Arlberg - skiing paradise

After many many years of visiting the skiing paradise of the Arlberg, we need to pay it a well deserved tribute.

Among all the celebrities who choose to spend their winter vacation here like Tom Cruise, the Royal British Family, the Royal Dutch family, some Austrian politicians and Hannes Androsch, we feel quite at home here and despite its fame Lech is and will always be a place where one can - with the help of a little extra spending money - enjoy the season at its finest.

It’s posh but not pretentious, chic but not showy.
~ the Independent wrote today

As soon as it snows, the off piste areas will be tried and tested by those knowledgeable of the terrain and when the sun comes out and you and I would like to try the powder off the beaten track we must realize, someone was here before ... Skiing was invented here, this is the birthplace of the best winter sport ever and the Arlberg skiing school is known worldwide for its excellency.

There are skiing instructors, most of them being fluent in broken English :) and the mountain guides, who are allowed to lead one responsibly into the more challenging off piste routes and make one climb over a safety rope or lead their guests for a hike up to the peak after a heated chairlift took them already to the top. The top is not the top, there is more behind the visible. Higher and higher we are prepared to hike up, for the one ride that will make us yodel when our joy is complete, the line we leave behind in the fresh snow looking perfect! It is addictive to cut through the powdery snow - never becoming boring!

In Lech, Zürs and St. Christophen the hotels and restaurants know how to make you feel like royalty and the level of cuisinart is absolulty top here. Our favorite is by far that special place below: The Almhof Schneider and its excellent gastronomy. Being fortunate to be able to stay in one of these prestigious hotels requires a known status of a periodic guest and it is recommended to book the following year when departing. 

Helicopter skiing in Austria is a lot different from the States and Canada. but it is for sure worth a try if you are fit and skilled for the challenge. The best part is when the Helicopter leaves you behind, you look around and that 360° panoramic view of mountain tops and peacefulness leaves you speechless.

The Austrians are funny when it comes to self announced hymns as this one by an our pop legend Wolfgang Ambros. Everyone knows the lyrics and has sung it at least once in their life. It means probably nothing to you but if I would translate it: you will understand the heart of the Austrian.

I just want to ski !

Photos by jsvob, my husband and me.

New York Post Blizzard

Taken after the somewhat underwhelming New York Blizzard of 2015 "Juno".

Dance with me until the sun kisses the night Good-bye and I will show you new shores and greater things.

I saw you standing at the crossroad - no time to evaluate - when I promised to go with you anywhere you choose, anytime, for always .... You won't be alone and my light will shine upon your path.

I heard you well when you thought that all your past and present will be covered up by time so why do we both see you carrying such a heavy burden? Cant you see it is not time that heals but forgiveness?

Has there been ever a greater love, a better sacrifice, a stronger friend, a sweeter welcome and a more joyful You?

Hong Kong Temples

While in Hong Kong, I loved exploring the temples so rich in culture and expression in the middle of skyscrapers and the urban density of this vibrant city. In this particular temple I was left speechless by the way the light hit the incense. It's incredible how much perspective you gain on your own culture when viewed in contrast of the culture of others. Be sure to visit Pak Tai Temple when you visit Hong Kong!

Sunday Snapshots - this year's last

Out and about to new shores, as this year draws to an end and we look back and reflect on what made this year special.
Was it things learned or new territories explored.

Friendships we lost or new ones we found. The moment we were able to enjoy as it happened or the moment we discovered by looking back on it's value.

It is a magical time of year after Christmas and before New Year's Eve.
Peace and rest settles in and the mind can reflect upon what was and what will come to pass.

Have we been able to to set our foot on paths not explored or do we hope to do that next time with more energy and courage?
That is the tricky thing about those new paths, they look inviting but what will come out if it after the next turn?

His eyes are fixed on the shore ahead, his mind is set on things to explore, his heart is at ease. With God's help everything is possible.

These photos were taken on a recent adventure to Königssee in Bavaria.