Visiting the caves at Niaux, France

So there we were: up a strait mountain road to a cold, cold place, even in a summer day. Of course, I couldn't ask her to get into the cave - she would be scared to death and I would be anxious about her, so she waited for me while I went in.
The group was small: two elderly French ladies, a young Russian couple with a teenage girl, and me. We had to get a lantern at the entrance, and the guide - a very nice, knowledgeable girl, advised us to be careful to remain together and explained we would be visiting only a small part of the cave, ending in what is called the Black Hall (le Salon Noir). So we followed her happily along the corridor, and when we came to the Salon Noir she asked us to put off our lanterns and watch while she used a special lantern to show us the pictures. It was so moving, thinking we were at the same place where some 5,000 years ago our ancestors painted these wonderful pictures for reasons unknown to us. If being in a cathedral makes you feel hushed and small, these caves are even more moving: they are witnesses to the beginning of our species.
In a few seconds, we all were drying some tears, except the guide, of course, and the Russian girl, who looked unaffected. It was really an experience, after having read so much about them.Even my friend, who was sitting tight-lippedly waiting for me outside, agreed the pictures were worth seeing

Photo by hinesmh.
You can see her photos at http://www.flickr.com/people/waytoohappy/