Icey

About a month ago we took a little trip on our preparation day to visit  L'hotel de glace (the Ice Hotel).  This is a relatively famous place near Quebec City.  Every winter (probably in late November) when there is enough snow (yes, definitely November!) a structure is erected, made entirely of ice. I had heard about it and wanted to see to so my companion (he's eternal) accommodated me.  The day we went was sunny, which in the province of Quebec, in the winter, translates into very cold.  Fitting to see the Ice Hotel. For a fairly decent price we were admitted.  We walked down "hallways"  which are open on each end to the outside.  No need to keep the cold wind out.  The rooms were open so we could go into as many as we wanted to.  Each had an ice bed, (that is ice, not nice) with a foam mattress and a coverlet on top.  Absolutely not sufficient for an night's stay, but I had read that if you want to spend the night you should dress very warmly (duh) and bring warm sleeping bags. A couple of them had a heater of some sort, but for the size of the room, insufficient.  There were no doors, just curtains over the entrances, so no privacy.  Of course the guests would be so wrapped up in heavy clothing and blankets, etc., just trying to survive, that there would be no need for privacy.  Most of the rooms have some kind of design cut into the walls of ice:  we saw a representation of Easter Island,  animals, horses and other themes.  There was a large gathering area where you could buy a drink in a totally ice glass.  I saw some people drinking these, but I couldn't imagine it given how cold it was. There was also a glass slide where you climb some glass stairs and can slide from the top-- we saw some children having a good time on this.  I do not know how much a room goes for, and I assume those with elaborate ice carvings in the wall would be more expensive, but it was certain that no one had requested a late check-out time.  Oh, and did I mention that none of the rooms had bathrooms?  There were two Don-Jons out front where, if nature calls, you better be quick about it or you will be found frozen solid the next morning.  I read about the hotel on the internet (so it has to be true), and they do have individuals who want to experience spending a night there.  I was happy to visit for a half hour or so, and then hurry back to my warm car, which has heated seats...