I found out today, I don’t have my “mountain lungs” quite yet. I remember how wonderful I felt last year at the end of my spectacular Switzerland holiday with Jen and family. I felt like I had been in marathon training hiking every day and felt fabulous when I returned to the low lands, so much energy. It was very obvious that my lungs were NOT in that shape today. Pack mule lungs I called it then. I didn’t float up the trail, I more like flailed. Well, maybe not that bad but it took much longer to go the distance than I remember. Yesterday I did better but took an easier route. Today was another perfect day, sunny and warm, typical Switzerland winter day.
Jen, Maks and Vladimir are on winter break so that is why we are now in Switzerland. Since they had lived here for several years before moving to Germany, we all drove back for them to visit and Maks is old enough now to take ski lessons. Vladimir is a skier also, so the guys are going to hit the mountain on skis. I have lost my need for speed long ago and I hyper ventilate just crossing these insanely steep trails on my snow shoes! Skiers must wear helmets it is so dangerous. Not for me. If I injure myself or worse, I want it to be doing something I LOVE, so at least when my self employed self is healing I won’t be cursing myself, I will be fondly remembering the what ever of a lifetime. That is my adventure rule of thumb, be bold but LIKE it!
Maks was adorable on skis today. I can hear him purring in the distance, fast asleep. Sounds like a great plan~
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
LOVE LOVE LOVE Switzerland!!!!
We arrived in Switzerland and all breathed a huge sigh of relief. We were all very happy to be back. Jen, Maks and Vladimir had lived in Leysin for two years, I had been visiting in the winters and it was a warm welcome for all and a brilliantly sunny day. To me, this alone seemed a huge, glorious change from the constant gray of Hamburg.
Leysin is a small village at the top of a stunning Alp. Where we are staying (just above where they had previously lived), the only way to get higher are the hiking and ski trails. The air and water are clear and fresh. Just being here makes you feel like you are doing something incredibly healthy. We unpacked the car and scattered for various missions, mine was to hike up Profandaz. I want to hike and feel like an olympic trainer for the last wonderful week of my fabulous European holiday. The perfect ending….and great balance to indulging in all the fabulous Swiss chocolate, cheese and baked goodies. Funny, it can be expensive here but the cheese, chocolate, wine and bread are inexpensive…..what else is there?? I dream of being here longer and growing the vegetables and fruit to round out my diet…..I have only yet enjoyed the winter wonderland here, I am afraid if I visit during the growing season, I would be a goner…..just seeing all the freshly pruned grape fields makes my heart ache. I fantasize about what if when I see these darling tiny chalet’s tucked into the remote mountain side with nothing more than a foot path to access it. But….I am truly and completely in Love with Fire Fly Farm…..that is why I return. It is hard to be torn between great Loves. My darling family here in Europe and my Farm.
Until I depart, I will enjoy my beautiful family and this indescribably amazing country completely~
Leysin is a small village at the top of a stunning Alp. Where we are staying (just above where they had previously lived), the only way to get higher are the hiking and ski trails. The air and water are clear and fresh. Just being here makes you feel like you are doing something incredibly healthy. We unpacked the car and scattered for various missions, mine was to hike up Profandaz. I want to hike and feel like an olympic trainer for the last wonderful week of my fabulous European holiday. The perfect ending….and great balance to indulging in all the fabulous Swiss chocolate, cheese and baked goodies. Funny, it can be expensive here but the cheese, chocolate, wine and bread are inexpensive…..what else is there?? I dream of being here longer and growing the vegetables and fruit to round out my diet…..I have only yet enjoyed the winter wonderland here, I am afraid if I visit during the growing season, I would be a goner…..just seeing all the freshly pruned grape fields makes my heart ache. I fantasize about what if when I see these darling tiny chalet’s tucked into the remote mountain side with nothing more than a foot path to access it. But….I am truly and completely in Love with Fire Fly Farm…..that is why I return. It is hard to be torn between great Loves. My darling family here in Europe and my Farm.
Until I depart, I will enjoy my beautiful family and this indescribably amazing country completely~
The End of My Hamburg Stay~
My last week in Hamburg was perfection. On Valentine’s, my sister had a beautiful bouquet of tulips (my favorite) and lovely local truffles (another favorite) for me. She threw an amazing dinner party, everything was fantastic. I went to the St Pauli Fischmarkt for the last time that morning and it was PACKED. If only our winter markets were that bustling, the only way through was to shuffle along with the throngs of customers. It snowed, but now that seems to be what happens each day.
I decided my favorite is herring. I enjoy pickled herring in the states but the herring in Hamburg is so amazingly fresh and the texture like sushi which makes it my favorite all the more. The ways to have herring are endless. I did not manage to try them all but if I could eat more I would have.
I bid farewell to Hamburg as we all packed up the car, Jen, Vladimir, Maks and I headed towards Switzerland~
The first day on the road we traveled to Stuttgart where I had a “typical German meal” and what I will refer to as a meat feast. The local red wine was fabulous.
After a nights rest….destination: Switzerland!!
I decided my favorite is herring. I enjoy pickled herring in the states but the herring in Hamburg is so amazingly fresh and the texture like sushi which makes it my favorite all the more. The ways to have herring are endless. I did not manage to try them all but if I could eat more I would have.
I bid farewell to Hamburg as we all packed up the car, Jen, Vladimir, Maks and I headed towards Switzerland~
The first day on the road we traveled to Stuttgart where I had a “typical German meal” and what I will refer to as a meat feast. The local red wine was fabulous.
After a nights rest….destination: Switzerland!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
snowy Hamburg~
Having it snow here in Hamburg for almost two months is extreme for here but with all the record breaking snow fall everywhere in the states, it probably doesn’t sound as big a deal.
I am having a great time playing with Maks, the days are flying by with me laughing through them~ Today Maks lined up three gummy treats saying “I am three” after asking me how old I am and me replying, he looked at me with shock and said “how do you get that many?” as I laughed I was thinking, how did I get that old or how do we ever get that many gummy treats?
Yesterday I ventured to Hamburg to purchase a pair of red shoes. This has been something I have wanted for YEARS. Not being a big shopper it has easily slid for this long. The other day when I was in Hamburg, I noticed in the shop windows several nice pair….then doing some research online to see what these brands were…… If I am going to purchase a pair of shoes in Germany, I would want them to be German made. I don’t have a nice pair of shoes outside my hiking boots, boots and Birkenstock work shoes….I am now a very excited owner of the most beautiful German made brilliantly red shoes! I LOVE THEM.
I also noticed a long line in front of this fish restaurant that also had an outdoor section of cold fish sandwiches being made and these amazing newspaper cones filled with fish and chips cooked right outdoors on this very snowy day. I stood in line and purchased a generous cone of fabulously fresh, succulent, crispy on the outside fish and chips. Aggressive seagulls were noticing who had a new cone and after being beaten over the head by the wing of a few over zealous ones, I carefully took a picture of this overflowing delight….being mindful not to hold it too far away so the gulls wouldn’t snatch it. There I stood in the snow with many others enjoying our cones full of fried piping hot lunch, listening to the accordion musician playing for us (have I mentioned my weakness for accordion music?) and my new red shoes in my bag…..the perfect day in Hamburg….
I am having a great time playing with Maks, the days are flying by with me laughing through them~ Today Maks lined up three gummy treats saying “I am three” after asking me how old I am and me replying, he looked at me with shock and said “how do you get that many?” as I laughed I was thinking, how did I get that old or how do we ever get that many gummy treats?
Yesterday I ventured to Hamburg to purchase a pair of red shoes. This has been something I have wanted for YEARS. Not being a big shopper it has easily slid for this long. The other day when I was in Hamburg, I noticed in the shop windows several nice pair….then doing some research online to see what these brands were…… If I am going to purchase a pair of shoes in Germany, I would want them to be German made. I don’t have a nice pair of shoes outside my hiking boots, boots and Birkenstock work shoes….I am now a very excited owner of the most beautiful German made brilliantly red shoes! I LOVE THEM.
I also noticed a long line in front of this fish restaurant that also had an outdoor section of cold fish sandwiches being made and these amazing newspaper cones filled with fish and chips cooked right outdoors on this very snowy day. I stood in line and purchased a generous cone of fabulously fresh, succulent, crispy on the outside fish and chips. Aggressive seagulls were noticing who had a new cone and after being beaten over the head by the wing of a few over zealous ones, I carefully took a picture of this overflowing delight….being mindful not to hold it too far away so the gulls wouldn’t snatch it. There I stood in the snow with many others enjoying our cones full of fried piping hot lunch, listening to the accordion musician playing for us (have I mentioned my weakness for accordion music?) and my new red shoes in my bag…..the perfect day in Hamburg….
Saturday, February 6, 2010
France 2010
How do I describe a trip of a lifetime? I could talk about it for days and wish I had endless hours and computer access at the end of each day to describe it instead of recalling it in one large chunk now as I bask in the glow of it all. Writing in my journal while traveling on the train was all I had time for.
I do have to share that I believe France to be a fun and generous place. I have heard how rude the French can be and I do not believe it. I am struck by the kindness I experience there. As I traveled alone, people not only went out of their way to help me when asked, folks would approach me when it just looked like I needed something.
The food was absolutely amazing. With a pastry shop and bakery on every corner, how do you choose? The lines out the door definitely help. One day I decided to try a pain au chocolat at every boulangerie I came to from the front door of my hostel on my way to the Seine. After three blocks and three pain au chocolat, I decided that was enough....the top pick was the one fresh out of the ovens, still warm, so buttery it actually felt like it melted in my mouth, a texture of puff pastry that I haven't ever experienced before....
I couldn't have possibly eaten any more cheese and bread, I would stop for a baguette for later but if it was warm, fresh out of the ovens.....half would disappear because it would never taste quite the same later.....There are open air markets to be found everyday (but Monday) to discover local artisan cheeses, fruits, meats, boulangers, seafood of ALL kinds....I went on a honey spree....I actually only sat down to a restaurant meal twice. The self catering options from the open air markets were such a daily adventure. I tried to try everything.
After arriving in Paris, I took the train the following day to Rouen, on my pilgrimage to enjoy the delights that changed Julia Child's life forever. I LOVED Rouen, what a charming city. I had the meal and experience of a lifetime at La Couronne. The oldest restaurant in France, starting in 1345. I was in gastronomic bliss for just under three hours, not only was my meal spectacular, I was able to see everything else on the menu prepared for the other diners around me. Very intimate, eight tables, an enormous fireplace and table set up near the fireplace with bottles to mix beverages.
From Rouen I caught the train to Nice. I stayed in the hostel Villa Saint Exupery which is rated the nicest hostel in Europe. This hostel is amazing, the services they provide are above what hotels would offer. I took the bus to Grasse to discover the capitol of fragrance....aromatherapy being a passion of mine, I was drawn to this place. I had an amazing crepe salees that redefined crepes for me. Not only are the fillings endless in either savory (salé) or sweet (sucré), you can find them light and crispy or chewy, soft and made from buckwheat.
The Côte d'Azur is filled with kind folks and sunshine. Nice is beautiful, as a friend has shared with me, the light is so unique there....she is right, it truly is....
Then a train back to PARIS!!!! I LOVE PARIS!! I walked all the daylight hours of almost each day. When my aching feet felt as if they could take no more and I found a metro....the sights beckoned me on, I just couldn't miss a corner or the next block. The architecture and history is astounding. I walked around in awe with a huge grin on my face the whole time, a tear in my eye while I walked around the last morning bidding adieu to this grand city.
Everything happened in a handful of days....visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Rodin's museum, Notre Dame, evening boat trip down La Seine, Moulin Rouge (all I can say about this is **WOW** A must see!!), finding my temporarily lost wallet with EVERYTHING intact (yes, I do realize this is a miracle), being interviewed by two adorable French college students, being conned by a gypsy (who was blessing me in the start but I am sure was cursing me by the end....), meeting amazing folks, finding treasures every moment in every possible way, navigating the on strike train station back to the airport with two other folks who if you saw us would be the most unlikely trio, yet it was the most amazing and funniest encounter as we stuck together.....Paris is my absolute favorite city and I don't even like cities. Yes, the holiday of holidays. I could do it all over again each year and it never seem dull.
That being said, being back here in Hamburg has me filled with joy playing again with Maks and quality time with my sister. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity~
I do have to share that I believe France to be a fun and generous place. I have heard how rude the French can be and I do not believe it. I am struck by the kindness I experience there. As I traveled alone, people not only went out of their way to help me when asked, folks would approach me when it just looked like I needed something.
The food was absolutely amazing. With a pastry shop and bakery on every corner, how do you choose? The lines out the door definitely help. One day I decided to try a pain au chocolat at every boulangerie I came to from the front door of my hostel on my way to the Seine. After three blocks and three pain au chocolat, I decided that was enough....the top pick was the one fresh out of the ovens, still warm, so buttery it actually felt like it melted in my mouth, a texture of puff pastry that I haven't ever experienced before....
I couldn't have possibly eaten any more cheese and bread, I would stop for a baguette for later but if it was warm, fresh out of the ovens.....half would disappear because it would never taste quite the same later.....There are open air markets to be found everyday (but Monday) to discover local artisan cheeses, fruits, meats, boulangers, seafood of ALL kinds....I went on a honey spree....I actually only sat down to a restaurant meal twice. The self catering options from the open air markets were such a daily adventure. I tried to try everything.
After arriving in Paris, I took the train the following day to Rouen, on my pilgrimage to enjoy the delights that changed Julia Child's life forever. I LOVED Rouen, what a charming city. I had the meal and experience of a lifetime at La Couronne. The oldest restaurant in France, starting in 1345. I was in gastronomic bliss for just under three hours, not only was my meal spectacular, I was able to see everything else on the menu prepared for the other diners around me. Very intimate, eight tables, an enormous fireplace and table set up near the fireplace with bottles to mix beverages.
From Rouen I caught the train to Nice. I stayed in the hostel Villa Saint Exupery which is rated the nicest hostel in Europe. This hostel is amazing, the services they provide are above what hotels would offer. I took the bus to Grasse to discover the capitol of fragrance....aromatherapy being a passion of mine, I was drawn to this place. I had an amazing crepe salees that redefined crepes for me. Not only are the fillings endless in either savory (salé) or sweet (sucré), you can find them light and crispy or chewy, soft and made from buckwheat.
The Côte d'Azur is filled with kind folks and sunshine. Nice is beautiful, as a friend has shared with me, the light is so unique there....she is right, it truly is....
Then a train back to PARIS!!!! I LOVE PARIS!! I walked all the daylight hours of almost each day. When my aching feet felt as if they could take no more and I found a metro....the sights beckoned me on, I just couldn't miss a corner or the next block. The architecture and history is astounding. I walked around in awe with a huge grin on my face the whole time, a tear in my eye while I walked around the last morning bidding adieu to this grand city.
Everything happened in a handful of days....visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Rodin's museum, Notre Dame, evening boat trip down La Seine, Moulin Rouge (all I can say about this is **WOW** A must see!!), finding my temporarily lost wallet with EVERYTHING intact (yes, I do realize this is a miracle), being interviewed by two adorable French college students, being conned by a gypsy (who was blessing me in the start but I am sure was cursing me by the end....), meeting amazing folks, finding treasures every moment in every possible way, navigating the on strike train station back to the airport with two other folks who if you saw us would be the most unlikely trio, yet it was the most amazing and funniest encounter as we stuck together.....Paris is my absolute favorite city and I don't even like cities. Yes, the holiday of holidays. I could do it all over again each year and it never seem dull.
That being said, being back here in Hamburg has me filled with joy playing again with Maks and quality time with my sister. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity~
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