Out and About

So Chamonix in the summertime is pretty crazy. Centre town has been absolutely packed - barely room to walk - since we've arrived. It's just started to calm down now as many of the tourists and climbers have returned home for the start of school etc. and there is finally a little room to breathe in the centre. At least the centre is pedestrianized, although you do get the occasional extreme cyclist treating it like an obstacle course.
 The most crazy time was the ULTRA-MARATHON last week. This is clearly a rapidly-growing sport as THOUSANDS of ultra-marathoners descended on Chamonix for the various events. Some of them did the 300km event (basically ran up and down the mountains for FOUR DAYS, but at least they slept for a little bit), and over 2000 runners did the 100km event (3 countries, 22,000m of ascents and descents, and running for a night and a day - well, the winner did, the more 'average' runners ran for two nights and two days non-stop).  It was a huge party in the town all week, and there seemed to be always someone finishing, with an inspiring mix of exhaustion and elation. Some of them could barely walk by the time they finished, and many doubtless did themselves permanent injury. It was a lot of fun showing the kids these crazy - sorry, incredible - athletes for inspiration. Here's what the centre of town looked like when the finishers were coming in - clearly this is a town that appreciates extreme sports.

 Lining the streets to get a glimpse of the winners.

The girls at least had a good view.

We also took the girls out to dinner this week at a little local village called Servoz. The setting was gorgeous, a great terrace with a fabulous view, and the local church bells ringing out as we ate our dessert, but sadly the food was disappointing. Clearly, despite our beliefs to the contrary, it is very easy to eat badly in France if you don't plan properly... oh well, live and learn. It was still fun to be out somewhere new.

Finally, just walking through town this morning after our weekly visit to the food market, we stumbled upon an Oom Pa Pa  band in the centre of town. What else would you expect?