I'm so glad Deb Hope told me I looked like I needed a holiday a few weeks ago. I was en route to buy some music for songs to sing at my Grandma's funeral from Shearers and happened to pass the Coop travel agent in the precinct in Leeds City Centre. About five minutes later, I'd booked a holiday for my family to fly from Manchester to Turin and a week half board in a hotel in Courmayeur.
As the plane descended, I caught my first glimpse of Mont Blanc since standing on top of it in August 2009. I can't believe I did it although I know I did. It was an extraordinary experience.
I've never been on a package ski holiday before so it's pleasant to have everything laid on and organised and just be able to go with the flow. Ski trips can be quite stressy otherwise.
Unfortunately, my son Tom decided not to come skiing so it's just Soph and me. We arrived starving and decided to take lunch in the hotel restaurant. It was full of loud italian families doing battle. We only managed a starter but the pasta was absolutely terrific. Tasty and super in a ridiculously huge portion. We got buddied up in a minibus going to ski hire with a group of six from Manchester and soon decided to join their party. It was a slight expedition in to the hills to get Soph's skis sorted but we all braved it together and sealed lifelong friendship over a round of pints in an adjoining bar after everyone got kitted out. I've found my home for the week (as I can't ski due to a bad back) but I've got writing, reading and plotting to do and it won't be too hard given the tremendous views and lovely staff. The group are going to take Soph out in an afternoon after her morning ski school lessons so I've got six non-working days to enjoy at leisure in fresh air, sunshine and blue skis. The first pictures are all taken from our room windows. You can't say fairer than that!
The Hotel Dei Camosci is small but beautifully formed. It's a family run affair with a nice bar, nice restaurant and nice staff. A formidable matriarch would appear to be in charge (or like to think she is) in one of those immaculately coiffered, perfectly tailored suit Italian woman sort of looks that you need to be Italian to pull off. I tell you what, I wouldn't mess with her.
Meeting at Bar Rosa to be given our resort briefing, gave us a glimpse of the cobbled centre street. Perfectly lovely with a glorious Christmas Tree lit up with thousands of silver lights. Simply stunning.
Navigating a route back in the dark was fun. We had no idea where we were but found the hotel eventually and had a few beers in the bar and dinner. I had to call it a day pretty early (as usual) but left Soph with her new friends to finish dinner. She did a great job of looking after me today which made me happy. Very happy indeed.
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