Jamie’s Travels

The trip into Les Houches is an amazing ride. The train travels along the sides of the mountains and has windows slanted on the roof as well. The views are really amazing. It was a great way to get ourselves into the area.

Once we arrived Andy kindly picked us up at the station. We went back to his and had some lunch. Lawrence then had an online interview with someone at CERN. After he wrapped that up we went on a ‘little walk’ which of course lasted about 5 hours. It was very rewarding but by the end, coming down in the rain and cold was not very pleasant. At least no one sprained their ankle.

It was a great hike though. Andy took us up to a hut and then suggested we get to the top of Mont Lechat. In the end he stayed behind to take a conference call (the best way to work I think) while me and Lawrence summited.

On the way back we went to the supermarket and grabbed some food for dinner. We made a lovely chickpea curry which was very good. I then found myself crashing a bit after all the excursion.

The next day Andy woke us up with some rock music and we headed to the cliffs for a bit of climbing. I got further than I did a few years ago. I even lead climbed a small route. I was very happy with myself. Lawrence had a great time too. Massive thanks to Andy and his friend for teaching us the basics.

In the afternoon Andy had to get back for some work meetings. In the meantime me and Lawrence took the bikes and went over to Chamonix. We wondered around the town and then headed back on the train. Again we stopped at the supermarket for some food. This time chickpea fajitas (it seems I’ve converted Lawrence to chickpeas). After dinner we gave dad a quick call so Lawrence could ask more questions about his second CERN interview. (He’s really putting me to shame – that’ll be first job when I get back). Once that was wrapped up we headed over to a bar for a drink and then went to bed.

We got up early on the last morning to pack and dig a trench for Andy (our payment for free rent). Trench digging was quite a fun activity in the end – despite the cold.

Afterwards Andy drove us to the next train station along after Les Houches. This is a stop in the middle of the woods that requires a bit of a hike to get to. It’s one of the strangest train stations I’ve ever been to.

The Alps have been a great way to end the trip. Most of my travels have been through cities and towns so getting out in the outdoors has been really awesome. Now we’re off to Paris for one last night and then an early start on Sunday to take us home to England.