It isn't a coincidence that Henri was recently in Switzerland and the CERN Physicists just announced they found the God Particle.  Well truth is Henri had to help the scientists a bit since they were on a deadline.  The particle is really the Gnome effect; Henri was a bit gassy when visiting the Lab and that pretty much influenced the results.  Don't want to burst the Physicist's bubble so Henri will just stay mum..

More of Switzerland...

 Visiting top of Schilthorm mountain (9,748 feet)

Little trolley bringing people to top.

Still lots of snow on top.

Hooked up with some of the locals.

Cousins from the local valley near Murren.

Caring for the wildlife.

This cousin is a bit tall. 

The two big guys come from way north.  They hailed from Findland or Norway not sure.  They are just vacationing and visiting relatives.

So happy that flowers got potted and look so good.

Murren townsfolk gave Henri a traditional welcome by playing local music...there were even yodelers!

This guy was very good.  He was off break from his Ricola commercial.

Switzerland..

Taking in some of the countryside.

On a walk towards Lauterbrunnen.  Signs are easy to follow.

Henri creating a new mountain.  Not everyone knows that the Gnomes created the Alps.

Local home.

Henri hooked up with family.  Forgot that Alsacian Gnomes normally vacation during the summer months.

Henri just told a cousin that Spain won the football match. Must be a fan of the Spanish league.

Waterfalls inside the mountains.  Astounding.

Will wonders never cease?

Lush greens.

Taking a break from the constant hiking around.

More of Alsace....
Watching the football match between Spain and France.  Unfortunately, France lost.

Took a spin to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle on a high Alsacian mountain.  Formerly a fort no king lived there...

More interior views.

Henri posing with a Knight's statue (wood).

One of the local animals that have terrorized the local Gnome population.  Good thing this one is done for and no longer a threat.

Henri's roots are both German and French.  The Alsace region was formerly occupied by Germany so some of their influences are still around.

View of castle from one of the towers.

For hundreds of years Gnomes have been responsible for the flourishing of grapes.  The locals still think they are responsible but it is really Gnomes at work (night shift).

Henri met up with some of his cousins.  See how happy they are?  Hansi and Cosette who are gainfully employed in spite of high unemployment.  Note they are wearing authentic Alsacian outfits.

There was a party put on by the small village of Riquewihr to welcome Henri.  The chorus sang in German and in the local Alsacian dialect.

 All is so beautiful in the area. Castles, wineries, shops, patisseries, local eats.

Henri's coming home.  Alsace, France.  Visit to Colmar believe it or not the Black Forest in Germany is only 20-30 minutes away.

View of some of the local buildings.

How is this for dessert? Alsacian Kougelhopf.

Foods abound.  Local Market display.

Henri hanging out in Colmar's Petite Venice.

Henri could not resist the Cerise tort.  European cakes and dessert are not sweet like the USA ones.

Henri found some of his relatives at a local shop.  They had to work all day but promised to meet him later.

Henri so proud of all the flowers and greenery around town cultivated by his relatives.

The cheeses are exquisite...lots of yummy choices.

Done with Paris visit.  Too short to be able to see everything.  Despite scurrying around Henri was not able to see all his Parisienne famile.  Definitely must return.

Henri relaxing after visit to the Louvre.  Definitely lots of crowds.

Ordered a small Ice Cream cone.  Imagine the size of the large cone.  Didn't take long to finish it before climbing The Eiffel Tower.

Amazing views of Paris.  Henri is a fast little fellow so with limited time he has to visit/see as many places before moving on.

Henri wanted a picture of himself from the Eiffel Tower but was too afraid to climb the fence.  Didn't want to lose his hat so he had some assistance from a friendly tourist. 

Avoir Paris, off to Colmar, France.

More of Versailles and The Louvre.

Hanging out in the gardens...a little pruning here and there to get a discount.

More pruning...this could take a while

Taking a rest by a Parisienne Moon...

Finished this lawn.

There is more to do but must move on to the Louvre.

Hanging out with V de M.  She has lots of admirers.

Mona and Henri had so much fun hanging out.  She took a break from posing to spend time with Henri.

Henri was not at the French Revolution but he is certain one of his relatives was there fighting for the cause.  Too bad the smoke was too thick to capture his relatives in the picture.