Officially Winter

Today, December 1st is the official meteorological start of winter. However, based on the calendar, winter starts on the 21st of December, the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. 

Today we woke up to a cold morning, roofs and walkways and plants, and any surface where snow can land on, blanketed in white. I always find delight in seeing snow. It hasn't snowed for some time in a long time now so the color contrast outside is a very welcome sight. But I had to sweep the snow on our walkway so that no one will accidentally slip while passing by. 

The snow is wet though and the temperature is not so low (about 1°C), so I guess it will not stay long and will eventually melt away during the day. But it is a good start for December... And perhaps, when one dreams long enough for a white Christmas, it will be granted this year. Who knows? 

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The 1st Advent

"Soon it will be Christmas day... " goes one of those classic Christmas songs. And indeed, it will soon be Christmas. Next Sunday is already the 1st advent. And this year, for the first time in the 11 years of living here in Germany, I finally managed to make a round advent wreath, and a week early at that!

I bought the wreath structure made of Nordmann fir and then put in the candles and decorated it with my eldest while my husband looked after the baby. I realized I missed doing crafts with my eldest since it had been a while since we did something handmade together. 

We went for a semi-natural theme, and used what I already have at home from our previous Christmases: cinnamon sticks, pine cones, wood figures, red berries, and repurposed the star ornaments that I usually hang on our Christmas tree. I wasn't able to buy some white ribbons to emphasize the candles. I will be adding them as soon as I purchase some.

So there... We are now ready for the 1st Advent. What do you think of our creation?

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Officially Winter Time

On the night of Saturday to Sunday, the 24th of October, summer time officially ended and we are time fell back an hour. That means that the time difference between where are now and our relatives back home is an hour more. It actually felt like you have an hour more or sleep and it is also an adjustment you have to make because that would also mean it is already an hour too late for bed time. 

And this time adjustment, does it really make sense? I remember they tried implementing this in my country when I was still small. I never really understood why they had to do it but it didn't work for us and so they had to revert to what has been. Here in Europe there have also been debates about whether this daylight saving time makes sense or not. For some European countries, it does not make sense but for the Scandinavian countries especially, the daylight saving time does. 

But I heard that this bi-annual, seasonal clock change will soon be stopped. In 2019 the European Commission carried out a public consultation and a whopping 84% of the 4.6 million replies called out for the discontinuation of the seasonal clock change. The proposal is to put a stop to the seasonal clock change by 2021 but the Council still has to finalize its position. 

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The Wilhelma Christmas Garden

Winter is slowly making it's way in this part of the world. Days are getting shorter and shorter, and the wind is chilly and icy. But despite the cold, I always find joy and wonder in this season, for winter is after all "the most wonderful time of the year".

Why? Well, because of this of course:

And these mammut trees that seem to be dancing in a play of lights or these angels, playing the hymns of Christmas:

Or enjoy the lotus pond illuminated with lights:

Should you ever get hungry or want to grab something warm to drink, a small Christmas market is available at your disposal:

Yes, everything lights up, making the sleeping botanical garden alive and awake:

Where is this, you ask? The lighted elephant gives it away.

Yup, you got it right! It is in the Wilhelma Zoo! Visit the Christmas Garden at Wilhelma in Stuttgart between 17.00 - 22.00 PM. They opened the Christmas garden last 14th November 2019 and will be available until the 6th of January 2020.

Don't miss the Christmas Garden at the Wilhelm Zoo in Stuttgart, now on its second year! Tickets are available online at www.christmas-garden.de/stuttgart or at the selling booths outside the main gate.

Photos were taken last year and are the blogger's own.

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An Unexpected Winter Hike

We were set to go sledding on the second day of Christmas (December 26). Everything was set: sleds, snow clothes, even the hotel where we were supposed to spend the evening. But when we arrived at Silvretta Montafon, we were disappointed since the sledding track was closed due to very small snow cover. It hasn't snowed for quite a while.. It was snowing on that day though and up in the mountains, the situation was different. We went hiking anyway, since we were already there. It would be a waste of time, fuel and effort if we didn't go up the mountains to enjoy the snow right? 

And so hike we did. We took the cable car (Hochjochbahn) from the Hochjoch station up to the Kapell station and then started trekking our way down to the Middle Hochjoch station. It was a good thing that we brought one sled with us so the little one can sit when her feet get tired from walking. No one went sledding that day since it was closed but we still had some sledding fun every now and then during our hike. It was a 5 km long sledding course with gentle slopes, perfect for families and children and I can just imagine how much fun it would be if it was only opened. You also have a very natural setting, with a very beautiful pine tree forest in the background. On normal days, one can sled this 5-km stretch in as fast as 20 minutes but in our case, which was just walk, sled and more walk, it took longer. There was some good snow cover in some parts, especially in the higher area but as we trekked further down, we realized why they closed the sledding course. 

I think it took more than three hours and landing on my po for a few times before we finally reached the Middle Hochjoch station, where we stopped briefly at the restaurant to empty our bladders and fill our bellies with hot mugs of chocolate drink before we descended to the Hochjoch valley station. 

If you are interested in sledding at Silvretta Montafon in Vorarlberg in Austria, you may buy a day ticket at the Hochjoch station or online. It costs €23,20 for adults and €14,40 for children. 

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The Hafelekar in Innsbruck

I wasn't really prepared (at least physically) to go up the Hafelekar when we went to visit Innsbruck, Austria last Saturday. I had no idea that it was called Hafelekar then. All I know is that my husband said it would be a very find place to visit especially that we have visiting friends from tropical Philippines. He mentioned about riding a cable car to get to there but I hadn't the slightest idea how high up it would be. I had been to the mountains in Montserrat near Barcelona in Spain (which reminds me that I need to blog about it!) and the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf, but it was in the summer. Going up the mountains during winter is an entirely different story. 

It was cold when we arrived Innsbruck and higher up the mountains, it was colder.... and there are only stones and snow and more snow! But it was worth all the "tagos hanggang buto" cold feeling. The mountains looked majestic in its white glory. It is a definite high, with just you, the clouds and the mountains. And there was the hot and spiced glühwein at the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) at Innsbruck's city center later.

The ascent at the Hafelekar station.

Excited feet stepping on the powdery white snow

The cross at the peak. The view is just breathtaking!

Just my husband's booted foot... My other booted foot never got the courage to go up to the peak. 

This blogger is just so happy to be here!
The child in me was screaming: "Let's go make a snowman!"
Maybe next time... when I am more dressed up for it! :D

Then it's time to leave and say goodbye, arrivederci, au revoir, auf wiedersehen.

The photos were taken by my husband, whose adventurous spirit took him to the peak of the Hafelekar or the Hafelekarspitze when we (me, our little girl and our two guests) retreated into the warmth of the cable car station because our hands and feet could no longer bear the cold. :)

To get to the Hafelekar, take the funicular from Innsbruck to Hungerburg. From there take the cable car going to Seegrube and then change to another cable car that climbs up Hafelekar. There are combi tickets available, if you also want to visit the Alpenzoo. For more information on the rates and the schedules, just visit the official website of the Innsbrucker Nordketten Bahnen at www.nordkette.com.

Look out for this logo:

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Why Good Air At Home Is Important In Winter

Now that it is winter, it could really get very cold so that we tend to just close all our windows and doors to keep the cold out. Lucky if you have heaters because you can just turn it on and Voila! Your rooms are heated. For those who have not, this could really be a problem as winters can be very long, and of course too damn cold! I can still remember the musical Annie, where the orphans were living in a very poor condition and all they had were "cotton blankets 'stead of wool." The orphanage could certainly use a heating system. If it were a true story and there is indeed such an orphanage, they can solicit help for a chauffage installation montreal or heating installation. I am sure many generous hearts will lend a helping hand.

But keep in mind that it is not only heating that is important in winter. Keeping the heaters on for hours on nend for the entire duration of the winter will find your walls with mold growth, and a stuffy and wet air, it is almost impossible to breath. Which is why it is very important to air the rooms in your homes for at least 15 minutes daily to let fresh air in. Or if you have larger areas to ventilate, you could go modern and have a ventilation system installed.  Ventilating your rooms is essential so that the bad or dirty air is removed. It helps also keep your rooms dry, thus preventing the growth of molds, which is a known health risk.

So these two things are essential: heating and ventilation. If you are planning on changing your heating system at home and are living in the Montreal area, heat pumps or thermopompe montreal suppliers are within easy reach. Consult a professional first so you may be adviced as to which heating and ventilating system will work best for you and your budget.

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Time For Some Holiday Spirit

Well now that Halloween has come to an end, it is time to put away the scary and the terrifying and glam up the house with some holiday cheer. My favorite home decor shop is more than ready to spread on the Christmas holiday cheer and it has taken me a lot of effort to just be content with looking at the window display. But I must tell you, my feet have been itching to go inside so my hands can get a hold of those glittery, sparkly, bright and merry decors of the season. My head is flooding with ideas and I am afraid I wouldn't last a month without taking action.

So here are some of the decors that I fancy which I think will cheer up our home this Christmas season:

1. Hand-made Advent or Christmas Calendar: I didn't have an idea about the Advent calendar but this has been practiced by the Germans since the beginning of the 19th century. It usually comprises of 24 windows, representing the 24 days before Christmas day and in it, one can place chocolates or small toys (if you have little children) as a small gift them. This is to celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas and I think makes Christmas more exciting. There are many ready made calendars available in stores but I think I want to make this year a little different by making my own. There are some pretty and interesting ideas I found on Living At Home like the used coffee-cups covered with different gift wrappers, the colorful small pouches hanged on a curtain rod, and the small gifts on a shelf. So I guess I will have to make first a list of 24 small things that I think will be appreciated as small gifts. Ah, my little girl will be so delighted.

Photo from www.livingathome.de

2. Christmas Balls in Clear Cylinders: If you want to have a color theme for Christmas, this would be a good idea. Get a tall, clear cylindrical vase and fill it up with colored glass balls. It can come in different shades of the color you want: gold, green, purple, red, silver, blue. This is a good way to also recycle the old Christmas balls that you have. These are good as center pieces for your tables. You can also throw in pine cones and hand painted chestnut shells.

3. Candles. No matter what the season, candles always give warmth to any room and is considered a no-fail home accessoires. Just make sure you don't burn the house down.  You can choose the scented variety that smells of the season: roasted almonds, chocolate, vanilla, orange. Choose the colors that fit with your theme. If not, red and white are always the safe ones to go with. Candles, once lit, instantly add to the holiday ambience that you want to create, be it on the dining table or in the living room.

Photo from blog.prestonbailey.com

4. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree. I have always wanted to get a real tree for Christmas but failed to get one every single year. This year I might really go for it. It need not be as tall as the ceiling though cause that would mean more ornaments to fill it and more space needed. As long as it's a real tree, it's fine with me. I would love to adorn it in red and gold... Or maybe not. Whatever.

5. Advent Wreath. Christmas is a time to prepare. It is an anticipation for the birth of Jesus. And what better way to celebrate this waiting than lighting a candle each Advent Sunday. This is always an important part of my Christmas deco... And I love these ideas from my favorite store's brochure. More home decorating ideas you can find in their brochure HERE.

Photo from depot-online.com

So there... Here's looking forward to a wonderful Christmas for everyone!

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Travel Destination: South Tyrol

Think fresh air, breathtaking views of mountains ranges and valleys and lakes, rolling hills, green fields, mountains of every height, and trails, lots and lots of hiking trails for as far as your feet can take you. That is South Tyrol... And oh so much more!

South Tyrol, Süd Tirol, Alto Adige... this vacation region in the northern part of Italy is one of the best and preferred travel destinations for sports and nature enthusiasts the world over. Whatever time of the year, there will always be something that will beckon you to come: be it hiking during the summer season or skiing and sledding in the winter season. And the food... just mouth-watering and just what your body needs after a day out in the woods or the great outdoors.

So if you are looking for a place to spend your winter holidays, why not South Tyrol? The video says it all! And if you are one of the lucky readers of the online magazine "Dolomighty", you might just win a 5-star ski holiday trip to South Tyrol and a GBP10,000 worth of Salomon ski gear.

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Winter Is Coming

"Winter is coming..." This has always been a Stark word just as the Lannisters always say. "A Lanister pays his debts." But I am not talking about the TV series "The Game of Thrones" nor about the book where the series was based on but of the weather.

The last weekend of October saw us with the first signs of winter: snow. It was snowing last weekend, and quite heavily at that, especially in the high areas near the suburbs. It was indeed cold and I wasn't even ready for it as I haven't washed my winter jacket yet! Waahhhh!!! I had to make do with three layers of shirts and another jacket that is suitable for mild, cold weather.

It was a good thing that my hubby had a look of the weather forecast the day before so that he was able to change the car's summer tires to winter tires. Otherwise, it would be difficult for us drive around the city in the snow since the roads can be very dangerous when driving without proper winter tires. There was also a weather warning on widespread frost in our area issued by the Deutschen Wetterdienst yesterday so that drivers should take extra care.

I guess the autumn season is over, although the trees tell us it isn't just yet. I love winter but I don't like the damp cold days that come with it because my feet ache when the cold gets in my bones. I guess I should always keep myself warm to prevent myself from hurting. Also had to store up on fresh milk as hot milk chocolate never fails to drive the chills away. Speaking of which, I now have to make some... :-)

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My First Ski Experience

In life, there are many first encounters. From our birth onward, our parents lovingly noted when we had our milestones: first steps, first laugh, first tooth, etc. These many firsts were a result of our persistence and perseverance. As we grow older, we encounter more profound, fun and sometimes painful firsts: first love, first hearbreak, first kiss, first job, first paycheck.

A happy but exhausted me during our break.

I had my first ski experience on the first week of the first month of the new year 2012. Together with family and friends, we set off to the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) to get a taste of snow and all the fun it could bring. I decided to try skiing for the first time. I had a dreadful feeling when I tried on my ski shoes because the fit isn't good. Putting them on was really weird but as you get used to it, you realize and begin to understand why the ski shoes are like that. They are so designed to protect your foot and your ankles from injury. But it was REALLY difficult to walk with them on.

Learning how to ski using the carousel.

Since I did not do any training or exercise before the ski trip, I really had a hard time when I had my ski lessons because I kept falling down. The falling down part is easy, since you just need to land on your butt and back (big laugh). The difficult part is getting back up on your feet. Being big and having no exercise, well you can just imagine what happened. I felt sorry for my poor ski instructor since he had to use up a lot of energy just to pull me up. :D But despite the numerous falls, I managed to stand up (with help of course) and continue with the lesson. The children who took the same course fared better than me. I guess that is always the case. Children learn faster than adults.

I cannot count the number of times I fell during the duration of the ski lesson. But I remember that I managed to be on my skis three times. During that short span of time, I managed to learn how to glide, how to walk on my skis and turn, ski down the kiddie slope and how to brake. A very helpful advice that my friend gave me: do not look down on your skis but straight ahead. I gave up when we transfered to the beginner's skilift (which moves faster) and I was delaying everyone because I keep falling down.

Maybe next time, we can go skiing again and I will be ready by then. I already know what to expect and it will be more fun if I can really ski.

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Off to Schwarzwald for Winter Fun in 2012

The New Year 2012 is just a few days away and I am excited because I know it is going to be a great one! I don't know the challenges that may come our way but I am confident and secure knowing that I will not face them alone. I have a wonderful husband and a bubbling little girl and a great God to back me up after all.

Another thing that I look forward to is our first family outing for the year 2012. We are going to skiing baby! Together with a friend's family, we are going to Schwarzwald and try our luck skiing or snowboarding. I am sure it is going to be fun... cold but fun! We will be staying in Pension Haus Inge, located in Aitern in the South of Schwarzwald (Black Forest) and just near the Belchen Ski Region. We initially wanter to stay in a Ferienwohnung (holiday flat) but all of them are already fully booked for the winter season. I guess I will have to book a little earlier if we want to go skiing again in the next winter season. Near the pension house is a ski and snowboard school where we can learn the basics. There is also the Rodelbahn Hasenhorn where we can go sledding if we get tired of skiing or snowboarding. Even our wooden sleds are now ready! Wheeee!!!!

And what's with summer? Well, I wouldn't mind going on an all inclusive vacation caribbean! That would really be great since I miss going to the beach and having fun in the sun. But since it is winter, having fun in the snow is a very great idea indeed!

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Ice Skating Fun

My little girl loves to try new things. There was this episode on Special Agent Oso on ice skating and my little girl, who so loves winter and snow excitedly, asked me if I can buy her ice skates so she can go ice skating. I think it was still summer when she asked.

And now that it is winter, she asked me again. Since buying her ice skates is out of the question, we took her to the ice skating rink instead. Hubby accompanied her in the skating rink since I don't know how to skate. We just rented since we don't have any idea yet whether she would like it or not. She had a difficulty balancing and so we also rented an "Eiszwerg" or a dwarf that she could hold on to while skating so that she won't fall down.

While watching them holding on to the Eiszwerg, errr skating, I daydreamed of my little girl all grown and being very good at figure skating, and winning lots of sport trophies. The daydream soon came to an end when hubby and my little girl approached me on the side of the rink and my little girl said, "Mommy, ich bin so schwer bei Schlittschuh laufen" which means "Mommy I find ice skating very difficult." Although she found it difficult, I can see in her eyes that she wants to try ice skating again. Maybe next time. When she is a bit older. All she needs is a good lesson, and lots of practice.

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And the First Snow Flakes Fell

Finally, the first snow flakes of the year fell... It happened yesterday. We were waiting for our turn for our presentation for our Biowaste Treatment Plant Design class when the snow fell. It was quite a heavy snow fall and like a child, I was so delighted! Although this is my 4th time to experience winter, seeing the snow flakes fall still amazes me. I just love it as the snow flakes touch the ground and covers everything in white. But it was also raining after the snow fell yesterday so that the rain just melted the snow away... And here's a photo to remember the day by...

It looks like rain but those are snow flakes... falling hard on the ground.

Well, I just hope it will snow again today. It has been raining since early morning so I don't know if it will. Keeping my fingers crossed though. I have no class today so I can keep a close watch out my window and wait for the snowflakes to come. My little princess is excited too!

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