Bartimaeus

We woke to a snowy view out of our window. It seemed most apt for an Alpine resort. I was glad to see it, so much prettier than rain.

I had packed for wintry weather and it wasn't stormy so we headed for the main attraction of the town, the bulles. We passed a knitwear shop not far from the hotel. We didn't stop then but checked its opening hours and saw it would be available after dark.

We had a meandering route through town, as Shane got his bearings and took in St Joseph's church on the way. The final approach came along the grey river.

On approach we could see the bulles, or Téléférique, travelling over the river. It looked a sedate pace. They appeared tiny next to the river and mountains.

The idea was to get up to Bastille and military museum, and to enjoy the view. Shane was concerned I would miss my opportunity to step in before the automatic door closure kicked in. I wanted the man in red seated in the red bulle.

The whole carriage is clear which gives a great view and a graceful ride towards the clouds. 

In our general look around we found some of the expected attractions were not open at this time of year and we also found that the first time the bulles had opened, full of dignitaries a bulle had derailed and people were stuck up in them for 5 hours awaiting rescue! Nobody was hurt but the cameras were at the ready since it was a special event. 

It seems to have run fine since then. What was doing less well was the hunt for refreshments. Up the hill signs looked promising. The restaurant was relocating to the Christmas market that day so they were busy but not open. While we were exploring we were surprised by the sight of a group of military and guests quaffing bubbly outdoors. 

Later in the day when we had gone for lunch - an alpine pie for Shane and a highly decorated soup for me - a large group in army camouflage came in complete with guns slung across them. I wondered if they had had champagne. They all took off their weapons to be taken away. They only had drinks and left around when we did. We found they that they were now in the museum and we had to wait. Even if it's snowing, when a man with a large gun says wait outside, you don't argue. Two were in charge of the packs and guns of those in the museum but were still managing to enjoy the snowy weather, practising sliding on the wooden platform in between marching up and down.

Once the groups of soldiers has left the museum we went in and made good use of the English audio guide. Shane thought he fitted in with the early alpine soldier with red trousers - redder than his. The guys we had seen outside all had the same berets with an alp horn on it. They better get used to cold weather.

It was certainly a harsh environment to be working in. The exhibits were well displayed. It wasn't long before us softies were looking for our next snack. The restaurant did not let me down and was nice and cosy.

The weather had brightened and there was a clear view of the bulles. They'd stopped for a bit but we were pleased to see them get going again.

In our search for the other cafe we had seen some cave openings so we went to see them. It was a great window and there was plenty room inside, a good defensive point.

It was looking like a good time to head home but I was glad I had gone back to see them. It was a great view from there.

It was time to descend before it got dark. We were in a different set of bulles on the way down and had a better view out but for the melted snow on the glass. As we swung down towards the other set over the river, it briefly seemed like we might plunge in.