Fish River Canyon

The road trip to infinity

It is Easter weekend and 6 families with their corresponding children are on a road trip through Namibia. That makes 12 kids and 11 adults. The great thing about this is that all kids go to school together and play along very well.

We hit the road after school on Thursday and drive approx. 3 hours to Kalahari Anib Lodge just before Mariental. In our car it is quiet as Allegra and her best friend Anacamila are sleeping most of the way. The road is smooth, straight but not too interesting. Just in time for sunset we arrive at our lodge and the children are so excited to be together for the next 4 days.

Good Friday starts with a good breakfast outside and down south we go. And that means all the way …We decide to break up our drive of today and stop at the Quiver tree forest and the giants playground just before Keetmanshoop. Quiver trees are rare trees that for some reason only grow in this particular area. The plants are usually found growing singly but in some areas the plants grow in large groups, giving the effect of a forest. They look kind of bizarre but make beautiful pictures. I enjoy the time out of the car as the more south we go the warmer (and for me more comfortable) it gets. More or less across the street we have a look at the so called giant’s playground. Big stone boulders look like they have been put together randomly or giants have been playing and leaving their toys. The kids (and I) enjoy climbing up the rock formations. I am queen of the world and only then realizing how big that area is. As far as my eyes reach I see stone sculptures. Why here? Just accept it, enjoy it and we are off down south again.

Our compass stays continuously south for the whole day and we actually count the turns we take on one hand. I think we made 2 after lunch – that’s how straight the roads are. I dread this part of the trip as it reminds me of my way back from Lüderitz a while ago. But maybe it is the fact that I do not drive a Polo or I do not drive at all or the company that changes my set of mind. Though the road is still boringly straight, it comes unexpected when you reach a small crest and after that the same view awaits you again all over. A straight cut road through the wide open plans of nothing. You look into the open horizon. A road to infinity. Though I have to say it is relaxing for the eye and peaceful for the mind to see nothing. No litter – nobody. The bright yellow of the grass fills your soul with happiness and the rolling hills help to have that feeling of tranquillity.

The excitement of this part of the road are the birds that fly straight into your windscreen. Each car of us killed a couple of them I believe. 

So the second turn of the day leads us to an off road which brings us to Ai Ais – the place of the burning water. These hot springs have a hotel adjoined which is okay but not fantastic. (You could do much more here.) The food on the other hand is really bad or put in in other words – has the charm of a school cafeteria as has the dining room. The rooms in the main building remember of old Sowjet times. Maybe because it was built in the 70^th and they are only now trying to update it. But we are here for the hot springs – so off we go in our swimming costumes to the outdoor pool. Much too warm to actually swim but lounging around and playing with the kids is so much fun. Of course we have to try the inside pool as well which is slightly warmer. The actual spring water has 65 C so they are just cooling it down to body temperature.

We wake up in the morning and pretty soon the kids are in the pool again. Before lunch we make our way to Fish River Canyon Lodge just 1 hour drive where we will stay for 2 nights. The hotel has this beautiful setting with little houses built into the rocks so the boulders are integrated inside each cottage. Allegra and mine is a little higher up and I enjoy the late afternoon sun from a flat big stone next to the house after a yoga session. Life is good! I hardly see Allegra and everybody seems to enjoy themselves. 

Our lunch experience was rather interesting. We asked for the menu and were told we have the option between goulash soup and goulash soup. After investigating a bit we were able to order as well a toasted sandwich. Suddenly someone said he ordered French fries as well though we were told before we cannot have them even for the children. When they did not arrive after a while we asked and were told: “You just asked me if we could do French fries but you never ordered them. You have to order them.” Hmh! Every time a new waiter appears and the last one asks us very surprised why we are not having the Greek salad … to cut a long story short: it took us a while but we had food in our stomach! With some struggle but we were fed.

As mentioned before I did a yoga session with a friend, while others went to the pool or just chilled. 4 o’clock it was time to decorate the Easter eggs. We came well prepared. We decorated / coloured the hard boiled eggs after a Lithuanian tradition. First you draw a pattern with melted bee wax and then you dip them in egg colour. Beautiful and stunning outcome. As we already have turned our clocks back to winter time and the sun sets by around 17:30 we finished the last eggs in dawn and it is time for dinner. It is chaotic to feed 12 children at one table but I kind of like it.

In between I had managed to run to the pool which is a bit apart from the rest of the hotel and see the sun set over the open plains. If possible I will not miss a sunset as some of you might know … Take the time for beauty in life and what makes you feel good!

We finish the evening off with a round of Pictionary – always worth playing. J

It is Easter Sunday and after a nice breakfast it is Easter Egg Hunt time! The Easter bunny (in a shape of a good friend of mine) got up very early and transformed the front yard of the hotel into a paradise for small treasure hunters. Chocolate, eggs, bubbles, crayons and of course a sweet overkill of any kind is there to be found. The kids enjoy and it is a pleasure watching them. So for me it is the day of astonishing views. It started when I opened my window at 6 am and was amazed by the view out of my mountain chalet. And then of course we take a trip to Fish River Canyon – the purpose of this trip and these many kilometres. We drive to the main view point and I always think – like a first impression of a person or feeling an atmosphere of a restaurant you enter – the first moment you look at a landscape opening in front of your eyes and it blows your mind away. It is that moment that takes your breath away. You close your eyes and open them again and the sight or view is still amazing but you are already breathing again. Now you can let it sink in and you get quiet inside. This happened a couple of times for me on that trip. We take some more stops to see the canyon from other angles. We even manage to take a group picture – oh boy we are many.

Lunch we take at another Gondwana Hotel called Roadhouse which reminds of a restaurant in the States I think. Old cars and a lot of signs are put up for decoration. Some entertainment is going on at the toilets in form of a Pandora’s Box (a story that needs to be told another time). On the way back Allegra falls asleep so I put myself on my favourite spot. The flat rock at the side of our room and that gives me time to write on this little essay. I watch the other families on the grass in front of their houses “in the valley” running around and enjoy the background music of laughter and screaming. Before sunset we take a small hike up the hill across and enjoy a 360 C view of the panorama. Again astonishing. For sunset we meet at one of the families chalets and just have a drink. It always fascinates me how quick the sun sets here. The one moment the sun is up high and you just turn around – it is gone behind the horizon.

Now it is time to pack our bags for the last time and head home. Nobody is really up for it as it will be a minimum 8 hours drive. On a route we have already seen and which is not considered as one of the most spectacular ones on landscape. One thing though – it gets busy. On the off road bit we meet 3 cars in 30 minutes. But I enjoy the company of travelling with friends and the flat mountains I see now on my right coming closer to Windhoek are not only fascinating (as in Europe we do not have them only peaks) but they give me a strange kind of comfort. I know them well now. I am sad but how do they say:

Don’t be sad that it is over – be glad it happened!         

Here are some comments from the people traveling with us:

Anita: Desolate! Generous Easter bunny! Fun folk!

Ash: I fell harassed by this question!

Kamesha: The Easter egg hunt

Che: Eating the Easter eggs hot pool

Celina: Definitely the hot pool & waking up 4am & 5am all weekend – special treat for mummy

Barbara: The never ending roads always reach an end, although while driving you might think they won’t. Just like in life

Tomas: 12 children bother less than 2 - physics laws are not always true

Guille: I’ve specially liked playing with the kids on the grass and making fire at night

Africa: no comment yet

Mara: I’ve enjoyed sucking an ice cream on the way back home and wiping up myself my face and hands

Karla: The companionship and the warm spring fed pools and the amazing view from the top of the rocks at the lodge

Lance: It was a full moon, hot springs, Ellie’s sore mouth and if you see Patrick in your rear view mirror just pull over and let him pass

Ellen: The Easter egg hunt

Derek: diping the sausage in the hot pool while swimming and eating it. Chasing Anacamila on the grass during the monster game.

Oscar: Bird killers. Ice ice baby. Liked the NWR best

Adrienne: Nice trip, better company

Anacamila: (Refuses to give me an answer)

Patrick: Boring ! I love the Kokerboom ! I love to play poker!

Sarita: Lots of fun. Easy going family vacation. Special Easter. Happy to share Easter tradition.

Satya: Easter !

Maya: Elephants ! (hmh?)

Allegra: (First she was ignoring me) Playing 

Victria Falls

Shades of green oder Regen von allen Seiten

Mein Weihnachtswunsch letztes Jahr war es, die Victoria Falls Wasserfälle zu sehen und nun war es endlich soweit. Freitagnachmittag ab in den Flieger und auf mit Air Namibias 1 ½ Std Flug zum Flughafen Victoria Falls. Erstaunlich war, dass der Flug nirgends angeschrieben war und auch die Dame beim Check in nicht genau wusste, wann nun der Flug losging. Sie hat uns sicherheitshalber  mal die Bemerkung Snack und Drink auf die Bordkarte geschrieben, was für den Vielflieger unter uns normalerweise ein Hinweis auf Verspätung ist. Aber es lief dann doch alles relativ pünktlich ab. Sobald wir im kleinen Flieger waren, sind meine drei Begleiter (Mann, Tochter und Schwiegervater)bald in den Tiefschlaf entschlummert, während ich die afrikanische Weite begeistert in mich aufnahm.  Zurzeit ist Namibia noch sehr grün, da wir uns am Ende der Regenzeit befinden. Und so sieht die endlose Weite – ohne jegliche Straßen oder sonstige Bebauung - sehr ruhig und friedlich aus. Selten durchkreuzt eine off road Piste den Anblick, der sich ausstreckenden Savanne. Ein herrlicher Anblick ohne Wolken. Doch wir nähern uns Zimbabwe – für mich ein magischer Name, auch wenn das Land in letzter Zeit wohl eher negative Schlagzeilen machte.

Der Pilot meldet sich mit ungewöhnlichen Neuigkeiten – zumindest für mich. Das eine Leitsystem des Flughafens sei kaputt und man könne nicht wie gewohnt anfliegen, sondern gehe im Blindflug runter. Sicht – da mittlerweile eine geschlossene Wolkendecke -  gleich null. Man würde es probieren, aber eventuell müsse man abdrehen und weiter nach Maun fliegen – wo auch immer das sei -.

Als Kind hat es mich immer fasziniert durch die weißen Wolkenberge zu fliegen. Doch mit diesen Aussichten erscheinen mir die Wolkenmassen nicht mehr so freudig. Aber auch hier haben wir Glück, es wird gelandet und das auch noch am richten Flughafen – Victoria Falls. Während der letzten Meter Richtung Boden eröffnet sich der Blick auf ein richtig afrikanisches Bild wie aus dem Buch. Lauter kleine Bomas (Hütten) mit Vieh herum . Der erste Schritt ist recht feucht, da es regnet, aber wir haben ja Regenjacken dabei – im Koffer,  da liegen sie gut. Doch uns wird ein Schirm gereicht und wir erreichen  locker das Flughafen Gebäude, wo nun die Visa Formalitäten auf uns warten.

Unser Abholdienst vom Hotel  funktioniert bestens und der Fahrer Presha (nicht zu verwechseln mit pressure) wird unser ständiger Begleiter für die nächsten 2 Tage. Transferzeit 20 min ins Stanley and Livingstone Hotel. WOW ! Bester Kolonial Stil a la Kenia. Wunderschön . Ein Hotel mit nur 16 Suiten in einer herrlichen Anlage und man fühlt sich zurückversetzt in die Zeit von Karen Blixen - Jenseits von Afrika (Out of Africa). Zur Trockenzeit würden uns jetzt bei Sonnenuntergang diverse wilde Tiere am hoteleigenen Wasserloch begrüßen. Doch auch so bin ich verzückt und genieße sogar das hin und her hüpfen unter der Dusche zwischen den einzelnen Wassertropfen - Wasserdruck gleich null.

Zum Abendmahl erwartet uns ein 4 Gänge Menu mit freundlicher Bedienung im Zeitrahmen akzeptabel. Angemüdet und voller Vorfreude auf den nächsten Tag geht es in den Tiefschlaf.

Der nächste Morgen ist bedeckt, doch wird das Frühstück auf der Terrasse des Restaurants serviert mit Blick auf die Grünanlage und das Wasserloch. Wir sitzen wir in allen erdenklichen Grünschattierungen. Schönstes Porzellan und silberne Teekannen passen perfekt zum englischen Toast. Das der nicht knusprig ist (sein kann) liegt an der extremen Luftfeuchtigkeit, doch meine Haut freut sich und man kann sich frisch gestärkt auf den Weg zu den Victoria Falls machen.

Presha fährt uns am berühmten Baobab Baum vorbei – einer der sagen wir heiligen Bäume Afrikas. Auf dem Weg läuft uns noch ein Waterbuck über den Weg. Die Vegetation ist so dicht, dass es schwer ist andere Tiere zu entdecken. Dann ist es endlich soweit. Der typisch touristische Parkplatz mit Andenkenverkäufern und Tanzgruppe im knappen Tier Fell um die Hüfte wird angesteuert. Einzige Neuheit hier – 20 Händler bieten einem gleichzeitig Regenmäntel zum Leihen an. Alles im Gepäck, diesmal sogar dabei – no thanks.

Da die lokale Währung Zimbabwes wegen zu hoher Inflation abgeschafft wurde, gelten nur noch US $ Preise. Der Umrechnungskurs zum Euro ist horrend, aber wir haben keine akzeptierte andere Währung dabei und gezahlt wird sowieso. Man läuft also in den Nationalpark trockenen Fußes hinein und kann so ziemlich die gesamte Länge des Wasserfalls auf Zimbabwes Seite ablaufen. Gesamte Länge bzw Breite 1,737 m. Man beginnt ruhig am Ufer des Zambesi, bis er Geschwindigkeit bekommt und ständig an Geräuschkulisse zunimmt. Wassermassen stürzen teilweise bis zu 107 m in die Tiefe und am Anfang ist die gelegentliche Gischt eine willkommene erfrischende Abkühlung. Auch Allegra findet noch Gefallen an der Dusche. Die Vegetation ist umwerfend. Jegliche Art von grün erfreut das Auge, doch ich komme nicht dazu die Schattierungen zu zählen. Mich begeistern die herabfallenden Wassermassen auf Augenhöhe. Ich hatte gedacht, man würde die Fälle von unten sehen, doch stattdessen stehen wir am Abhang und sehen den tosenden, donnernden, rauschenden und schäumenden Wassermassen ins Angesicht. Zwar ist es bereits beeindruckend, doch nichts im Vergleich zu was uns noch erwartet.  Allegra wird die immer dichter werdende Dusche zu viel und Roman ist so lieb und dreht mit ihr um. Ich trotze den Wassermassen und der Gischt, die mittlerweile von allen Richtungen kommt. Im Schlepptau mein getreuer Schwiegervater . Ein Pfad schlängelt sich entlang des „Rauch der donnert“ mit gelegentlichen Aussichtspunkten. Natürlich klappern wir jeden ab und werden zusehend nasser. Zu der Gischt hat sich Regen und Wind gesellt, so dass ich zwischenzeitlich nicht feststellen kann, aus welcher Richtung die feuchte Masse bzw Wand kommt. Ich versuche in Richtung Fälle zu blicken, doch es gelingt mir nicht. Ich halte mühsam meine Kapuze fest. Doch das einzige Resultat ist, dass es mir in den Ärmel regnet. Ich bin durchweicht, doch es ist herrlich. Ich glaube, ich war nur 1 x in meinem Leben noch nässer als jetzt. Ja Stephi, meine berühmte Karibik Story kommt. Zu Zeiten meiner Ausflugsbegleitung auf dem Schiff setzte man mich auf einer Karibikinsel an einem Aussichtspunkt aus und es begann ein karibischer Regen. Damals hatte ich keine Regenjacke dabei. Immerhin ist mein Rucksack auf meinem Rücken diesmal trocken.  Und auch die Aussicht ist hier atemberaubend. Nässe hin oder her. Mir ist es egal, ob das Wasser von oben, unten oder der Seite kommt.

Nach dem Danger point – kaum Sicht, keinerlei Absperrung an rutschigen Felsen-  haben wir zu guter letzt eine fast trockene Stelle gefunden. Ein Aussichtspunkt auf die berühmte Brücke von Zimbabwe nach Zambia – Regenbogen inklusive. Die weißen Wassermassen lassen sich wieder als Fluss erkennen und schlängeln sich Schluchten entlang. Für Abenteuerlustige unter uns, kann man sich waghalsig an einem Seil an den Füssen in die Tiefe stürzen – auch Bungee jump genannt. Beeindruckend, aber nein Danke.

 Ein wenig angetrocknet geht es weiter zu meinem nächsten Abenteuer und zur Erfüllung einem meiner seit langem gehegten Wunschträumen. Reiten auf dem Rücken eines Elefanten. Meine drei müden Krieger sind für eine Elefanten Safari nicht zu haben und so arrangiere ich mit Hilfe von Presha eine eigene solo Safari. Zwei Elefanten werden gebracht und ich besteige über eine Art Klettergerüst / Tribüne meine Elefantendame. Wow. Ich bin im Himmel. 45 Minuten werde ich durch den afrikanischen Busch gewackelt. Besser gesagt über. Die Sonne scheint und ich rieche Afrika überall. Die Unterhaltung ist nett, denn natürlich gibt es einen Elefantenführer. Namen sind Schall und Rauch zu diesem Zeitpunkt, denn ich bin außer mir vor Glück. Natürlich ist der gesamte Trip außerordentliche touristisch und so bietet auch diese Safari  ein highlight nach dem anderen. Ein Marsch durchs Wasser, der Elefant setzt sich und steht auf und alles wird brav auf meiner Kamera festgehalten. Zwei Begleiter sind zu Fuß mit samt Gewehr, dabei falls wir im Nationalpark einem uns nicht so wohlgesonnenen Tier über den Weg laufen. Unterwegs legt die Elefantendame diverse Stopps zum Naschen ein. Es knackt und knirscht und schon fehlt ein Stück vom Baum.

Vollkommen begeistert und hin und weg darf ich nun auch noch die zwei Elefanten füttern. J

Nach einer kleinen Stärkung werde ich ins Hotel gebracht und finde einen Anblick höchsten Glücks vor – 2 schlafende Engel liegen in meinem Bett und schnarchen leise vor sich hin. Zeit sich dazu zu kuscheln.

Ich genieße auf einer Parkbank im Hotel einen der zauberhaften Sonnenuntergänge Afrikas. Und ja, ich finde, die Sonnenuntergänge in diesem Teil der Welt sind spektakulär und anders als in Europa. Fast jeden Abend bin ich verzaubert (auch in Windhuk), aber hier habe ich mal die Muße um das Naturerlebnis richtig zu genießen.

Zum Abendessen fahren wir in ein Restaurant namens Boma. Typisch afrikanische Gerichte in sehr kommerzieller, aber gut aufgemachter Atmosphäre. Wer in Kenia war und dort im Carnivore gespeist hat, weiß wovon ich rede. Es gibt Warzenschwein vom Grill, Impala Terrine, geräuchertes Rebhuhn und natürlich die berühmt berüchtigten Mopani Würmer. Ich erhalte sogar ein Zertifikat, dass ich einen probiert habe. Nicht so grauenvoll wie erwartet, aber ich kann ohne leben. Allegra ist begeistert von den Tanzvorführungen und trommelt begeistert mit während wir uns diverse andere Köstlichkeiten auf dem riesigen Grill portionsgerecht zubereiten lassen.

Allegra und ich lassen uns von einem Wahrsager etwas erzählen, unter anderem, das die junge Dame nochmals an die Victoria Fälle kommen wird. Ein schöner Gedanke.

Völlig erschossen von den Eindrücken des Tages fallen wir in die Betten. Aber noch haben wir einen halben Tag.

Die Sonne scheint, mein Herz lacht und zum Frühstück zeigt sich sogar ein Büffel an der Wasserstelle. Wir machen uns auf den Weg, um zu Fuß die Brücke an den Wasserfällen zu überqueren. Auch wieder ein Spektakel für sich. Man muss sich eine (erstaunlicherweise) kostenlose Erlaubnis holen, um die Brücke zu betreten und wandert mal ne ganze Weile. Man wird überholt von wenigen Autos und vielen Fahrradfahrern. Und natürlich dem typisch afrikanischen Bild, eine Frau, die ihr Gepäck auf dem Kopf trägt.

Von der Brücke kann man ein Stück Wasserfall sehen und bekommt auch wieder eine kleine Dusche ab. Doch hier interessieren uns mehr die bungee jumper. Man steht direkt über ihnen und beobachtet wie sie scheinbar in den Regenbogen tauchen. Welche Geschwindigkeit und wie lange der Fall dauert ... doch immer noch nichts für mich.

Ich gehe lieber mit Roman nochmal an die Fälle und laufe sie diesmal rückwärts ab. Also angefangen wird am danger point. Diesmal haben wir sogar eine Chance auf Sicht. Man kann genau die Gischt beobachten, wie sie sich als Wand vor einem aufbaut und dann urplötzlich mehr oder weniger sachte auf einen herunterregnet. Wir sind nicht weniger nass und ich mache auch nicht weniger Fotos als gestern, aber die Sicht ist um einiges besser. Ich bin glücklich.

Leider heißt es nun, zurück zum Hotel, Koffer packen und zum Flughafen.  Der sieht sehr verlassen aus. Doch schließlich finden wir jemanden, der uns eincheckt und uns eine handgeschriebene Bordkarte überreicht, auf der die boarding time mit 2 Stunden nach Abflug angegeben ist ... Hmh ! Durch Romans Verbindungen bekommen wir unsere Ahnung bestätigt, das Flugzeug hat einen technischen Defekt und man wartet auf das Ersatzteil. Es wird wohl von einem anderen Flugzeug abgeschraubt – da Sonntag ist ....Noch ist der Flug nicht mal in Windhuk gestartet und unsere Laune wird nicht besser, als es heißt, dass man nur bis 18:00 landen kann. Der duty free shop schliesst – war auch wirklich eines der besten Shopping Erlebnisse mit 5 Flaschen Whiskey, 2 T-Shirts und einem Buch als Auswahl.  Doch dann kommt der Höhepunkt. Zwecks der Verspätung werden uns ein Getränk und ein Snack angeboten. Die Auswahl ist umwerfend. Zwischen Cola und Cola entscheide ich mich für Coca Cola (Hi Bill) und bei der Auswahl des Snacks nehme ich ein Sandwich (nur mit Schinken zu bekommen) UND einer Tüte Chips.

Langer Rede kurzer Sinn, die Maschine kommt statt um 15:00 dann endlich um 17:00 (wobei uns noch gesagt wird, warum wir so früh da seien, da die Maschine doch immer erst um 17:00 Uhr kommt …) Roman verabschiedet sich von seinen neu gewonnenen Freunden, denn das gesamte Personal am Flughafen ist begeistert bzw neugierig über seine Sheesha.

Im Flieger wird uns ein letzter Blick auf die Fälle von oben bzw auf die Gischt gegönnt und dann erwartet uns die obligatorische Zwischenmahlzeit von Air Namibia – Landjäger. Leider aber auch die Nachricht, dass wir noch eine Zwischenlandung machen in Maun. Jetzt weiß ich endlich wo das liegt. Botswana ! Und dank meines wissensdurstigen Schwiegervaters, wissen wir jetzt auch, dass dies das Tor zur Kalahari Wüste ist. Immerhin dürfen / müssen wir das Flugzeug verlassen und haben damit an diesem Tag Fuß in 4 Länder gesetzt. Für mich ist der herrliche Sonnenuntergang , den wir auf dem Rollfeld sehen, ein kleiner Ausgleich.

Um 20:00 sind wir wieder- in Windhuk, viele tolle Eindrücke reicher und haben spannende Geschichten zu erzählen.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei !

I always hesitated to go to Sossusvlei because of the drive. It is more or less 5 hours on dirt / gravel road and I was not looking forward to do that with a 4 year old in the back seat. But sometimes you just have to take the chance. So I took the opportunity when friends of mine with their friends and family went and I could tag along. My car won’t do the trick on these roads so I rented a 4 x 4 and off we went.

 It was still rainy season so people told me to be careful and right they were. The dirt IS slippery when you are driving but you get used to it pretty easy and after a while I enjoyed myself driving through the sheer endless landscape of Namibia. The scenery is interesting but not breathtaking. What is breath taking though is that moment where you hardly see a thing as you are driving into the sunlit blue sky during sunset and looking in your rear view mirror seeing the pitch black sky. The rain is coming. Time to get out of the car and look for the rainbow. There it is! Right above us - so close you think you can touch it. The perfect arch stretched from left to right of our sight. Uplifting! At that point it just seems normal to see wild animals to our left and right. They belong to this scenario. We see Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich.

At dusk we arrive at our castle for the night. Le Mirage is a hotel in the middle of nowhere 20 min from the gate to Sossusvlei Park entrance and looks like a fortress. A very (child) friendly welcome makes us fell at home quickly. The rooms are spacious and have a nice view of the endless landscape wide open. We need to go to bed as we want to have an early start for the dunes the next morning.

We leave with the sunrise and what amazes me the most is the fact that yesterday we travelled 300 odd km off road unpaved to come to a gate and now have 65 km perfectly straight tar road in front of us to reach the famous dunes. Namibian miracle or logic I would say. Driving the 65 km and seeing sand masses left and right I am not so impressed. I lived in Dubai and saw my share of sand mountains. Been there – done that. I also mumble to myself that it is a pity that is starting to rain or drizzle. But then I realize that not many people can say they have been in the desert in the rain. God’s ways are mysterious. And after a while I appreciate the picture. Dark sky, the sunrays coming through give bright spots on the sands turning the dunes in all different colors while the compulsory Oryx stands still for snapshot. Under a picture perfect rainbow of course. The last 4 km are a totally wild and bumpy ride. No road anywhere and deep soft sand lets many cars get stuck. But we have a good driver!

We arrive at the famous entrance to Deadvlei and start our ascend to the dune. By now I am actually happy that the sun is not shinning. It would be much harder to put my feet in front in a continuously upwards going motion with the sun upon us. Especially when Allegra does not want to walk anymore and I carry her piggy bag style. But the moment we sit down to rest and enjoy the view at a point where we think it is okay that we reached with 3 kids under 6 with us – the sun comes out and it is like heaven. The colors are amazing. Now you will say what is she talking about? Sand is sand and what is so great about a landscape without vegetation? I am telling you - it is amazing. Every time you look around the colors change. From dark red to a light touch of pink and back to a bright yellow. Sitting on that dune and looking down into Deadvlei (a dip where water collects after the rains) is uplifting. You do not comprehend the wide open space, its pure size or how far the end of that dune just there must be. Only when you look at this tiny dot in the far you realize it is someone walking in a good pace but it takes ages until they are close.

So we give the ‘go’ for the kids to race down the dune and Allegra decides the best way to do so is on her tummy backwards sliding. Whatever makes her happy – I guess I will find a lot of sand later in unspoken places. Down at the Vlei I cannot make a decision what and how to take a picture first. It is incredible and also indescribable. So I take them all. I jump, I lounge, flaunt around until it is time to go. It is nearly 10 am and getting hot. I feel for Tomas who has to carry both his kids plus a backpack. Even I struggle with Allegra on my back but it is totally worth it.

Back at the hotel all sweating and hard work is forgotten. The kids play the whole afternoon in the pool like they did not get up at 6 am this morning. Heaven !

And again a sunset out of the book. Colors so clear and rich you just want to inhale it and embrace the moment you are there. Right here and now in company of friends. By the way I forgot to say. Allegra and I are travelling with 9 Spanish speaking people. And maybe their way of looking at life even adds to this perfect experience.

Next morning it is time to go home. Now I am a specialist in driving these roads and I just follow the dust cloud. No way to see the vehicle in front of me. This time we take another route. It leads us to the Gondwana lodge we wanted to stay first and of course to Solitaire. Everybody stops here to have a piece of the world famous apple strudel. Well, being married to an Austrian I have to say it is really an apple pie or apple crumble but who looks at details when you have a bakery offering those kind of things in the middle of the desert. There is nothing besides a petrol station, a toilet and that bakery called ‘Moose McGregor’s Desert Bakery’.

But now comes my favorite part of the trip. The landscape is WOW! I struggle to find another word. I have difficulties on concentrating on the road because it is so beautiful. And it gets even more so when we reach Spreetshoogte Pass. The way we drive it from a wide open space to suddenly narrow road climbing or shall I say winding up the hill is incredible. Looking back or out of the side window – the views are just spectacular. They are just paving bits of the road which I think is good as I can imagine what it feels like going downhill here. A friend of mine gave me a good description before leaving: Every time she drives that pass her anus muscle is working hard (of trying not to shit her pants). We stop at the view point and I can just imagine how it must feel like when you drive coming from Windhoek. A narrow road leads you to that view point we are just standing at and a wide open scenario opens in front of your eyes which even my panoramic view setting in my camera cannot capture. This must be really and truly outstanding driving the way coming from Windhoek side. I have to do that again. Maybe not in the rainy season though J       

Skiing experience - Skifoar'n

My Skiing experience or patience is virtue ….

Several years back I made the mistake to promise my now husband that if our (by that time unborn) child will learn how to ski – I will too. I managed to get out of this promise for about 5 years now. Now my time has come. For those of you who do not know I am not a big fan of winter and snow and I are not the best friends. Looks nice but simply too cold.

Normally I have enough of it by the time I realize that I cannot move in all that winter cloth which normally happens at a supermarket cashier, trying to reach my purse and not having enough hands for scarf, hat, gloves etc. I always feel sorry for the lady sitting there as she stares in a strange way at me while I mumble swearing words in any language that come to my mind. So I had enough by the time I put on my skiing boots already … But I reach ahead.

First of all I did not know that you have to get up so early for skiing. Our daughter thought 04:30 would be the right time … I didn’t agree. I was allowed to lie in bed for a while but then we really had to hurry. 09:45 sounded great but we were hunting for a skiing suit for Allegra as she grew out of her old one. But we found the perfect one – pink of course. Daddy found new matching gloves and quickly were forgotten the tears she cried the night before.

Ok, boots, skies, sticks, jacket, scarf, hat (of course my famous one from Norway), gloves all check and off we go to Kurt. Kurt is my skiing instructor. He seems to be far beyond 60 but those are the best teachers I always hear. Kurt does not speak very much or fast – which could be either because of his age or because he is an Austrian skiing instructor and has been doing this for quite some tourists over the years. I am in a group with 3 others but they have 1 day head start. Courses normally start on Sundays and we only arrived on Sunday.

So for me that meant I had to learn faster to keep up. I am used being pushed in the cold water as we say in German but cold snow … I think I forgot to mention that we started our day with -18 C !!! MINUS in case you did not read it thoroughly. Fantastic blue sky, no cloud, sunshine to die for (which apparently is the best ski weather I can dream of) but still freaking cold. By lunch it was warm with -8 C !!! Once your chin is numb by the way, it does not matter anymore. Though I have to say I was not cold. My layers and layers of things I put on in the morning helped. And skiing or at least learning to ski is quite an exercise. No time to be bored and no time to think.

I started with what I call Sasquatch march. Trying to march up the hill with long boards attached to your way to heavy boots sideways. I felt comfortable. No we go down ! Okay ! Where are the breaks ??? Getting speed no problem but Kurt has a solution.: Pflug ! Later I found out that Allegra has been taught a much cooler word ‘Pizzaschnitte’ (pizza slice). Which is also more self-explanatory. Just put your feet in a triangle and eventually you will stop (insha - allah as I will find out).

First couple of times you are allowed to turn around walking – best would be without sliding back. Not what I did ! I am pretty good by now going downhill backwards … Simply missing the strength in my arms to hold me or push in the right direction.

Next step is ‘Bogen’ which could be translated as curve (I have no idea about the English translation for skiing expressions. In case someone does please help or google them for me). The idea would be you to ski in nice curves or slalom downhill and enjoy. Oh I enjoyed … not so sure if I did it the correct way though …

Left turn easy peasy lemon squeezy as Allegra would say but right hand side is not working for me. My skies go everywhere but not where they are supposed to go. So I find my way down with left turns only …. Marching up and Pizzaschnitte down.

Now Kurt thinks it is time for me to use the lift, which normally is introduced on the second day only. Let’s put it this way … interesting experience. A more or less friendly man hands you something that looks like a hook and you just lean against it. No sitting. It will pull you up automatically. All things by the way they only tell you later … Seems to be more fun this way. This thing does not stop obviously but I have Kurt. Somewhere on the road he gives me a push and says, see you down there … And pretty dam sure he comes back and off we go again. The others are going up all the way and it seems to be impossible to ever do that but funnily I am excited when Kurt says to me ‘Tomorrow we go all the way’.

 Time flies by and I have survived my first day of skiing. 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon after a way too short break. Everybody asks how my legs are doing. They are fine! My Yoga and Pilates seem to have worked out for me. But my shoulder and back are killing me! I am afraid I will not get out of bed the next morning. Not only because of the cold !

The most amazing feeling is the moment you put on your regular boots again. They are so heavy normally and make a quite big footed step coming from bare feet or maximum light weight Flip Flops. But now they feel like wings. I am not touching the ground and flying or hovering over it. I am okay with doing this again.

Allegra had as well 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. Her face is red and she has frozen ears but she is so happy! Smiles and shows me Spaghetti and Pizzaschnitte. (Spaghetti are straight noodles, right?). I think Roman had the worse day of the 3 of us as he knows how to ski and loves it but has no equipment yet and runs between his 2 ladies to check if everything is ok. I feel for him! Now it is his turn and while Allegra takes a late afternoon sleep in my arms he gets a new outfit as well. Not purple as Allegra had wished for but stylish red and black. Hills here we come … What’s that song from Sound of music?

Day 2

Dear lord, it is still cold! I do not want to get out of bed and again I had it for the day after putting on my boots. Why do they have so many sips and clicks and Velcro thingies ???

Anyway, Kurt waits for me and today we are just 3 of us. By now I do not feel that the others have a day of advantage as I now stay with them and see they are also not as good as they look from the far distance.

The word of the day is ‘Rutschen’ – sliding. Oh man I am goooooooooood in sliding. Who needs to break anyway? NO FEAR is my motto of the day and of we go. I am getting better in right turns and going backwards is fun! The best feeling though is when I do my left turn and slide towards the group. Kurt sees me coming and jumps away – afraid I will crash and I stop with just a smile a millimeter before him. Like in the movies I have to say … Right side … hmh still tricky and I do 2 left turns for every one right turn.

Lift taking by myself ? Well I tried and an unspoken agreement with Kurt and me has been done to NOT do that again. Off I go half way as we did so many times and find myself confidently sliding down the hill … backwards!!!!   NO FEAR So I stick with Kurt.

Next exciting step is going up the hill more and more with the lift until I finally reach the top !!! King of the world … on my bump I go ! Nothing broken so off we go sliding, curving and whatever other expressions you have !! Weather is not bad, no sun but less cold. Still below 0 C but okay. I still believe the most exhausting thing for me is the constantly blowing my nose action. Without that I would have had enough time to learn the right turn as well. But tomorrow there is another day … (Don’t tell my legs as I start to feel them. Not so much if I do not move but enough to be ready for a nice warm shower)

Day 3

We decided that Allegra will have a break today and only goes skiing in the afternoon. Morning was entertainment program with Daddy while mom goes back on her skies.

At least she tried. I felt every muscle and bone in my body. Muscles I did not even know I had. I was happy not knowing them if I may add. Nevertheless new day and no pain no gain.

New day meant as well new teacher. Brueno or something from Norway. A bit younger and more my type in the sense that he talked more with jokes etc. He did not think much about my unspoken agreement of not taking the lift by myself. ‘Off you go’ and so I did. He was the one who changed my motto from NO FEAR to NO MERCY. He was brutal – good but no mercy what so ever. Just slide down the steepest hill and do a short curve (turn). Over and over again. He did explain much more than the other teacher but when your ski does not want to do what he says … what can I do ?

By now it was only two of us left and while my ski buddy from Holland is sliding and driving away I am busier collecting my skies or myself of the ground or out of the deep snow. Damn this sport is difficult. My legs won’t do what I tell them even if I bend and lean and whatever Brueno suggested. I am not Pamela. Brueno tries to explain that you have to look up and face the valley. Open your breast and show them to the valley (imagine Pamela Anderson). All clear but when you do not have anything to show there is nothing to do. So I try my best and lean in the valley, put my skies in an angle, look up and of course smile and enjoy. Let’s put it this way: Not there yet !

By the end of the two hours I am exhausted, shaking and in tears. I had enough for the day and quit. Taking of my boots seemed like Mission Impossible. For a moment I thought seriously about going to bed with them just to not have to take them off.

While I try to convince Allegra to ski in the afternoon, Roman is off and I hope he enjoys. It has by now about -5 C and the sun is out. Blue sky just postcard picture perfect.

Instead of sitting in the corner and mumbling not to be said words in front of a child I decide to get my frustrations out by throwing snow balls at the parking lot of Kempinski Hotel.

I call a friend and she suggests having a nice Cappuccino. Even the thought of lifting a cup is painful.

I feel a bit better and take a stroll left and right until Allegra is done with her two hours private lesson. In the afternoon she is alone with the teacher and laughs and smiles. No tears and she shows me how is speeds downhill.

I am looking desperately for a Red Cappuccino (as it is Wednesday) and that would lift my spirits. At least I find a nice spot outside and have a cup of green tea (which is cold after half the cup) to keep me going.

Allegra and I pick up Roman and according to the pictures he took he must have had a much better day then me. Back in the house I take a bath which I normally do not like but warm water seems to be a good recipe for aching muscles. A shower just won’t do today. There I realize that part of the pain comes from the blue mark on my leg in the size of Texas. Swollen and changing color – a bit in the shape of Africa. I hope and believe in the magic of Arnica – nothing else I can do!

By now I have not even told you about the house we are staying in. And the fact that we stay in one of the most prestige skiing resorts in Austria – Kitzbuehel. We stay in a small village and have the most amazing house you can dream of. Indescribable and out of this world. The house is out of wood and original from 1860 … For more details I will have to show the pictures but they won’t do justice.

While I type this I realize that I just finished half my course. Oh lord ! Tomorrow more of this ? Well if I don’t do it I will never go back on the skies and that might be a shame. I will let you know !  

Day 4
Still cold!! I wake up in the morning and my hot water bottle has no heating strength left. I carefully open one eye – snow still there. The mountain in the far back looks hazy and right I am - it is snowing. At least that explains my headache. A look on the thermometer and to my surprise the temperature is coming closer to 0 C, which of course means that the snow from the mountain comes down with us as rain.
Surprisingly enough I am able to get out of bed. I wouldn’t say nothing hurts but what was excruciating pain yesterday (bending down to dress Allegra) is manageable today. Even going up or down the stairs in the house does not feel any more like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The only thing is that thought of going back up that hill. For a moment I consider that it would be quite pleasant to take a bike trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund instead of going skiing. But by the time I argue with the pros and cons I am already dressed in my gear. Even putting on my boots did not take that long anymore. Am I getting in the routine?

Then I see my skiing instructor with his big mean smile. Correction by the way here, his name is not Brueno but Roener (same difference to me) and he is 63 of which he has skied about 61 …
I am able to convince Roener to start slowly by getting off half way (at least me) and I am proud of myself for not sliding back downhill for a change. Now Roener has a new way of teaching us to face the valley. Hold your sticks like a tray in your hands and slide down. ‘Yeah sure’ is my first thought. ‘Should I tap dance for you as well ?‘  But my continuously mantra ‘no fear(including making the right eyes), face the valley, lean’ helps and it goes surprisingly well. Even my right turn seems to come along. Once in a while at least.
I am growing in confidence I believe and even think that this might be the day without falling. Well NO! But only twice and I am so good now that I can get up myself. Roener just laughs at me. He also explains to me that my legs are too long. Hardly ever had a man complaining about this. But it makes sense. He is a head shorter than me and for him the distance to the ground is shorter. Leaning forward is easier for him. All in the physics ….
So while sliding and leaning and bending and and and I take the decision to stick to my initial thought of this morning this will be my last skiing lesson of the year. Suddenly I am gliding and having fun. I have to admit once you overcome that pressurizing feeling it is a quite enjoyable sport. You don’t feel the pain while doing it and bruises are forgotten. I know now what my husband talks about when he says he went downhill yodeling. (You know what I mean ‘Jolaadiiiooooohhhh’ Austrian style). For a split second I want to give the mountain my best shot but don’t want to read about this experience the next day in the paper … (Funny German lady caught yodeling). So we go up and down and I really enjoy myself on the last downhill curving, turning, bending, leaning etc and YES it is time for lunch. I pick up Allegra who was supposed to go on my part of the hill today as well but the teacher realized quickly that it is too early. So she enjoyed her penguin hill. There are penguins as decoration which I find so perfect for her considering her school is called Little Penguins.

I return my skies and even if I break now the heart of my husband (and my Austrian family) I have to say: skiing is not my sport and never will be. With the happy ending of today I might consider in a year or two (after a couple of beach vacations) to try it again. I am glad I did it but can live happily ever after without it. Sorry !!

After an afternoon nap (what a luxury not having to rush back) we take a small stroll and Allegra is sliding down the small hill in front of our house on her butt with her dad – both sitting on a plastic bag. What joyous moments. Of course I have to try as well and the ground gives a nice massage to my butt cheeks. We also have a small snowball fight but I have to get better conditions for that tomorrow – it was getting dark already.

For tomorrow morning Allegra goes skiing and I will … Well stay tuned to read more

Day 5

Call the police! Someone stole the mountains! It is snowing so heavenly heavy that you can’t see far. According to the skiing instructor of Allegra between 07:30 and 10:00 there was 15 cm new snow!! And it is heavy wet snow. That means it is very difficult to walk and the skiing instructors for the kids have to prepare the slope all over new again. Hard work and Monika (Allegras skiing instructor) isn’t so pleased that Allegra shows up I have the feeling. The other kids stayed home due to the weather. I am sinking in the snow and believe that I will get pretty soon a call to fetch Allegra as she is fed up. But I drive back - or at least try. I haven’t been driving on snow in ages and the roads are slippery like hell. It does not help that you don’t see squad but what I can do on skies I just transfer to the car. I slide and smile ! Meanwhile it started snowing horizontal …It is so bad that they cancel one of the big skiing events which was supposed to take place today in Kitzbuehel. This weekend there is the famous Hahnenkamm Rennen – one of THE skiing events and the steepest downhill. You have Super G on Friday, Abfahrt (downhill) on Saturday and Sunday Slalom. The passages or slopes are already closed off for public. You just see the red fences from everywhere which looks quite impressive. Kitzbuehel is full and you only see Audi, BMW and Porsche as they are sponsoring the event. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. 

There comes no call and when we pick up Allegra after two hours she is wearing very stylish skiing glasses. She continues to go up and down her little hill (racing I would call it), moving gently through arches they set up and doesn’t seem to be bothered by the snow. I think I took the right decision to stay home today as I cannot even see the top where I normally get out of the lift to start. They even stopped one off the lifts. While trying to film her, my hands are frozen but Allegra just enjoys. Isn’t that beautiful?
We have lunch and when coming home Allegra and I have another round of snow fun! Snow angels I have to teach my little one. And what better way than to do it yourself! For those who don’t know what I am talking about: throw yourself in the snow laying on your back and spread your arms. Wiggle them so it looks like wings of an angel. Sooooooo much fun ! Allegra also enjoys the deep snow. When I walk I sink in until my knees minimum -sometimes even half my thigh is gone. Yeah I need the exercise by now ;-) Movement is good! The pain and aches are there but today it feels more like a healthy exercise hangover. My back and shoulders are much better and now it is my legs and knees. But according to Röner that means I did something right! Yeah baby!
By now it is winter wonderland here. No sound to hear as the snow swallows everything and if I wouldn’t have so much snow in by boots I would stay longer outside.

I hope tomorrow we can build a snowman with Allegra and maybe take a lift up the mountain and show her the view what she saw so far only on pictures.

Day 6 and 7
 And it snows and snows and snows … 07:30 am we wake up by the by now familiar sound of the next door neighbor – the farmer coming with his excavator / caterpillar and clearing our drive way. Kind of cool service I think. Of course this makes going to the car downhill more like ice skating but nothing against a little sports in the morning.

We are on our way to the Hahnenkamm Rennen – as I mentioned the event of the season. The parking situation is impossible so we park a bit outside and take Allegra on a slide (sledge?) that we bought and Romans pulls her through the town. It snows like crazy and the roads are slippery as hell. But by now I am used to just glide through the day, right?

We fight our way through until the finish line of the downhill race. As we set up camp or better find a position to stand without sliding away, the race has started and it is kind of interesting. You can’t see where the racers start but can follow this on a big screen. At a certain point we take off our eyes of the giant TV and see a little dot racing or speeding down the slope. It is difficult to see as the snow is irritating but they are anyway so fast that you have to hurry up to follow them. 60 athletes start that day and we managed to see about 50 or 55 of them as we came a bit late. At least we saw the winner of the day – 5^th time in a row the same Swiss guy wins. Sorry Austria - but the atmosphere is good. Anyway they only sell beer, Gluehwein, coke or Red Bull. One Gluehwein and I am gone. But I am also not cold …Partially that could be as well because of the cool toe warmers my father gave me and I am wearing. It is all a matter of gadgets, am I right?         

We stay until the end and crawl back to our car. Totally wet from the snow fall and with a lot of fresh air in our lungs to make us tired. Just Allegra seems to recuperate and recharge her batteries magically in a 10 min car ride and does not even think about giving us a rest. 

Today we actually realize that we were standing just next to the VIP stage and did not even bother to look at any one sitting there. All of Austria’s High Society was there including Arnold Schwarzenegger – at least that is what we read today in the paper. We also did not go to any of the after parties but also with this I can live very well.

The snow has turned into rain today and it is not tempting to go outside. At least this gives me time to do some yoga. My back and left leg are hurting badly but nothing what a little yoga can’t stretch away. And suddenly I see something like a little sunshine. We pack our things and get dressed (quicker every day or I am just getting used to 30 min approx.?) and head for a mountain lift so Roman can go skiing. Allegra and I tag along and enjoy the view from Horn Bahn Gondel (a cabin lift). We see all of Kitzbuehel and have the perfect view of both famous slopes (today is the Slalom as you might remember). As soon as we are on the top – the view disappears – fog! Nothing to see for quite a while but Allegra and I play anyway in the snow. It doesn’t matter if we are on 900m above sea level or like now above 1600 m. Snow is snow … The only thing is that they use one of these little machines to clear there sun terrace (haha) which blows the snow away – right towards us … 

We enjoy a typical Huettenschmaus (lunch) in form of a Germknoedel which is basically a yeast dumpling without taste filled with plum jam and covered in vanilla sauce and sprinkled with poppy seeds and icing sugar. Each bite about a thousand calories – just divine!

Now it is time to show Allegra what ‘Rodeln’ is – speeding downhill on a slide/sledge. Of course for that you have to get up the hill somehow. Exercise is good and what does Allegra always say when climbing stairs? Strong legs !! So we pull Allegra up MY mountain. Fair enough it is a hill but for me as being a Flachland Tiroler (someone how did not grow up in the mountains) any raise in the landscape is a mountain. Be sure my legs but also Roman legs agree on the top (2/3 to be fair) that this is indeed a mountain.

All three of us hop on and down we go. Poor Allegra is covered in snow within seconds as Roman tries to steer and stop our descent with his feet. And she sits in front. But she wants to go again. Off we go one more time ! But now it is time to get home. My trousers are filled with snow from below but not as much as they will be when I finished my daily evening exercise. The owner of the house asked me to feed the birds … little did I know when I agreed that I had to walk to the bird house through - by now 1 m - snow to reach there. So I walk like a stork every evening with some bird food and try to step on the way back in the footstep I made before. I still sink up to my thighs in the snow. The hope of getting strong legs helps … and the birds are happy.

In case you thought we got stuck or snowed in – I just wanted to let you know about our last couple of days.

Day 8
Still snowing! Not tempting to go out at all. So we decide to have a Spa Day. We went to Arosa Hotel and had a fantastic Hamman experience. Finally – after 45 min on a hot stone being massaged by a good looking gentleman – I was warm. For once in the last couple of weeks – until my daughter decides to go swimming again. Well, what the heck. Water is good for you and cold water keeps you fresh and young right? And I have to admit it is kind of cool to have a connecting indoor / outdoor pool with heated water and you can swim in the snow (I mean while snowing). No wonder Arnie had chosen the hotel but no sight of him anywhere.  

Day 9
After packing and before heading to Vienna I want to build a snowman. Need to convince my family a bit but at the end I was very proud of us. A bit crooked but I think for Allegra’s first snowman ever very nice. Picture proof attached.

I have to admit I was sad to leave the nice house and my fairy wonderland. But any vacation has to come to an end. Even when it is cold or specially then ?

The drive to Vienna is longer than expected due to still heavy snowfall but in the end we make it. And another first time of the day. Allegra got her first Happy Meal at McDonald’s. Yum!

Day 10 (+11)

For those of you who don’t know Vienna – it is always windy. Which does not really help with feeling welcome and pleasant in winter around 0C. Nevertheless we behave like tourists and take a ‘Fiaker’ ride. Horses and a carriage through the beautiful downtown of Austria’s capital. Allegra is not as impressed as she would be in a couple of years but I enjoy. To get warm (for a change) we have tea and coffee at Do & Co over the roof tops of Vienna opposite the famous Stephan’s Dom (church). The rest of day and the next day we spent with family and enjoy freezing our butts off on several playgrounds.

Day 12

There are good days, bad days and then comes a day like this Friday. Ok getting up at 6:00 is not my favorite thing but I survive.  Then Allegra throws a fit at security check at the airport because the lady working there re arranges her favorite toy - which is also manageable. Now the plane is delayed for 1 hour … Okay ! But driving in the airport bus to the plane being accompanied by singing and totally drunken Austrians (inappropriate songs by the way)while trying to hold on to the hand rails can get to you. Of course it does not surprise one that 10 minutes later the police comes in the plane and escorts these fine young gentlemen out of the plan for misbehaving. But my luck does not end ! While starting our descent to Hannover the pilot pulls up again and we cruise for a while… After that it feels like Murphys law that there is only 1 toilet for what feels like a gazillion people at the luggage belt. Luckily our suitcases arrive and spin around slowly on the luggage belt on the by now totally deserted airport. I need a trolley but why should I have the luck to be in possession of the right coin ???

I think the guy at the Sixt rent a car counter thought what strange woman is coming there as I told him I do not care what kind of car he has. I need  4 wheels to take me home … The rest of the day was better …  

Now I am back with my parents and started packing. In 24 hours our plane takes off and I hope to see some sunshine for a change. I am happy to fly back but I do not look forward putting on my flying stockings as my black mark from my skiing adventure is still with me … My leg has gone through all colors of the rainbow and find its way down to nearly my ankle now … The compression will help the healing I hope – haha.