The world

Finally it stopped snowing. So typical. I would have loved to go skiing today instead of yesterday. All of a sudden you could see the mountains – even the ones a bit further away.

The transfer bus picked us up at 08.30 am and we arrived back at Linate airport in Milan 2,5 hrs later. The bus ride was gorgeous in the fabulous weather and this time we could see the surrounding mountains.

Back home again around 5pm – it was great to hug my kids again. Took a nice bath while they cooked dinner. Now some corner-time before it is time to hug my own pillow and enjoy my comfy bed. Can’t say I will miss the one at the hotel..

I am so proud of myself though. I faced my demons and got through the weekend. Had a great time and grew a lot as a person. Yeah!

It’s been snowing more or less non-stop since we got here and it was snow up to our knees skiing. Today we ached all over so it was a challenge to get back up to the mountain to the same restaurant as yesterday for our lunch. But we made it! I skipped the instructor today due to the heavy snow fall which made it impossible to see where to ski.

This day ended just like yesterday – conference, some time to relax and another 4-course dinner. I wonder if my scale will laugh at me when we get back.. lol.

We got up early and after breakfast we got into our ski clothes and headed down to the rental place to get our gear. Then we took the big gondola up the mountain. We had made reservations at a restaurant in the slopes for lunch and it was an amazing place with fantastic food. After lunch a personal ski instructor took care of us who needed his help to improve and it was two well invested hours of my time! I learned a lot and now I just need to practice more to get the hang of his suggestions.

Another afternoon/eve with conference but  also some time to relax and take a look around the village. Day two ended the same way as day one – with a 4-course dinner…

Taxi picked me up around 7 am and then our adventure began. Straight flight to Milan and then a 2,5 hrs bus transfer up to Courmayeur on the foot of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc). We checked in at the Cresta et Duc hotel around 3pm. After a quick check in we all went to the rental place to get our equipment for the weekend. It was quite a foggy day and not that much snow, but it started to snow later on in the evening. Several hours of conference later we enjoyed a 4-course dinner before it was time to hug the pillow.

A full day later I’ve crashed in my corner. Suitcase packed to my best knowledge. What I have forgotten I can always buy.. A colleague and I will share a taxi to the airport tomorrow. Now fingers crossed the traffic will be on our side and won’t make us late. We are flying direct – no need to change flights on the way. Perfect. But, once in Italy we will have a long bus transfer before we reach our final destination up in the Italian alps. Let the adventure begin!

Wednesday already and half way to the weekend. Went home to pick up my youngest after work – he needed to do some blood tests for his next doctors appointment. The big parking lot behind the hospital was closed today and I asked the nurse where we are supposed to park now. She then said the new parking garage in front of the hospital opened the other day – they have been building it forever. Perfect. Next time I will park there instead. They had to tear down the old garage some years ago since it was falling apart. And now, finally, the new one is ready to be used. Yeah! Let’s hope they made good parking lots in there and not super small ones no-one will be able to fit in.

Talked to my Italian ski-instructor on the phone tonight.. What have I gotten myself into?

My long day has come to an end. And tonight I am extra tired for some reason. Went home via Stuvsta and took this photo from where I sat and waited for the bus. Now I’ve crashed in my corner after a small dinner. Time to look at the news of TV, enjoy a cup of tea and maybe something recorded before it is time to hug the pillow.

Last couple of days of January – then it’s time to enjoy February. This month has gone by fairly quickly. February is packed with activities – everything from trips to birthdays to competitions.

Short day today and some me-time after work with an appointment with my naprapath. He found some sore spots in my back (as he usually does) and now I’m sorted and as prepared as I can get for our upcoming trip this weekend. Might need a new appointment when we get back home.. Ski-trips tend to find muscles you don’t use every day..

Sunday but no sun today. A grey foggy day with almost rain. Not inviting to be outside at all. But, we did go grocery shopping and I treated myself some tulips. Some color to brighten up an otherwise  grey day.

I have started to pack my suitcase – my helmet will fit – yeah – and also my ski clothes and warm underwear. I have never gone away for a ski-trip without my family before, so the packing looks slightly different. Mainly because we are going in a plane there too instead of driving.

Going to make sirloin steaks for dinner tonight. A nice treat to complete the weekend.

Went through some old photo albums and found this special memory from 86/87 in California. The three of us are having a re-union in a few weeks when I will meet them again. Dear old friends that I cherish very much. Last time the three of us met was in Spain. I wonder where we will meet the next time after this?

A lazy weekend ahead trying to catch up on some sleep and get well rested and ready for my big adventure next weekend.