Dear Susan,
Happy birthday! I hope this reaches you in time.

We had a pleasant trip over - had a smooth flight and arrived in London early. A pleasant day in London - some genealogical research, much walking, a fine dinner and a great farce comedy at the theater. Admired the flowers in St. James Park and saw the troops going to the "changing of the guard".

Thursday AM
Train at 1 PM to Dover and smooth channel crossing with quiet seas and very good visibility - saw France as soon we left Dover Harbor. Crossed to French coast and went north along the coast to Oostend Belgium, had excellent Dover Sole, walked a bit in Oostend and at 9 PM boarded train (a Swiss railroad sleeper) to Landquart Station, arriving at 8:30 AM and changing to a narrow gauge railroad to Davos by 9:45. We were on the slopes by 11:00! A great hotel - stayed in it in 1945 but it is much better now - pine-panelled walls and ceiling! Food is superb!

Snow is fading fast - none in Davos Dorf but plenty up higher. We have an excellent guide, Analis, and ski with a group about our speed. Ed and Ruth are with a slower group and enjoying it immensely. Our days are very full - up at 7, on the Parsennbahn cable railroad by 8:30 and lunch at one of the many fine places on the mountain. We ski until 4 or 430 then I swim and sauna. Our group of 20 or so gathers for a social hour and dinner until about 10, then bed. Paul Valar, our leader from Franconia, is from Davos so he has various relatives join us from time to time. They are great hosts.

We are still hoping to ski somewhere with good snow next week if we can find a place. Ed and Ruth leave Sunday. There is talk of cooler weather and more snow later this week.
We were not able to get reservations at the East India Club in London for 5/23 so we will be at the Traveler's Club. The Chelsea Flower Show is conflicting and London is crowded for that. If you write us there put "Hold for arrival 5/23" on envelope.

We think of you and are sorry we can't talk to you and Daniel on your birthdays.
Much love to all,
John and Alice

PS We have a beautiful room here - large and corner and pine-panelled all the walls and ceiling! It is a really fine hotel.