Choose Your Attitude

Hi everybody, and welcome back to another blog post from Méribel, just after the last busy holiday period for this winter. The snow conditions continue to stay very good indeed, which is great news because finally the heat of Spring has arrived. The weather has been variable with further snowfalls keeping us happy. However sometimes visibility has been educational, requiring us to choose our attitude at times. Something I've realised more than ever recently is how fascinating it is both to teach, and be with, some very inspiring people.

There is no doubt that spending time with people who are motivated, positive and inspirational is an addictive and infectious experience. Which of course is wonderful, and again helps you choose your attitude. And this was exactly what was needed for a visit to Grenoble a few days ago. The environment of Méribel, an Olympic resort in 1992, is very different to Grenoble, an Olympic host city way back in 1968.

To be honest I had never visited Grenoble before, other than driving through on the rocade (their version of a bypass), or when shopping at Ikea which is the closest store to Méribel. I didn't really know much about what the city had to offer, and I was quietly surprised. Did you know that it has its own telecabine that rises above the old part of the city up to the Bastille? Neither did I, and when Harriet and I found out, it was on the list of things to visit.

Riding a telecabine within a city environment was fascinating. The lift was inaugurated in September 1934, that's a few years before Méribel was born as a ski resort! And just like any ski lift, wonderful views were on offer at the top, especially late afternoon in Spring time. You could even make out the Ikea store in the distance! There was also a restaurant at the top - not quite as exotic as the Panoramic between Courchevel and Méribel, however nice enough for Harriet to enjoy a glass of champagne and me a gin and tonic. All whilst soaking up the views.

Back at ground level, it was interesting walking around the old part of the city and appreciating different architecture. Grenoble is a university city and you can see this influence everywhere, apparently the average age of the population is one of the lowest in France. And perhaps poor Hercules here has been at the mercy of some revolutionary students with a face mask. I wonder what the story is behind this?

To have a couple of days off skis at this time of the season was a welcome change. I was especially surprised at how pleasant the city was. There's more to Grenoble than Ikea you know! Granted the weather helped, but doesn't it anywhere?

With only two weeks remaining of the ski lifts running here in Méribel and - as predicted several months ago - there is plenty of snow still available. I don't know what will happen between now and then, but with an open mind, diary, and armed with the mantra of 'Choose Your Attitude', then things are looking good. By the way, if you are wondering why I keep mentioning this phrase 'Choose Your Attitude', then I encourage you to click on this link to watch and listen to an extraordinary story and presentation. I was introduced to this a couple of weeks ago, and to Debra Searle herself. Live With Passion. Martin.

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