St Gervais-les-Bains

We're back! A week skiing in the worst ski conditions the locals can remember. No snow since mid January, can you believe it? At 850 metres we were getting 13°C days!

There was still snow up in the mountains (where the kids had their lessons and the mister hit the slopes), but my dreams of sipping hot chocolate while watching snow flakes fall outside on the little village did not eventuate.

But, looking on the bright side, it was easy to get around the village (snow is pretty but it's such a pain in the bum when trying to get on with life). We didn't need to fit the snow chains, and the kids' lessons were a lot more comfortable in higher temperatures. Sure, new snow would have made for better skiing conditions, but as Australians who don't see a lot of snow, we aren't too fussy. If it's cold and white, hell, that's alright by us!

The one thing I will gripe about was too much sun. Yes, it was clear skies with blinding sunlight everyday - great for the mood but lousy for photography. But I did my best folks.

These photos were taken early one morning around the village of St Gervais-les-Bains, in the Rhone-Alps region, where we were staying.

I loved the Alpine feel to the place, reflected in the architecture and decorations around town.

Can't you just imagine how pretty it would look all in white. *sigh* It wasn't to be.

The man himself: St Gervais (poor Italian fellow, who, along with his twin brother, was flogged to death around 160 AD):

Here is the post-sunrise view from our bedroom window. Luverly!

I will have some more snowy photos later in the week.

And even though the mister and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, here's one for all you lovers out there. The original and (I think) the best. Incidentally, wouldn't Dolly's outfit make an awesome ski suit?



Man, that woman knew how to rock a wig.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!