The fact that you’re friends are spread around the world has its pros too. You certainly appreciate the luxury of spending time with them when you rarely get the chance. No harm either that often it involves an exciting city or special celebration. For us, it was Chamonix this time – the coziest village in the heart of French Alps, near Switzerland, surrounded by the most impressive mountains such as Mount Blanc. My favourite Londoner Anne’s boyfriend lives there and was willing to let us use his place during his travels. And so we reunited in this stunningly beautiful location with Anne coming from London, Amanda from Uppsala and myself from Helsinki.

I had no trouble adopting this French Swiss lifestyle. Ski, afteski, eat, sleep, repeat. We ate cheese on every meal, with red wine of course. The chocolate is better than anywhere before (I remember eating Swiss chocolate in Hong Kong which I now realise to have melted and refreeze most likely several times). The mountains surround you 360 degrees.

What makes a holiday even better is meeting new people. We shared the place with Anne’s boyfriend’s roommate and her girlfriend, a lovely Swedish couple. Rebecca gave a gig in a local restaurant, playing many of my favourite songs. That girl has got an amazing voice. We spent time with these two guys, who also hosted us a raclette night, leaving us feeling grateful for the hospitality. I love to hear people’s stories and history, and these guys definitely have inspiring ones. B has lived all around the US, then Africa, Russia, now in Geneva & Chamonix, constantly traveling around the world for his job.

I don’t know how to even begin to describe the skiing experience itself. The first day was condition-wise demanding as the visibility was at times zero. I still enjoyed every moment. Skiing really to me is the best form of meditation. The second day, then, was by no doubt one of the most beautiful day of my life. Skiing in these stunningly beautiful mountains, with friends, clear and sunny sky, warmth, fresh air, slopes in perfect condition. You truly forget all worries and concentrate enjoying every bit of the moment. I hope that the photos will transmit at least a tiny bit of the beauty of these days.

Once again, I am convinced that nothing in this world makes you richer than traveling and the luxury of taking adventures with the ones whose company you enjoy the most. Meeting new people on the way, being inspired by their stories and creating new ones. Thank you girls and new friends for a memorable holiday <3. Like I kept repeating myself to the girls as I simply couldn’t help myself: “I’m very satisfied.” Take adventures people!

Edit: Coming back home was not that bad after all. It’s SUNNY. ❤