Snow Surfing

And so it continues...

Claudia and I got completely lost on this vast web of mountainous terrain until a ski instructor decided to crash our little map assessment party.  He decided to take control of the situation, and to be honest, we were not so displeased with that. When he offered to ski with us - we were not unhappy with that either. The light was flat and our visibility and depth perception were low. However, when he insisted that we ski on one ski, I was a bit skeptical.  Had he not been wearing the official ski instructor jacket, we would have (I hope) been more concerned.  He insisted after a preliminary run assessment that this would be be great practice for us - that following this we would ace the two ski situation with little difficulty.

(Note the one leg)

I could not help but glance around and check to see if there was some hidden camera guy - certain we would end up on late night tv somewhere in the world.  But, whatever, you only live once - right?  So our new friend Stephan took us down the slope on one ski.  And I must confirm, after that whole scenario - two skis feels like a walk in the park in comparison.

(Note Mr Ski Instructor laughing - likely because he actually succeeded in talking us into skiing on one ski...) 

In the end, Stephan became our new pal, and he gave us some invaluable ski tips.  I know absolutely that following my time here in t Lech I will be an infinitely better skier than when I arrived.  So will Claudia. It also reinforced the importance of being open to new situations and experiences.

(And no, we have no clue where he came from, he decided simply to grab a photo op. I thought it turned out funny and was worth sharing anyway.)

As we wrapped up a successful, albeit, challenging ski day with a little glühwien, the smiles continued...

The White Ring

I must admit, I barely have the energy to think this evening - never mind write because of what is known as a "white ring".  Furthermore, I must confess that last sentence was all that I could muster energy wise as it is now 24 hours after the "white ring" and I have now nearly full enough faculties to carry on.

So now you must be wondering what he heck is a "white ring" anyway.

Did she get some sort incurable skin disease?  Does she have a goggle tan line? Is it a new Tolkien movie?

Easily summarized like this,  you are skiing all over the frigging place.  Village to village, I honestly have no clue where we went.  People come from all over the place to tackle this thing.  It is even home too what I am told is the worlds longest ski race.

 (More on the white ring here http://www.derweissering.at/HD/index_en.php). 

It began with our 'house mom' recommending a ski instructor.  Erich. What we found out when we met him is that he has skied with the likes of Hollywood stars including the likes of names like Nicole Kidman and is even a ski pal of Princess Caroline as well as godfather to one of her children.  So this made Claudia and I competitive. I mean if delicate royalty and Hollywood could keep up with Erich, then we could - no?  We dutifully attempted whatever Erich threw our way.  Claudia infinitely more graceful than I, but what I lacked in grace I made up for with enthusiastic whoohoos, and a bit of uncoordinated speed down the hill.  Both Claudia and I tried to cheat on occasion with poor form when Eric had his back turned - but he could literally hear it!

When the ski day finally concluded, we took in a little après ski at Hotel Krone and prepared to warm up for the birthday celebration (it was mine) that lay ahead.  We did well.  Two glasses of glühwien, a sauna, and the birthday celebration ended up with two fatigued females in bed by 22:00. 

But, in the end, we survived the white ring...

Après to Ski - Day 2

IWell, I have to admit - après ski Austrian style is tough to beat.  White Night was indeed worth going out to check out. 

After a late start to our evening we ended up finding the most crowded, hopping bar with the most eclectic assortment of people you could possibly imagine.  We were actually just looking for a place to have a tea - but we ended up revising our plans.  

Anyway, we had a bit of a late start but enjoyed the sunny sping ski type weather.  Overall we have been a bit overwhelmed by the level of service and effort everyone seems to put forth to make our stay a nice one.  

At last run we opted to stop in for a bit of time at the ice bar.  Not so much ice, but the dj was great.  

Yes we are dancing in a reclined position.  We were conserving energy for the run back to our hotel.  

...and now it is sauna time!  

Road Trip - Day 1

And we are off!

Long planned, we are both looking forward to our girlie holiday.  Lech, Austria is our destination, so skiing will be a big part our days - but our suitcases contain enough for any possible contingency plan    You will even find a yoga mat or two in our ski bags.  

However, we decided to begin our two plus journey in style.  Fresh oysters (our cabin mates didn't seem to mind - really ;) and some white wine.  The tone for the holiday had officially been set!  

Oysters and wine are good for the flu - no?  Although I must admit I am enjoying the sound of my fog horn voice :). Claudia suggested that it matched my red eyes - but whatever!

And we arrived at the hotel.  I have to commend Claudia on the hotel selection - even the door dog is wearing LV. 

The room - a tribute to Tina...

Las we soaked in our surroundings out front, the owner of the hotel informed us that we MUST go out as it is the evening of the "white night". In an effort not to offend - seems we shall soon see what this means.  

As we sip our, well, not our first glass of wine -  we soaked in the funky decorating.  Traditional, trendy & kitch.  

And of course the theme continues..

Happy Friday

Two More Sleeps...

…and I will be home for Christmas



One of favourite Christmas songs.  Every year I will steal a quiet moment, pour myself a glass of my favourite meritage, and find my seat in front of the fire.  In this moment I like to soak in the tranquil beauty of the snow covered mountains, the decorated tree, the energy of a happy home and give my silent thanks for it all while listening to this song by Nat King Cole.  

Not a Crêpe not a Pancake - but a French Pancake

Oops!  After a couple of comments about the French Pancakes being good, but a bit 'runny' I took a look at the recipe posting.  Mystery solved, I incorrectly posted a measurement.  Sorry about that.  Please give this another whirl - I guarantee you will love it!

In Canada we have this thing we call a "French Pancake."  I have tried to explain this to my French friends here, but they think I am confused between either crêpes or French toast.  It is neither. Therefore, in an effort to set the record straight, I have included a recipe for those who wish to give making it a whirl.  

I used to make this breakfast dish about 4 days out of 7 a week.  It was the go-to the comfort food of my family and friends - and basically the only thing that the picky eaters at the table would even consider.  And now, for my skeptical readers, following is the recipe for what I refer to as  "French Pancakes;

       

        1/4 cup of white flour

        1/4 cup of milk

        2 large eggs

        1 teaspoon of sugar

        2 tablespoons of butter

        1/3 cup of fruit (my preference is blueberries)

Whisk all ingredients together except butter and fruit until smooth.  Melt butter and place in large pie plate, pour pancake mixture into pie plate and sprinkle fruit over poured mixture. 

Bake in oven at 300 Fahrenheit (150 Celsius) for 20 minutes. 

       

Everyone seems to enjoy this most with maple syrup drizzled over top.  I am getting hungry just thinking about it…

(And yes I know the measurements are imperial :)

       

And that my lovely French friends is what we Canadians (or at least this one) call a French pancake.  ;)

Enjoy…