read all the little history signs along the way. Zach and I are not museum people. We like bike tours and self-discovery but the Colosseums and Palatino Hill need a tour guide. It goes so much faster! The coolest part of the Ruins is that you are walking on the original streets of Rome. It's a bit of a surreal experience.

We love food! And kind of make some of our trips around the "locals" favorites. We hit the jackpot because we have made some friends here in Geneva that are from Rome and the lovely lady who rented us the apartment for the weekend circled all her favorites on our tourist map. Before we met up with our friends, Tim and Steph on Saturday, we went to dinner at this great little corner restaurants. We next to a lovely Nebraska couple, and enjoyed some good old midwest conversation. Bonus, the owner and staff spoke english!

Tim and Steph finally arrived on Saturday morning and we didn't let them sleep. We dropped off their bags and headed straight for the Vatican. Did you know the Vatican is the wealthiest country in the world? Or that is it in fact its own country? The wealth comes from the thousands of pieces of art work that are truly invaluable. Pure purple, black and white marble statues, tapestries woven by hand that take up entire walls and hallways. I can't even imagine! The coolest part was the Sistien Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. Steph couldn't get into the Basilica because her shorts were above her knees and her shoulders weren't covered! Talk about traditonally catholic. That was a bummer but we finished the day sipping coffee, drinking wine, and dinner at another hole in the wall restaurant only the "off the beaten path" tourists would find.

Tim is a HUGE Gators fan and managed to find an English Pub that was watching the game that night. So we finished our visit with American football beer and a game of beer pong.

Oh wait, I forgot to mention how Rome ruined us. We made it back to our apartment about 3 AM and we had to be up at 4:30 to make our 7 AM flight back to Geneva. Zach and I woke up at 5:45, whoops! Our taxi driver drove like he was a race car driver and we made our flight. Walked up just as they were boarding. Let say that Zach and I didn't have time to make ourselves presentable and were not feeling the greatest but we made our flight and were ready to sleep on the plane. Then Zach hears his name... Zach managed to have a PWC'er on the flight. Embarrassing! We made it to Geneva, we collapsed on the bed, opened the computer to watch some TV and it went up in smoke! The weekend was great but our Sunday morning experience will forever leave a grey cloud over our Rome trip.

Blogging Pause

Unfortunately my computer went up in smoke this weekend and I am temporarily without a computer. I have had some seriously bad luck with technology lately. I'll post Rome and all our other adventure when I manage to get my hands on a computer.

Ladies Weekend In Geneva...and Zach

This past weekend we had some visitors arrive from Paris. My Aunt Diane and some good friends Gail and Noel. After spending a week in Paris, for work and play, the girls took the train from Paris to Geneva. We set them up in the hotel around the corner from us, and lets just say, its never a good idea to put three women in one Ibis Hotel room. ;) It was a little small with a lot of luggage! But it was a good laugh at the end of the weekend.

Thursday evening, Zach and I showed them a little bit of the town, TPG system and areas worth exploring so they were able to explore on Friday. We started with cheese platter, foie gras, and wine at the Riverside Cafe and had dinner at Halle d'Illes, which for Geneva standards is very affordable when going out to dinner.

Come Friday, I spent the morning with the ladies while they got ready for their day of shopping and discovery. When we met up later, the girls arrived with a few extra bags of goodies compared to when I left them. It was successful trip around Geneva and up two bell towers! Zach wrapped up work and we went to dinner at La Cittadella in Old Town. This is by far our FAVORITE italian restaurant in Geneva. If you go, save room for dessert because the pistachio tiramisu and the tiramisu classico are to die for. We had a night cap at Molina's bar, which was where my phone went for a swim after falling out of my back pocket in the restroom. Oops! Lesson learned.

Geneva is a very small town, so we generally have guests stay for a day, maybe two before we venture to another swiss city. The group opted for Montreux, which is quick one hour train ride from us. We packed an awesome picnic and posted up by the lake in the late afternoon. We enjoyed the view and some great conversation, where we were all able to get to know each other a bit better. Before heading back to Geneva, we did some window shopping along Rue de Lac and ended up at beautiful rooftop bar over looking Lake Geneva. A second round to drinks came so we could admire the sunset over the lake.

For dinner.... The ClubHouse. A local english pub in Geneva that has some awesome fish and chips.

Everyone was so tired after the travels and early morning (for the ladies) to head back to the states, we opted for an early bedtime. We had one last, "final, final" at the hotel while the ladies signed our guest book and we parted ways.

Zach and I are always so excited to have a little bit of home come visit and share what we have learned over on this side of the pond. It was also really great to spend quality time with family where we could sit down and actually talk. Here's to you, Aunt Di, Noel and Ms. Gail! Thanks for a great weekend in Geneva. XOXOXOX

#guestsofhonor #family #aunt #goodfriends #montreux #LakeGeneva #picnic #sunset

MicroMooning

Zach and I finished our summer holiday in Mallorca, Spain. We wanted to take a little "micro moon" since we had yet to take our honeymoon. Since our time in Europe, we have been taking trips to cooler places, so we were ready for some sun, sand and sangria. It was a final get away before busy season hours set in.

The sun was hot and the sun screen was flowing. If you know the two of us, you know we are not close friends with the sun. The sun was blazing hot, so we spent lots of time playing paddle ball in the water.

Zach and I noticed that there were a lot of people floating and swimming out by the beaches net (~50-75 meters off shore), so we decided to swim out ourselves. As we swam out to the net, I made sure to mention how bad they were for the environment and sea life. Lots of animals get tangled in them and die, but it also gave me a sense of security knowing that I was protected by a net (I did just finish Shark Week on the Discovery Channel). The water was so clear, we could still see the ocean floor even all the way out at the net. Zach beat me out there and told me to "touch it." Which I thought was a bit weird. I asked why? and his response was, "So you can say to swam all the way." I took one stroke closer and saw that we were only to be protected by a rope. YIKES!!!!!!! I could have beat an olympic swimmer back to shore. That was our first and last trip out to the rope.

After long days reading on the beach, Zach and I would get ready to try some of the local restaurants. Two really stood out to us, the first is pictured above. In downtown Palma, it was a small restaurant tucked away in an alley. Asador Tierra Aranda, highly recommended! As we walked in, the chef was just starting the fire in his brick oven, the inside was nothing fancy but then they sat us in the court yard. It was like we were eating in the rainforest. We were surrounded by tropical trees, flowers and water fountains; tucked away from the busy streets, this place was tres (very) romantic. Our next favorite place was just by our apartment in Cala Major, called Wabisuke. Zach is not a fan of sushi but this was so delicious and fresh, he actually enjoyed it. Each night we ventured back down to the beach with a bottle of wine and ended up talking under the stars. It was the perfect way to end our day.

We spent a total of 5 days on Mallorca, with 4 days in the sun (our skin needed a day in the shade). Our trip was perfectly romantic and a great getaway for just the two of us. We generally travel with other people, so this was a good break where we could do things just the way we like it. Super chill, good food, and a few bottles of wine. :)

#mallorca #romantic getaway #newlywedadventure #lovebirds #soulmates

Morning! This month is already off to a quick start. We have a full social calendar this month and I am loving each minute of it. Zach on the other hand probably already needs a break ;).

Zach playing in a PWC World Soccer Tournament this past weekend in Budapest. It sounds like they did pretty well, considering they played through Saturday morning. It was a knock out style tournament, so way to go guys. The PWC Geneva team is actually really good, for a team of accountant. They were awarded "Best League Defense" this year. Did I mention, Zach is the keeper. Cough, Cough, Brag! Anyways, between the tournament and beers, it could have been worse. This trip was a last little break before his busy season starts.

Each Thursday evening, pending weather, there is a small group of expats who meet at a local market for fresh cheese, wine and bread. This Thursday, I am excited to show my Aunt Diane, Noel and Gail the market, so they can really experience a bit of the local life with me. The apricot/raisin bread is the best!

We are very much looking forward to their visit. It's always fun showing people what it's like over here and how simple we live. Which I personally have come to enjoy!

Most of you know that I babysit to fill my time here, outside of being Zach's full time domestic engineer ;) And with those two jobs, I have found a new passion! Event/Travel planning.

It really all started when we landed in Switzerland last fall and I had to work with my sister and bridesmaids to wrap up our wedding. I spent lots of evening hours exchanging emails and FaceTiming to keep it all organized. When we landed back in the states for the big event, I realized how much I truly enjoyed planning such a fun evening (I may be biased ;)). After the wedding was over, and all the dust had settled, I started planning trips of us and for the group of US expats here in Geneva. It really is fun and rewarding. When we make it to our final destination and I can watch the fun unfold, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Its about creating memories, experiencing life, laughing and connecting with people. Which I feel my generation is letting go of (thought process to be continued, there is too much to say about that topic).

I am currently finalizing all our plans for this weekends trip to Majorca, Spain. A small island off the coast of Spain, where Zach and I are sneaking away for a romantic getaway. Plus pulling together my very best friends bachelorette party in St. Louis.

Planning these events and coordinating ideas, budgets, and people can be stressful but coming up with solutions is part of the fun. So, I sit here this morning drinking, searching Pinterest, sending emails and coordinating people to create yet another memory I can't wait for.

If the market wasn't saturated with event coordinators, I would have just found myself a new career. So for now, its just a hobby! ;)

Cheers. XOXOX

On August 9th the European summer holiday was marked coming to a close with the annual Geneva fireworks. The first works here are considered the third best in the world, lasting a full 1h15min this year.

It was a full show, 8 boats using every piece of lake to put on the show. Zach and I walked away from these fireworks in aww. We may never see anything that will compare in our life time and fully appreciate the opportunity to see this once in a life time show.

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