Ok, so I must have travelled with my climbing gear in my carry on luggage a hundred times before. Never a problem.
Until today.
Couldn't get on my flight back to Toronto because "apparently" my carabiners are "dangerous." Yeah, whatever...
So, $200 later, and a new flight on Tuesday....and I'm back in Paris at Chez Guerineau.
There are worse things, I suppose than being stuck in Paris for a few more days. And to add needed hilarity to situation, Emilien arrived at the airport to re-pick me up with a sign that said "Stupid Man." It was a good laugh.
So, Toronto, take care...I will be home soon. I hope......
A bientôt, j'éspere.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Je dois remercie des gens...
Le plus important blog...
Sans les gens suivant, mon voyage n'serait jamais possible....
D'abord, à ma famille en France. Les Guerineaus.
Michelle, Jean-Pierre, Hugo, et, biensûr, Emilien. Vous m'avez chaleureusement invité à entrer avec l'hospitalité incroyable. Vous m'avez permis à manger toutes votre nourriture, boire votre café, et d'être un empoisonneur générale. Jean-Pierre (Le capitaine), tu es un chef incroyable - j'ai vachement aimé sa nourriture (et ton sens de l'humour)! Michelle, tu as un coeur d'or. Merci de me parler toujours en français, et ta patience. Hugo. Merci pour les "jams" genial! Ca aurait été génial à passer plus temps avec toi. J'éspere dans le futur!
Emilien, mon frère. Que puis-je dire? Je ne peux jamais assez te remercie. D'étant mon guide, mon aile d'homme, mon pôte, et mon prof de français. Quand même tu m'appelle un poule mouillée. Je te dois bein! Ma maison, est ta maison...n'importe quand. Tu va me manques!
Mon pôte hollandais, Jakob Verbeek à Grenoble. Bro, c'était incroyable à passer du temps avec toi encore. Merci de me prends grimper partout le sud de la France! On fait une bonne équipe. J'éspere que tu reveniras au Canada bientôt! Peut-être aprés Minneapolis? Et aussi, merci de me parler en français pour 1hr chaque journée!
Peter Winter (of Squamish, BC). Dude, that was totally awesome that you came and met me in Marseille. What a great week we had! I'm sure we'll have many more adventures together! Sorry, I couldn't fit any more windsheild wipers into my luggage...
Séverine Vendrame de Marseille. C'était génial te voir encore. Merci de on prends autour de Marseille. J'éspere que tu reveniras au Canada bientôt aussi.
Des autres amis en France...merci pour votre amitié. J'ai passé plusieurs de temps avec vous!
Maj, Guillaume, Olivier, Sabrina, Victor, Anne-Peirre (Paris)
André & Ina, Matesse, Yorst (sorry for the misspellings) (Grenoble)
Si vous choisez visiter le Canada dans le futur, dis-moi! vous serez toujours le bienvenu à ma maison à Toronto.
Je vous aime tout! MERCI!
Gros bisous, Dale
Sans les gens suivant, mon voyage n'serait jamais possible....
D'abord, à ma famille en France. Les Guerineaus.
Michelle, Jean-Pierre, Hugo, et, biensûr, Emilien. Vous m'avez chaleureusement invité à entrer avec l'hospitalité incroyable. Vous m'avez permis à manger toutes votre nourriture, boire votre café, et d'être un empoisonneur générale. Jean-Pierre (Le capitaine), tu es un chef incroyable - j'ai vachement aimé sa nourriture (et ton sens de l'humour)! Michelle, tu as un coeur d'or. Merci de me parler toujours en français, et ta patience. Hugo. Merci pour les "jams" genial! Ca aurait été génial à passer plus temps avec toi. J'éspere dans le futur!
Emilien, mon frère. Que puis-je dire? Je ne peux jamais assez te remercie. D'étant mon guide, mon aile d'homme, mon pôte, et mon prof de français. Quand même tu m'appelle un poule mouillée. Je te dois bein! Ma maison, est ta maison...n'importe quand. Tu va me manques!
Mon pôte hollandais, Jakob Verbeek à Grenoble. Bro, c'était incroyable à passer du temps avec toi encore. Merci de me prends grimper partout le sud de la France! On fait une bonne équipe. J'éspere que tu reveniras au Canada bientôt! Peut-être aprés Minneapolis? Et aussi, merci de me parler en français pour 1hr chaque journée!
Peter Winter (of Squamish, BC). Dude, that was totally awesome that you came and met me in Marseille. What a great week we had! I'm sure we'll have many more adventures together! Sorry, I couldn't fit any more windsheild wipers into my luggage...
Séverine Vendrame de Marseille. C'était génial te voir encore. Merci de on prends autour de Marseille. J'éspere que tu reveniras au Canada bientôt aussi.
Des autres amis en France...merci pour votre amitié. J'ai passé plusieurs de temps avec vous!
Maj, Guillaume, Olivier, Sabrina, Victor, Anne-Peirre (Paris)
André & Ina, Matesse, Yorst (sorry for the misspellings) (Grenoble)
Si vous choisez visiter le Canada dans le futur, dis-moi! vous serez toujours le bienvenu à ma maison à Toronto.
Je vous aime tout! MERCI!
Gros bisous, Dale
Mon dernier jour dans La Belle Pays.
Salut good friends,
Well it's been quite a journey over these last 10 weeks. Thanks for tuning in to the blog, and thanks to those who have sent great comments and emails my way. I look forward to seeing all my old friends and family again in the coming days, weeks and months.
(the following images are just random (au hasard) that I had on my camera...)
I thought I would take this opportunity to make some final observations about my time here in France, for those of you who may be interested in travelling here in the future - which I highly recommend.
1. If you are vegitarian, don't come here. You will die of malnutrition and starvation after your first day. In France, vegitarians are considered prey.
2. To reitterate my first blog, I don't think the french are rude; unless of course you're talking to someone who lives in the 16th Arri. of Paris. But why are you talking to them, anyways? The french are remarkably warm and friendly, and show incredible hospitality.
3. Somethings are so different that they are the same. In North America we are fixated on losing weight because we are overweight. In France they are fixated with losing weight because they are so thin, and God forbid they gain a pound.
4. If you are going to shop in France, do it in January. Two words: Les Soldes.
5. Travelling by TGV train is wicked, and wicked fast. Are you listening VIA rail??? Yeah, that's right, I CHALLENGE you to step up to the plate. Imagine getting from Toronto to Montreal in 1.5 hours, and 40 dollars. With a bar car... (maybe we should charge 1.30€ per litre of gas...then people might take the train.)
6. France is mini-USA, without all the war-mongering. Geographically, it has lush prairie, two different coastal areas, 3 major mountain ranges, desert, and tropics. But unlike the US, you can reach all within a half days drive of each other. Why am I not living in the south of France???
7. If you come to Paris in the winter, I have one word for you: WOOL (thanks for the tip, Mona). The average INDOOR temp in Paris in most buildings is 18-19°. A bit cooler than the balmy 21° that I'm used to.
8. Imagine a place where the food is the most expensive part of eating out, and the wine is the cheapest.
9. Speaking of money. The Euro is mega strong right now, and makes Canadian money slightly more valuable than the Ruble. Prices in Paris are equivelent, or slightly cheaper than Canada...before the conversion. Eg: Pint of beer in Paris = 6€, so...$30,000 (actually about $9).
10. Parisiennes do not walk enough (how do they stay so thin?). With probably one of the most comprhensive subway systems in the world, one doesn't need to walk more than 5 minutes to go anywhere in Paris. They couldn't even imagine having to walk more than 10 minutes. 2 in heels.
That being said, some of my best moments in Paris where days where I nearly walked from one end of the city to the other. Getting lost, getting found, and seeing all the great streets, squares, and people along the way. Bring good shoes, or buy some here. I recommend it.
11. Having an espresso (decaf) after every dinner is a great idea. Why didn't I think of this before?
12. Eating french baguette and camembert for lunch while climbing is an awesome idea. Why didn't I think of this before?
13. Beware of gypsies!!!! Seriously. They're tricky....
14. Here is how the french language is broken up:
1. Literary french. Only in old or fancy poetic books
2. Book french. As the name implies, only in books; what they teach you.
3. Spoken french. Found in neither of the above.
15. Regarding #14. If you are going to learn french, it's important to find a francaphone, present them with a french basics book and a sharpie marker. Get them to scratch out everything. Then ask them to tell you how the french really talk.
Here's my formula for success (sample sentance):
"Ben.....On va sortir avec Guillaume, en fait. Ca marche, ou quoi?"
1. 'ben' sounds more like baaaaaaaaaan. And is used to stall for time while you attempt to locate the correct conjugation of the verbs you are about to use.
2. 'On' = nous (we). Never use 'nous.' Nous just means you'll have to use another set of conjugations for your verbs. Thus making your 'ben' much longer. On is conjugated the same as Il/Elle/Ca.
3. Futur tense does not exist. I mean, it exists, but no one uses it (many exceptions apply here). It's easier to show intent by the verb ALLER (going) + Infinative of verb. So, "va sortir...going to go out." Much easier to say and remember than "sortira."
4. 'en fait' means, 'in fact' or 'actually'. Use it like 'ben.' Throw it in anytime you like. At the start or end of the phrase. It's fun, try it!
5. Ca (ça). Short for 'cela,' which means 'that.' Then metemorphs into 'it.' The french don't use Il/Elle. It's 'ça' for anything when you would normally say 'it.'
6. Ca marche? = it works?
7. Ou quoi? = or what?
As you can see the only REAL part of this sentance that resembles anything you will learn in a book is "sortir avec Guillaume."
And I still can't speak french...
Well it's been quite a journey over these last 10 weeks. Thanks for tuning in to the blog, and thanks to those who have sent great comments and emails my way. I look forward to seeing all my old friends and family again in the coming days, weeks and months.
(the following images are just random (au hasard) that I had on my camera...)I thought I would take this opportunity to make some final observations about my time here in France, for those of you who may be interested in travelling here in the future - which I highly recommend.
1. If you are vegitarian, don't come here. You will die of malnutrition and starvation after your first day. In France, vegitarians are considered prey.
2. To reitterate my first blog, I don't think the french are rude; unless of course you're talking to someone who lives in the 16th Arri. of Paris. But why are you talking to them, anyways? The french are remarkably warm and friendly, and show incredible hospitality.
3. Somethings are so different that they are the same. In North America we are fixated on losing weight because we are overweight. In France they are fixated with losing weight because they are so thin, and God forbid they gain a pound.
4. If you are going to shop in France, do it in January. Two words: Les Soldes.
5. Travelling by TGV train is wicked, and wicked fast. Are you listening VIA rail??? Yeah, that's right, I CHALLENGE you to step up to the plate. Imagine getting from Toronto to Montreal in 1.5 hours, and 40 dollars. With a bar car... (maybe we should charge 1.30€ per litre of gas...then people might take the train.)
6. France is mini-USA, without all the war-mongering. Geographically, it has lush prairie, two different coastal areas, 3 major mountain ranges, desert, and tropics. But unlike the US, you can reach all within a half days drive of each other. Why am I not living in the south of France???
7. If you come to Paris in the winter, I have one word for you: WOOL (thanks for the tip, Mona). The average INDOOR temp in Paris in most buildings is 18-19°. A bit cooler than the balmy 21° that I'm used to.
8. Imagine a place where the food is the most expensive part of eating out, and the wine is the cheapest.
9. Speaking of money. The Euro is mega strong right now, and makes Canadian money slightly more valuable than the Ruble. Prices in Paris are equivelent, or slightly cheaper than Canada...before the conversion. Eg: Pint of beer in Paris = 6€, so...$30,000 (actually about $9).
10. Parisiennes do not walk enough (how do they stay so thin?). With probably one of the most comprhensive subway systems in the world, one doesn't need to walk more than 5 minutes to go anywhere in Paris. They couldn't even imagine having to walk more than 10 minutes. 2 in heels.
That being said, some of my best moments in Paris where days where I nearly walked from one end of the city to the other. Getting lost, getting found, and seeing all the great streets, squares, and people along the way. Bring good shoes, or buy some here. I recommend it.
11. Having an espresso (decaf) after every dinner is a great idea. Why didn't I think of this before?
12. Eating french baguette and camembert for lunch while climbing is an awesome idea. Why didn't I think of this before?
13. Beware of gypsies!!!! Seriously. They're tricky....
14. Here is how the french language is broken up:
1. Literary french. Only in old or fancy poetic books
2. Book french. As the name implies, only in books; what they teach you.
3. Spoken french. Found in neither of the above.
15. Regarding #14. If you are going to learn french, it's important to find a francaphone, present them with a french basics book and a sharpie marker. Get them to scratch out everything. Then ask them to tell you how the french really talk.
Here's my formula for success (sample sentance):
"Ben.....On va sortir avec Guillaume, en fait. Ca marche, ou quoi?"
1. 'ben' sounds more like baaaaaaaaaan. And is used to stall for time while you attempt to locate the correct conjugation of the verbs you are about to use.
2. 'On' = nous (we). Never use 'nous.' Nous just means you'll have to use another set of conjugations for your verbs. Thus making your 'ben' much longer. On is conjugated the same as Il/Elle/Ca.
3. Futur tense does not exist. I mean, it exists, but no one uses it (many exceptions apply here). It's easier to show intent by the verb ALLER (going) + Infinative of verb. So, "va sortir...going to go out." Much easier to say and remember than "sortira."
4. 'en fait' means, 'in fact' or 'actually'. Use it like 'ben.' Throw it in anytime you like. At the start or end of the phrase. It's fun, try it!
5. Ca (ça). Short for 'cela,' which means 'that.' Then metemorphs into 'it.' The french don't use Il/Elle. It's 'ça' for anything when you would normally say 'it.'
6. Ca marche? = it works?
7. Ou quoi? = or what?
As you can see the only REAL part of this sentance that resembles anything you will learn in a book is "sortir avec Guillaume."
And I still can't speak french...
Monday, March 26, 2007
La Norma, Savoie ski dans Les Alps
Think about this for a second:
Imagine, if you will, that you own a Mercedes automobile. For some reason, you are asked to temporarily drive an Acura. On its own an Acura is a nice, quasi posh, reliable ride. But after the Mercedes, it would likely seem a little underwhelming.
Welcome to La Norma.
Set deep in the savoie region of the French Alps (not the Haute Savoie of Tignes/Val D'Isere). On it's own, it's not a bad ski area, roughly similiar to Jasper, Alberta. Nice tree sking and moderate alpine freeskiing.
However, compared to every other resort in the Alps, it kinda blows. But, we got a really good deal, so hey...there's a saying somewhere that even bad "skiing" is still good, cause it's "skiing." Right?
Quand même, we still had a great time. My skiing is the best it's ever been, and I'm content with the amount of slope time I got this year. However, my knees are telling me a different story.
Skiing for dummies: The "Coles Notes" ski instructor.
Only Italians dress like this...
So, after 3 months of 7 flights, 4 trains, 2 bus rides, and uncountable kms in automobiles, I think I just want to sit at home for a while. I have become such an expert in sleeping in a seat, that I find sleeping in a bed an unimaginable luxury.
Donc, je passerai cette semaine dernière tranquille à Paris. No cars, no trains, no busses. Sun is called for most of the week, so I will empty myself and the remains of my wallet in the streets of Paris. For in less than a weeks time, Toronto's prodigal son will return.....
Imagine, if you will, that you own a Mercedes automobile. For some reason, you are asked to temporarily drive an Acura. On its own an Acura is a nice, quasi posh, reliable ride. But after the Mercedes, it would likely seem a little underwhelming.
Welcome to La Norma.
Set deep in the savoie region of the French Alps (not the Haute Savoie of Tignes/Val D'Isere). On it's own, it's not a bad ski area, roughly similiar to Jasper, Alberta. Nice tree sking and moderate alpine freeskiing.
However, compared to every other resort in the Alps, it kinda blows. But, we got a really good deal, so hey...there's a saying somewhere that even bad "skiing" is still good, cause it's "skiing." Right?
Quand même, we still had a great time. My skiing is the best it's ever been, and I'm content with the amount of slope time I got this year. However, my knees are telling me a different story.
Skiing for dummies: The "Coles Notes" ski instructor.Only Italians dress like this...
So, after 3 months of 7 flights, 4 trains, 2 bus rides, and uncountable kms in automobiles, I think I just want to sit at home for a while. I have become such an expert in sleeping in a seat, that I find sleeping in a bed an unimaginable luxury.
Donc, je passerai cette semaine dernière tranquille à Paris. No cars, no trains, no busses. Sun is called for most of the week, so I will empty myself and the remains of my wallet in the streets of Paris. For in less than a weeks time, Toronto's prodigal son will return.....
Friday, March 23, 2007
La Force Verte: Le debùt, 3 Avril.
Not related to France, but worth a quick mention...my show Green Force, debuts on HGTV Canada on April 3rd, 8pm EST. If you like that sort of thing...
Info on the show and more can be found here:
http://www.hgtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=105404
"Je voudrais remercier l'acadamie..."
Ok, time to pack (again) for my ski weekend... Have a great weekend y'all.
Info on the show and more can be found here:
http://www.hgtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=105404
"Je voudrais remercier l'acadamie..."
Ok, time to pack (again) for my ski weekend... Have a great weekend y'all.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Je dois faire demi-tour?
Look at the two maps below. They look strikingly similiar, don't they?
Je ne vois pas une différence, pouvez-vous voir une différence?
There is one slight variant. One goes Grenoble to Paris. The other goes Paris - La Norma. And, so do I. In about a 24 period, no less.
So here I am back in Paris, only to stay until tomorrow, when I board a bus back to pretty much where I came from. Why, you ask? Good question. It has to do with skiing and "apparently" coming back to Paris would be "simpler." Go figure.
So, one last weekend of skiing in the Alps, then one last week in Paris. And then Canada will once again welcome its prodigal son.
à bientôt (I really mean it this time)...
Je ne vois pas une différence, pouvez-vous voir une différence?There is one slight variant. One goes Grenoble to Paris. The other goes Paris - La Norma. And, so do I. In about a 24 period, no less.
So here I am back in Paris, only to stay until tomorrow, when I board a bus back to pretty much where I came from. Why, you ask? Good question. It has to do with skiing and "apparently" coming back to Paris would be "simpler." Go figure.
So, one last weekend of skiing in the Alps, then one last week in Paris. And then Canada will once again welcome its prodigal son.
à bientôt (I really mean it this time)...
Monday, March 19, 2007
Grimper dans la terre Sainte.
A typical village in Provence (south of France)While the south of France can certainly be considered by most to be the holy land (or Mecca if will), of climbing, it was also the centre of Roman Catholocism for a brief period in the 1300's (to the dismay of Italians). I'll save you the history lesson, as you can google "Avignon pope" on your own time.
The "other" Vatican; Palais du Pape, Avignon, France
More south of France scenerySo, I digress - this past weekend 5 of us headed 2.5hr south of Grenoble to Seynes, France. About 45 minutes n/w of Avignon. The climbing here, like the rest of France is incredible (save for the crappy slabby/thin technical climbing which I suck at) In Seynes, the rock is much more tropical with tufas and stalactites. Technical, and athletic. Super fun, and aethstetic.
Falaise de Seynes (mur nouveau monde) (au-dessus et au-dessous)
Une voie s'appelle "the dinosaur." 5.12d. Click to enlarge photo, check out the top part. Wild.We stayed in a beauitful gite (b&b) in a town with about 20 residents, and "celebrated" St.Patty's day with a delicious french meal and wine at the local restaurant.
The mgmt of our gite.
A bientot...D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
