25 - 31 March 2013

Winter is almost over, the village 'make over' months begin and Hotel Eder is getting a new facade. Facades of all kinds can be found everywhere in Maria Alm; the church with it's ostensibly opulent marble interior is one of the biggest frauds, newer buildings are made to look old with wood cladding, outward appearances are paramount, and the welcome smile that makes the guest feel like Lassie finally coming home is carefully honed. After a long and exhausting winter, those facial facades are in need of a make over.

18 - 24 March 2013

Twenty years ago house owners in Maria Alm stained their wooden balconies fashionably dark. Now they are stripping the wood fashionably light. It is a expensive and dusty procedure that all takes place under a big tarpaulin. The whole village looks like a Christo and Jeanne-Claude installation.

11 - 17 March 2013

The job of Messner used to come with a house, a very lovely house. The Messner House is next to the vicarage and now houses the library and Fair Trade shop. Simon is not too disappointed because he has found himself his very own garret in the church. It is cold, dark and sparsely furnished and sometimes he would rather be there than at home!

4 - 10 March 2013

Today, Elizabeth said, "How many days are there until tomorrow?".

25 February - 3 March 2013

Justine and Simon held their breath as Caspar took a leap of faith over the big kicker. Once over it was easy and, after building confidence and practising a few grabs, he was invited to take part in the ski show the following week. But... the very next day the piste bashers bashed the kicker and built a new one twice as big for the Freestyle Big Air Show. Caspar conceded and will realise his dream next Winter.