“It’s been real, it’s been fun.” as A. would say.
The first part of our winter vacation is over. Now we are on our way to Vienna, writing this in the back of a car, which is taking us there. Decided to do the whole trip by car instead of going by train to Salzburg, then on to Vienna. Comfier and more convenient with the amount of luggage we have.

M had his last day on the slopes, he had a blast, minus a swollen, bleeding lip and the earache which changed our evening plan altogether.
He has been complaining about pain for the past few days, but it always went after an hour or so. This time it did not.
As we were just about to go the the Christmas Market in Kitzbühel, M couldn’t take it anymore. So we visited the emergency of the Hospital in St. Johann.

Had a pleasant experience, we were quickly escorted into an examination room, the nurse checked his blood pressure, weight, pulse, and though we were told that might have to wait up to 2 hours, within half and hour we had him examined and were on our way home, only stopping to get some medicine.

His right ear is inflamed, got some antibiotic. The weird thing is, as I was writing to my sis that his ear hurts, exactly at that moment I received a message, saying Szofi’s ear hurts as well. She is his cousin, and have a very special bond between them. They even get sick at the same time, the distance doesn’t matter.
She is very protective of him, even though she is only 3 years old. Another “proof” that their souls must have agreed up there to meet in this life. Maybe she was meant to be his elder sister who wasn’t born, who knows?

Loved watching my son ski, he improved so much, just within 4 days. Imagine what he could do with regular training? Must give some credit to the instructor the Kempinski provided us with. Him having 3 children of his own, bonded quickly with M and got him follow his instructions , which is not an easy task.

While he was up on the slopes, we roamed the streets of Kitzbühel. Unfortunately the Christmas Market only opens after 14.00, so just the usual shops were open.

All the designer stores are there, if you choose to shop. Saw a lovely meat shop, being in business since the 19th century. Found lots of interior design stores, many of them selling the typical furniture and accessories for log homes. Wish I could have taken some home. The antler chandelier for one, and some pairs of old skis.

Maybe next time, or when we come by car.

So instead of shopping I checked out what the real estate agents had on offer. They had a few gorgeous houses up on the slopes. Didn’t think properties are that expensive here.
Found two that I liked, both of them were over 2 million euros.
300 sqm, wooden frame, huge panoramic windows overlooking the Alps and the ski slopes, beams, fireplaces,. Sadly they don’t come with huge lands, just a tiny garden. You don’t need it f you have the Alps as your playground.

I live in a log cabin, so seeing this many wooden framed houses was a real pleasure. Loved the aged, weathered look of the wood shingles , the thick beams, the simple, rustic shutters and doors.
Even our suite in the hotel had this feel. Wooden floors, natural pine wood paneling, doors, beams, even had a fireplace in the living room. The rustic mirror was so beautiful, coupled with limestone in the bathrooms. Simple but elegant.

We spent quite a lot of time inside, it had such a pleasant atmosphere , that we even had dinner brought up to us once.
To tell the truth, Mish had a headache. I wasn’t quite sure f that it was for real, or he just simply didn’t want to go down with his Dad to the bar.

You see, smoking is allowed there. It is a cigar bar. And although the ventilation is great, you can still smell the cigar smoke.
I do understand the urge some people feel to have a smoke. Up to a certain level.

Used to smoke myself, a long time ago. Quitted it over 20 years ago, when I decided it is time to have a baby. Mind you, it took me another 11 years to actually have him. Not my fault.

The only reason M agreed to go down there with his Dad was because of the wifi, it was real strong. And they had great french fries. Simple pleasures in life.

To sum it all up:

For me it was more like a culinary trip, starting with the local farmer’s butter and cheeses in the morning, ending the day with their 4 course gourmet dinners.

The view from the ski slopes took my breath away each and every time we got there. Never got tired of taking photos, each moment I’ve captured looked totally different. The way the clouds surrounded the highest peaks, how the sun shone through them, and a minute later it was back to dark and mysterious again.

Just asked my son, what was the best part of the trip? “ Mum, skiing of course!”

And his Dad? He is sleeping next to me. But I don’t think I need to ask. Most probably the Cigar Lounge. If I am not mistaken, there is one in the hotel we are going to…:)