In our house assembly this evening, we heard from Mohamed about the inspiring story of L’Éscalade, an occasion celebrated in Geneva every year!

Mohamed gave us some insights into the history of L’Éscalade, and why the day is so important to Swiss people. In 1602, Catholic troops from Savoy were at the walls of Protestant Geneva. In response, the Genevois people banded together, and defeated the Savoyards through courage, cunning and soup. Particularly celebrated is Catherine Cheynel, a lady credited with driving back the Catholic forces through her use of soup as a defensive weapon.

Mohamed shared the story of Cheynel, and the boys made some good memories through the breaking of a chocolate cauldron, a symbol of l’Éscalade. Great fun was had by all!

As the tradition said, the youngest and the oldest of the household break together the marmite symbolising unity.

Today, three of the Léman boys celebrated Day 11 of Advent, with Domiciano, Nikita and Oscar enjoying their chocolate in recognition of the fact that we are one day closer to Christmas!

The frosted breath of winter paints the skies,
As crystal snowflakes drift on gentle air.
Beneath the silver moon’s watchful eyes,
The earth lies still, in beauty cold and rare.

The trees, now shorn of summer’s verdant grace,
Stand stark against the night, a solemn guard.
Their icy limbs, in frozen lace,
Reveal the season’s hand, both soft and hard.

A quiet peace enwraps the sleeping land,
Its silence deeper than the ocean’s song.
Yet whispers stir where winds caress the sand,
A fleeting hymn where winter’s dreams belong.

Oh, fleeting frost, oh, transient jeweled glow,
In winter’s heart, we find our warmth to grow.

Happy Birthday Michael, many happy returns! We hope you had a lovely day and enjoyed the cheesecake!