1 October 2010

We boarded the bus with heavy hearts this morning, as it was still overcast and grey. Apparently it had snowed at Chamonix Mt Blanc all of last night, but the apparent fog warned us not to be too excited about seeing said snow.

We boarded the monorail in Chamonix and saw little bits of mountain through the clouds, but mostly the steep cliffs below us. As we arrived at the glacier it looked as if the weather was improving as the sun rose and we started seeing bigger glimpses of the majestic mountain range surrounding us.

Some of us boarded the cable car with trepidation (this was their first ride in one), but the screams soon changed to song as we descended to the staircase to ice cave. 350 steps downwards and we were there!

Words cannot describe the sight and feeling down below. The ice has a beautiful blue-green tinge and everything looks quite eery inside. They had carved a house into the ice - complete with lounge, bathroom and bedroom and the kids could pose with Alaska, a real life St Bernard, for a photograph.

Coming out of the cave (of course we had to climb up the 350 steps to the cable car station again), we were glad to see blue skies and the beautiful peaks surrounding us. Most of us chose to enjoy our lunch outside, where we could enjoy the beautiful sight and crisp air (yes, for the first time on tour we REALLY needed our beanies, scarves and gloves).

It is just after 4 in the afternoon and all are having a bit of shut-eye in the dance hall of our hosts, the School of Music and Dance. Tonight's concert should be another special one. We'll tell you all about it afterwards!