Blogs from Annecy, Rhône-Alpes, France, Europe - page 8

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy October 1st 2006

So the final week came to an end yesterday and I was surprised at how emotional it was to say goodbye to everyone. Thanks to the girls for joining me for one final cafe frappe at our favourite longue bar and waving bye to me from the station - with a tear in my eye I said au revoir. Going to miss you all. A big thanks to them as for me it has been quite intensive starting to learn the language - I am still having dreams in French. Managed an outing with Mum and Dad to Talloires on Monday afternoon despite the rain not stopping all day. Talloires is at the other end of the lake and looked like a lovely place - in fact we cycled there on Thursday as the rain had ... read more

The parents have arrived!

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy September 24th 2006

Annecy Chateau

Cutler

So the parents arrived last Thursday - great to see them when they finally made it to Annecy after a bad journey. Being the dutiful daughter I had booked a hotel right in the centre near the Chateau with views over the old town. Also not far from chez moi! That evening we went out for diner to a lovely restaurant overlooking the canal....have been wanting to go there since I arrived! Think they were a little shocked at my little studio but have learnt to love it like I do now. Left them to explore on Friday morning as I went to class (sure my French is getting worse!). Actually it finally clicked when I have to use qui, que, dont, ou. We were also informed we have a two hour test on Tuesday - ... read more

Week 2 - Alors, je suis fatigue

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy September 18th 2006

Annecy by day

Cutler

Where are the days going. Cant believe I am nearly at the end of week 2, there is so much to learn and all the verbs are very confusing. Actually it is the beginning of week 3 as I was far too tired to continue. Where is Marielle when I need her to explain things to me....I dont even know the grammar in English so trying to understand in French - no hope for me. Today in class we were given a sentence in English and then had to change to negative and in the past....I got it right and as it was such a shock to the rest of the class they applauded!! Umm....think I am the thickie of this group. Cant wait to do my presentation of Wednesday - perhaps they will stand up ... read more

Welcome to Annecy

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy September 6th 2006

My Front door

Cutler

It was an early start on Sunday morning and I must say I was slightly nervous....not about going to Annecy but by the fact I had far too much stuff and was I going to get it all through security. But I did!! Arrived in Geneva and had a couple of hours to spare before catching the bus to Annecy so left all my luggage at the bus stop and headed out to explore. Oh my God it was hot and all I have brought is jumpers, coats and trainers. I managed to ring my landlady who had left my key with the hat shop keeper. Having been to Annecy a month earlier with Lucy-Lou it was good to have some bearings when I arrived so ladden down with rucksack on back, laptop on front and ... read more

Conque...and a bit of before.

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy September 2nd 2006

St. Chely de Aubrac

Mountains

Greetings all from the historic village of Conque, Where the hell is that? You may ask. Why in southern France of course, not so sure myself. Anyway this place is great and Ive decided to stay here the night to use the facilities, they have English newspapers and internet, my right leg is playing up a bit and I think a couple of days easy walking will do it the trick. So a lot has happened. Although I said I wouldnt compare the Chemin, camino in the French tongue, to the one in Spain I cant help but think about it alot. Perhaps it was because I walked with and made so many great friends in SPain that I feel the pilgrims here are no way near as friendly and as wonderful. I would even go ... read more

Ouch

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy August 8th 2006

a church & fountain in Augustine

cashley10

Today was the day of suffering. We got up early and transferred to Albetrville. Five of us set of for a 130 k day with the highest climb that is used in the tour on a regular basis. The col de telegraphe and the MONSTER col de galibier. The day stareted out cool but warmed up quickly. We had about 70 k riden before we hit this tough one two punch. The telegraphe climb was a blast. It climbed for 12 k and had stunning views. I saw my first snow capped mountain. I took a few pictures at the summitt and dropped 5k down to Valloire. From there it was an 18 k climb of agony to 8,600 feet. The climb was long brutal and tough. I really suffered on the day. I started to ... read more

Col de Forclaz

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy August 7th 2006

backside of forclaz climb

cashley10

Another gorgeous day and spectacular riding. Nearly every place we climbed you could look back to see Lake Annecy. We did a climb before lunch (great climb). We explored Annecy for lunch and then took off for the Forclaz. The climb is 11k (6-7 miles) long. It was pretty good until 3 k from the summit. It was pretty steep there. The bad part we went up the easier side. The tour uses the other side which we went down. The steepest parts were 13-14%. It is 1157 meters at the summit. Tomorrow is the Col de Galibier. It is over 2400 meters at the summit. ... read more

WOW

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy August 6th 2006

old jail in annecy

cashley10

A pretty good way to sum up today. Met my group this morning. Sunday is the big market day and all of the local vendors were set up selling all kinds of things. We took a boat ride across the lake and WOW. The mountains the clear lake the whole thing was unbelievable. We rode today about 35 miles. The riding is awesome. There are 8 people in our group with two guides. Tomorrow we will do our first Tour climb... read more

transfer to annecy

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Annecy August 5th 2006

cashley10

I got up early for the 4 hour train trip to Annecy today. It was amazing to see the very crowded train station. The trip took almost 5 hours. I crashed pretty hard when I arrived here. Oddly enough, I did not sleep much that night. Must be the nerves. First day of riding is tomorrow. The town is pretty crowded had to get a room about ten minutes away. I found out later they were having a big festival this weekend. They had a huge fireworks display down on the lake. I found this out the next day. That must have been what all that noise was. ... read more

Brief history of France

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader am...more history

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