Chamonix is a well-known ski town and, as such, attracts skiers and vactioners alike from all around the world. Since we were in France, French was still the main language, but our group encountered many English speaking tourists, particularly from Ireland and England. In fact, it was not at all uncommon to hear English being spoken in the streets, and almost all the locals knew a bit of English.
Chamonix is a region of France so the Euro is used here. This week, we learned that the French word for money (l'argent) is the same word for silver. That's because in France, they used to use silver as money, and the word just stuck!
I actually didn't buy any water bottles in Chamonix! The tap water is potable (another word for drinkable) and comes from the glacial water reserve, meaning it is super fresh. Many restaurants and establishments will give you tap water in a jug called a "carafe" as soon as you sit down.
My favorite meal this week was cooked by a fellow Dartmouth student! While the group spent the whole day skiing, he went to the local Chamonix market, bought fresh produce and ingredients and spent the entire day cooking a five course meal for the 14 students on the trip!
