When knowitall.ch was recently contacted by American Geneva-based songwriter/composer, Malcolm Lucard, we were intrigued by one title in particular: Aux Bains des Pâquis (listen to the song at this link — full lyrics below).
Asked why he decided to jump over the language barrier, Malcolm replied, “At the time the song was conceived I was immersing myself in learning French, including music from France and Francophone Africa. I would learn some funny expression in French class and it would somehow resonate with what I was going through. At the same time I would imagine how cool it would be to write songs in French. I found out it wasn’t so easy! I struggled and struggled and it took about ten years, but finally, with the help of some very patient friends, I managed my first full song in French.
“The story behind the song is kind of funny. We moved here because my wife found a job in Geneva and so, for the first two years, I didn't have a day job. I set up the apartment, did the shopping, took French lessons, looked after the kids when they were not in school... you know, a typical trailing spouse/stay-at-home dad type. After school I would often take my boys, and sometimes a pack of their school pals, to les Bains des Paquis. I got a reputation for being a kind of social organizer in our little pack, gathering the kids and the parents down there for picnic dinners. Usually I would have my mandolin with me and I'd practice as the kids played. For all the other parents, it gave the impression all I did was hang out at Bains des Paquis. The grandmother of two of their friends started to refer to Bains des Paquis as my 'office'. She'd say, So Malcolm, are you going to the office today? That was code for Are you going to the beach today?
Do you feel bored, frustrated or stressed? Would you like to enjoy a life that feels 1,000,000 times calmer and more purposeful?
Maybe you sense that your career is going in the wrong direction, or you would simply like to feel more fulfilled as a full-time parent?
Whatever your current situation, if you’re ready to invest in your future and open your heart and mind to new ideas and ways of doing things, then the Millionaire Mindset Workshop may be just what you’re looking for!
Organized by two experienced coaches working in this region, Melitta Campbell and Lynda Heffernan, this potentially life-changing workshop will take place at the Hotel de la Paix in Lausanne on Saturday, 15 September 2018.
Through a series of interactive exercises Melitta and Lynda will lead participants in developing the tools, understanding, and mindset needed for success in their career and life, to help participants take their first steps towards a more intentional, happy and rich life.
In particular, they will share insights and strategies that will help you to:
- implement positive changes in your life
- move towards a life filled with satisfying moments
- embrace new challenges and opportunities
- get more from life, without doing more
- step into your authentic power and purpose so you can live with an open heart and transcend your wildest dreams
With all the spectacular weather we have been having this summer, you really don’t need to travel far to get that holiday feeling. Both the Alps and the Jura are adorned with picturesque villages that literally take your breath away, and most of them will have at least one chalet or hotel to suit your budget!
Once such place which we were lucky to fall upon by chance just a couple of weeks ago is the delightful “La Terrasse de Verchaix”, near the popular mountain resort of Samoëns.
Owned and run since 2006 by an English couple, Philip and Louise Taylor, La Terrasse is located in Verchaix on the sunny slopes of the upper Giffre valley, overlooking the holiday village of Morillon.
Free tickets for family activities also up for grabs, as well as entry passes for the Kids’ Triathlon!
Following its huge success last year, the Verbier Cross Triathlon will return to the beautiful Val de Bagnes region for another weekend of high energy fun, not just for the participants but the spectators too!
From 1 – 2 September, the organization 123cross.com will host a series of sporting events in Le Châble, for all ages covering open water swimming, mid-level mountain biking, and trail running. While most of the races will take place on the Sunday, a special Fête d’Eté will also take place in the event village over both days and will feature a wide range of activities for all the family including massage clinics, a big trampoline on the water, water-walkers, stand-up paddle boarding, electric biking, a kids area and much more!
Last date for entries: Midnight on Thursday 12 July 2018!
InterSoccer, the number one provider of English-speaking football courses and camps for kids in Switzerland, is offering our readers an amazing opportunity to win a free week-long camp this summer for their child!
Worth over Fr. 500.-, the offer extends to any of the summer camps they are running this year in Geneva and Vaud between 2 July and 24 August 2018, including their popular "Southampton FC summer camps", which feature UEFA B / FA Level 2 Coaches from the English Premier League and Youth Modules from the Saints Foundation in the UK.
InterSoccer camps are targeted at girls and boys of all abilities, between the ages of 3 and 13. Children can participate in:
- Mini Camps (ages 3 to 5): for half the day
- Full-Day Camps (ages 5 to 13): for the entire day
and there are flexible booking options so you can book for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days at a time. Hot lunches are also included so there is no need to worry about bringing a packed lunch every day.
