We had an excursion day on Sunday, travelling by bus to another valley and a more accessible glacier. The hike was strenuous but awesomely beautiful. The valley was lush, green and full of "happy Swiss cows" grazing on the slopes. They all wear bells, so the sound was like non-stop windchimes. Quite enthralling. The other side of the valley was home to a rushing glacial stream that created its own song by rushing through a rocky gorge on its way down from the glacier.

Part way up sat an intensely turquoise lake. One of our intrepid students stripped down to her thong (topless here is no big deal) and dove into the close-to-freezing water. I was tempted, but didn't think to bring a towel or change of underwear, so let the opportunity slip by. I think my heart thanks me for the decision!

There were lots of delicate alpine wildflowers and vistas that would stop a bus (and actually did, as that's how we were transported) Lotschental (or close to that spelling) is a very old village about an hour and a half's ride from Saas-Fee. En route we travelled roads that would make your knees knock if you were a person who had an aversion to heights. I loved it!

I was glad that I had my hiking boots on as the footing was challenging. My toes were happy to find freedom from socks and boots and to take a dip in the river. Coming back to school and routine is difficult in this place. I just want to run, well maybe walk, up into the forested mountains with my little painting kit and not come down for days. Except that it gets very cold here at night and we have had quite a bit of rain, so maybe that wouldn't be the best idea.

This is my last week, my last class and I'm ready to be done with school. Today we did an exercise that was so loud that I had to leave the room. Makes me realize how much I dislike a lot of noise and long for the serenity of the cottage.

I have done more art making this time as I don't have the same urge to run around to see all the sights. Just having the opportunity to paint in this environment is enough. Tomorrow we have a day off and I hope to take the two gondolas and the train that goes into the glacier's ice.