What Country are We In?

During another mini-marathon of travel starting at 1:00 AM in Moscow, Russia, we touched down as I woke from a nap. Feeling a bit disoriented, I turned to my travel companion, Louise, and asked, "What country are we in?"

After a pause combined with glazed stare I realized Louise was as unclear as I on our arrival location. Three flights and three countries later, our initial glance into the new airport terminal at the helpful, smiling faces, the expedience of passport control, and the cleanliness of our surroundings, shouted that we weren't in Russia any more - quite the contrary - definitely Switzerland.

My traveler’s patience normally has a very very long fuse but Russia burned it quickly via the language barrier and the scolding, unhelpful Russian employees. I don't think "customer service" has yet become a part of their culture (even an anemic version). Despite excellent times with newfound climbing friends touring the Kremlin, Red Square, the ballet, and various museums and restaurants, my patience fuse and my stomach were quite happy to be in amiable Western Europe. I seem to have picked up intestinal bad guys on the mountain and am just now getting it sorted out. Maybe too much dill and ketchup (served on everything in Russia...)

We took the train from Geneva and the further southeast we went the more magical it became. From Martigny, Switzerland we transferred to the Mont Blanc Express and picked our way through the mountains via picturesque villages perched on mountainsides.

As we got closer to Chamonix the Mont Blanc Massif began to open to us. It is even more spectacular than I anticipated. From the architecture and food, to the people, Chamonix is a breath of fresh air and the scenery is amazing everywhere you look.

Our first day in Chamonix we took the Auguille du Midi Gondola ride up through the bowels of the Mont Blanc Massif over into Italy - I had to keep pinching myself to make sure it was all real. I brought my map and was able to pick out all the famous climbing routes I have read so much about. I tried to imagine Bonati climbing the first ascent of the Grandes Jorasses or the Dru - daunting, beautiful rock faces that set a precedent for mountaineering in Europe. I already know I need to come back here to play a bit in these historical and pristine mountains.

Other than a bit of hiking and running in between bouts of eating incredible food we've been relaxing with friend and mountain guide Vern Tejas. On his way to guide on Cho Oyu in Tibet, Vern came to Chamonix to hang for a bit, chat, have some fun, and talk about climbing Denali next spring... more adventures to come for sure :).

I'm a bit nervous about finishing the 158k given the stomach issues. My plan is to just take it 1k at a time and adlib - I seem to do well that way. The taste of what we've seen of the course thus far proves it will be very tough with a constant flow of eye candy. A perfect adventure combo.

I've been feeling very fortunate living this trip, just living. The more I experience the more I want to experience. Living life large definitely feeds me and that includes loving and caring for good friends and family. Solid life stuff. I'm very pleased I'll be home in time for Bob's memorial. Looking forward to connecting with you all.

Also anticipating drinking some good CA wine when I get back - though I must say the pastries are quite nice here... the French definitely know how to eat!

xoxo to all back home. Mary - give Gryphon a big hug for me!

Back at you soon from Chamonix,
Terri