The setting
Each day, I am caught off guard by the indescribable love and gratitude that envelops my entire being. In those moments, words fall short, and silence speaks volumes.
Beyond the expansive windows, the colossal mounds of granite, crowned in pristine white, and trees adorned with a delicate frosting of snow, command my attention. An immense canvas of blue, a hue so unique that it defies duplication is the backdrop for this landscape. When the sun finally slips behind the highest peak, in a slow-motion spectacle millions of tiny candles appear on the canvas, casting their glow upon the slopes below. Without window coverings, I resist closing my eyes. The experience could only be likened to gazing at your newborn child with an intensity aimed at capturing the moment for all eternity.
Given that the focus of my second book is about the need for sleep among all creatures, I reluctantly surrender to wearing my sleep mask…
The People
Being fluent in French certainly facilitated my exploration of the Swiss Valais district; however, the unspoken language of gestures played an equally vital role. Engaging in eye contact, responding, sharing a smile, and exchanging brief comments all played pivotal roles in communication. While I didn’t harbour the assumption that locals would be unfriendly, what truly left a lasting impression was their unreserved friendliness, particularly as I journeyed further from urban centres into higher elevations. When leaving the village via the local CarPostal bus, I was met with a collective “Bonjour” and eye contact from both the bus driver and the other passengers— a consistent display of warmth was encountered in cafés, restaurants, and the local market. I swiftly embraced this new and delightful norm. One day, a knock on my kitchen window brought an unexpected, in person invitation from a local couple to share a meal at their home. The chalet owners Alex and his wife Sara set a new hospitality standard, staying connected through WhatsApp, providing invaluable advice, tips, and photographs that enhanced my overall experience. Adjusting to such genuine warmth and generosity was a process, especially for someone accustomed to a high level of independence!
A day in the life
While travel is often seen as an escape from routines, it doesn’t imply abandoning them entirely. To fully capitalise on the benefits of this adventure, it was crucial for me to reassess my priorities on a weekly basis. Unfulfilled wishes were not among the items on my return packing list!
My day begins near sunrise, eagerly anticipating the arrival of deer near the chalet. My first priority is coffee in the second-floor kitchen, where the morning chill prompts the need for a wood stove fire. Initially daunted by the process, the provided fire sticks proved to be a game changer! Warmed and brimming with vitality, I indulge in an hour of writing before breakfast. (My newfound favourite is an egg, ham, and Gruyere crepe – merci Marjo!) This combination fuels another productive writing session until lunch, marking the transition into editing mode. Mid-afternoon, under the optimal sun, the trails call for an invigorating hour-long hike, nourishing both body and soul. Preparing dinner becomes a different form of creative expression, spurred by the necessity of a 10-minute bus ride to the nearest grocery store, prompting improvisation with available ingredients. As my day winds down, I delve into a treasure trove of books revealing the history and purpose of local chalets, barns, and huts, before embracing the nocturnal charm outside my bedroom window. In the comfort of my warm bed, I’ll miss the light of the grooming machine gracefully gliding across the adjacent ski slopes. I am on top of the world with gratitude!
Takeaways
Initiating a Bonjour serves us all a dose of optimism, while the investment provides optimal returns for the soul. Accepting help is a sign of strength. After several more encounters, embracing the presence of spiders continues to require a cautious approach. Taking time to sit, inhale crisp mountain air, and marvel at the surroundings for more than an hour is a worthy use of time. A backpack containing extra clothing and a large water bottle are always indispensable. When missing ingredients, improvisation is an art. I’ve learned that good cheese is the heart of a meal, and the underestimated beauty of moonlight has become apparent.
Lastly, I no longer doubt that my French accent is very apparent when I speak in English…adding a charming touch to my newfound perspectives.
It’s mid-day, and at 15 degrees Celsius, spring permeates the air. Returning from coffee with a neighbour, the path is a symphony of aromas—hay, grass, and deer droppings rising from the sun-kissed earth. The air is saturated with hope, creating a moment I’ll dearly miss. While the allure of the Heidi Hut and mountain vistas initially brought me here, it’s the people that will inevitably draw me back. As departure day looms, bittersweet emotions surface, yet I’m reminded that one has to leave in order to return!
“Do what you have to do, to do what you want.” L. Middleton
“Courage: An undercurrent that breaches the surface to become a wave.” L.Middleton
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin