One of the hardest parts of living abroad (let’s be honest, there are very few) is missing friends and family; however, we have been very fortunate with the many visitors we have received. Most recently, we were able to convince the Pfieffer family (probably the oldest friends of Chris) to change their annual ski trip location from Park City, Utah to Zermatt, Switzerland.
Switzerland Part I: Zermatt
We arrived in Zermatt in the early afternoon on Thursday with just enough time to squeeze in a half day of skiing. The complete white-out conditions were a little rough, but the few hours of skiing were a good warm-up for the longer ski days to come, and our spacious apartment (complete with fireplace) was exactly what we all needed after a long day of traveling and skiing.
Day two was an absolutely full day of skiing. We caught the first funicular to the top of the mountain and enjoyed some serious powder – probably the most we have ever experienced. Having convinced the Pfeiffers to travel over 4,000 miles to go skiing, we were thankful that the conditions lived up to our promises. 26 miles of skiing later, we tucked into what might be our new favorite apres ski bar. The Champagne Bar, nestled beside one of the pistes that runs into town, is the definition of opulence. Sipping a glass of Veuve, overlooking the Swiss Alps, surrounded by friends, we realized that life doesn’t get much better.
No trip to Zermatt is complete without a stop at our favorite mid-mountain restaurant, Chez Vrony. And so, on Saturday, we took a long (and much needed) lunch break to savor delicious food, breath-taking views of the Matterhorn, and the company of fabulous friends.
Little did you know that pandas, dinosaurs, cows, penguins, and giraffes are all old friends who holiday together during the winter months. Don’t believe us? Here is some photographic evidence of our final, blue-chip day of skiing in Zermatt.
Someone Call the Zoo Video
Switzerland Part II: Fasnacht
The timing for the Pfeiffer’s trip couldn’t have been more perfect because it coincided with the start of Basel’s famous Fasnacht. Sunday evening was marked by Liestal’s Chienbaese (the infamous fire parade outside of Basel), Monday morning came early with Morgenstreich (the 4-am parade which we watch from our apartment), and Monday afternoon was bolstered by hours of street parades (complete with confetti showers and a visit from “Roger Federer”).
Much like last year, words can’t really describe the event, but here is our best attempt at a math equation:
Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail + New Year’s Eve in Time Square – 500,000 people + Mardi Gras – women flashing + 100,000 clowns playing instruments = Basel Fasnacht
Still don’t understand? Here are some photos and videos to help paint the picture of this very weird, yet wonderful celebration.
Mummies Playing Drums Video and Roger Federer Attacks Mrs. Pfeiffer Video
A special thanks to the Pfeiffer crew for their travels, their company, and the endless laughs we shared together. We are so lucky to have friends who travel the world to share in our adventures.
SASgoesSwiss 