Florian, Tom and I loaded up the car and headed to Arosa. They were going to ski/snowboard while I met a friend and explored. So we did the two hour drive. I put on a "Slopes" playlist and sipped coffee. We climbed up the mountains, through the clouds, until we reached the blue skies and sunshine. As we reached Arosa, Florian said "Let's slash some pow!" He claims he was just mocking snowboarders. But nonetheless, it was hilarious. They unloaded the car as I took pictures of the beautiful morning.
They got their tickets while I found Hombi's shop. Hombi is Leo's long time friend and a friend of the Boniek family from Alaska. He is a professional photographer now. (He did my senior pictures! A very skilled man!) But he was a professional climber for years as well. Leo describes him as "one of the greats." Leo and Hombi fly, climb, ski, and continually adventure together. The definition of incredible men and best friends. Hombi casually mentioned how he and Leo call each other everyday. D'aww.
I easily found Hombi's shop because it next door to the main entrance for ticket purchases. For the next hour and a half, Hombi, his wife Frannie and I had coffee. We exchanged battle stories of shoulder surgeries and recovering. They told me stories of climbing in Nepal. We talked about Alaska and reminisced. It was a lovely time.
However, they had a shop to run. Hombi told me I should go see the end of the racing. Since I had all day, I headed off. I took a packed bus to the other side of the mountain. After shedding some jackets and staring at the scenery, I found the finish line for the "Skiing Cross World Cup." I honestly wasn't really sure what it was. But I wiggled my way to the front of the crowd. I mean the racers covered me in powder as they came to a screeching halt everytime. But also, important news. I made it on the mega TV screen at the event. Yes sir! I was in the crowd shot. I guess you could say it was a pretty big deal.
Okay, seriously though. (I was on TV though...) It was a very incredible event to see. People cheered loudly, rang cowbells, waved flags, and showered adoration on the racers. A German speaking announcer did commentary on the whole event as Bon Jovi played in the background. I met four Australian guys who were ecstatic when the Australian skier began his race. They were eccentric, but explained some of the rules to me. It was a very fun time to say the least. Life is good!
Let me take a moment to talk about Arosa's surroundings. As you can see, it is completely surrounded by high soaring mountains. A lake is next to the little town, which being frozen in the winter serves as an open area for events. Downhill skiing runs line the mountain along with hiking/cross country skiing paths. Classic Swiss buildings make up the little town. Hotels and restaurants heavily market the outdoor decks looking at the view. One establishment went as far as having lounging chairs in the sun facing the mountains. They nailed it. Minus the 20 Franc glasses of wine, I would have stayed there easily. I found I worked and worked at taking pictures. From ground level shots to high up shots, I searched for the picture that would show the essence of the beauty. I gave up. Those mountains were magical, inspiring, peaceful, and empowering all at once.
I went to the car to grab the lunch Sarah had packed for us. Apparently, since I'm not in college and therefore not a freshmen, I'm going for the "European Fifteen." Switzerland has these bread rolls with chocolate slabs in the middle. Mmm mmm mmm, my favorite...I'm sorry, but life does not get better than eating one of those, staring at Swiss mountains, and soaking in the sun. Life is good.
After lunch, I started hiking. I walked most of the rest of the afternoon. I went all over trails on the mountains. I enjoyed watching skiers and little kids sledding. I soaked in the sun. I sat on a bench and practiced saying "Grüezi" to people as I looked at the mountains. But mostly, I smiled so much my face hurt. Life was good.
As the sun started to hide behind the mountains, I headed back down. The boys were still "slashing some pow." So, I sat next to the frozen lake for a while. I watched paragliders float from the tops of mountains and land in the open area, children play, and couples enjoy the last bit of sun.
Since it was still sore, I thought about my shoulder. And I must admit, I was proud. I was very proud of myself for getting to that bench in Arosa. I thought about the initial email to my college asking for deferment. I thought about saving my money so I could find this trip. But mostly I thought about laying in a pre-op room trying to keep a good attitude about a huge delay. How life isn't always beautiful mountains and great days. I thought about my family sitting in a funeral today. How pain can strike you to your core. You can ask through tear stained lips, "Why?" or "How do I keep going now?" But I smiled. Because I looked at those mountains and here was my first thought. "I looked to the mountains. Where does my help come from?" (Psalm 121:1) Beauty and inspiration may come from big mountains, but comfort and peace comes from a better place. My second thought was a quote from Charles Bukowski. "Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I'm not going to make it, but you laugh inside- remembering all the times you've said that before." Life is good.
The boys were still not back, so I got up and wandered around Arosa. Have I ever mentioned the magical things you find by wandering? It works. I promise. I stumbled upon a curling tournament. I watched for a shamefully long time. I still don't get it. If someone wants to explain this sport to me sometime, I'd appreciate it. Because while fun to watch, .... What in the world is it?!
The boys eventually did come back. Florian immediately handed me chocolate. European Fifteen... They loaded up the car and I said farewell to Arosa. We descended back into the clouds. Life is good.
Becca, this was so fun to read! The pics are great but show just enough beauty that you know there's so much more seeing it with your own eyes! :)
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