Marie – Claire & KelleAnn
Two different girls with two similar stories. Maire-Claire & KelleAnn were both here (seperately) over 10 years ago and both found themselves back in Gryon mid September with their husbands to revisit the place they fell in love with so long ago.
Marie – Claire’s Story
In November 2000, Marie-Claire was travelling around Europe with some friends when she decided she needed a little bit of adventure and some fresh swiss air. Having previously found a brochure for a little hostel in the mountains she headed straight for Gryon. ”I always thought of Gryon as paradise since the moment I stepped off that little train,” Marie-Claire remembers. During her 5 night stay she kept busy skiing, paragliding, eating fondue, & ice skating. She still is in touch with a couple of friends she made during that visit 10 years ago.
Marie-Claire & Pat hiking, 2010
Last year, when she found out her huband’s job would be bring them to Europe her first thought was “I have to go back to Gryon.” Her husband, Pat, had no qualms with visiting the paradise she had spoken of since they met. So, nearly ten years later Marie-Claire made it back to her “paradise” (upgrading from backpacker dormitory life to a private room this time!) “Last time I had come for adventure, this time I came for peace,” Marie-Claire said. And boy, did Gryon deliver again! During their week long stay, they cooked gourmet meals in the communal kitchen, hiked, had living room jam sessions and made more lasting friendships. Marie-Claire isn’t waiting another 10 years for her next visit. She will be back with her brother in January 2011 for a ski holiday!
KelleAnn’s Story
In August 1999, KelleAnn and her friends met some people on a train who could not stop talking about Gryon and how beautiful it was. The people passed on a brochure and as KelleAnn put it, “four girls set out in search of this beautiful place a random stranger told us about! ” While at Chalet Martin they had a great time skiing, rock climbing & being getting a birthday serenade by a group of canadian boys.
KelleAnn 1999
KelleAnn 2010
Over 10 years later, KelleAnn and her husband, Jeremy, were planning their “5 year late” honeymoon. Jeremy had broken his foot right before their original honeymoon, so in Sepember 2010 they finally had the time to take the trip. Although they didn’t have to many set plans, one thing was for sure, KelleAnn was going to return to Gryon and take her husband! (Again upgrading from backpackers dormitory beds to a private room!) They spent a few days here and headed off, but ended up coming back to relax and enjoy the senery. When they returned Marie-Claire and Pat were here and they were all able to sit down and share their stories. When they finally left, KelleAnn bemoaned, “every time I leave Gryon it rains!”
KelleAnn is planning a trip back with her original travel partner, her best friend Tracy, with in the next 2 or 3 years. See you then ladies!
KelleAnn & Jeremy, hiking 2010
Between Marie-Claire and KelleAnn, something stands out. Somewhere between the fondue and the nostalgia, came a realization that Gryon is not simply a place to enjoy a reckless weekend (or week, or month) in your twenties. Marie-Claire said it best, sometimes we head to the mountains looking for adventure and sometimes we go for peace. And not matter the intention, Gryon enables us to find what we are seeking. So whether you are planning your 5 year late honeymoon, a winter ski holiday, a girls’ retreat, or a stag party we invite you all back to the Chalet Martin. Not only so you can enjoy paradise, but to introduce your new friends and loved ones to that place you always talk about! Although, book soon…the private rooms seem to be in high demand!