Alps Hopping

Michael is home! I don't like to publicize that he is away but now that he's back I can tell you all about his recent adventures abroad. Well, actually, he'd do a better job of telling you. I'll just post the pictures.

Once a year Michael's company does a big group trip to Europe, usually to Switzerland, Italy or France, doing site tours, elaborate dinners and of course skiing the Alps. This year their trip included Germany (briefly), Austria and Italy. For 12 days. Needless to say we are very happy he is finally home!

Here's a look at his "grueling" business trip!

They flew into Munich and took a transfer to their first stop, Zurs, Austria. They spent some time skiing here.

And here, in Lech, Austria. This picture really reminds me of Zermatt, Switzerland where we went on our honeymoon.

They also skiied St. Anton, Austria.

Here's what Apres-Ski should look like. Apres-Ski refers to going out, having drinks, and socializing after skiing. It is hugely popular in ski towns. Consider it the happy hour after skiing.

Then it was on to Innsbruck. I think I need to go here. Michael says it is a large city with 130,000 people and it is very accessible for quick trips to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. It's an historic village but also a college town.

Their last stop in Austria was Kitzbuhel, where they skiied and had dinner from a mountain top. What a view.

Then it was on to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy for another stamp in the passport.          

This is also where the 90s movie Cliffhanger was filmed.

Lastly a night in Venice (another Honeymoon destination of ours), but I think by this point he was just really anxious to be home.

And he thought of me with a picture of my favorite Venetian landmark, the Santa Maria della Salute.

Like I said, we are so happy to have him home. 

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Michael said he definitely noticed big changes in Adam after almost 2 weeks away, notably that he is much more vocal, his pronunciation is much improved and he is much more confident and steady in climbing. A few new phrases he's learned now are "All better", "Right there", "Kiss it", "Find it", "Whatcha doing?", "Sit on Mommy" (on my lap -- he's very Mommycentric these days) and the other day, "Why?" followed by "Why not?" I'm not sure I'm ready for the Whys! And he sometimes now calls me "Mom." Not Mommy. Certainly not ready for that either!