Adventures of NaDave: Nadine Germany

Austria Snowboarding Trip - Mar 4-6

The next weekend after London was a physically and mentally intense trip to Austria: one of the most beautiful ski locations in the world. Physically intense because Austria ski fields are downright challenging, which is suitable for the locals born with skis attacked to their feet. Mentally intense because I am really terrible at snowboarding (and don't even ask me about skiing), but I'm not going to complain about that, since I'm just downright grateful I got to go experience this in Austria!!

I went to a smaller resort, Oetz, with my New Zealand adidas coworker/running partner, Toni, and her boyfriend Kurt. We left after work Thursday and drove the mere 3.5 hours to Austria. We stayed at a cute little VRBO rental which had a beautiful view of the mountains, wireless internet, a kitchen, and not much else. Friday was the first ski day. I was SO happy that getting off the ski lift was easier than the USA! No slipping on ice and falling! Yay! The runs were good, and I spent the whole time apart from my friends, who were much more advanced than I. Friday night we went out to eat for Kurt's birthday, then called it an early night. Saturday was more skiing, but this time it was on a much more advanced field, so I went out for just a 1/2 day, then played with a friendly snow dog, watched people trying out the half pipe and ski jump area, then met up with my friends. Sunday we went to the alpine zoo (seeing a moose, bear, various mountain goat-like species, farm animals, etc). I was very surprised that my New Zealand friends were awe-stricken by species that I grew up with. They had never seen a beaver before! (Then I remembered all the crazy species in NZ... that's Darwinism!) After all this, we went to the main attraction: Neuschwanstein castle. My picture may not do it justice, but let me tell you.... this castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney's castles. It's epic. This castle is perhaps the MOST FAMOUS castle in the world! It was beautiful, and a fulfilling way to end a (sometimes stressful!) weekend.