John and I spent way too much time at the Queen Vic Pub. And on our last night in Chamonix, we were greeted by a couple of local bar dogs. As you can see, this guy is very much at home. I had to laugh, seeing him there on the bar, looking at me as if I was about to pinch his beer.

This night provided one of those rare, magical travel experiences that always seem to occur when you least expect them. John and I had stopped in for a quick drink. We agree beforehand that we would not stay out late because we were leaving Chamonix early next morning. But as the next several hours passed (too quickly!), we were adopted by everyone in the place and treated as honorary locals. If that ever has happened to you, you know how cool it is. We shared stories, discussed different cultures, sang loudly (and badly!), and laughed a lot. The gathering continued well after closing time. I don't remember all the names of the people there, but I will never forget that night. We still talk about it, years later.