Sunday Part 2
The sun came out and it was the most amazing sight to behold! There were lots of smiling faces as the students touched the snow (most for the first time) and Greg even built a snowman! There was almost no wind and the sun was reflecting brilliantly off the snow. We were in very close proximity to the new cable car station, which will open in 2 more weeks. It is state-of-the art and will have a circular car, which will slowly rotate 360 degrees during the trips up and down the mountain. We were only a few feet from France and even above some clouds.
The photos are amazing, but of course, they do not do the experience justice. It was so beautiful out that we stayed an extra half hour, sitting in the sunshine. The peak closest to us is called the Giant's tooth. We had nice pannini of prouscito and cheese and went back outside.
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| Throw that at me and your grade will be in jeopardy!!! They did ANYWAY!!! |
The restaurant at the bottom of this lift is closing today, after a private party with people who have skiied and hiked the area there for years. In two weeks (a little behind schedule), this lift will cease to be operational, and no one will frequent the restaurant.
It is strange to me, because this lift, which has been in existance since the 1950s, is located right on a street in the middle of the town. 
Our trip down the 270 stairs was much easier than going up was, but we still took our time and could feel the change in our breathing as the air became thicker again. Jordan gave us a good tip: Stand up as straight as you can, to help your lugs not have to force to take in air. When I remembered to do this, it really did help. The stairs are very narrow, and they are both ways, so there are spots where you must pull over as far ad possible to pass others, or let them pass you. Some of the windows along the sides were totally blocked by snow. It felt like a huge tunnel to ascend.
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| Where's Walrus? |
Walrus (Where's Walrus? by Stephen Savage - more to come) was there, too. He was very excited to see snow, as that is what he is used to.
Some of the students thanked me for providing this experience for them, which was very nice. After more than a year of planning, it sure felt good to feel appreciated! I was thankful to have the opportunity, as well.
Being on the top of Europe was very spiritual. The Alps just stretched out from us in all directions. It will not soon be forgotten. Check off one more thing on my bucket list, but need to add 2 more... One is Bruneleschi's Dome in Florence... Hopefully soon to be realized.
We made a gelato stop in Couremyer and the students visited a few shops. The sun was brilliant and felt so good.
Dinner for us came from the local grocery store, Carrefour Market, of a roasted chicken, some fennel biscuits, local Fontina cheese and a local Pinot Gris, wine. An incredible day!
Everyone will sleep well, tonight!
Wow what a great day! The Alps are on my bucket list too. And naturally Italy, so I must combine the two as you have. When we were in Scotland the ski lifts were running all year so they earned money from summer tourists and skiers alike. The view on the day we went was foggy in the distance, so we could not see the distant mountains. Some motocross bikers had a trail and did some fancy stunt jumps below us as we road the cable car up and down. There was a cafeteria style eatery at the top. Nothing however compares to what your group saw and experienced. Love all the pictures!
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