Thursday, January 31, 2019

Standard room, Hotel Kempinski Budapest

Chose this hotel because of its convenient location in between the Chain bridge and the fashion street, and the price wasn't too expensive (US$120).  The room was very big and a standard hotel room deco.  The air-conditioning system was a bit old that you couldn't adjust the temperature.  It was too warm and dry.  

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Le Bivouac, Chamonix, French Alps

Arrived here quite early which was good to avoid the crowd as it's full house when we left.  The tomato salad was freshly made and in a light dressing.  The bread was also very fresh.  These 2 were already good enough for me.   I was further surprised with their grill too.  The chicken thigh and hamburger steak were very juicy and aromatic.  I'd like the way they made such a simple spaghetti.  Freshly cooked and tossed in light butter with a hinch of sea salt and parsley.  

Monday, January 28, 2019

La Poele, Chamonix, French Alps

When I passed by this restaurant, I thought it was a place for chicken as there is a happy hen on the big board at the entrance.  I overlooked the eggs laid by the happy hen, but noticed it too late after I ordered a 3 course meal for a salad/steak/crepe.  Noticed quite many others order omelette.  So  2 days later I came back and tried the omelette.  The eggs were very fresh and the way the chef batter the egg was very skilful (foamy and even).  However, the 3 course meal was good too.  I'd like the way they didn't put much dressing in the salad.  Very fresh veggie!  The steak was also what I look for.  No need to have any sauce.  Just some ground sea salt is good enough.  The crepe was a bit too heavy with the blueberry jam though.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Le Brevent, on the other side of Chamonix Valley, French Alps

Chamonix is a valley city with 2 sides of mountain range.  The famous Mont Blanc is on the south east and to take a panoramic view to Mont Blanc is on the north west Le Brevent at an altitude of 2,500 meters, vs Mont Blanc at 3,800 meters.  As Chamonix is at 1,100 meters.  That means Le Brevent is on a good angle to view Mont Blanc from the middle point.  It was even mystical this day with cloud and icy mist embraced.
Noted that in the cable car rides up to Mont Blanc and Le Brevent, there were 2 sectors with a change of cable car.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Friday, January 25, 2019

Walking on the edge of the steep slope, Mont Blanc, French Alps

Have been seeing team by team walking down.  I trust down there scenes must be very breath taking.  Check on photo 2 - even one person walking in solitude.  However, I have seen the helicopter rescuing team with their life saving equipment frequently.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

La Moraine, Chamonix, French Alps

Tried this restaurant because of their deco.  It looks very traditional and inside there was a pair of aged wooden skiing skates (made in the year 1,8xx).  There were quite many old photos of how this town was and how skiing was popular.  
Had a pie, seared fishes and a lasagne.  The better one is the lasagne.  The fish was the worst.  Supposed we shouldn't order the fish in a mountain area.  It's really not so fresh.  So this place may be good for browsing rather than eating.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

A sunny chilling day in Chamonix, French Alps

It was minus 8 degree celsius, at the altitude of 1,030 meters in this town.  You may get some headache in this cold and thin air, especially for us coming from the sub-tropical seaside city.