Hi everyone. I know its been a while, but time and access to the internet have been difficult to find.
We're at an airport hotel in Milan, ready to fly home at 10:00 AM local time tomorrow, Thursday March 2.
After France, we headed back into Italy to the Aosta region. There, Steve and I skied a half day at La Thuile. It seemed like a nice area, but it was hard to tell since we were in clouds and fog the entire afternoon. Visibility was minimal. Still, we managed to have fun.
The next day, we crossed thru the St. Bernard Pass into Switzerland and skied at Verbier. The conditions were good and the area impressive.
Meanwhile, Beth and Carlynn went to the nearby town of Sion where it was carnival time. They had a great time watching the parade with crazy floats and costumes (including witches and cowboys and Indians), as well as tons of confetti.
The next day, we drove to the town of Tasch, Switzerland where we boarded a train for a short ride to Zermatt. Zermatt is a spectacular alpine resort town, which doesn't allow any cars. Transportation is via train, electric buses or electric taxis.
Of course Steve and I skied. The four of us took a train up the mountain. Beth and Carlynn did some hiking while Steve and I skied 16,000 feet of vertical in a half day (the knee is doing great). The Matterhorn is almost constantly in view as we ski in its shadow. I've skied some amazing places, but the views of the alps from Zermatt make skiing secondary. Its merely a way to enjoy the incredible vistas.
Finally, we spent the last two nights with Steve and Carlynn's friends, Adriano and Pisana Bedendo, who live about an hour from Venice. The Bedendos are wonderful people who treated us like family. Yesterday, Adriano took us via train to Venice. Coincidentally, it was the final day of Carnival! Words can't describe the beauty of the city and the views as we took a water taxi through the Grand Canal. The elaborate costumes
made it a surreal experience.
In the morning we head home, blown away by Italy, France, Switzerland and the Olympics. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.
Best regards,
Keith
Photos by Keith transferred from video: The Matterhorn as seen from the slopes of Zermatt; Gondola in Venice, person in costume celebrating Carnival in Venice.
