R&R in Tignes

I am nearing the end of my one week vacation, and I have to say it has been the most relaxing in a long time. Paul and I, along with two friends, rented a small apartment in an area called Tignes in France. "But you live in Switzerland!" everyone said, "Why go to France?" #1 reason? It is WAAAAYYYY cheaper. #2 reason, it's my vacation, if I am going to go snowboarding in Switzerland, I'll sleep at home to save money, and then it's not much of a vacation. #3 reason, I like to explore new places. Tignes (and Espace Killy) is a HUGE mountain area. 

Some of the slopes!

So last Saturday, off we went. The apartment was cozy - it could sleep 7 but there were only four of us so there was plenty of room. Breakfast (eggs, porridge, crossants, and bread) were delivered each morning. Cake came in the afternoon while we were gone and dinner was served in the main Chalet a few minutes away. Dinner was 3 courses, delicious, and served with 2 liters of free wine. I pretty much want to go back there immediately. 

Now the snowboarding. The first day started a little cloudy, but that broke up almost immediately. The rest of the days were brilliant and blue. I won't bore you with all the stories of the runs, but we did accidentally turn down a black run, then hike back out of it. 

Our friends, Kai and Fia

The snow was nearly perfect if a little slushy (the way I like it!) and the sun was so warm you could sit in a t-shirt while having a beer... which I did more than once. Paul was the smart one who kept pointing out we were on vacation. If we wanted to take a beer break instead of squeezing in a million runs, then that was what we should do. After that comment it became beer o'clock quite often. Pretty much every time I looked at my watch it was beer o'clock again. 

Hiking up the black run. It's harder than it looks!

The holiday crew

I found some beautiful green and blue runs that I loved going down. I stopped to take pictures, soaked in the sun and enjoyed every minute. There wasn't a second where I wished I was somewhere else. That is rare for me, but it was sure a nice feeling. While I was snowboarding, everything felt perfect. While I was eating or resting with my friends I was perfectly content. I wasn't stressed about my next assignment or paper, or what to grade, or planning or photocopying. I think everyone needs more vacations to recharge their batteries and get a little break. 

I love snowboarding!

Not bad weather

My famous pose.

Paul is an awesome snowboarder and teacher

The last evening after spending the day just with Paul, I took an hour or so for myself and went to the Bien Etre (well being) center. I skipped between the jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. I just breathed and relaxed and tried to stop my body from aching - 5 days on the mountain can do that to you. After a last dinner and drinks with our table mates, I watched a movie with our friend Fia and then went to bed. I know it was early, but I was tired!

Panorama fun time

My love <3

Me on my last day

The next morning I packed up and caught the bus to Geneva to fly out. Although I was sad to be leaving a day early, I was excited for my next adventure. Every day is a new adventure!