Winter holiday

As the winter had a tight grip on Germany til last week we decided to stay in Hesse at Astrids family for our winter holiday.

It was the week of karneval whis more a tractor show here. ;-)

We went skiing in Willingen and had fun with our horses, the dogs and the new 4-wheel drive Volvo.









On our way home to Mannheim Astrid started this year's dressage tournament season with a good placement.



Next week I will be in Bangkok for 3 days.

Ski vacation

Astrid and me went skiing to La Plagne in France over New Year. Find some snapshots here of the fine french architecture. It shows our apartment complex in La Plagne Bellecote.



It was quite cold, but only weak winds and a lot of sun. After some fresh snow on the second day we had wonderful conditions.



The ski resort offers nice views on the majestic Mont Blanc. Maybe one day I´ll be able to return for this event.



Here a glance through my red sun glasses. :)



New Years Eve was celebrated on a mountain hut with the Skiclub Fritzlar.



The magic first minutes of 2009.



I wish all of you a happy New Year!!!

1978

Between my company's and our riding stable's christmas parties on Friday and today I went to Austria for the 30th birthday of my old mate Steffi. After riding the Alpine Coaster (a kind of roller coaster in the snow) we went up the mountain above Bludenz to party in a very scenic mountain hut of the ski club.



Tony and Steffi filled the guests with delicious local food and drinks,...



...local friends guided a torchlight procession...



...and triggered some fireworks.



Just before crawling in our sleeping bags Tony and me escorted Steffi circling around the hut barefooted in the snow, which seems to be a local tradition when getting 30 without being married, at least somebody told her to do so. :)



In the morning I hiked back to the cableway enjoying the nice mountain panorama.



What a great short vacation in the mountains. Living here does not look like bad idea.