Skiing, Chili, and Horse Races

St. Moritz

Friday, February 4 - Sunday, February 6

Crazy day on Friday and a late departure after school allowed me to sleep for almost the entire ride to St. Moritz. Actually, I don't know who I am kidding, I am a good sleeper and can pull off naps in any moving vehicle at any time. Anyhow, I passed the drive very quickly snoozing in the back seat while Josh drove the windy roads along Lake Como and the switch backs of the pass.

After checking in at the All in One Lodge in Celerina we took a 10 minute walk to a pizzeria along the lake that was able to seat 11 people. Here we met a typical Swiss waiter who wanted nothing to do with us loud Americans who couldn't quite seem to get the system down. We got the finger waggle right from the beginning when we tried to order food and drink at the same time. Who knew, food first, then beers. I guess our one track minds got in the way.

Anyhow, the food came out, we got our drinks and we shoveled it down. It wasn't the tastiest of treats but most of us cleaned our plates. At least everyone except Brody who was asked why he didn't like the pasta carbanara. After formulating a polite answer for his dislike he was told by the waiter that he was wrong and his problem was that he had been eating at too many Italian restaurants. I guess his tastes were just too sophisticated for the pizzeria and shame on him for being exposed to such food! Oh well, we were fed and in bed early.

On Saturday morning we piled into the van and headed for San Moritz to pick up rentals and hit the slopes. The day was absolutely beautiful, with temperatures in the 40s and sun beating down on us. The snow wasn't anything exceptional but it wasn't crusty and the the mountain wasn't packed. We got big turns in and some fast runs before grabbing some lunch and heading back out. I spent the afternoon with Kaycee on the smaller hills helping her improve her form and become a little less apprehensive tackling the mountain. By the end she was doing really well.

It's going to be a long day!

St. Moritz

Part of the crew

After we called it a day we decided we needed a swanky apres ski. We parked the van in the middle of the main square and hit up the only outdoor bar in all of St. Moritz. Brody took our orders, keeping count on his fingers of gluewhen and beers. Then the party began with a little singing, running man, walk like an Egyptian and loving the heating lamps we were huddled around.

What was the order?

Heat

Great conversation

Walk Like an Egyptian

Running Man

Great Song!

Once we got our fill it was back to the lodge for a family dinner prepared by Ilana. Her chili is her signature dish and she graciously offered to bring all of the fixins to the mountain and prepare dinner for us. We spread out over the common area and buckled down to quite a feast including chili, bread, cheddar cheese, lemon squares, and chocolate chip cookies. Well stuffed and done, Ilana taught us a game of charades / gestures that had us rolling on the floor for quite some time. By 9:30 we cleaned up and called it a night. I guess we are getting old or something.

Family Dinner, what a feast!

Then on Sunday we had a couple of activities going on. Jen and Josh took off cross country skiing, Brody the responsible one stayed in to get some work done, while the rest of us hit the slopes to get a few runs in. I was able to spend the morning with Ilana racing down the mountain and having good conversation. Then at noon we met up with Kaycee and Brody to head out onto the ice for the White Turf Horse races.

Yippee We're Here!

Great outfits

Walking out on the ice towards the race track we had no idea what to expect. There were people everywhere and from what I knew of St. Moritz, it was going to be a swanky experience with women in furs, champagne flowing, and great people watching.

St. Moritz

Warming up

Walking along the far edge of the track

At first we strolled around the edge of the track wondering how we could get closer to capture some phenomenal pictures. As we reached the far curve we noticed people sneaking under the fences and walking across the track to get into the best locations. After looking around us, we decided to do the same and were able to capture the perfect spot to hang for a couple of hours.

Sneaking across the track

Be careful Ilana you may get caught

The first race was horses pulling sleds behind them. It was unbelievable with snow flying in the air and very little sounded as the horses came pounding around the corner. I would have imagined much more noise or commotion and there wasn't at all. It was all rather peaceful and they flew by so quickly.

The Race Track

First race

Then we had about 30 minutes to kill and of course we had no problem doing that. Ilana needed a hand stand picture, which Brody and Kaycee decided to join in on.

Then Brody needed his toe touches

And Kaycee too!

So cute...other's took pictures as well

Followed by cartwheels

And collisions

People watching

Then the main event, skiers pulled behind the horses. I had a prime position sitting up against one of the fence posts giving me a great angle to the curve.

Perfect location for sun and viewing

Now that we had seen these two races we decided to wander through the stands and place a bet for the next race on horse number five, who took second. So sad.

Ready for the casual rider to take a ride

#5 for the win!

You can do it!

Come on #5

Church along the drive

At 4:00 we reconvened at the hotel, changed out of our ski clothes and loaded up the vehicles for the drive home. Before falling asleep I captured the sunset and the switchbacks and then settled in for a good snooze, allowing me to totally miss out on the traffic at the border. Waking up at the perfect time for the drive along Lake Como and to weigh in on the decision about Chinese for dinner. Great choice and a great end to a fantastic weekend.

The Sunset

Switch Backs = Car Sick

Hop, Skip and Jump to London

Another Quick Trip to the Grocery Store!

Friday, January 28 - Sunday, January 30

I was thoroughly enjoying the high from my quick trip to Florence, that on that Sunday evening I proposed a weekend trip to London. I knew Brody was in, but we wanted to convince Josh and Jen that they should also join us. It wasn't too bad convincing Jen but Josh took a little pushing. It is the winter season and all but the snow in Europe has been horrendous and the forecast was looking poor so by Wednesday, Josh was in! So fun!

Friday evening we jumped in the car right after school and drove to Malpensa to catch our flight. At the airport we grabbed a quick bite to eat to hold us over till we arrived in London for our late dinner. Little did we know, British Airways was going to be at their absolute worst causing delays on the runway and then again at baggage claim. We didn't arrive at our apartment until almost 11:00. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but the entire city closes down at 11:00 on the dot and we spent almost an hour wandering the streets looking for a kitchen that was still open. Fortunately, there was a little bakery that had a small menu open until 12:00. Jen and I were a little more intelligent then the boys ordering salads and soup. While, Brody and Josh ordered spaghetti and meatballs and a meat lovers pizza. Yeah, when they arrived at the table it was a little questionable what they were going to be eating. But beggars can't be choosers and we were starving!

Checking in

I think there is something on your nose

Door to the Collingham Apartment

Saturday morning started off right with a 5 mile run around Hyde Park and through some of the most beautiful shopping streets of London. Hyde park was always part of the plan but the window shopping was a bonus. I think it may be something I add to my daily runs as it makes the time and distance go by much quicker.

Anyhow, after the run, booking our tickets to the theater we were off to do some sight seeing. First stop Big Ben and West Minister. Jen, Josh and I have been a couple of times, but this was Brody's first trip and with him being a history teacher and all, we had to do it right, or at least take a couple of pictures. The most amusing part of the morning was Brody storming ahead because he saw a hole in the ground and wanted to find out why. However, this detour put us in contact with a security guard who walked us around the walls of West Minister and shows us the old entrances of the church as well as into the homes of the parliament. They are no longer there but the traces still exist and we would have never found them on our own.

Brody in front of Big Ben

From there, we walked along the river to meet up with Keith, Charlene and baby Otto for lunch. We dined on fish and chips at Gabrielle's Wharf before parting ways and heading to Jermaine street where the boys did a little damage purchasing dress shirts and ties to last them weeks. Jen and I sat patiently holding their things and slipped away a couple of times to get coffee and fresh air.

Brody getting fitted for a suit

Seriously boys, shouldn't this be the other way around?

At this point it was late in the evening and we needed to head back to get ready for the theater. We stopped at the market to purchase some pre-theater treats to hold us over until a late meal in Leiscester square. Dressed to kill we took off for the Victoria Palace and home of Billy Elliot. Words cannot even describe how phenomenal the show was. We all were at the edge of our seats, just amazed at the pure skill of the children and all of the cast. Definitely the best part of the weekend.

Pre-theater spread

Brody, Jen and Josh on the Tube

Victoria Theater

Brody and I outside the theater

On Sunday morning we woke up and headed to Oxford street to meet up with Hayley, Eason and Allyson for brunch at The Diner. I think living in Lugano makes us appreciate good breakfast food. I simply had two eggs, hash browns and toast and was so pleased. Its really crazy to think how we miss such simple things. Anyhow, it was wonderful catching up with them and I really miss them now that I am back. It is such a simple trip to London I have to make it more often.

Firenze

Friday, January 21 - Saturday, January 23

Most people make last minute trips to the grocery store. This weekend I decided to make a last minute trip to Florence. By last minute I mean, 3:15 phone call from Brody with a 5:10 departure time. Seriously, I don't do these things and I would love to take credit for the spontaneity but unfortunately it all goes to Brody and Carol who looked at me like I was crazy and said "Why are you asking me this?"

Yep, so I went. Aunt Raelene would be so proud of me!

Anyhow, our train was delayed in Chiasso, causing Brody and I to miss our connection in Milan. We literally pulled in just as the fast train was pulling out on the platform next to us. But it wasn't too traumatic because there was another one in an hour and it took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to rearrange our tickets, getting us on the 8:10 train. Then, this train was having difficulties and we were delayed multiple times on the track causing us to arrive in Florence around 10:30 in the evening.

After checking into Hotel Centrale, Brody and I strolled down the street looking for a restaurant with an open kitchen. It didn't take us to long to find Cipolla Rossa Osteria. It was packed at 11:15, a good sign for our starving selves. After perusing the menu we determined that we wanted a caprese and two different pasta's that were recommended by our waitress. Brody ordered us an IGT Sangiovese that we are now wishing we had written down the name. It was fantastic. The entire meal was amazing, the caprese had mouthwatering mozzarella and the pastas were made from homemade noodles, fresh pesto and a spicy bacon, salami oil sauce. To top it all off we shared a tiramisu, had limoncello, followed by almond biscotti and vin santo liqueur. Around 1:15 in the morning we had finished dinner, looked around and realized we were the last ones in the place. We had no idea and the restaurant was not pushing us out at all. Actually they were chatting with us, Brody engaged in quite the conversation about language and wines before calling it a night. It was a great start to the spontaneous weekend.

On Saturday morning we wandered to the San Lorenzo Market to look at all the leather goods, journals, purses and fur lined leather gloves. Luckily Brody and I shop in a similar fashion and we wandered up and down the same strip of stalls multiple times checking items out, trying them on, and deciding what to purchase. My inability to be spontaneous caused our first purchase to not take place until well into the afternoon. Prior to my first purchase I was convinced to try on multiple leather jackets, engaged in a conversation about Italian education and university with a man selling hats and looked at many different scarves. Finally, I pulled the trigger and purchased two pairs of leather gloves lined with rabbit fur. They are going to greatly improve my morning car duty and frigid fingers.

Our next destination was indoors and the Mercato Centrale to check out the various meats, cheeses, fish and wine of the area. The colors were amazing and it was the first time I brought my camera out on the trip.

The first display we passed as we entered the market. Loving it!

Exceptional Colors

From here we walked around the Duomo to find a place to grab a bit of lunch before heading to Mercato Nuovo and the Fontana del Porcellino where I rubbed the boars snout to guarantee I would return to Florence one day.

After this, we had pretty much seen the sights. We walked to Piazza della Signoria to see the replica of Michelangelo's David and the statues showcased in the Palazzo dell Assicurazioni Generali.

Duomo

Brody told me the name and it has already slipped my mind

The David

This is famous or so I have been told

I'm coming back!

Ponte Vecchio or Bridge of Gold

On our way back we stopped into a restaurant to grab a glass of wine. While Brody was taking his 15th bathroom break I spoke with the women who informed us that we didn't want to grab a drink at her establishment but we should head about two blocks back the way we came to Verazzano Restaurante.

Where Brody spent most of his time

We quickly found out the reason behind the suggestion. It was a small bar or cafe that only supplied their vineyards product. The waiter, Jonathan had summered in Massachusetts and had a opening line for all of his English speaking customers, "I hope you're not a Yankee's fan." We quickly started talking with him and determined my allegiance to the Red Sox as well as the fact that we have a friend in common. His mother is a director of a Renaissance studies program in Florence and a college friend of mine had previously studied under her guidance and was their neighbor. Definitely a small world.

Once we got all the chatting behind us we settled on a flight of 5 wines that would allow us to sample a variety of the Verazzano blends. Jonathan paired the tastings with an assorted appetizer platter made of different meats, fruits and breads of the region. We tried a white which was exceptional and then moved through the Chiantis to a pure Sangiovese. Brody was in heaven talking up a storm and gaining more knowledge. The two of them were kind enough to stop every once in a while to fill me in on the terminology and what exactly I was looking for. Luckily I have a decent sense of wines and some background knowledge. Otherwise I would have been lost. We ended the sampling with a Vin Santo liqueur from their vineyard. It was sweet but wonderful. At this point we needed a break and a little fresh air. Before heading out we asked Jonathan for a dinner recommendation. He asked a few questions, disappeared and came back with a slip of paper stating, our reservation time, location, and we were instructed to let them know, Jonathan had sent us.

Our pairings

Next stop, Pane & Vino on the other side the river. It was a small restaurant located off of the main road. From the outside it looked like a complete dive but when we walked it, the place was rather swanky and chic. We started off with a glass of prosecco and discussed the plan of attack regarding food. We settled on fried sardines, not my choice but ended up being rather tasty, and a parmiggiano creme brulee to start. Followed by a pumpkin ravioli topped with a pumpkin sauce and a filet. Amazing! This was all paired with a wine of the owners selection called Gravello.

On Sunday, we had a lazy morning walking the streets, taking pictures of the Duomo and enjoying the beautiful weather. We were also on a hunt for Gravello to take back with us. We tried at least five different shops before we realized it may not happen.

Great window!

Proof we were actually in Firenze

When noon rolled around my anxiety level became elevated because our train was at 1:00 and we couldn't run into any glitches since I had to be at a board meeting at 5. Brody found this quite amusing but it made me nervous. We were scheduled to arrive at 4:13 and I was just thinking about our 2 hour delay on the way to Florence. I took some deep breaths and willed a positive outcome. Which there was, even though I did have to ring the doorbell to the hotel about 10 times before we were let in. Only a slightly quickened heart beat. But all was good and it was an amazing trip!

I think I may try this whole spontaneous thing again.