My question too Gandalf, where are you from. I have spent a little time in Annecy, Faverge and LaBalme where we had factories - I came just short of getting a two year assignment there as well. (The factories are all closed or sold now unfortunately). I learned how to water ski (ski nautique) on Lake Annecy. Have been to Mt.Blanc a couple of times. I have never been any place in the world as beautiful as the area around Annecy.