There’s a nip in the air! The pavements are scattered with yellow oak leaves, the apples in the orchard are red and almost ripe, and the farmers at the market have brought in crate loads of pumpkins. And I have managed to catch a cold.
These are the tell-tale signs that the seasons are turning. We are saying goodbye to summer and welcoming Fall in these parts. I do this with a certain heavy heart. This summer was pure bliss. Comparing it to the Summer of 2007, where I was rather down and depressed, 2008 has been really pleasurable. We went on picnics, had barbecues, enjoyed a cold beer after work with friends at one of the beer gardens, and then there was Austria
Our vacation in Austria, early July, was exceptional. Although I’ve been to this gorgeous little country tucked away in the breathtaking Alps, this time I experienced it with other eyes. This time it was Thomas who planned and guided us through the vacation.
It was an action vacation to say the least. Not much lazing around as we were on the road hiking, trekking and sightseeing everyday. We had rented a quaint little apartment in a wonderful farmhouse, with the most hospitable family we have ever come across. From the minute we got out of our car, after the long 7 hour drive, and Grandma Schafvetter greeted me with a huge hug, I knew we were going to be happy here for the next 10 days.
And we were. Soeren was in paradise. Everyday he eagerly looked forward to getting back home in the evening so he could help Farmer Schafvetter milk his cows and getting up early to help Farmer wife Schafvetter to pick fresh eggs for breakfast. Breakfast was simply delicious. There was nothing extravagant about it but the fact it was fresh milk, eggs, butter, muesli, honey and homemade jams made everything taste so good.
After that we normally started our day heading to our targeted spot for the day. A trek through an amazing ravine – cool and crisp with spectacular waterfalls, or a 2 hour hike up to 1800 m for one of the most incredible views of the Alps, or an out of this world walk through a 42 km limestone ice cave, or a thrilling adventure in a knight’s castle, or even a city tour of beautiful Salzburg – we did it all!
Hope you enjoy a few of the sights we experienced.
I still have so many summer recipes to share with you and hope I get to do so before Fall arrives. Although I am a summer girl, this fall I plan to enjoy it to the max. Because who knows – life takes exciting turns and this just might be my last Fall in Germany!
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2008 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First
Wow - this looks so amazing. Thank you for sharing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds totally excellent for everyone both guest and host! Gorgeous places!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful narration of your trip, Meeta. I think some of your narration got buried under one of your pics. I am not sure if it was my browser or whether formatting got messed up!
ReplyDeleteOh that is so serene and soothing.Wonderful pictures and Sorren is so cute.
ReplyDeleteGosh that is a splendid vacation Meeta :)
ReplyDeletegorgeous pics. glad you had a great vacation, meeta.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Tiroler land last week (just 2 days but yet i love driving down to Austria) and had a spectacular stay as well. Your pictures bring out the beauty as it is... ever since we discovered ferienwohnung in Bauernhof we detest hotel stays. I envy those people who get to live in pristine nature everyday... Soeren is a lot like his mom, Meeta:)
ReplyDeleteoh thanks for sharing these photos!! i felt like i travelled with you :-)
ReplyDeleteand i love the last photo! btw Sorren is so cute!
Thanks for taking me to Austria.
ReplyDeletePaz xxoo
What beautiful photos and great recipes!
ReplyDeleteAhh, I haven't been to Austria since the summer of 2003 - I miss it!! Thank you for sharing your lovely photographs - they reminded me just how wonderful of a location it is :0)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Meeta..that sure does sound like a great vacation :-)
ReplyDeletethat farm house looks so dreamy!!
ReplyDeleteSorean is a big boy now :)
What spectacular views! I love your photos... am dreaming of Austria. :)
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful vacation!! if you guys are ever looking to adopt a Middle Eastern, Venezuelan American, haha, I know just the one :)
ReplyDeleteeverything looks so peaceful. Eating fresh food from a farm is such a treat these days when almost everything is overly processed.
by the way, did you guys walk on that narrow, narrow path above the falls? that must have been such a rush!
I am thrilled that you and the family had a great holiday.
ReplyDeleteHon, Soeren has stretched huh? I bet he'll inherit his dad's height. :) The baby is growing up.
Thanks everyone! I am so glad you all liked these pictures and I was able to take you away on a little trip with me. Austria is a grand place and very much worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteLatha, yes we also try not to do hotels to often. It a different experience altogether. Bauernhof is great but you should try an agriturismo in Italy (Tuscany, Liguria), you'll love it.
Tony - you'll be just the one I adopt - I am thinking of all the fun we'll have in the kitchen
Cyn - hasn't he? it's amazing all his pants have become too short, which caused me to buy him a whole new wardrobe. Missing you!
What an adventure your summer was Meeta. I haven't been to Austria since I was 18 but I remember its beauty and mountain treks:D
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos, Meeta!
ReplyDeleteGet better soon, have plenty of rest!
Oh!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my dream vacations. It all looks so beautiful and I adore Austria. Of course had I been there you would have heard some singing from The Sound of Music ...
Your son looks so much like you, Meeta!