It is no secret that I absolutely love (!) the mountains. In fact I think I may be a reincarnated mountaineer or ranger, because I get a very special feeling of serenity and genuine belonging when I am in mountainous terrain.
Matterhorn via Picasa - I would love to climb the 'Hörnli ridge' (right).. A distant dream..!
For two years I lived in the divine (Olympic) village of Lillehammer Norway where I enjoyed a full life of hiking, climbing, skiing and other mountainous fun. It was perfect for me and I still dream of one day owning a cozy chalet perched in-between snowy peaks just like this one near beautiful Matterhorn (one of my favourite peaks!) in Switzerland..
I once stayed as a guest in a privately owned castle in this area of Switzerland. My host and his family had held their beautiful grand home & grounds for many generations. Suffice to say it was a real privilege to be able to experience their warm hospitality in such a unique and exclusive setting. George, if you read this. Thanks again - that was such a fun Easter break! Good memories.x
During that same trip I also skied the Matterhorn, and though I have swooped down the pistes (and off-pistes!) of many famous places in the Alps I would probably rate this one as one of my favourite skiing destinations (after Chamonix, Avoriaz and the Mount Blanc slopes in Val d'Aosta).
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House tour images via Inside Home Page
*sigh*
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Don't forget to enter my 'Kindergallery' give-away of two 'ABC Character' posters by 'ISAK'. Entries are open to Australian & NZ residents only, however if you are an international blogger with a friend who lives in one of these regions you may enter on their behalf. Entries close on Sunday 26th June at Midnight, Sydney time..
Happy hugs from a sunny & glistening Sydney.