The day started early, with a departure time of 6:00am. The 2 boys, the dad, and the uncle all piled into the van and set off on our 7 hour drive. Seeingas it was 6:00 in the morning, I just assumed we would crash until daylight, so that's exactly what I did. Before we had even left the neighborhood, the boys had the DVD player on and offered me a set of headphones. I took them, and enjoyed Wall-E for all of 3 minutes before I decided they were crazy. I'm not going to say I was comfortable, but I managed to find a decent set up with my ski jacket acting as a pillow against the window. I woke up every once in awhile when my feet fell asleep. One of these times, I'm assuming around 8:30, we were going through some hills and the sun was just coming up. We couldn't have been to far south of Paris and I know I was half asleep, but it was amazing. Soft light, groomed trees, fields and hills. I'm going to keep and eye out on the way back.
I finally woke up around 10:00 and spent the next 4 hours reading and looking at the scenery. It was a typical French morning, so it wasn't very clear and I couldn't see very far but by the time we reached the Alps you could see forever. These mountains are pretty stunning, but then again, being from the flatest place on earth, I think anything over 20 ft of elevation is pretty impressive.
We got to the house, which is located in Peisey-Nancroix. They have a couple ski resorts, and some small ski villages. From what I can tell, our part of town is the original, pre-ski village part of town. The house was converted to sleep as many people as possible, so there is plenty of space. It is right next to the shuttle stop, so that will be nice and convenient. We spent the afternoon getting our skis and lift tickets. I'm not sure how much I'll ski but I bought a full day tomorrow. I haven't skiied in 6 years, so I thought I would just see how it goes. I also finally gave in an got a ski lesson. My Dad hasbeen pushing the issue for years now. I know how to ski, he just thinks a little tutorial would really improve my style. So for 2 hours tomorrow, somebody named Collin will get to watch me embarass myself.
There is no elecronic entertainment here, think the Ranch 10 years ago. We have a wood burning stove, and we played cards. Apparently, people in France don't know how to shuffle. They all keep saying I'm a professional poker player. It could just be my family, but both boys have enlisted me to teach them. I remeber when John taught me to shuffle, but I have no idea how he taught me to shuffle. It is not an easy thing to exlplain.
This is going to be one of those weeks of going to bed early and reading a great deal. I brought my Lonesome Dove, just in case I run out of other things to read. Gus and Call would have some things to say about this place.
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