The scale reads in kilograms which makes it initially seem like we both lost a ton of weight hiking around the Mont Blanc massif, but sadly a simple Google conversion tells us that Gina has gained 3 pounds on this epically strenuous trekking vacation. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the bottomless cappuccinos and two desserts a day. I am holding steady but that might be because I chose to round down and rounding down when working in kilograms is generous in the direction of my liking.

We and our extra few pounds are on our own in Geneva today, awaiting the start of our self-guided cycling trip tomorrow. After having spent the past 11 days not needing to think about a thing except following Jen or Erica along the trail, we now find ourselves in the unfortunate position of needing to (a) forage for food and (b) decide what to do today. Where is Tour Leader Jen when we need her? How will Gina get down those stairs without Erica spotting her from ahead? These questions must be faced head-on as we reestablish our traveling independence.

Finding coffee at the local McDonald’s (hey Ian of Canada – this one was for you and it was fabulous) and feeling inspired by the Frommer’s walking tour link provided to us by Jen of NYC, we made it out of the hotel and onto the streets of Geneva. This is not really a city for tourists, in the sense that there is nothing for Gina to parrot “super cute” about. However, we make do with what we find, from enjoying the festive flags to a few sky-high laps in the SwissWheel to a “big” beer on the lake. I think we are sufficiently rested and fueled for the cycling adventure that awaits.