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Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes August 1st 2006

Imagine this: 500,000 people ready to party 200 of the best riders in the world 1 mountain Not only is Alp d’Huez famous for being one of the hardest climbs in the Tour but it is also renowned for having one of the most amazing crowds where everyone gets dressed up and parties all day. Normally you think those stories you hear are slightly exaggerated but this time I had not in my wildest fantasies imagined that a whole mountain could erupt in such a big party. Even from the soccer field where Christian and I had pitched our tent at the bottom of the mountain, we could hear the music and feel the vibrations of the party happening on the mountain several days before the tour reached the mountain. There were Dutch fans dressed up ... read more
Burgundy Beauty
On top of the world!
Stopping for a crepe on our way up Col de Galibier

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris July 31st 2006

Salut! So Paris goes well. Its more than I could say for my French really but considering Ive been doing it a week, things havent gone too badly. Met up with Monsieur Ludovic last Thursday evening which was nice. First post Camino Pilgrim Ive met. It was nice to chat about the whole experience and we both agreed we missed it greatly. I think I will definately return at somepoint soonish. It was really good to see that the whole experience and emotions from the Camino remain strong and dare I say get stronger? Certainly for me and I believe also with mon ami monsieur Ludovic. On Friday I met up with Sandrine from Morocco. Sandrine was very nice to me and allowed me to speak my limited French for the first half of the evening. ... read more
Paris Island

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris July 30th 2006

hello, we have a lot to catch up on! on thursday, we hired out a lovely little peugot and did an excellent job of driving through london city to the countryside (sevenoaks in kent). we drove through the most charming villages with boulevards and winding roads (some roads more thqn once or twice as we got lost on several occasions, amusing at first but after detouring 100 miles or so off course, somewhat frustrating - lets just say we were the closest we'd ever been to a punch on, not really.... well sort of) we really roughed it by staying in a 3 star motel (a huge step down from our novotel days) and indulging in some of the finest english breakfast cuisine! you know what..we gave it our best shot to type this entry..but really ... read more

Europe » France » Midi-Pyrénées » Cauterets July 30th 2006

Sunday 30th July We headed for the ski resort of Cauteret which in summer becomes a base for mountain walking. I was worried about the brakes so took a longer route via Lourdes to avoid the more tortuous gradients. By being economical with the brakes we arrived safely having negotiated yet another beautiful gorge. Cauteret is surrounded by even steeper peaks than Laruns. The cable car passes right over the town centre. Our camping pitch was right beside the mountain river. (The Gave de Cauteret). We're really getting into the French cafe life enjoying a coffee most days. Also enjoyed a couple of Grimbergen in a friendly cafe near the covered market (which has wonderful cheeses) Monday 31st July The clouds are very low over the surrounding peaks and didn't really clear all day so we ... read more

Europe » France » Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur » Nice July 30th 2006

Upon arriving in Nice and finding my "hotel" I realised i was staying the local ghetto which was pretty cool, but even there my "hotel" room shared with 3 others was 20 euro a night, with no common room or kitchen, the only thing it had going for it was the tiny balcony my room had that overlooked the street and a carpark behind a church (which btw was a miniature replica of the Notre Dame) I found out there was a jazz festival on up at a natural ampitheatre so wandered my way up there though the narrow twisty streets, it was a decent hike and when i got there i discovered the entry fee was 40 euro, a little out of my price range. I walked around the event and found a nice spot ... read more

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris July 30th 2006

Well, I would like to begin by saying that no matter what conclusions the title of this post may bring you too, I really did enjoy Paris! The weather was great the entire time we were there. It rained Thursday before we arrived and dropped the temperature from highs near 100 to highs near 80. It only rained Sunday, but we were in Versailles and actually enjoyed it...we were sitting at a covered, outdoor cafe watching all of the people in lines get soaked. :) Now on to the activities! The first morning in Paris, Nate and I went to the Eiffel Tower. It really is quite impressive to see- and a little factoid for you is that in heavy winds, the top of the tower only moves by 5-6 cm. Pretty impressive, no? So while ... read more
For your viewing pleasure
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris July 30th 2006

Oh where to start.....its the most visited city in the whole world, its the most romantic city in the world, its, its Paris of-course!! We departed last Sunday night and after 5hrs sleeping on the bus, 2 hrs on the ferry, 10 quid later and we had arrived in Paris...yeehah!! After digging into a hearty lunch of frogs legs and snails (actually it was a cheese and ham omelette......close though) we were off to do some exploring! As it turned out our hotel was located close to Moulin Rouge, so we checked that out, then caught the metro in to see the Eiffel Tower. Might I add, we are now considered 'tube/underground/metro experts' as we have now mastered this form of travel in several countries. Anyway, we couldnt wait to see the eiffel tower again, as ... read more
Aaahhh, aint it still pretty
Posers...aint it romantic!
more posing

Europe » France July 30th 2006

Yup, Sasquatch was right (see comment under "the route"), the jersey is browned with sweat and forest dirt. A month delayed due to blood doping, what can I say, the tour is over now. I'm on my own. Baguettes, brie, salami, and espresso: I have found my staples. It hasn't been but three days. I'm still jet lagged and delusional, but i've managed 200 km from Paris. What I can't manage is this f***ing keyboard though, everything is misplaced. It took me five minutes to find the @ key. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ The plqne ride wqs long and sleepless(q=a!!!!!). Neither excessive wine nor sleeping pills could knock me out. 18 hours later, I assembled my bike at the airport, loaded it up, held my breath, qnd headed for the exit ramp. I managed ok through the infinite bustling ... read more
The Penis Man of Sezanne
Crooked
Carthedral

Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris July 29th 2006

We had the entire day to ourselves. Our tour manager (This is a person that has been extremely trained on all of the areas you are going to. They can tell you everything from all the history to where you should go for drinks. There is no way you could survive travel without one. I never want to travel without a manager. They surprise you, they change your way of thinking about traveling, they inspire you to try new things -- they just change your character... I can't talk them up enough) Alright so back to the story... Our tour manager gave out some maps and let us know the do's and don'ts of Paris. He suggest different ideas based on times, lines, money, etc.. -- They don't tell you what to do in any means ... read more
Lights
Top of the world
Roomie


Nous sommes partis (une bonne partie de l'équipe de fouille, Julie et moi) passer une fin de semaine sur le bord de la méditerranée près de La Grande Motte. En chemin, nous nous sommes arrêtés à Aigues-Morte, une cité médiévale d'où partaient les croisades (dont celle de Saint-Louis). Par la suite, nous avons profité de la mer malgré les touristes et avons dormis sur la plage et dans la voiture après avoir bu un coup. Le lendemain, nous sommes repartis vers l'Ardèche.... read more
Aigues-Morte
Notre groupe à l'entrée d'Aigues-Morte
Sur la plage




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