We are in our first week of “lockdown” in Chamonix - and things could be a lot worse. The sun is shining, strategies are in place to help our neighbours and people are peacefully at home, teaching children (which is actually much harder than I thought – new found respect for teachers!) and learning how to stay in contact in new ways.
We are thankfully able to get outside and enjoy our wonderful mountains. Spring has sprung and the days are hot and sunny, but each evening reminds us that it is still only March and although the skies may be beautifully starry it’s also very chilly! The snow is fast-melting and although it’s really sad that the ski season ended so abruptly, it’s great to be able to get back to the hiking trails.
The French Government seems to be handling the crisis well, we have all been given information when it’s been needed and there are well thought out plans for dealing with the economic effects of the coronavirus.
Therefore, we feel cautiously optimistic that by following the strict procedures now in place in the whole of Europe, we will follow the example of China and in a matter of weeks, rather than months, the worst of this nightmare should be over. Obviously, economies will be impacted for much longer – but as more and more Chinese people are going back to work and enterprises (including international businesses) have resumed operation, we are looking forward now to the time when we will be able to say that of our home countries too.
Wishing you all the very best from Chamonix Mont Blanc.