Tuesday, February 15, 2011

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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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!

12 comments:

deedee said...

We are going skiing at the end of the month, but I think I'll bring a good pair of walking shoes!

blandina said...

So I learned that Gervasio had a twin brother! I never questioned who was Protasio, but the two are always remembered together here in Italy at least.
What a lovely little village, I hope that you paid many visits to the patissier-glacier-boulanger...

Susan said...

Good to have you back after your holiday- looks like an amazing village, with or without snow! Dolly's version of "Stairway to Heaven" is pretty fab too!

Marg said...

OOOh I can just see you on the slopes in that little lilac sequined number, maybe you could whip one up for next time! The sleeves would be annoying though, they might need a little alteration.
It still looks fabulous even without snow, glad you had a good time anyway.

Dianne said...

Bonjour Kirsty:- I know what you mean if you're going to the snow -you want it to snow.
Your pics are lovely - early morning is great for photo's.
xx
"All Things French"

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Well I'm sorry but that place looks amazing snow or not! What wonderful looking buildings. I was just thinking of you this morning, so lovely to have you back.

Lindy in Brisbane said...

It's a shame you didn't get any snow, but holy hell, how gorgeous is the scenery? Spectacleur! And thanks for the clip, it's always nice to have a little bit of Dolly.

michelle said...

the village looks like a really beautiful place to be. i always find it really stressful leading up to our annual skiing holiday. watching the snowcams daily and checking ski reports. i totally relate to a lack of white stuff, we have had some very tragic seasons here lately. The dolly clip gave me a little tear. i am off now, to rip some dolly for my ipod.

Aidan said...

I'm glad you're back. the shot of the hotel de ville is great.
and dolly? there's no one better. you know she wrote about a bajillion songs? and she's so damn cute! 'it takes a lot of money to look this cheap!', dolly.
one of my favorite quotes of all time.
a x

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Gorgeous pictures beautiful post and excellent blog!

k said...

I just ran in to your blog through le petit village! are you in switzerland here? or in france? I didn't know spar was in france too :) (the weather here is truly awful for skiing, it's so lame!)

Leesa said...

Gosh, the town looks SOOOO charming and cute!! LOVE it!!! I just LOVE your blog and all your colourful pics of your creations and all the other shots of the kids and of La belle France!!! I'm adding you to my 'Blog Updates' now...
Take care,
Leesa

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