Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Posted on March 18, 2011 | 7 comments
Mer de Glace Glacier

Mer de Glace Glacier

K "tearing it up"

K "tearing it up"

Over the weekend, we ran off to Chamonix  Mont-Blanc, France for some spring skiing.  We skied the slopes on Brévent & Flégère and enjoyed it tremendously.  Due to warm spring temperatures and lack of recent snowfall, the snow conditions weren’t optimal but it was a welcomed experience to ski in the French Alps.

Chamonix Village

View from Chamonix Village

Chamonix is located in the south-eastern part of France (in the north-western part of the Alps) with a population of around 10,000.  Being a part of this majestic mountainous area, Chamonix provides breathtaking views in any direction you care to look.   The entire area is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground as it offers loads of winter and summer activities like skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and rafting.  Chamonix was also the site of the first Olympic Winter Games held in 1924.

Besides our day on the slopes, we also went to see one of Chamonix’s special attractions—the Mer de Glace glacier (see photo at top of post).  We took a short train ride from Chamonix village on the Montenvers Train (which began operating in 1908) and snaked our way up the side of the mountain range for indescribable views of the valley and, of course, the Alps.  The Montenvers Station is built on a ridge overlooking the Mer de Glace glacier and surrounded by Les Drus, Les Grands Jorasses and the Aiguille du Grepon peaks.  At the station we watched droves of skiers complete their journey down the famous Vallée Blanche—an off-trail ski route 20 miles long with a vertical descent of almost 9,000 feet (see photo below).  Kevin said he will return to do this.

Vallée Blanche

Skiers finishing the Vallée Blanche

We took the small cable car from Montenvers Station to a platform midway down and then descended approximately 300 stairs until we reached the glacier to check out the man made ice grotto (caves carved out of the ice).

Stairs to Glacier

Stairs to Mer de Glace Glacier

Level of Glacier in 1990

Level of Glacier in 1990 - disturbing

Upon return to Chamonix valley, the sun was out and the sky was a brilliant blue—a sight we haven’t seen in months!  (Sorry, London.)  We ate lunch outside, sipped French Wine and reveled in the moment.  Ahh, Magnifique!

Lunch in Chamonix

Lunch in Chamonix

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Hampstead

Posted on March 9, 2011 | 5 comments
Hampstead

Hampstead

Over the weekend, we ventured to the Hampstead area of London, which is part of the borough of Camden.  Hampstead boasts a charming, village-like atmosphere with narrow streets and specialty shops.  It is an attractive residential area to live in and one of the most expensive areas to buy a home in.  The town houses and mansion blocks are neat and tidy and perfectly manicured. Hampstead is also home to the grand, hilly, open space called Hampstead Heath, or simply, “the Heath”.

Chalybeate Well

Chalybeate Well

In the 18th Century, Hampstead was known for its therapeutic spa water which was sold to Londoners and visitors alike.  The fountain, pictured above, marks the site of the well that once provided this rich chalybeate water.

The Wells Tavern

The Wells Tavern

We stopped for lunch at The Wells Tavern—a fantastic pub & restaurant.  It is said that The Wells Tavern was once an inn that accommodated those who engaged in “forbidden acts”, however, the staff could not confirm if this was true or not (but what a good story, eh?).  Nevertheless, it’s a lively space in an otherwise quiet neighborhood.

Hampstead Heath

View from the Heath

The Heath is one of the highest points in London and has some of the best views of the city.  It covers about 790 acres and includes several ponds which makes it a popular place to run, walk, swim and retreat from city life.  It is rustic and natural and our favorite park in the city because of this.  We walked to the top of Parliament Hill to enjoy the broad view of London, even though the cloudy sky concealed a good part of it.

We had a fun day roaming around Hampstead & the Heath and will return in  the summer as Kevin would like to do some swimming with the ducks.  : )

The Wells Tavern
30 Well Walk, Hampstead

P.S.
Hmmm.  What exactly does a butcher do?

The Hampstead Butcher

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Windsor Castle

Posted on March 3, 2011 | 9 comments
Windsor Castle

Royal Standard Flying High

After seeing The King’s Speech last weekend, it only seemed appropriate to visit Windsor Castle.  After all, the film takes place around World War II and the royal family spent most of their time at the Castle during the war.

Windsor Castle is the world’s largest occupied castle, as it covers over 13 acres and contains about 1,000 rooms.  The Castle was first established by William the Conqueror in 1070 when he built a motte and bailey, but since that time it has grown significantly.  The Castle is one of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s Royal Residences.  The royal standard (flag) flies high above the Castle when the Queen is in residence (see photo above).  She was there on Sunday, but, sadly, we were not invited to join her for tea.

Windsor Castle
Due to the photography restrictions inside the Castle, I am unable offer you my usual show-and-tell, but here’s the rundown of what we saw:

We first toured the Drawings Gallery where the current exhibition is “Prince Philip: Celebrating 90 years.”  The 90th birthday of Prince Philip is on 10 June 2011 and this special exhibition of photographs, memorabilia, gifts, paintings, etc. reflects his life and interests.  Some of the gifts the Prince has received from various Heads of State over the years are rather amusing, to say the least.

Next, we viewed Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.  This miniature life-like dolls’ house, which replicates many rooms and details in Windsor Castle, was built for Queen Mary between 1921 and 1924.  Each room is fully furnished complete with running water, electricity and working lifts.  It is a spectacular piece of work.

We then toured the State Apartments and the Semi-State Chambers (George IV’s private apartments) impeccably decorated with beautiful tapestries, antiques, and paintings from the Royal Collection, including some works from artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto.

One of the very long (185 feet long) rooms in the castle is St. George’s Hall.  This hall, traditionally used for State Banquets, can accommodate a table that seats 160.  (Can you imagine!)  The wood beam ceiling adorned with shields are coats of arms from the Order of the Garter Knights.  The shields covered in white indicate a Knight disgraced by misconduct but remain in the hall for all to see.

One tidbit we found interesting was that the Queen holds “dine-and-sleeps” during Easter time where guests arrive for dinner, stay overnight and then depart after breakfast.  (Kevin and I are working hard to get invited to one of these.)

Windsor Castle
Unfortunately, we did not get to see the castle gardens, St. George’s Chapel, and various other areas due to rain earlier in the day and places being closed on Sundays, so there will be a part-two to Windsor Castle.

Stay tuned…

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Spring

Posted on February 28, 2011 | 3 comments

To all our family & friends in New England:
We know Old Man Winter wants to stick around there
a bit longer, so please let him know that Spring. Is. Coming.

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Posted in Greetings, London Life