30th April - 6th May
When it rains rise above it
We continued our stay in Annecy enjoying, the mountains and luxury of having the camp site virtually to ourselves, it was just too good to leave. Before we did set off again we had some good cycle journeys and, when the weather turned, took a trip to Chamonix to see the snow. We found the trip up to around 1,500 metres astounding, avoiding the toll roads our route took us up many hair raising, hair pin bends.
In Chamonix we took a tiny train (train du Montenvers) up the mountain to the glacier (Mer du Glace) at 1,913 metres. The children of course were ecstatic about a 20 minute train ride up the mountain, but our minds were on the two hundred and eighty steps down to the glacier. Noone mentioned the fact that we had to take a near vertical Gondola ride first. Zach and Steve thought it was amazing while Louis and Kate weren't quite as comfortable hanging off a bit of wire half way down a mountain. Wow this place with snow down to the resort must be awesome.
Mer du Glace
Once we were safely down the steps we could enter the glacier which was a fab and weird experience. As well as some strange historical displays etc there was also an old man with a PC and an array of cameras focussed on a glacier scene with a (real) St Bernard dog. Sadly it was one of those moments with kids you could not say 'no' to, hence the photo.
The Photo!
Having enjoyed the mountain scene we felt the urge to head for the seaside, the weather had closed in, so we bolted to Italy. And so we find ourselves in Laigueglia a beautiful little seaside village between San Remo and Savona. We have the most fantastic sea view from our campervan and have seen some great sunrises. Although set back a bit from the beach we can here the waves and the fisherman in their boats at night gathering the morning catch. The town is typically Italian, cobbled streets, little alleyways, piazzas, geraniums - it's lovely just to meander about. There is even a great park for the kids full of immaculately turned out , well-behaved children while ours run wild, barefoot wanting to wee in the nearest bush!! The beach is unbelievably immaculate. The sun loungers are meticulously lined up to within the nearest centimetre (we actually saw a lady with a tape measure) and the beach is sweeped clean daily. There are no loose, unorderly beach towels to be seen unless you head way up the beach, even the waves seem to break in uniform here!! Zach and Louis quickly got into the swing of beach life, although obviously not the neat and tidy part of it, in fact I'm sure they took great delight in messing up the neatly swept sand! With their reluctance to wear clothes or take showers, preferring a dip in the waves, they were in their element.
Louis's new house
Louis's language continues to develop at an alarming rate, especially his command of international languages. At breakfast the other day he even said "Ciao, Bonjour and hello" in one sentence, taking us all by surprise. His latest delight has been mastering the phrase "hang on a minute", with the word 'minute' taking a good few attempts before he cracks it, chuckles to himself and looks very proud. Zach has been at his happiest simply rolling in sand, chattering away to himself or running in any direction to inspect the next array of play things that adorn every beach bar. He is certainly taking his role as big brother more seriously although at varying rates dependant on what day it is but generally he is exceptionally caring towards Louis. Overall they are getting on really well, engaging in conversations together and playing lots of imaginary games, with Zach in charge of course!
Refreshments
This weeks top three things:
1. Tunnels through mountains, slicing hours of journeys and giving us that James Bond, 'spy chase' feeling!!!
2. Gelati - Italian ice cream, in abundance, five scoops please!!!
3. The seaside!
Strangest experience
Being mugged all the time by road tolls which actually slow us down, modern day highwaymen!!
Stats
Distance travelled since UK: miles
Time spent driving: (approx.)
Camp sites: 4
Days Away: 14
Where next:
Heading South along the coast towards Roma
Other favourite pictures of the week
Blowing bubbles in Annecy
Bedtime
Zach on his bike
Steve and Zach
Roadside snack
