Top of the World

What can I say… the last two days have been two of the best ever!  Skiing on top of the world.  Words cannot describe the ‘slap in the face‘ scenery in every single direction.  At the top of the gondola, then up the  t-bar (a 10 min steep ride), you are above the tree line and it seems the rest of the world.

We were blessed with the best two days of the year as far as weather conditions for skiing according to the locals.  Switzerland doing it’s ‘perfection’ thing again with the deep blue sky, the sun doing it’s magic on the virgin snow (giving swarovski a run), not a breath of wind and trying to remember to breathe deeply of the cool crisp air.

Bruce and I commenced the day yesterday with a 2 hour lesson with Rolf, our German ski instructor to refresh our memories.  We astounded him with our talents – not (in my case) and learned the basics again.  It all seemed to come back to us faster than we thought it would and before we knew it, we had advanced to Level 3 – parallel turning and generally freaking out on the steep bits (yes, only me again).  Bruce got back into form very nicely, while I was the mad woman on the slopes that everyone avoided.  Due to my lack of control on the slopes, Rolf accused me of wanting to go ‘off piste’ as I had a few spectacular falls in the (luckily) beautifully soft snow to the side of the runs, but I said I might like a drink but I would never go ‘off pissed’ when skiing!!  Rolf was a sweetheart and, luckily, had a sense of humour (as requested).

We then spent a good part of the day skiing with the brilliant, but unwell Brian and marveling that we were actually skiing in Switzerland!!  It all seems very surreal.  Today, lovely Lesley took her life in her hands and decided to join us on the slopes.  If possible, it was an even more beautiful day today.  We found a little hut/cafe halfway down the mountain that provided sunbeds for the weary skier – the view has to be seen to be believed!  It took a lot of convincing to continue down the slope.  One of the runs we did was extremely picturesque and is apparently one of Prince Charles’ favourites.  He has often been spotted in Klosters and stays a few doors up when in the village.

We finished the day on the mountain off with a spectacular (but sometimes hairy) sled ride from Madrisa down to the village of Saas (8.5kms long and 900metres high).  Bruce and I (and even Lesley) are barely able to walk at the moment (I’m not exaggerating) and I have bumps and bruises all over me, but it was well worth it!!!!!

Unfortunately our time in Klosters is at an end for now and we leave first thing in the morning for Italy.  Our dear friends Brian and Lesley and their beautiful boys Harrison and Lachlan have been the most wonderful hosts and have spoilt us greatly with their wisdom on the local area, amazing accommodation, delicious meals, transport and engaging company.  We are very blessed to have friends like them.  Thanks for everything guys – we will miss you!! xxxx

Note: Photos will be posted tomorrow, as it will take a huge effort to limit ourselves to a manageable number.