It was a short but elegant vacation. Outside the world was catching a glimpse of Pluto and preoccupied by two meltdowns: a hot summer and the Greek economy. But nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, the only thing melting was the glacier we were skiing on.
There was something about this part of the world that made this little Parisian triumvirate feel particularly comfortable. What was it? Was it the hills alive with the sound of music? The ubiquitous figure of Mozart that greeted us at every corner? The sophisticated cafés that reminded us of Paris' best? The schnitzel? Theyodeling? The dirndl and lederhosen? The Riesling? The crazy ice cave? Gastro Express Ketchup? The soft green mountains? The kid-friendliness? The Austrian politesse? Or was it that soon-to-be-forgotten word, elegance?
Papa always said that, if you're searching for elegance, there are only two places in western culture worth looking: Paris and Austria. You may find style in Italy, comfort in the US, and a good sense humor in the UK, but you won't run into any elegance. Don't even ask about Switzerland.
Being three little Parisians, we felt right at home in Austria.
Or you can check out a Swiss sunny spring here: Schools out but papa's not
