Ice scream!

After Saas Grund, we headed for Kandersteg - an alpine village well-known to hikers, cross country skiers and ice-climbers.

We were based here for 3 days, one of which was spent strolling to the picturesque Lake Oeschinen. At 1578m above sea-level, the lake was completely frozen on the surface. And smack at the centre of the lake were a group of men ice-fishing, literally digging a hole through the ice. Curious, KL and I tried to approach them, but each step gave way to scary sounding groans and creaks from the frozen layer, icy waters filling each footprint. Not keen on falling thru the ice, we prompty tip-toed our way back to solid ground!!!

I hope to get down to posting the pictures at a later date. ... watch this space! ;)


Kandersteg is a haven for ice-climbers. We were lucky enough to be there for the World Ice-climbing championship. Here, KL's having a go at 150m-high frozen waterfall.


I gave up after the first pitch - my arms & legs were aching, so was quite contented being the photographer for the day. KL seems to be hanging pretty well up there!


Full view of the water fall. Can't wait to get home for my mug of hot swiss chocolate!

White Christmas

Ideally located in the Saas Valley of Switzerland, we set up home in the quaint little Chalet Stadel for a week.



Thus begun our daily grind - lugging skis and 'mama'-sized boots up 3,100 metres for our skiing lessons. With a panaromic backdrop of snow-capped peaks we were soon in our element, zig-zagging our way through fresh powder snow. (We will, of course, not mention the numerous jack-and-jill-tumbling-down-the-hill-in-a-totally-embarrassing-fashion scenes! :P)





We ended our days with a gentle ski all the way down to the valley.

Paris in black and white

We didn't take that many pictures this time, as we've took our fair share of photos during our last trip. But, thought I'll add these few in cos I thought KL did a very good job in composing the photos. Me? Hehehehe.... I was enjoying a 'continental' experience - siesta on a bench around the corner.


The Lourve


Eiffel Tower


Another one..

Barcelona

Barcelona Market smack in the centre of the city - colourful and vibrant Dried chillies- work of art.


The legs of cured ham(''jamon") dangling from the market stall. It's usually thinly sliced and taken with bread. It's rather tasty, though it looks deceiving.


Sagrada Familia - brainchild of controversial architect Antoni Gaudi - UNESCO Heritage site



The familiar Gaudi curves and mosaic work.

Gardens of Spain

A lone rose in Generalife gardens, Alhambra.


Lilies dancing in the wind at the gardens of Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of Christian Kings), Cordoba.


Water lilies in full bloom.

Within the walls of Alhambra

The Alhambra, a UNESCO world heritage site, is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, in southern Spain.


 



Palacio de los Leones (Lion Courtyard), symbolises Muslim paradise. At the centre of the courtyard, lies a fountain supported by 12 lions.



Patio's gallery is supported by 124 beautifully carved marbles.



The ceiling, a wonderful work made of cedar wood, represents the seven heavens of Islamic religion.

Note of advice, if you are planning a trip to Alhambra, make sure you get your tickets way in advance or you'll be disappointed. Also, start your day early as you've got a lot of ground to cover and get the audio guide. It's worth every Euro!

Around Valencia

We were heading to El Palmar, a village surrounded by rice fields and lagoons from our camp site when we came upon this onion patch. Coudn't resist not taking a picture of it! Isn't it itchy looking?!



A picture of the village, in view of fishermen boats overlooking the rice-fields. This place is the birthplace of paella.



The mouth watering seafood paella (Spain's most famous dish), it's as yummy as it looks. Though you can't have much of it as it's too rich and creamy, like nasi lemak and the texture is somewhat sticky - albeit like 'bakchang' (glutinous rice) Bet my cousins (ie. karchengs must be drooling by now!)



The nature reserve of La Albufera in sunset. It consists of the lagoon of La Albufera itself, the wetlands around it and the adjacent shoreline. Breath-taking isn't it?