Roche de Naye

Roche de Naye is the 6700 ft peak above Montreux, which you can get to by a cogwheel train that goes up up up; where there is snow and St Nicholas. For our North Pole-esque experience, we had a clear day and could see down to the lake, as well as into France and Italy. You really could fall to your peril, since there is no fencing on the other side of where we took this picture.
There was suspense built-in, as you got off the train, then walked through a dark tunnel decorated with blue fairy lights and garland - at the other end was a tremendous view and the man in red. Santas have recently hit shopping malls and some Swiss even decorate their houses with lights. Each year, the holiday loses its quiescent restraint and takes on an increasingly American flavor, ie more commercial pizazz.

Michael was relieved Santa spoke English, while Jack learns photo-etiquette, smiling at the camera.The older European Santas also featured a darker companion who gave out lumps of coal for naughty behavior. I was hoping to meet this character, since, I admit, part of me goes Ebenezer as 1/4 of the annual retail earnings - our secular tithe - proves money buys happiness. A few Pepperdine students made the trek, although Santa was taken aback at adult women wanting to sit on his lap! Made his day, I'm sure. Reminded me a bit of Japan, where Christmas is either a child's occasion or a romantic holiday for young couples. ANYWAY, Michael loved sliding around in the snow; he got giddy at the lack of control. His friend, Julian, came along, too.
Jack loved sinking into snow, and the fact that Christmas seems to bring on endless occasions for eating chocolate.