Edelweiss: Moving to Gotzens

When one thinks of the word EDELWEISS, a famous word in terms of Austrian culture, many things come to mind.  To Austrians, their first thought is probably that of the actual "Edelweiss," an alpine flower that grows in the region, and just so happens to be pictured on the 2 cent Euro coin.

EDELWEISS #1: The original flower

EDELWEISS #2: The .02 cent Euro Coin

Those who are above the age of 16, the legal age in Austria to consume beer, probably think of Edelweiss in a big frosty mug.  The "Edelweiss" brand of beer is extremely popular here, and comes in many thirst-quenching forms.

Eidelweiss #3: The Beer

But that is just to Austrians.  In America, the word "Edelweiss" is synonymous with the Sound of Music, in the form of a famous show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.  In the movie, the song is sung by Captain George Ritter von Trapp as he rediscovers his true joy - music - and the love he has for his children & one Miss Julie Andrews.  I couldn't help myself, so here's a classic clip of Ms. Andrews doing a duet with none other than Mr. John Denver.  Enjoy, then hum in your head for the rest of this blog post.  

Edelweiss #4: The Song

BUT WHEN WE THINK OF EDELWEISS, THE ONLY THING THAT POPS INTO OUR HEAD IS OUR NEW HOME: 

THE SPORTHOTEL EDELWEISS IN GOTZENS, AUSTRIA!

BAM!  (That's for you, George.)  Our new home!

Yes, as of March 1st we have moved in to our home away from home, the Sporthotel Edelweiss.  It is a year round destination for long term visitors to the region, skiers in the winter and outdoor enthusiasts (hikers, bikers, and hang-gliders) in the summer... although we might be the most long term visitors of them all.  It is three stories tall, and features a downstairs dining area, bar, sauna, fitness facility, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

But like all things... getting there wasn't easy.  Case in point: Our luggage.

REALLY PLAYING FOR PIZZA REWIND: JULY 2008

Jason and Christie attempt to leave Europe with 13 bags and 400 extra pounds of weight 

How will it all fit?  The Nissan Micra wasn't built for this!

One Plane Ride, 3 Trains, 2 Taxi's, and 200 Euro Later... still not home.

Best idea in London - don't use a taxi.  Instead, haul each bag by hand down 3 flights of stairs in rush-hour pedestrian traffic, get accosted by security guards for leaving bags "unattended" when they are 6 feet from you, then try to throw all 13 on a moving Metro when the doors are open for exactly 3.4 seconds... all while your wife takes joy in telling anyone who will hear, "We're only here for the weekend."  TRAVELING IS FUN!

You would have thought we had learned our lesson.  Obviously no one would do such a stupid thing twice.  But then you might not know us very well.  (Editors Note: Wife insists that her bags were "under" this year.  Then she continues to point out that her allotted 2 checked bags were 50 and 48 pounds respectively.  Editor Note #2: Her number of shoes are down from 25 to just 14.)

Moving out of Hotel Binders.  Bag Count: 13.

It's Not Me this year!!!

Duke couldn't believe it!  How's it going to fit?  Well, we have experience!

After stuffing our bags into the back of Duke's much larger Ford Fiesta, we grabbed lunch then headed up the hill to Gotzens.  The village is about a 10 minute drive from downtown, but a world away.  The town is a quintessential "Tirolean village," where the buildings look like they belong on a postcard, the people all say hallo, high-speed trams are substituted for roaming sheep, and a yodeler would feel right at home.  To give you a better perspective, let's go to the:

MARNIE MELNYCHUK GOOGLE EARTH SPACE CAM 

The view of Gotzens from above, located in the bottom right of the image.  (Click for larger view.)

A closer view of the town... large fields (for sheep and yodelers) clearly visible from space.

After settling in, we took a quick walk through town to get acclimated and grab a few groceries.  It was an interesting experience, as all prove to be in Gotzens.

The town church - no information yet, will give a full report next Sunday - is the lone major landmark.

With a half-mile walk back to our place, and with loads of groceries in tow, we decided to do it the old fashion way: "Borrow" a shopping cart and push it through town, past staring locals, in front of the sheep, over rocks, through the snow, and eventually to our new kitchen.  In my head, I could only imagine the locals saying to themselves, "There goes the new Raiders quarterback."  I bet the same thing happened to Jamarcus Russel his first weekend in Oakland. 

THE HEATHER LINDERMAN PRODUCT OF THE DAY:

BUST BEAUTY GEL

We did come across one item that is worth carrying the torch for my fellow European adventurer and blogger, George Contreras down in Catania.  This product is BUST BEAUTY GEL at the local Bipa store.  The package features one very naked bust thrusting itself towards the camera.  The package promises to make your boobs "bigger and firmer."  

George makes it a point to highlight any "suggestive" advertising he comes across, and names it after my very conservative sister, Heather Linderman.  Here's to you, Heather!  (Although being pregnant, you may not need this product right now.)  Christie picked this up... no results yet.  LOL.  

The view from our balcony... traded Ionian for Alps.

Once we settled in and stopped laughing, we realized the Sporthotel will be a fun place to live.  It actually is comprised of two buildings, and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steamroom.  It has its own gym, although with cross country skiing so close at hand, who can think of lifting a weight around here!

Twilight at the Edelweiss, looking up at the mountains from behind.

Joining us in living at the hotel will be Carl "Duke" Iverson, our offensive coordinator.  He is a great guy and lives just down the hall from us.  We are looking forward to many fun times with Duke at the Edelweiss this season!

Our new address (postcards encouraged):

Franz-Singer Strasse 3, #156

6091 Gotzens, Austria

+43-5234-32860

 

~ J. Twice