Far in the distance is Montbonnot, where the INRIA sponsored graphics
lab is. It is a new building and a very nice place to work, particulary
because of the people who were very warm and welcoming. Interestingly,
the French government subsidizes lunches for students... and not just any
lunches. The 'cafeteria' served smoked salmon and caviar, coq au
vin, trout almandine, etc. etc. for the low price of $CDN 3.
Food seems to be a serious consideration in France, and we usually dined
as a group, making it a social occasion as well.
Further along the valley is Grenoble. On Diana's birthday, we
went to Grenoble to visit the Museums after hiking down from St. Hilaire
to the valley. Unfortunately it was a tuesday. The museums
in Grenoble are closed on tuesdays. However, we did return another
day to take in the art museum at Grenoble, which was showing a collection
of 20th century art from Berlin, which was quite interesting.
Coming back from Grenoble was always a challenge as the bus drivers
tended not to stop for you. This was how my hitchhiking started...