top of the world

vendredi 2 mai 2008

Well, perhaps not the top of the world, but certainly the top of Europe.

Le Mont Blanc, the highest mountain of The Alps at 4,810 meters, was our focus today.  Annecy is just an hour drive from the city of Chamonix, which is the starting point for our ascent.  Chamonix itself is pretty much a ski resort for tourists from all over the world.

The cable car doesn't actually go to the summit of Mont Blanc.  It reaches Aiguille du Midi (midi means noon or south in French), which stands at 3,842 meters, and it's plenty high for anyone.  By the time we got up, it was clear that oxygen is a bit thinner there, since just five steps up the stairs caused some dyspnea, which cannot be attributed to not exercising for one whole month and consuming cheese, ice cream, duck confit, grilled chicken, and steaks everyday.

So I guess the view was literally breath taking.  I've got a large collection of photos now and share with you five.