Hawaiian winter wonderland
Snow is hardly the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the lush islands of Hawaii, but there I was, wearing only board shorts, slops and a light windbreaker, ascending the steep gravel road…
Snow is hardly the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the lush islands of Hawaii, but there I was, wearing only board shorts, slops and a light windbreaker, ascending the steep gravel road…
Any jacket which can survive the rigours of family life – and these ones passed with flying colours – are surely ready to conquer the world.
Rumour has it another treasure has been discovered in Utah, which is the reason for my visit. The dry desert summer climate, breathtaking vistas and high-quality ski-lift networks have apparently turned Park City into a mecca for mountain biking.
For an intimate venue up in the Alps, the lineup was a strong mix of electronica musicians: a blend of people you’d find in the biggest clubs in Ibiza as well as some alternative yet well-respected artists.
Hokkaido offers some top-rated skiing gems in a treasure box that includes hot springs (onsen) and volcanoes amidst a cultural experience of culinary flavours and Eastern traditions in the land known for karaoke, karate, origami, sushi, samurai and sake. This trip was never going to just be about the skiing.
The next day I somehow find myself even higher still, simultaneously clutching my seat for dear life while whooping in excitement. Pascal (paragliding pilot extraordinaire) and I are flying high above the snow, circling and turning and spinning and generally acting like excitable puppies let off the leash.
If there’s one thing Japan do well, apart from eating raw fish, it’s beautiful parks. These guys know how to landscape gardens and they like doing it a lot.
As the snow across Europe begins to dissipate, a sudden urge to gets one’s fix of adrenaline and mountain pleasure kicks in
007 adventures in this glorious winterous wonderland.
Like something out of a Lord of the Rings novel, the mountains loom large in front of us. Shrouded in cloud they appear other-worldy; a playground for monsters and fairies and grand adventures. And it is adventure we are seeking, although hopefully more of the snow and skiing variety and less of the mystical creatures sort.
Starting from 3300meters at the top of Pic Blanc above the iconic French Ski resort of Alpe D’Huez, descending 25 kilometers to the valley below. 2000 competitors battle through qualification to make it to the 200-rider race down the ski slope and mountain.