Category: Travel

Hope and pray for the world…..

Hi all,

I know it has been quite a while since I last posted but I hope everybody has been doing well and has been safe….

I have gotten the Covid 19 vaccine and would urge everybody to get it too. I have been hearing a lot of sad news from around the world, people are contracting the virus, loosing their loved ones and friends. But all I can do sitting here is pray for everyone. I would also request each one of you to pray with me for everyone who needs our prayers (trust me even if your prayer saves one person, almighty will do something to help you in your tough times without even thinking twice).

My heart goes out to all those people that have seen tough times due to the virus. I would have loved to help you in some way but always remember that you have to be strong and if you need please seek help. Life is about loosing and gaining and I know it can be hard but trust me there is always light on the other side of the tunnel.

It pains my heart to see the endless families that have lost so much during the pandemic. I would request you all to help any such person you know even if it is as easy as doing groceries for the elderly couple that lives next door, or that little boy you saw yesterday who needed something to eat while his parents where fighting for their life in the ICU of a hospital.

This post might seem a bit weird to read but this is the best that I could do, I had so many emotions that I could not write them on paper, we as the whole world have seen so much since thee start of 2020 that it left me wondering what have we come to as citizens not of a particular country but as the citizens of the world. There are still a lot of people doing wrong in the world but I would just want to say that in an already suffering world please please, please be a little just a little bit more sensitive towards people.

This does not only mean fraudsters, having wars, killing people but also the mini side to it that includes- bullying, conflicts etc. Just add a little bit of kindness to someone’s life and see their life change. That could start from watering a plant to donation to grocery shopping for people. Just a sprinkle of kindness, love and care can go a long way….

To sign off, I would like to tell everyone to have faith and that everything will be okay, we are in this together and as citizens of this earth I would love if everyone could promise me to do their part in making the world a better place., no matter what the situation and also to be a bit (if not a lot) more kinder to the people and the world around them.

Reine des Neiges -Chamonix

Chamonix is a small quaint town situated in heart of the French Alps in close proximity to Switzerland and Italy. Away from bustling tourist places of France, surrounded by undeniable spectacular views of snow capped Alps, Chamonix has a unique charm that resonates warm European touch even in harshest of the cold.

Of all the beautiful things Chamonix homes, I was particularly interested in visiting the ‘Monarch of the the Alps’- Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Aiguille du Midi

On our arrival day, we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car which goes till height of approximately 4810m. Once atop, we were welcomed by sun, snow and the clouds to the imposing scenic panoramic views of Swizz, French and Italian Alps.

Step into the Void

The Aiguille du Midi Skywalk, “Step into the Void”, is a tourist attraction owned and operated by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc. It opened to the public on 21 December 2013 and can be accessed for free with a lift pass to Chamonix-Aiguille du Midi.

The “Step into the Void” is a glass room with a glass floor, situated off the uppermost terrace of the Aiguille du Midi at an altitude of 3842 metres. It claims to be “the highest attraction in Europe”.

Three glass walls, the glass floor and glass ceiling panels, allow the visitor a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of free air directly under their feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier – with the greatest descent in Europe (4810m – 1440m), from a dramatic perspective!

Snow sports

The town is renowned for winter sports, and there is a wide choice of skiing areas. Most pistes are over 2000 m altitude so winter snow is as reliable here as it can be anywhere. (only from November to April and beginning of May)

Three ski areas can be accessed directly from Chamonix: Brevent, La Flégère and Vallée Blanche. There are no pistes connecting them, but buses run along the valley between the base cable car stations. Other extensive areas are Les Houches lower down the valley, and Grand Montets and Le Tour / Vallorcine higher up. The “Mont Blanc” ski pass is valid for a total of 700 km of pistes, including the neighbouring valleys as well as Courmayeur in Italy.

In the town

Back to the town, most of streets open up to undeniable spectacular view of Mont Blanc, some streets have dramatic views of river Arve and other streets are equally mesmerizing.

Look up, admire and then get your breath back!
Come and see the most beautiful sights, have unforgettable experiences, and take the time to discover the gems in our Valley!

Shopping

The town itself has a lovely collection of sporting, alpine and local shops. (including some fleece shirts for as little as €8, that’s 2 for 16!). The best place for shopping is the Main Street, Rue du Docteur Paccard.

Food and dining

It’s France. The food is all good, though it can be quite expensive in the touristy places. Open a can of Ravioli from the supermarket and eat it with your freshly purchased Swiss Army Knife. If you’ve been hiking all day, it’ll be the best meal you’ve ever had.

Other regional specialties include-

  • Fondue
  • Pierrade or Pierre chaude – a hot piece of slate on which you cook your own slices of meat at the table.
  • Raclette – like fondue, this is a multi-person event that involves more melted cheese, potatoes and cold cuts.
  • Croute savoyarde – a toasted piece of bread soaked in white wine and then baked with melted cheese and possibly mushrooms or tomatoes.
  • Tartiflette – potatoes and bacon smothered with melted roblochon cheese.

For all the stunning beauty of the mountains, downtown Chamonix hums with life. Streets are lined with Michelin-starred restaurants, sports gear stores and some of the French Alps’ fanciest hotels. 

Pack your bags and get ready to go to Chamonix….

Hope to see you soon…..