Learning to Snowboard in Chamonix

I don't have the most thorough knowledge of French ski towns and the mountains... but Chamonix is spectacular and definitely one of the best. 

In March last year, I was invited on a snowboarding trip to this lovely town. Having barely ever skied before, and definitely never boarded, it was an experience to say the least. But at least Sam and I looked the part. 

We stayed in an amazing chalet, equipped with hot tub, sauna and six bedrooms, each with their own ensuite. I felt fancy. The views of the mountains weren't half bad either...

Most of the time I spent on the kiddie slopes perfecting my turns and trying to interpret what my French instructor meant by 'lift your outside toes' (when you want me to shift my weight on to a different foot, surely this doesn't narrow down either foot?). Oh and there were snow angels. 

Just to prove that we did actually learn something, here are a couple of videos of Sam and I carving it up*.

On the second day, I ventured up to the proper slopes with the others but it was a bit premature and on seeing the size and gradient of the slope, I sat down and refused to move for about half an hour. I did eventually make it down, but there were tears! I am sometimes not as hardcore as I'd like to think. 

And of course there was some irresponsible drinking with Keith Richards. 

Even though I say this of most places, I will definitely be back. 

*Video has been edited to remove parts where I fall on my face.

Drinking brains in Cardiff

A new country I could visit WITHOUT my passport only two hours away was good enough reason to head to Cardiff for the weekend. And the fact that Wales is believed to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Yay. Castles!

Cardiff itself was a lovely place to visit, although it did feel like it had two city centers, the old one by the castle and a newer one by the water, separated by what felt like a load of council houses. 

In the old city, near the castle, there are a load of arcades to walk through, hosting shops, restaurants, cafes. We spent the better part of a day getting lost in them, avoiding the rain. And in one of the arcades we met an awesome dog who gave high fives. 

We also inadvertently wandered in to Cardiff Castle thinking it was free. It wasn't, but having come in the exit, we enjoyed what we could. 

And we ran in to some people creating some awesome street art. 

Venturing down to Cardiff Bay, we took a boat trip for £3. Bargain. We learnt a fun fact - Cardiff Bay is not part of the sea, but it's actually a fresh water lake, fed by the River Taff and the River Ely. It used to be part of the sea, but was very tidal, so the locals added a series of locks to keep the water in. 

Also, Cardiff has an exceptional Indian restaurant called Spiceberry. It's definitely worth a try if you're ever in the area. And Sam drank some Brains.