Farewell to an old friend

I said farewell to my loyal companion today. This was probably the most difficult decision of my life so far. Tambien was diagnosed with cancer last week and it had spread throughout his body. The past few days and nights, his breathing became progressively worse.

It is hard to believe that it has been about 12 years since Tambien and I got together. I have known Tambien longer than most of my friends in Dallas. The vet said that he was really surprised that a dog with such advanced stage of cancer was in such good condition. I'm convinced that Tambien waited to see me one last time before passing.

My brother told me that in some ways Tambien's passing signifies a close to a chapter in my life. Maybe so.

Finally home

After what seemed to be an epic day, I finally made it back to Dallas. I was up with Bemsi until 3 AM, then caught the 5:39 AM train to Zurich. The flight was well long and it was the most daylight I have ever seen at one time. Peter picked me up and we arrived back at the house. I was really surprised to see the house transformed from bachelor pad to mod hipster family dwelling. It was a pleasant surprise though. Now I've unpacked and started to do a lot of house admin. The lawn needs to be mowed and I need to organize my annual income tax documentation. Many of the flowers I stole and replanted from various home demolitions have started to bloom already. It is really warm back in Texas (about 25 deg C). I already miss Zermatt and wish I was back with Jane and the kids snowboarding.

Pics are from my surprise party after I returned home. Also have a picture of the flowers which I stole from one the old homes in the neighborhood which was being demolished.

Final Pablo Watch

I went to the Schnee for my last night out on the town before heading back to the states. Hamo, Jacko, Erica, Bemsi, and others came out to see me off. It was a good time with some very deep discussions about what was going to become of my future. In the middle of all this, Pablo shows up with what looks to be the start of a moustache.

Why Pablo?! Why?! I can always count on Pablo to provide some kind of entertainment during the evening.

It was sad to leave, but I think it was about time. I had what seemed to be the longest day traveling home. Not only did I stay at the schnee until 3 AM, but I had to catch the 5:39 AM train back to Zurich. I spared Hamish and Jacko the steamroller when I left the apartment keys in their flat. I'm sure I'll be back next year. Zermatt puts a spell on you while you are here. It is hard to think of anything else other than the snow and mountains until you physically leave.

Pictures are from the last night. I'm wearing my typical Schnee uniform (black hoodie and green beanie).

Ramsay????

Apparently James is on the European Snowsport snowboard team.

But we all know that he only taught one two hour lesson.

First Private Lesson

Wow! I accidentally had my first private lesson this afternoon. I was snowboarding with Jane and another friend this morning. On one run I was passing the beginner slope and Boris waved me down. Apparently, their group had one beginner and couldn't keep up with the rest of the people on the slopes. So I had the opportunity to give a Romanian girl a three hour lesson. We didn't get very far since the magic carpet was broken which made her exhausted. However, we did cover some of the basics. It was the easiest 200 CHFs I've made in a long time. There were some sketchy moments when I had to get her down to the restaurant at Findln. There was no gondola or lift down, so we had to use our snowboards as sleds. I don't reccommend doing this at all since you have very little control when using the snowboard as a sled. Anyway, it was a great experience.

The Bubble

Jane returned from Zurich on Monday just in time to see Niall and Dudley off. We didn't have a crazy night of partying, just a nice dinner at The Pipe and a few drinks at the Schnee. Jane mentioned how different it felt coming back to the city after spending so much time in Zermatt. In some ways, Zermatt is like a bubble where you are void of all of the stress from the outside world. Although I do have an internet connection and access to CNN or CNBC Europe, I do feel disconnected from the real world.I realized that I haven't driven a car in three months and am wondering if I'll be driving 30 mph on the highway. At this point I'm not really sure how I feel about leaving. Part of me wants to stay, but at the same time I'm anxious to get back home. The peak of the season is over now and you can feel the change in the atmosphere. The resort was virtually empty after 2 PM today. Hamish is teaching the snowlis all week, so it looks like I'm on my own unless Emma is free. I'm updating my resume and gving it to all of the schools this week.