Wanderung

In summer I went on a hike in Steiermark, Austria with my friend Paul and his work colleagues. I like the German word for 'hike'. There's such a romantic nuance to the word, 'Wanderung', although no one truly goes 'wandering' on a mountain climb (unless you're an idiot or if you're lost). In New Zealand we also call it a 'tramp'. Charming.

This was a darn tough climb, lasting from late morning until evening. When we finally reached the cabins at the apex, sunburnt, aching and spent, there was a lovely restaurant serving organic food, which we consumed ravenously and gratefully, followed by a few mouthfuls of schnapps. Never slept more like a log than on that mountaintop.
 

Summer in Taiwan

     

Early morning Taichung. Lunch with grandma. Frozen green tea and milk ice with mum. Noodle soup. My favourite: papaya milkshake. 'Watar': labelled for me in English by grandma. Taichung streets. Taiwanese bread with dried fluffy pork. City views.

Taiwan shores

My Dad and I drove my Grandma out to the coast on the Northwestern tip of Taiwan today for a coffee. It was really far too hot to be outside today at all, but there was a generous, salty breeze, and of course this magnificent view of the sea. And iced coffee. And a slice of green tea cake.

Sunday.

 

    

It was my flatmate Nina's birthday in the weekend, and everyone was looking lovely in the sunlight. We ate and drank to beyond contentment and reveled in the beautiful weather. Thanks, Vienna, for looking lovely for us too.

A hike at the Maroon Bells

I never thought I would really get into walking uphill in a big way, but who wouldn't, with all this breathtaking natural beauty around you to enliven the weary wayfarer? There's my sister amongst the mountain above!

Our entourage encountered this sight mid-hike:

I laughed for about a minute. I don't think the bandleader was quite as amused. Apparently hiking with llamas isn't a laughing matter.

Saturday Market Day

Gondola Day

Last Monday, our Aspen Music Festival IDs allowed us a free ride up Aspen Mountain on the gondola, where I learned that I'm actually not as good with heights as I thought, that the gondola carriages rock when you move around inside them, and that panic is contagious, particularly when 4 people are stuck in a confined space together for 10 minutes at a few dozen metres above ground. There was quite the view at the top though, as well as a restaurant and lots of hula hoops to play with. It was a fun time, particularly for the 3 of our company who are DSLR hobbyists. As we whipped out our Nikons, our remaining friend suddenly found himself surrounded by geeks and wasn't too chuffed about it. Sorry, mate!