Zermatt and the Swiss Alps

I'm definitely a warm-weather-traveller. The cafes, strolling through the streets, and the atmosphere just seems to be better when there's warm sun on my face.  But, I've found an exception: the Swiss Alps!

This trip was a bucket list item for Jeffrey. Not that I wasn't excited, but skiing hasn't been my favorite hobby ever since I was old enough to realize falling hurts.  Needless to say, I underestimated just how much I would enjoy this trip - and now it's considered one of our favorites!

In late February, we flew to Zurich then took a train to Zermatt, an alpine village on the border of Switzerland and Italy.    The views were amazing from the train, when I could stay awake to take them in..   

We stayed in a modest hotel, but it really doesn't matter where you stay in the village.  The streets are car-free, restaurants and apres-ski bars are all within walking distance, and the best views are from the slopes anyway. Our favorite peak?  The Matterhorn, obviously!

Another great thing about Zermatt is that it gets an average of 300 days of sun per year.  Usually this would mean poor snow conditions, but Zermatt experienced record snowfall the weeks leading up to our trip -  it seemed like the clouds parted just for us!  We took full advantage our first day by taking Gornegrat cogwheel train up the mountain.  We were early birds compared to the Europeans, so it felt like we had the whole mountain to ourselves. 

Of course, with this many runs spread across multiple peaks, it never actually felt crowded.  I had researched the runs (called "pistes") and learned that Zermatt is considered a haven for intermediate skiers.  Most of the runs are red (intermediate) with a few nice blues (easy) and blacks mixed in.  The yellow pistes are un-groomed... we avoided these.  My favorite area was between Gornegrate and Rothorn because there was so much variety in the runs. We almost never went down the mountain in the same way twice.  

We also took the series of lifts, gondolas, and cable cars to the very top - the Matterhornglacier Paradise - 3,900 meters above sea level.  We were literally skiing above the clouds!  From here, we skied across the border into Italy, had a delightful lunch of pasta and wine, then skied back into Switzerland.

Speaking of food, we didn't have one bad meal during our entire holiday.  We indulged in quite a range of culinary treats - soups, lamb, curries, ribs, wine, truffles and fondue - just to name a few.  Though expensive, the food really was quality and you can't beat those views.

We were wiped out by mid-afternoon so after a quick stop at apres-ski (our favorite had live music playing American rock-n-roll), we would rest and then explore the village.  I had read some reviews that described Zermatt as the Manhattan of the Alps... I disagree.  Yes, there are new developments, but Zermatt has definitely held on to its charm.  There are even old areas of the village that still have structures that were built over 300 years ago.  In the winter, livestock would stay on the first floor help heat the upper floors - whatever works I guess!

We wanted to do as much sightseeing as we could, so we scheduled our return flight late in the evening and took an early train out of Zermatt so we could stop in Lucerne for the afternoon.  This was my second time to Lucerne, and I had to assure Jeffrey that there were mountains beyond the lake...  We enjoyed our time in this pretty city, but we definitely want to come back (and explore more of Switzerland) in the summer!

Life is Happening

I'm still here!  The hiatus was unintentional, but not surprising when looking back on the last few months...

While on our vacation in Switzerland mid-February, Jeffrey's maternal grandfather passed away.  Though not unexpected, we were hoping that we'd be able to see him during our first trip home coming up in mid-March.  Jeffrey was able to make it to the funeral, leaving the day after we returned from the Alps, and two weeks later we made the trip home.  It was so fun seeing family and being in Oklahoma after almost a year and a half.  And while Grandpa Young was missed, we enjoyed spending some quality time with Grandma Young.

We talked about their farm, how Jeffrey and Grandpa raised pigs one summer, and how much she loved the house he had built.  We enjoyed hearing her reminisce with a smile on her face, remembering details of 15 years ago almost better than those 15 minutes ago.  But my heart still aches when she told us how much she missed him. After nearly 60 years together, their lives were so intertwined that she couldn't accept the fact they weren't together anymore.  Six weeks after his passing, Grandma Young joined him.  Being so far away during times of loss are incredibly hard, but I find comfort in the belief that they have each other again and it reminds me that each moment we have with those we love is special and fleeting.

And what better way to hold on to those fleeting moments than to write them down and share them with others.

UT.no - Hiking Made Easy

Our appreciation for the outdoors has reached new levels since living in Norway.  We may still be a little particular about the weather (our Norwegian friends don't let a drenching rain or gale-force winds keep them inside), but when it's sunny you can bet that Jeffrey and I are looking for a new area to explore.

Enter: UT.no  a one-stop shop for all of our hiking inspiration.  The site also added the translation functionality so it's even easier to use!  I usually just go over to the map, make sure Turforslag is checked and peruse the options.  The little flags take you to information on that particular hike like its difficulty, how to get there, and what you'll see along the way.  

I just love maps.

On new year's day, this hike caught my eye. So Jeffrey and I packed up the dog, some snacks, and headed for Egersund.  

One thing to remember while hiking in January - the sun sets at 3PM.  So there's really no time to dilly dally.  If only we had remembered that when we started.

Instead, we tried to impress each other with feats of brute strength...

Or kept looking impossibly fluffy and adorable so many stops HAD to be made for pictures...

Or just enjoyed the January sun's faint warmth and unusual brightness on our faces so that a long sit on the rocks was not only mandatory but thoroughly enjoyed.  Sometimes just a little sunshine can make us (me) feel incredibly happy.

But, wait! Sundown? How far away is the car? Luckily, I have this guy to guide me.

Except he led us right into a rushing river.

Ok, so maybe it wasn't a river. But it was still a formidable obstacle.  Good thing I long jumped in high school :)  And after a freak hail shower and impending darkness, we made it full circle with enough time to wash Pistol in a little stream before we took off. I'm sure he appreciated that too.

So, if you're ever in Norway and want to know where to hike, check out UT.no!  But good luck finding a guide as cute as mine..

The First Ski and Snow of the Season

It's still unusual for us to take a weekend ski trip.  Ski trips for Oklahomans mean 10+ hours of driving, usually overnight so that we don't waste too much of the trip on travel, and then we ski hard for 4-5 days before heading home.  These trips have always been fun and memorable, but I could get used to a weekend in the mountains. My favorite part is that I don't feel like I have to exhaust myself skiing because we can just go again the next weekend!

We recently took the Sauda ski boat again and enjoyed a day on the slopes, but our first ski trip of the season was in Roldal.  It's about a 4 hour leisurely drive and one ferry away from Stavanger.  We happened to drive through a heavy snowfall, but that just made it feel more like we were really in the mountains. Actually, Roldal is known for getting some of the best snow in Norway.  We were a little early for the best conditions, but Jeffrey couldn't wait any longer to try out his new skis.

We stayed at the Marathon apartment with Leif Christian and Therese for the weekend.  And while Jeff and Leif Christian enjoyed some skiing...

I got to hang with this little girl!  Therese and I snuggled Sophie, read books, watched Norwegian TV, and were very lazy.  A full day of skiing this time of year was from 10-3 since that's when the light is best anyway, so the boys were back to entertain us before long.

It wasn't too long after our ski trip that Stavanger received its first heavy snow.  Jeffrey wasted no time in gathering supplies for a proper snow man. And of course Pistol has to be a part of it! 

It's hard not to enjoy just about anything when I have these two around!  

Celebrate!

This winter season has brought many milestones and reasons to celebrate.  We've had our anniversary, Christmas, our first trip to Germany, and welcomed a new year.  We also had our first company party!

This may not seem like that big of a deal, but everyone in the office knows each other (versus the Houston tower when I barely knew everyone on my floor).  What we discovered, though, was that our coworkers were dancers, comedians, story-tellers, and FUN!    All of our favorite people in one place with a live band and open bar? It's what great parties are made of.  Getting dressed up is always fun too.

Jeffrey also celebrated his 27th birthday with a surprise dinner at his favorite Indian food restaurant in the sentrum.  It's been quite a year for him!  He's changed positions, moved to a foreign country, learned a few Norwegian words, and has visited 10 new countries!  It's been fun to be on this ride with him.

Of course, it wouldn't be a great birthday without gifts to open from home.  Who knew he'd be so excited for deodorant, cereal, tums, and pink lemonade (the Reese's were mine, but I'll share).  It's the little things.

Hibernating after the Holidays

Hi friends! It has been cold the past month. The kind of cold that makes you just want to snuggle under the blankets on the comfy spot of the couch with your love and your pup and watch hours of West Wing or anything else you haven't watched on Netflix (I'm looking at you Downton Abbey).  

Not that we've been completely lazy!  We still had to go to work for a few days in December.  Walking to and from our car gave us a glimpse into our golden years as we clung to each other for dear life to prevent falling in the icy streets.  Snow this early was rare for Stavanger, but it was all gone when we returned from Germany.

In front of our office in Hinna.

The view from behind our office.  Is that the sun?!

Yes, Germany! See, we weren't completely lazy.  We even made enough time to snap a few pictures in front of the Christmas tree boat on our way to the airport.  I already miss seeing this little boat of cheer in the harbor.

Not only was I excited to visit a new country, but I was especially excited because my brother would be traveling through Germany with us.  I hadn't seen him in 11 months and it sure felt good to hug him again!

I loved living vicariously through his stories from the last year in college and he reaped the benefits of my new tour guide skills as we train-hopped from Berlin...

to Dresden...

Nuremberg...

Hohenschwangau... 

and Munich!  Between the Christmas markets, gluwein, wursts, and weissbier I'm just glad I had a good excuse to wear a big puffy coat around every day.  We definitely indulged in all Germany had to offer.

Though Jeffrey and I have been fortunate to see so much of Europe over the last year, nothing can ever really replace going home for Christmas.  There was some comfort in knowing that my grandparent's house would still be covered in Christmas decorations that I first remember seeing as a little girl and my dad would be running around town dressed as Santa.  But it was hard saying goodbye to my brother on Christmas Eve knowing that he would be home and Mom would be finishing up the fried shrimps, oysters, and clam chowder.  Mimi would be having her fourth plate of caviar and Papa would be sitting by the fire talking to Justin and Dad.  Where's my sister?  She'd probably be cuddled up in the rocking chair with her new little one while big sister holds his hand, willing his eyes to peek open at her.

There really is nothing like family at Christmas.  We can't wait to share the next one with all of them.

My precious niece and nephew

In Norway for the Holidays

Jeffrey and I have really enjoyed learning about some the Norwegian holiday season.  Of the many traditions, the food has to be one of the most unique.  The grocery stores here are filled with Christmas or "jule" food and drink like:

• Pepperkaker - a gingerbread-type cookie in fun little shapes.  They are supposed to be easy to make at home, but the store-bought ones are so tasty.
• Julebrus - Christmas soda! The bottles are decorated with Santa and reindeer.  There are two kinds that I've seen - brown and red - but the ones in the glass bottles are the best. I also mistakenly bought sugar-free julebrus... it was a sad day in the Burro house...
• Juleøl - it seems like every brewery has a Christmas beer.
• Pinnekjøtt - re-hydrated, salty pieces of lamb rib.  Not my fave, but our Norwegian friends love it.  

And the list goes on.  One of our more memorable experiences was dinner coordinated by good friends at City Bistro in Stavanger.  This restaurant wasn't chosen just by chance.  It is actually one of the few and best places to eat Lutefisk and Smalahove, so of course we ordered one of each.  

Wondering what's on Jeff's plate?

I got a little worried when the waitress brought out four shots of Aquavit without even asking if we wanted any.  We learned that the shots were considered an appetizer before the Smalahove.  I kept wondering why Jeff would need this sort of liquid courage... and then his plate was served.

Smalahove is half a sheep's head.  Not just the meat from a sheep's head like I'd imagined (and was still a little repulsed by) but actually a sheep's head.  Teeth, tongues, eyeball, cheeks - everything (except the brain)! I'd never seen anything like it.  Needless to say, Jeffrey downed those shots pretty quick, and he actually enjoyed his meal.  He said the eye was the best.  I also ate my Lutefisk and am grateful for the experience, but I don't think I'll be adding steamed fish that's been soaked in lye to my recipe book. 

Since we enjoyed our traditional Norwegian meal, we felt it only appropriate to invite some friends over for Thanksgiving!  We should have taken more pictures... but cooking so much food makes for a hectic day.  On the menu was turkey (obviously), giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, corn, homemade rolls and two pies - pecan and pumpkin!

There was almost no room in our tiny dining area for the table, but we made it work.  Good thing we all like each other!

Thankful for friends!

Now, we are getting ready for Christmas.  It sure FEELS like Christmas with these sub-freezing temperatures and a few inches of snow.  Our neighborhood has put up some garland and the houses have decorations in the windows - it's very festive.  I was lamenting that our tree wasn't going to fit in our house and Leif Christian let us borrow their tree once he realized we would enjoy it longer (generally, my Norwegian friends won't decorate until the 23rd or so and everything comes down around the New Year).  I'm so happy to have a tree in our living room with our one little strand of lights plugged into a converter and ornaments from our travels.  It's actually our first Christmas tree to decorate together since we've been married :)

We've had much to be thankful for this year, but we are especially thankful for our friends here in Norway that have become our family-away-from-family.

Happy Holidays!