Another beautiful day, only this one was mainly spent inside. I offered to help get ready to go, seeing as I wasn't going to ski anyways. I went on a walk to the village and bought baguettes and butter, very French. I had time before the packing had to begin, so I walked around a bit more, get my exercise for the day.
The day was long, we got in the car at 6:45pm. It's a long 7 hour drive back, and in the dark, there wasn't much to look at. I tried to sleep, but seeing that it wasn't even dinner time, that was a difficult thing to accomplish. We got home around 2:00 and I was happier than I thought to be "home". A couple of times this week, I said something about "home" to the girls. They asked if I meant Texas or their home. I said "our home". Being away made me finally feel like this was home.
Showing posts with label Alps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alps. Show all posts
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 47: or The Day I Started Lonesome Dove, Again
When I started this week, I was reading Girl With A Dragon Tattoo, finally, but I knew it wouldn't make it all week. I looked in my room and decided that over 800 pages of Texas should keep me entertained. I had no idea what my days would be filled with while here. All I knew was that if nothing else, I would have enough to read. Of course, when the girls ask about the book, I can't help but try and convince them to read it. I have 4 more months to accomplish the task.
I skied early today and came home and turned in my skis. The first 2 days were great weather and I was really happy to be back skiing after so long. Today was snowy and you couldn't see where the mountain stopped and the sky started. Makes skiing difficult. I really enjoy skiing but I've figured out I am definitely a fair weather fan, and I’m ok with that. After I walked around the village, I came home to find everyone was back. The daily ritual of snack, shower, reading/games, dinner, dishes, more reading happened. We leave in 2 days and it’s back to the real world. I’m not sure what I’ll do while I’m still here but I’ll try to make the most of it. Weather permitting.
Itunes just decided to play Clarence Carter’s “Patches”. I know he grew up down in Alabama, but it makes me think of Texas, so I guess that’s the theme of the day.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 46: or The Day I Re-Entered The Modern Age
Today is only half over, but while I have an internet connection, I thought I would write an entry. I am sitting in an English Pub on the slopes enjoying a brew and some free internet. The beer was the same price as one hour of internet down the hill, so the walk was well worth it.
I took the day off from skiing. It started to snow, fairly heavily, and that was a sign that I should take the day off and enjoy some exploring. The walk was uphill and took me an hour to find the place. I had no idea they had free internet, but I thought the walk would take time and be a good outing. It is empty now, and the bartender and I are sitting here on our respective computers enjoying the quiet. It is still snowing and I can't see past the closest chalets. The snow is good for the slopes, since it hasn't snowed in over a month, but I enjoy it much more from a warm location.
The week is going well and I can't believe it is basically half way over. I'm not sure what I will do the rest of the week. I will be skiing a little more, but not all three days. I like skiing, but 6 straight days is killer on the knees. Last time I skied I was 19, and I remembering thinking skiing is so much easier when you're little. Falling has less consequences. Now, at the ripe old age of 25, I think 19 year old Caitlin didn't know what being old feels like. And I'm sure in 6 years, 31 year old Caitlin will think the same thing.
I took the day off from skiing. It started to snow, fairly heavily, and that was a sign that I should take the day off and enjoy some exploring. The walk was uphill and took me an hour to find the place. I had no idea they had free internet, but I thought the walk would take time and be a good outing. It is empty now, and the bartender and I are sitting here on our respective computers enjoying the quiet. It is still snowing and I can't see past the closest chalets. The snow is good for the slopes, since it hasn't snowed in over a month, but I enjoy it much more from a warm location.
The week is going well and I can't believe it is basically half way over. I'm not sure what I will do the rest of the week. I will be skiing a little more, but not all three days. I like skiing, but 6 straight days is killer on the knees. Last time I skied I was 19, and I remembering thinking skiing is so much easier when you're little. Falling has less consequences. Now, at the ripe old age of 25, I think 19 year old Caitlin didn't know what being old feels like. And I'm sure in 6 years, 31 year old Caitlin will think the same thing.
Day 45 : or The Day No One Mentioned Valentine's Day
It was around 4:00 in the afternoon when I looked at my watch and saw the date. Even then it took me awhile to realize what was special about Februaury 14th. I take pride in remembering birthdays, so the 14th sounded familiar. Then it hit me. Not once did I hear anyone mention it or did I see any signs or specials in the stores. Happy Vaneltine's everybody.
When I went to bed, I wasn't sure what my plans would be today. I hadn't purchased my lift ticket, so it wasn't a sure thing that I would ski. But my legs felt ok, so I decided on a short day. I got on the first lift at 11:00 and skiied for a little over 4 hours. I had a decent fall on the last run that shook me a bit. Usually, I just lose my balance and give in to falling. I find that it hurts less if you don't fight it. This fall however was not by choice. With all the head injuries that seem minor but aren't, barely bumping your head on the ice kinda scares me. I really like skiing, but I know I would be better if I wasn't afraid of getting hurt all the time. I'll probably take the day off tomorrow and go to the village for a hot chocolate.
When I went to bed, I wasn't sure what my plans would be today. I hadn't purchased my lift ticket, so it wasn't a sure thing that I would ski. But my legs felt ok, so I decided on a short day. I got on the first lift at 11:00 and skiied for a little over 4 hours. I had a decent fall on the last run that shook me a bit. Usually, I just lose my balance and give in to falling. I find that it hurts less if you don't fight it. This fall however was not by choice. With all the head injuries that seem minor but aren't, barely bumping your head on the ice kinda scares me. I really like skiing, but I know I would be better if I wasn't afraid of getting hurt all the time. I'll probably take the day off tomorrow and go to the village for a hot chocolate.
Day 44: or The First Day of Skiing
Day 44: or The First Day of Skiing
My room is on the bottom floor, and is seperated from the rest of the rooms. I chose it that way for the queit, and also it has it's own bathroom. The other bathroom is basically in the parents bedroom, therefore pretty inexesacble at night. I feel slightly hermit like, but I like it. I was afraid that it would be dark and hard to get up in the morning, but the small window is perfectly placed to allow the sun. Usually I would find this a nuisance, but I don't want to miss the day, so I take it as a good thing.
We had a late start today, got on the first lift at 11:00. Being the first day and all, it takes longer to get ready and figure out your routine. I skiied for an hour before I met my instructor for a lesson. I wanted to work out the kinks of not skiing for 6 years, and was pleasantly surprised. I have always had a problem keeping my skiis parallel, so that was my main goal of the day. I had a 2 hour lesson, and by the end I seemed better. I know that if I keep my speed under control, my form is pretty good. It's when I get going to fast that I start to revert. Which would be fine excpet for the fact that going fast is when you need better form. I have a whole week to work on it.
The Alps are amazing. It was a beautiful sunny day, no clouds. The valley is supposed to be white, but really only the tops of the mountains are. It was good skiing though, not too much ice. By the end of the day, I had skiied over 6 hours and felt 20 years older. My right knee is killing me, as is my left ankle. I hope in the morning, after a little rest, it will be ready for more. I wasn't planning on skiing every day, but I had a good time today. I can't believe it's been 6 years.
We had pasta and soup for dinner and card games after. My shuffling was again a thing of amusement and my knowledge of poker sparked some interest. They have signed me up to teach them tomorrow night. We'll have to see how that goes.
My room is on the bottom floor, and is seperated from the rest of the rooms. I chose it that way for the queit, and also it has it's own bathroom. The other bathroom is basically in the parents bedroom, therefore pretty inexesacble at night. I feel slightly hermit like, but I like it. I was afraid that it would be dark and hard to get up in the morning, but the small window is perfectly placed to allow the sun. Usually I would find this a nuisance, but I don't want to miss the day, so I take it as a good thing.
We had a late start today, got on the first lift at 11:00. Being the first day and all, it takes longer to get ready and figure out your routine. I skiied for an hour before I met my instructor for a lesson. I wanted to work out the kinks of not skiing for 6 years, and was pleasantly surprised. I have always had a problem keeping my skiis parallel, so that was my main goal of the day. I had a 2 hour lesson, and by the end I seemed better. I know that if I keep my speed under control, my form is pretty good. It's when I get going to fast that I start to revert. Which would be fine excpet for the fact that going fast is when you need better form. I have a whole week to work on it.
The Alps are amazing. It was a beautiful sunny day, no clouds. The valley is supposed to be white, but really only the tops of the mountains are. It was good skiing though, not too much ice. By the end of the day, I had skiied over 6 hours and felt 20 years older. My right knee is killing me, as is my left ankle. I hope in the morning, after a little rest, it will be ready for more. I wasn't planning on skiing every day, but I had a good time today. I can't believe it's been 6 years.
We had pasta and soup for dinner and card games after. My shuffling was again a thing of amusement and my knowledge of poker sparked some interest. They have signed me up to teach them tomorrow night. We'll have to see how that goes.
Day 43: or The First Day in The Alps
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.
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.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 42: or The FIrst Day of 60' Weather
I feel like half of this blog is dedicated to weather related topics, but when you walk everywhere, it really starts to affect your life. Today topped and other day so far. It was in the low 60's, sunny with no clouds. I was actually warm outside. I was able to go for a walk and grab a sandwich. When the Kid got home, we played soccer for awhile. It was the first time we played outside and it was great. It's amazing how much more there is to do when you can be in the yard. I'm looking forward to a couple months from now when this is the norm, life will be so different.
After dinner, I met a friend for drinks at the local bar. She will be leaving before I return from the Alps, so it was a farewell event. But I have to get up at 5:00 tomorrow, so we called it an early night. The place actually had a decent sized crowd and I realized I could spend more nights there and have it be an acceptable way to spend a Friday night.
We won't have internet at the house, so I won't be updating the blog this week. I will try to add all the days I missed when I get back, so no one freak out. I promise I'll be back. Until next week!
After dinner, I met a friend for drinks at the local bar. She will be leaving before I return from the Alps, so it was a farewell event. But I have to get up at 5:00 tomorrow, so we called it an early night. The place actually had a decent sized crowd and I realized I could spend more nights there and have it be an acceptable way to spend a Friday night.
We won't have internet at the house, so I won't be updating the blog this week. I will try to add all the days I missed when I get back, so no one freak out. I promise I'll be back. Until next week!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 11: or The Day I Decided Electric Water Boilers Are Actually Pretty Darn Handy
Man that's a long title...
So today was like any other Tuesday, took the kid to his morning class, coffee with another au pair, and then home for lunch. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the only days I cook lunch, and I pan fry fish for him. I of course enjoy my baguette sandwich and couldn't be happier. I believe the speed in which we run out of ham has greatly increased since I moved in, due solely to my sandwiches. Delicious.
The afternoon was spent running errands and resting the useless appendage that is my left foot. For dinner, I was going to use roast chicken we had and mix it with pasta. She had recommended I make a gratin, but the timing wasn't allowing it, so I steamed some green beans and we had small potatoes as well. In France, and I think most of Europe, they have electric water boilers. They are pitchers they heat up water on a hot plate at a rate much faster than a pot on a stove. It is great for tea, but they use it to jump start the cooking process. Unlike Texas, where tap water is a mild room temperature, the water is frigid coming out of the tap, so making pasta takes forever. Anyways, they may seem frivolous, but really they are just awesome.
After dinner, I spoke with the mom about vacations. They have 2, two week breaks. One in February and one in April. They will be skiing in the alps one of the February weeks, and will need me at the house the second week. They plan on going to the States for the April break, but aren't 100% sure. Since I have a dear, dear friend visiting me while I'm here, I needed to ask would I be able to make sure to at least get 1 week off in April. Weather wise, it will be so much better than February. She said that would be fine, and then she asked if I had any interest in going with the to the Alps? Umm, let's think. Yes, yes is the answer. It is not official, she thinks there will be room, but if not, thats ok, but I am pretty pumped that in a month I may be skiing the alps. And by skiing I mean slowly, slowly descending the mountain. So my day ended on a positive. I just hope it happens.
So today was like any other Tuesday, took the kid to his morning class, coffee with another au pair, and then home for lunch. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the only days I cook lunch, and I pan fry fish for him. I of course enjoy my baguette sandwich and couldn't be happier. I believe the speed in which we run out of ham has greatly increased since I moved in, due solely to my sandwiches. Delicious.
The afternoon was spent running errands and resting the useless appendage that is my left foot. For dinner, I was going to use roast chicken we had and mix it with pasta. She had recommended I make a gratin, but the timing wasn't allowing it, so I steamed some green beans and we had small potatoes as well. In France, and I think most of Europe, they have electric water boilers. They are pitchers they heat up water on a hot plate at a rate much faster than a pot on a stove. It is great for tea, but they use it to jump start the cooking process. Unlike Texas, where tap water is a mild room temperature, the water is frigid coming out of the tap, so making pasta takes forever. Anyways, they may seem frivolous, but really they are just awesome.
After dinner, I spoke with the mom about vacations. They have 2, two week breaks. One in February and one in April. They will be skiing in the alps one of the February weeks, and will need me at the house the second week. They plan on going to the States for the April break, but aren't 100% sure. Since I have a dear, dear friend visiting me while I'm here, I needed to ask would I be able to make sure to at least get 1 week off in April. Weather wise, it will be so much better than February. She said that would be fine, and then she asked if I had any interest in going with the to the Alps? Umm, let's think. Yes, yes is the answer. It is not official, she thinks there will be room, but if not, thats ok, but I am pretty pumped that in a month I may be skiing the alps. And by skiing I mean slowly, slowly descending the mountain. So my day ended on a positive. I just hope it happens.
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