Places to go - before the snow melts - and summer arrives
Before the snow melts and the summer sun get's here, I'd like this year to be the year I get to tick off seeing these fabulous places from my bucket list.
I don't much like being cold. And I'm not a great fan of snow and ice - but hell what's not to like about staying in an ice hotel? It would be really cool - don't you think? In the good way.
Everything. And I mean everything in this place is made of ice. I like to think of myself as the intrepid sort - but bedrooms that are a constant minus 5 degrees - with no indoor plumbing is taking being intrepid just that bit too far. So it's great to know there are bathrooms - in a nice warm building nearby. Indoor plumbing is apparently not possible in the ice bedrooms. For the less intrepid - there is also warm accommodation next to the hotel.
The Ice Hotel has a decent bar. And they have thought of everything. Even the glasses are made out of ice.If you fancy a stay in an Ice Hotel - you will have to go in winter time. The ice structure is temporary, and melts when the spring thaw arrives. Most stays average between 3 and 7 days.
I suspect, as unique experiences go, staying in an Ice Hotel is about as unique as you are going to get.
The first hotel was built in the Swedish village of Jukkasjavi, in 1990. Such a great idea really needs a visit.
Ice Hotel Holidays
Feeling significantly invigorated from my (short) stay in an oversized igloo, and in keeping with the snow theme - my next stop - Switzerland - and an Alpine Ski resort.
If you haven't skied before, don't be put off from trying the sport. Although skiing looks difficult - it really isn't. It's about balance and enjoying whizzing down a snow covered slope, knowing you deserve the Apes Ski afterwards.
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| image courtesy of Bravo TV |
Salopettes, basically padded dungarees, are either a fabulous boon to an already unfairly slim body or an unpleasant garment designed to make your New Year's resolution to go on a diet.
Adding a thick ski jacket only helps to create the abominable snowman look. To avoid this - black is slimming so it is the colour to go for. It also helps if you get lost. Shows up well against a white background.
Taking a few lessons is important if you have never skied before. Here's a really useful YouTube video that takes you from putting on your ski boots to taking your first baby steps on your skis.
And if you are new to skiing, don't bother to buy expensive equipment - it makes sense to rent first time around. If you are lucky enough to have a dry ski slope near where you live, it's a good idea to get a few practise runs in before you go on your skiing holiday.
Note to the Universe - I'd like my own Alpine ski chalet. It doesn't have to be too large - but a must have is a hot-tub in the snow. Thanks.
If you think you might like to try skiing - then here's a couple of useful sites.
Another wish on my winter holiday bucket list has always been to see the northern lights. How awesome must it be - to have a 24/7 - light display going on over your head.
This amazing spectacle is caused by gaseous particles in Earth's atmosphere colliding with charged particles released from the Sun's atmosphere.
One of the best places in the Northern Hemisphere to see the Aurora Borealis is Norway.
The idea of sailing the Norwegian fjords, in cruise liner luxury, whilst watching the Northern Lights from the warm comfort of a viewing deck is my idea of a good time. Still going to need my thermal undies and thick woolly jumpers, but hey I can rough it with the best of them. Besides -
My Nordic adventure will start in Oslo and end way up in the Arctic circle, visiting along the way, Trondheim, once capital of Norway, and where the Viking culture began. Trondheim oozes with things to see. TripAdvisor's 15 best things to see in Trondheim is packed full of great ideas on
If you really want to get into the Viking spirit - the tour gives you the chance to try your hand at dog sledding. And other fun stuff.
These 2 sites have lots of good info about what is offered on a cruise -
Cruising the Fjords - discovering the Northern Lights
I for one can't wait for the chance to go. Maybe this year (2019) Father Christmas will put a ticket in my stocking - because he sure didn't do it last year (2018). I guess the only thing for it - I shall have to start saving up and buy my own prezzie of my winter dream hols.
If you are lucky enough to be jetting off on a winter holiday - I hope you have a fabulous time.
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