Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski Report: 28th February 2009
I know, I know, I know... you lot have missed me like the desert misses the rain.... but don't worry, it's only been two weeks! And I'm back! It was rather bad timing for me being slightly under the weather, but luckily coincided with one of the quietist weeks in Alpe D'Huez – half term week (lucky for lack of après, that is!) Anyway...onwards and upwards! And this week has indeed picked up! It must be because everyone knew I was back!... Hmmmm
Last Sunday saw Still Nameless play an amazing set in Smithy's... the boys are improving with every gig, and massive compliments must go to them for their amazing rendition of the Killers ‘Mr Brightside', after only a day of learning it! The future's bright lads! On the same night O'Bar were rocking out the cocktails during their extremely popular 2 for 1 offer between 10 and 11...make a note of that folks because that's every week! And on Thursdays too...
Monday was the International Bar Crawl frenzy. A pub crawl around all the bars run by the major tour operators for their guests...a free shot for all entrants when they buy a drink always leads to a hazy but memorable evening, ending up in Smithy's for the weekly appearance of the legendary DJ Sam! It what was a ridiculously chilly evening in Alpe D'Huez, warmed up by the odd Flaming Sambuca in nightclub Igloo.
L'Etalon rumary bar put on a themed ‘Pirate's night on Tuesday. It's a very interesting sight seeing a flock of people with hooks and ripped white shirts dressed as pirates walking up the high street of a ski resort. Still, who cares?! That is the beauty of life in the mountains. Anything goes... O'Sharkey's had special drinks promos during the Champions League football and was packed as a result, as were the Underground thanks to the consistently brilliant acoustic sessions of Gaz and Hands.
Wednesday was...hmmmm...how shall I put it. Interesting. The Management at Smithy's gave their bar girls the job of choosing a themed night for Wednesday. Any night. It could be anything. So they went for a......Cross dress night... being behind that bar was one of the most bizarre experiences of my life. 23 years old, post-graduate, stood behind the bar looking like Peggy from Eastenders. Living the dream! The Crystal hotel the Hermitage must be complimented on their effort... a full 30 of them fully dressed up. Impressive but kind of scary too...
Thursday was Jagermerister night in Smithy's with DJ Northey - who later did a fantastic garage set in nightclub Les Caves. Sphere bar had live music with John and Jez...who later introduced an open-mic session to the wannabe rock stars in resort. It was slammer city in the Underground with a ridiculous amount of vodka slammers being consumed down under – that place really is unique, and Igloo had a ‘sexy show' going on. Not suitable for easily offended eyes. Let's leave it at that.
Friday was a quiet day and night. The most notable piece of action being the Hotel Beau Soleil challenging the Smithy's staff to a football match at the Palais des Sports. After a lot of verbal warnings and arrogant slurs from the Skiplan boys, Smithy's ran out 17-4 winners. Nuff said...
Tonight (Saturday) see's DJ Northey, Plymouth's answer to Westwood, ‘dropping bombs' in Smithy's from 11pm...with Gaz and Hands doing another set in the Underground. Next week is a big week. My beloved Tottenham Hotspur play in the league Cup final against Man Utd on Sunday (I know you're all interested!), Smithy's have a beach party on Wednesday, and live music from Dr.Bruce on Thursday. Still Nameless will also be playing in Sphere on Thursday night... those who haven't seen them definitely one to catch.
It's March tomorrow (how we're in to March already I don't know!), so make the most of the mountain, and make the most of the après – or I won't have job!
Ciao for now!
