Ice Tourism

The Geneva Tribune reported today that Versoix, the little town where I used to live, has become a draw for tourists because of the ice sculptures that have formed on its quai during the period of deep freeze that we've been experiencing here lately.  One photo of a 4 x 4 frozen solid under its ice blanket has attracted attention worldwide.   And here is a photo of the sign that "welcomes" visitors arriving at the boat dock that gives them an idea of what to expect.

When I lived there, the only parking option I had was "any available space" and so I often parked along the lakeside quai.  The problem is that when the bise (north wind) blows, the lake water crashes over onto the quai in tsunami-like fashion.  When the temperature is below zero, as it has been for nearly the past couple weeks, the   water not only crashes over onto the quai, but also naturally forms incredible - and beautiful - ice forms wherever the water falls.  I was just barely able to avoid having my own vehicle blanketed in 2005 by moving it in time.  The car then parked just behind mine was also featured in photos that were distributed globally and its owner was not able to use it at all for a good six weeks.  Just as it is now, the quai was also very beautiful then, even if it is a fierce and cold beauty.

My apartment there, which I loved, was also located right next to the lake, or as it is said here, "les pieds dans l'eau" (feet in the water).  With that apartment, I had a small garden with its own microclimate, which always seemed to be a good 10 degrees cooler than the other side of the building.  When the 2005 ice storm, the last season that I experienced one there, hit, here was a view of those buildings, like mine, that were situated right next to Lake Geneva.

Here is a view of the garden sculptures a-forming.

These will give an idea of the power of those waves.

And these an idea of the more finished product.

One could almost believe that one was a prisoner of the Snow Queen!

But it was indeed beautiful.