About time for Alpine!

Nine years ago, I stepped into a pair of skis at Seven Springs, PA and spend the majority of a weekend either on my butt or on  the bunny slopes.  The next year, I was in Lake Tahoe and I realized that I loved the feeling of the crisp air on my cheeks as I was alone in the woods on a solitary run.  Since then, I have covered a number of mountains in North America, spent much more time upright, and even braved (and conquered) a few expert runs.  However, the oppurtunity to ski in Europe has so far eluded me....until this past weekend.

Taking advantage of Maria's vicinity to the Swiss Alps, I headed back to Neuchatel to spend Saturday at on the slopes.  We wanted a full day of skiing, so we set out in the dark for the train and watched the sunrise over Lake Geneva as the Alps grew taller with each mile.  Two hours later, we grabbed our lift tickets and rode the gondola up to the mountain town of Verbier. 

Our first stop was to the ski rental shop, as my set were safe and sound in Virginia.  Now, I love my skis and we have been joint at the boot for the last 6 years.  But the "basic" rentals were last years demo models, and they made me seriously think about upgrading sooner rather then later.  All suited up, we headed up to 2300 meters to begin our warm-up.  

An absolutly pristine day greeted us with bright sunshine illuminating the specks of glitter in the blanket of weightless, deep powder that surrounded up.  The sharp edges of the rock faces punctured the sky with a fierceness and majesty unmatched on the most picturesque postcard.   The air was crisp against the skin with a tingling chill that was mostly pleasant.  We took to the slopes and soon enough were racing down the smooth pistes with a familiar ease.  At times, the powder was like silk under the edges of my skis, and movement was effortless as the scenery whoosed by.   I could not get enough of the surroundings as we spent the morning at around 2700 meters.  

Halfway thru our day we decided to warm up with some goulash and vin chaud (hot wine).  Our legs thanked us as we enjoyed the rest-stop.  After about 45 mins, we were back on the slopes, and enjoyed some more great runs, before our jelly legs got the best of us, and we started making our way down the slopes to the base village for some apres ski (more hot wine) and some St. Bernard spottings....it is Switzerland, after all.

Our train ride back was a quiet only known to the happily exhausted with a promise of fondue and wine for dinner.  My first Alpine experience was only a taste, but I can see many more days on the slopes in Europe in my future!

Another city, another show

Its been the most topsy-turvy, caution-to-the-wind, close-your-eyes-and-jump year for me ever!  2010 was a year of adventure, of taking chances, and of new traditions.  So what better way to spend the last week of the year in Spain!  With a branch of the Eaton family living in Madrid, James and I set out south for a few days between Christmas and New Years.

After the cold of the UK, we were excited to go somewhere warmer, and I was even more excited to meet some more of my future family.   We were greeted at the airport by Marlieke and James' newest cousin, Charlotte (5 months).  We hopped the subway, dropped our bags off at their apartment, and immediately headed out for our first taste of the city...tapas and beer style!  Marlieke and Charlotte showed us some of their favorite haunts in their neighboorhood, and we were soon joined by Charlie and Fleur. 
What a great way to spend the evening :)

The next morning, James and I hit the streets on our own doing the tourist thing.  First stop was Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple that was transferred and rebuilt in the middle of Madrid.  I have to admit, the temple weirdly fit in.  Then we walked the streets, thru some parks and ended up at the Palacio Real.  Now James and I had bought Madrid passes, which would get us admission to the major places to visit (including the Palace), museums, and free public transport for the day.  

But we soon realized the value of the pass, when we skipped the extremely long lines and went straight thru security and into the Palace courtyard.  We opted to forego the audio tour, and we wandered our own way thru the rooms, admiring the art, the antiques, and the weaponry in the armory.  From the Palace, we took a break for lunch, stubbling into a lunch spot for some tapas and cafe con leche.  We were quite proud of ourselves for ordering off a Spanish only menu, using only our elementary Spanish (with some French thrown in).

From there we continued our stroll through the streets, plazas, and markets.  We hit the main ones, Plaza Mayor, Playta del Sol, and Mercardo San Miguel in addition to the ones hidden down alleys and off the main street.  We ended our day with a stroll through the Museo Prado amoung the classics.   As the sun set, we headed back through the beautifully lit streets to an amazing homemade paella and Charlie's sangria.

For our last day, Charlie took the day off work, and the entire family set off in the morning for a beautiful walk thru El Retiro, the massive urban park 2 blocks from the apartment. 





After dropping Fleur off at school, we spent some more time in the park, and then proceeded to have the ultimate tapas, sangria and beer tour of Madrid.   There is no better way to learn the best niches of a city, then to go with the locals.  We had such a good time eating, drinking and walking.  Fleur rejoined us towards the end, and we continued the walk home while stopping at a few more places to quench our thirst.

As we left Madrid, and our last adventure for the year came to a close, we were full, almost sober, and content.   We had a wonderful time, with our wonderful hosts.   What a great way to send off 2010!!