Nyon, Switzerland and the American Market

so, I wouldn't say it's really been a relaxing weekend, it's been quite active, but it' s been a good weekend. Today we went skiing in Crozet this morning for about3 hours and then we had a nice afternoon around the house. It was a gorgeous day and we took a monster walk with Ally. An active day, but really enjoyable.
Yesterday we went shopping at the outlets in Aubonne, Switzerland - I was trying to find a dress for the upcoming wedding and the hubbster needed a new shirt for same. Then we stopped in Nyon and wandered around the town. It's quite cute actually. We meander through the streets, stopped in a couple of shops, walked by the Chateau de Nyon (it's open other times of year for tours but not now), found the American Market (the real reason my hubby wanted to go there) and then headed back home. On the way stopping at yet another mall, hitting up two hardware stores in search of charcoal or charbon as they say in French (not charbois, as we asked one store employee who looked at us like we were crazy - oops). so, it was busy busy, but although it is always tiring going shopping it was nice because we had no time constraints we could take as much or as little time as we wanted.
Here are few photos from Nyon.


I really like the view of Lake Geneva and the alps from the Chateau de Nyon.
Now, a few words about the American Market. As you might have guessed from the name it is, indeed, a store that sells American food. I just walked around in awe. Not only were there shelves full of good ol' goodies from the US of A they cost a freaking FORTUNE. I would NEVER ever in my life in the United States consider paying such outrageous sums of money for that stuff...but when you live in Europe and you can't find it anywhere else you are tempted to pay a small fortune for those little things that remind you of home. For examply you could get a box of graham crackers (nabisco) for 14.10 swiss francs - that equals $11.85! Who on earth pays that much for a box of graham crackers? But I was tempted. I ended up walking away, but there was a part of me that was ready to fork over any sum for those precious graham crackers. They had so many things I didn't realize I missed till they were there staring me in the face. It's like when you used to have something as a kid and you haven't had it in years and suddenly it's right there in front of you. You just suddenly want it, there' s no rational reason why but you just think, "I have to get it." Actually, we were very good. Despite all the temptations we only came away with one purchase. Karo syrup. You just can't find corn syrup anywhere...or at least I haven't been able to figure out what it's French equivalent is. There are few recipes I'd like to make that call for corn syrup so I bit the bullet and shelled out 8 swiss francs for it. Crazy, but I figured it would last a while. Besides, I know you can make it from scratch (I looked it up on line ages ago) but facts are facts I'm never going to get around to making it. So, I bought it.

I wish I had taken some pictures inside the store, but I was so caught up in the joy of all those American treats! Crisco (which I wanted but just could NOT bring myself to pay $10 for a small can), poptarts, fundips, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, margarita mix, Cheerios, Jello, Ranch dressing, Newman's own dressing, shake and bake, the list goes on and on. I'm glad we found it for those times we just feel homesick and need a little shake and bake goodness! all in all a fun day.