Another full morning put in at the Office with cloudless blue skies and the sun beaming down upon me. I know I said it yesterday but it's hard to fault life with this degree of loveliness all around.
Tried to move Soph's group but in a comedy of arms, fast and furious italian and forlorn faces, I gathered that this group is the only group she can be in. Seems bizarre as there are hundreds of skiers with guides but maybe as most of the runs are red and blacks, people have private lessons. It's certainly a rich person's place here. A lot of understated wealth rather than bling which gives the game silently away (if you spend all day looking as I do without skis).
Everyone came to the Office for lunch and in my new favourite place, I loved it. Talented, funny and good looking, everyone wanted to be at our table. Adjoining were four adults and a million children between two families including Rory, the stand out star, with his confident four year old fuzzy red hair and a demeanour to match. I happily predict a stunning future for him.
Our new Friends took Soph skiing in the afternoon and after a digestif, I took the cable car down for a preliminary assessment of Courmayeur proper. I say preliminary because I think its easy with ski centred towns to not really understand the equilibrium in peak ski season. It's pretty compact, straddling one main pedestrianised street full of expensive shops though they are varied and not as completely gimmicky as you get in some places.
I browsed cheaply around, admiring one or two things but not especially taken with anything until I came across a photograph picture of Mont Blanc which took me straight back there for the first time. Perhaps because I was unwell after climbing the mountain with a raging temperature, I didn't really get a souvenir. It was also an experience that was bitter sweet. As a high heels and nail varnish Girl, I was uncomfortably way out of zone.
Anyway, I've looked since when occasion allowed, for a photograph or picture to record my terror (though the one of me at the top says it all) and I've never really felt close. This picture captures the scale though, taken from the Monte Bianco side, as if I'm stood at the top looking down and someone happened to record the moment. It's expensive though and with keen photographers in the group, I'm wondering what they think of its quality. Also, I'm going to have to get it home which will no doubt be a financial experience in its own right.
The Alpine Guide museum is interesting, recording historical equipment and images of a long and distinguished history of successful mountaineering and skiing. I enjoyed looking at the topographical representation but felt no pull for any of the lesser peaks. My time as a mountaineer is very clearly in the past.
Back at the ranch and no playmates around, I took to my bed for a siesta read. There is something about pre-dinner hours spent idle that is quite delicious when you are content. I'm reflecting upon the loss of my dearly beloved Grandma Ethel who passed away in her sleep on November 4th as I finished LEJOG. Grief is not a linear experience and I'm struggling some days more than others. One thought stood out for me - that the gap left behind by a loved one that we no longer see is what binds us tight to them. It is never filled, nor should it be, if we are to remain connected to their presence in our lives. That somehow comforted me today.
Pre-dinner bar drinks were amusing as Group Dad took it upon himself to perform the honours due to a curious lack of staff. It does seem a little odd in that way. They could make a fortune this week if they actually bothered to serve us. Food was beyond me, again. I did have salad at lunchtime and enjoyed it but just can't seem to feel like anything. At all.
Conversation flowed merrily. Sal & Dave have a photography business and some of the pictures on the I-Phone just blew me away. Inspired, original and timeless. Wow. I'm really impressed.
Tom and Noodle used to be an item but called it a draw after 8yrs, a few years ago. It's a shame as they'd clearly make a very handsome couple but growing up together can lead to being grown apart.
Sal and Noodle are joining in my trip to New York in November for my 3rd 40th Birthday Party in 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria. It's going to be fabulous.
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