It was love at first sight.

The minute I glanced past Aurora and the African lady, out of the Easyjet window as we descended on Geneva, it was done. Everything from this point forth just solidified the concept; I was in love. From the obvious green policies that are reflected in everything from the airport buses to building layouts, to the precision and thought behind every construct, to the amazing amount of greenery everywhere, including flower shops in the airport/train station, to the obviously breathtaking scenery on our 2h22 train trip from Geneva to Le Châble.

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When we finally arrived at Le Châble to Chalet Mavambo, our home for the next little while (11 days I believe before we move downstairs to a very similar home), it was only amplified. It is an absolutely gorgeous 5 star chalet (I made up the rating, but it feels to me like a 4 or 5 star) that tourists in the peak season pay up to 4000chf (chf=Swiss franc) a week for, and we are getting for 400€ a week. It's all made of wood, with subtle rock undertones, skylighting, and big windows and balconies everywhere, including in each bedroom. Our bedrooms upstairs each have their own queen size bed, closet, private bathroom and shower, sky light, and balcony. The kitchen is amazing, as can be expected, and the view is even better.

It's my first morning here, and already I feel very relaxed, like I belong. As soon as Nino gets up (he usually wakes at 7 or 8, but today he is apparently sleeping in as its already almost 9), we will take a walk and he will show me the town. He warned me that it would only take about 15 minutes or so for this tour, but I am obviously nonetheless excited. I'm no stranger to tiny towns. He says Le Châble has a population of about 400, but that is including random cabins and houses in the area. It is a very short (less than 10 minutes) bus ride from the very popular Verbier, with a base altitude of 1500m, and 5m to 200m walk to anything we need from groceries, bakery, bike rental, Jo's place aka where we work, restaurants, and supplies.

Jo is currently gone back to Canada until June 4th or 5th, so Aurora and I have the week to get used to the place and help Nino with the tasks she laid out for while she is gone before she returns and we get to serious work. He says the schedule is extremely flexible, like Jo, and our work day is from 11am to 7pm, followed by a communal supper at Jo's. However this is subject to Jo's whims, which vary from relaxation and swim breaks to deadlines and late nights. Nino says that evening, like in most small towns tucked away in nature, end much earlier then in the city and are usually very relaxing, while mornings which start roughly at 7am are spent hiking or biking.

The absolute only complaint I have thus far, is that I somehow have to keep myself indoors long enough to work on my thesis this summer, and the bed and pillows are uncomfortable.