2 september 2023
In Villars, almost the only disappointment was the fog, which kept us from seeing the fabulous landscape that I remembered from our school year there. But Wednesday dawned bright and clear, allowing early risers to capture the scene before it became cloudy again. Unlike almost everything else, the Dents du Midi (Teeth of Noon) (or Teeth of the South? . . I don‘t know) have not changed. Sixty-two years don’t matter much to a mountain.
Our group took a bus ride to a summer hiking and rock-climbing spot for lunch, and although the clouds were back, the mountains were still visible and impressive.
We returned by bus to Villars, then walked down to Chesières, back to the location of the school. As students we made this trip many times each week, and I really enjoyed the trip although almost all of the buildings along the way are unrecognizable now.
The upper floors of the building have been extended out over what was previously a deck above the ground floor, and the balconies are different, but it’s clearly our old home.
After yet another meal together, the farewells began. A few people returned to their homes in Europe, but most continued their trips to France, Slovenia, Ireland, and elsewhere. We had been children together for an unusual year in a beautiful place. It was really good to be back.
The MHB Foghorn 