Les Gets - France

 

The Place: After a flight to Geneva, and a transfer across the border from Switzerland to France, we arrived at our chalet for 8 in Les Gets.
Some features: We spent a good 3 days snowboarding (Liz, Cath, Craig, Alison & I) and skiing (Tim, Hayley and James) in and around the areas of Les Gets and Morzine. The area has a huge selection of blue, red and black slopes all interconnected by chair lifts (thank goodness not button lifts or T-bars). We were particulary lucky to have good snow accompanied by sun which meant glorious days on the slopes. It took a while for us to find our feet but after a day of practicing on one side of the range we found that the rest of the slopes became much more accessible for days 2 and 3. Making sure we boarded and skiied till we were wrecked we headed back to our chalets for some unforgettable gourmet meals (provided) and a bit of jacuzzi goodness on day 2. The town had numerous festivities going on including jumping freestyle competitions and grafiti artist displays. For Apres-ski beers we headed to a great little Canadian bar called the Black Bear which featured an enormous taxidermied moose head inside. An awesome weekend was had by all with good friends, great runs, many wipeouts and thankfully no major injuries.

Paris - France

The event: Attended the 16th International Energy Accounting Forum in Paris along with a few colleagues.
Some features: Took some time out to rent a bike and cycle along the Sienne passed a few of the sights including Notre Dame. Enjoyed some fine dining at Le Fines Gueules on rue Croix-des-Petit-Champs near the Louvre. Before returning to London, stopped off to see the Moulin Rouge before enjoying a beer at Sacre Coeur.

Paris - France

The Place: Spent a weekend in Paris cycling around the city, joining french protests, and seeing the sights.

Highlights: Bicycles were a really cool way to get around. Paris have a system which allows you to collect a bike from any of the allocated bays in the city. You then have the freedom to park your bike at any bay, go and do something, then pick up another bike from another bay.

Joined a May day protest not really sure of what we were protesting, but had fun wandering among the different festivities of the day. We ended up climbing up onto the Column of the Bastille in the centre of the square where we had a good view of activities going on below. The march went by the name of 'Rêve générale' (General Dream) as a pun on 'Grêve générale' (General Strike), and found out afterwards it was organised by the eight biggest unions against Nicolas Sarkozy's reforms against the public sector - jobs, health care, universities, etc. Though the issues may have been serious, the march was a lot of fun including jazz bands performing on the back of moving vehicles, walking samba bands, street meats and mojitos!

Paris - France

The Place: After getting my Schengen visa a day before departure (phew), I took the Eurostar under the English channel to arrive in Paris. Together with Ilse, Gordon and Lea we had an amazing easter weekend.
Highlights: Visited Rodin Museum to see his works including the famous ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’.
Partied locally (near the hostel) in a jungle-house-acid-sort of-drum-bass little club till 3 in the morning.
Breakfast at the Sacré Cœur which was my favourite – a white 3 domed church looming on top of a steep green hill. If you’ve watched Amelie this is where she leads the weird id photo collector guy to return his briefcase.
Eiffel where we made a day of it chilling on the grass, watching some capoeira under the tower, waiting in queues and walking up. Great views of Paris from the top!
Found a salsa club in the latin quarter and watched some interesting moves between some weird couples – a good laugh.
Took a trip on the Seinne past major landmarks including the gargoyle-guarded Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel, and other impressive bridges and architecture.
Had supper at a greek restaurant (Les Argonauts) in Paris’ latin quarter – very vibey, lots ofs fun. The greek waiters/dancers picked up Lea and Ilse and made them dance on the tables!
Went out afterwards and danced the night away in a club next to the Moulin Rouge.
Our last morning took a trip to see the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees. Had some crepes at a sunny sidewalk café.
Last but not least went to take a peek at the Mona Lisa and wander in awe amongst the Louvre art galleries.
Strange observation: French waiters have to be in control of everything otherwise you get some serious attitude! Walk up to ask for the bill ‘L’appetite s'il vous plaît’ before they’re ready and they may simply command you to ‘Sit!’.