Friday, September 10, 2010

ROAD TRIP Part 2: Chamonix and Auxerre

Chamonix

Just when I think I found found my paradise, I find a place like Chamonix. Here is a view of Mont Blanc from our hotel balconey. We are spoiled.
This is a town for hikers, climbers, skiiers, snowboarders, white water rafters, paragliders, campers, mountain bikers... you get the picture.
The glacier

Photo 1 of 3 panorama
Photo 2 of 3
3 of 3
This river was running fast and it was very loud, and Im sure very cold also but I didnt test that one.
Walking into town.
The Arve river
A French chocolate and pastry shop.
In the center of town there are many shops, resturants and cafes. And, many tourists as well.
Where we are dinner.
I took several photos of these mountains, I just couldnt help myself.
Sisi found a friend


Auxerre
Welcome to Auxerre,
a small French town that is situated on the Yonne river in the region of Burgundy.

Waking into the center of town.


There were streets and streets of half timber/ tutor style buildings. The real ones, none of those two by fours glued to the side of the stucco... Each home/apartment was unique from another,
the photos dont do them justice.
Of of the main churches

A view of Auxerre from the Yonne river
House boats, fun!


At the local market that we stubbled upon while admiring the town.
The main church

Gothic style, they say its glothic when the ceiling looks like whale bones.
Stained glass windows



Thursday, September 9, 2010

ROAD TRIP Part 1: Aosta and Mont Blanc Tunnel

Here we go on the road trip to Paris!

Driving through the Valley of Aosta are several castels on the hillsides. It is magical to see them in the distance and compare their construction and locations.


We took a stop in the city of Aosta where there are some amazing Roman ruins.
Here is the start of the ruins...

Part of a theater
The mountainous backdrop makes a dramatic setting for the ruins.

In the lower right there is a double arched doorway made out of large stones.
And this is some city goverment building.


Back on thr road,
and we are close to the entrance of the Monte Bianco tunnel
 ( Monte Bianco when your in Italy, and Mont Blanc when your in France)

Here is the start of the 11.6 km tunnel! You cant hold your breath in this one...

We made in through, this is the French side of the Mon Blanc tunnel.
My mom in front of Mont Blanc.