Witches Brew

Dash of bat whiskers 

Three purple tadpoles 

Dollop of goobly goop

One Tsp frozen rainbow

Two pinches of ghost dust

Sprinkle of troll teeth

Mix thoroughly & simmer over low heat for 4 hours. Serve ice cold.
Happy Halloween everyone 👻

Have you seen this? Empathy can change the world!

A beautiful blog post from my friend at thepurplealmond.com. 
It speaks to my heart and the core of my beliefs, it connects with the empath that resides within me and it simply needs to be shared. Many think that they are only one, not realizing the power of one and that each of us has the ability to make a difference. That itself is powerful and it starts with a choice and a little compassion and empathy. Who’s world have you changed lately? Doesn’t it feel wonderful?

Bench with a view

We stayed as long as possible at “Eis Kapelle” and one of the surprises on our way back down was the bench that I had noticed during our ascend. It was occupied and we had to pass it without lingering to take in the view. Now empty, I think it was even better as before and it allowed us to gaze upon one last look. We knew what was lying behind the bend of the jagged path, and that would continue to climb towards the ridge, surpassing various cliffs and boulders. It was the perfect spot to pause, and burn this picture into the memory of all adventures far, near and dear. 

Eis Kapelle

We left the boat at St. Bartholomä, and started exploring along the banks of the Königssee. A small barn structure offered plenty of souvenirs from around the area, along with hiking maps, post cards and posters. Passing the beautiful church with it’s unique construction and red steeples, I’m surprised now, that we didn’t go inside and walked right passed it. Not a even for a quick peek. I’m not sure why, but I guess we were just so happy to be outside, to enjoy the scenery and the mountains, that being inside never even crossed our minds. Steep, the peaks were rising straight up into the sky, with sheer cliffs, wild and unique in their own way. This could not be confined inside the walls of some chapel, even though this one would have been worth the stop and it was a pretty famous one. The area wasn’t over crowded, but enough people walked around everywhere, scouring mostly along the shore. For the most part it was quiet and people in Germany in general keep to themselves, while being respectful to others, their space and the overall surroundings. Still, it felt a little touristy to me and I wanted to get away from the crowds. Call me crazy, or socially awkward, when it comes to recharging my batteries, but in addition to seeking silence, I often feel the need for solitude as well, and that includes not seeing another person. It’s the empath in me and I don’t want to be distracted from the sound of the wind and nature talking to me. I don’t want to be interrupted or worry my thoughts about what somebody else is doing around me. When all distractions are eliminated, it is then that true peace sets in and I can become still. It’s bliss at it’s best. 

I checked a few signs along the main trail and suggested the approximate two mile hike to Eis Kapelle. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we decided to give it a try, and maybe it would lead off the beaten path. The trail was fairly wide and leading us through a forested area of which we almost turned around. A walk in the thick woods was not on the agenda for today, but I’m glad I insisted to go a little further. We should see if I’d be still glad about this later. The forests are different in Germany and I love to see the variety of trees, the moss covered grounds, the mushrooms that peak through the ground cover and the Fairytale feel that never seems to fail me when I’m surrounded by this magic.

The wide trail ended at a dried up rocky riverbed. Looking to the right, a narrow path continued to a small footbridge that would cross the raging river during snowmelt. I could vividly imagine the glacial, turquoise green waters rushing down from high above, covering rock and riverbed and transforming the landscape with the changing seasons. On the other side of the bridge was a tiny chapel at the base of the mountain. From there, the trail began to ascend. “Sure, why not, we’re here already, might as well keep going and check it out.”

The trail was climbing in good old switchback fashion, and I don’t think it ever stopped. “Are we there yet?” I was in decent shape in regards to the RA, but started to feel some discomfort and a clumsiness that came from not being a 100% steady on my feet. At times I am the cause by overcompensating to avoid the pain, which is just another form of evil. I’m not sure which one is worse, but I pushed on and I was going to make it to wherever this trail would lead me. A big part of the trail was winding through the woods and was exactly what we had tried to avoid before as we were seeking wide open, unobstructed views. The funny part was, that the views were completely covered, but something was different. As if we sniffed out a reward at the end of the tunnel, we continued what had become a mission to make it to the end. There was no way of turning around now, despite whatever feelings and thoughts their might have been and might have been something on the lines like “Ok, this better be worth it.” Hahaha…(minus the laugh)

Eventually, what seemed like switchback galore, the trail opened up to reveal the steep mountainsides of the bowl we were surrounded by. A small bench with a view offered a nice picnic spot and a moment of rest, but it was occupied. On we went, forward, in search of what we had no idea of and now over sections of a trail that was hardly a trail anymore. Washed out, a bit dangerous in parts, mind you I’m still not that steady and sure footed, I find myself missing my hiking stick, which is safe and sound tugged away in the US, for extra support. We spotted a boulder just a short distance off the trail and decide to take a break and have a snack. It’s a bit of a challenge to get up there, but I’m determined to conquer this “ruling rock” with no thought wasted on the theory that “What goes up, most come down”. It would only present an even bigger challenge for me as I can’t jump down onto my sore ankle and feel stuck atop of the boulder I so eagerly scaled. I finally make it and get away with a scratch, I survived, barely….but I did. A few people here and there continue to come down the narrow trail and once again the adrenaline kicks in of having made it this far. No turning back and there would be no unfinished business here. I can and I will do this. 

Finally in the distance I see it, the sheer cliff and the narrow ribbon of a waterfall. At the base of it is what appears to be a Glacier and what looks like the end of our destination. “Ok, so this is our reward for all of our hard work and for all of the switchbacks. I can live with that.”The trail is pretty much gone by now as we traverse over rocks and boulder, inching closer to the end goal. At one point the glacier takes on a new form as we realize that it actually is an Ice Cave. Now I’m even more intrigued and it’s for sure not every day that you see an Ice Cave. I’m already visualizing pictures inside the cave, although I’m not sure if and how far I will go in it, but it’s fun at this point and I am blessed with yet another burst of energy. Ha…

Needless to say I made it and the sight and proportions of this cave was a pretty neat sight to see. We explored the area around the cave, but we didn’t venture too far inside. Water was dripping from the ceiling of the cave and although it has probably been there for many years, I still didn’t trust it all that much. Plus the temperatures were much cooler up here in the higher elevation and I wasn’t going to get sick by catching a cold with the potentially wet clothing/gear. Without the cover of the woods and being exposed in the wide open, the wind was more noticeable and it would have been miserable if our clothing got wet. As always, we stayed for awhile, took our pictures and marveled in the beauty of this sight. A few more people came and went, but for the most part we had our Ice Palace all to ourselves. 

Little did I know that we had another surprise in store during our upcoming descent. 

Trick or Treat

Fun at work today with our Trick or Treat event. 

Queen of hearts or Queen of cards? Which one will it be today? Trick or Treat? 👻

The golden touch 🍁

Boat Tour – Königsee

Boat docking at the banks of St. Bartholomä. These boats were converted to run on electricity to not disturb the beauty and clarity of the lake. You can choose between two different tours and I have unfinished business for the next time I will visit. The plan is to take the tour passed St. Bartholomä, hike up and away and spent some time with an overnight stay at a hut above the lake. Can you imagine? Perhaps you hear an alphorn in the distance while you’re emerged in local traditions and customs. Visit green pastures with jagged peaks rising straight up into the sky. You might spot the local wildlife of ibexes and marmots, while listening to cowsbells in the distance. The hills are alive and now I got myself homesick just before work. 

Have a great weekend  ❤️

St. Bartholomä

The red steeples of St. Bartholomä. One lucky couple would tie the knot at this wonderful place later on that day, and the scenery could have not been more picturesque for such a special occasion. With tell, tell signs of the festivities that were to come, as well as four local Alphorn blowers, decked out in traditional dress, it was destined to be a magical event, that would find its way into the hearts of all, worthy to be remembered for all times. Best wishes to whoever you are and may your love for each other remain strong throughout your journey together. ❤️

Königsee

Germany…It was Thursday, the day after Mom was admitted into the hospital. Time was running out and in a short week, I would be boarding another plane back to the US. Once again, time had flown by and I would leave one home to go live in another. A little over a week had passed since I arrived in Germany and for the majority, my time had been dedicated to Mom, with little time for myself to enjoy this hard earned vacation. It was ok and after the fighting had ended, there was no place besides Mom’s side I wanted to be. Nothing is guaranteed and I felt that for the t8me being, it was where I belonged. Like a sponge I was soaking up the moments of cordial coexistence and getting along in somewhat of a loving matter.

Seeing Mom in the hospital was bittersweet and my emotions were torn. I wanted more time with her, but also found comfort in knowing that she was in good hands. There might have been peace in the air between us, but with certainty, I did not attain a level of overseeing any medication intake or input for that matter. She wouldn’t listen to me like she did to the doctors and nurses in the hospital and I knew it. I would continue to be in the dark and not know if she had taken her medication as directed and on a consistent basis. My peace of mind came in the form of knowing that this would be regulated and monitored. She became obedient in the hospital, childlike and a model patient, something she could not be at home. Especially with me being there and the roles where no other than her having to be strong, being the adult, the parent, and with me being the child. In her mind, it wasn’t possible for a child to take ownership and tell it’s parent what to do, therefore my role and place was clear but also limited when it came to helping her. I felt it was the best option for her and in her best interest of getting well, to speed up the path of recovery and provide the best circumstances possible. Still it remained bitter sweet, but no help can ever be given when no help is accepted. 

If I wanted to spend any time on myself and engage in a little adventure, this was the time to do it. We left bright and early the next day and headed to the mountains to visit the “Königsee”. I was a child, as I visited this fjord like “Kings Lake” last, which is said to be the cleanest and third deepest lake in Germany. I remember taking the boat to visit St. Bartholomä, a beautiful, well known chapel with red steeples that can be reached after a twenty minute boat ride. It was neat to see this place again, now through the eyes of an adult and with much more appreciation and gratitude that I could have ever felt like as a child. The boat tour was serene as the electric powered boat was cutting through the depth of the emerald green waters. We passed a small island in the lake with a statue of King Ludwig who reigned in Bavaria and after who the lake was named. Halfway through our journey, the boat stopped near the echo wall. What followed was a magical treat as one of the boats-men stepped out and played his trumpet for all passengers. It was silent in the boat as we all witnessed the echo of his play and something stirred deep within me. I couldn’t remember hearing this as a child, but there was a familiarity, a sense of knowing, a sense of belonging as I sat and listened to him play. Somehow it spoke to my core which will always be German and where my roots lie. It was a reminder that no matter where it is that you settle down and where it is that you decide to call “Home”, your heritage is undeniably and your roots will always remain.

Silence

Silence was the quest for today and this was one of the places that I found it. My soul feels nourished and restored, while my mind is still, ready to tackle another busy day of hiring. 

The days are getting so short now and I stayed out until the last minute. Soaking in all the magic of this beautiful day, that felt and reminded me of summer. Xo 🦋🍁