Kit and Ca-'strudel' — Roaming with Roth

Hi everyone! I have a slew of posts coming, However, up here in the South Tyrolian Alps, (near Bolzano, Italy) obtaining and keeping a strong signal has been 'iffy'. Tonight, though, I have enough of a signal to send this brief but most 'pressing' message. Pressing not because it will change the world, or cause philosophical reflection or yield profound, personal insight. No! It is pressing because it is literally pressing on me. My stomach is extended, not bloated. There is no air in there. Just strudel.

Adele and I are staying in a hotel in the midst of these breathtaking and astounding 250 million year old mountains range with spectacularly inspiring views. We arrived two nights ago and have already taken two very different hikes. The first hike was up into the peak's massive rock formations; the second 'over the valley and through the woods' to a sparkling, lucid lake. Each hike distinct and measured not by distance but by the number of calories burnt. The reason for this pathological pursuit? Our hotel is called a "Gourmet Hotel". After all, we are in the midst and middle of piles of rock at 3,000-8,000 feet. One doesn't hop into their vehicle and go out to dinner when the downside is literally the "down side".

Upon arrival, we were offered a welcoming snack. Each day there is a breakfast buffet. During the day, at about 2 PM they lay out a large table of homemade desserts and fresh fruits. Dinner is inclusive. Tonight they offered a pre-dinner assortment of locally produced salamis and hams with homemade crisps. Dinner itself starts with a German-style buffet of assorted salads and greens. The fresh assortment will consist of beet salad, egg salad, cole slaw, mushroom salad, white bean salad, tuna salad, potato salad, roast beef salad, mozzarella, arugula, lettuce. This is standard fare and does not count as an appetizer. Then comes the first course...a main course...and then dessert. Did I mention dessert?

Tonight was a special night because...well, I have no idea why. It's just another night at Ritterhof. Dessert was special, though. It was a strudel buffet. Yes, friends, a dais of sundry strudels - apple (of course); plum; pear; strawberry-rhubarb; apricot; sour cherry; and a poppy seed cake to boot. Served with vanilla sauce and whipped cream this was as decadent an experience as I have had since about last Tuesday. No, not really. (Right now I am feeling giddy from a sugar high) Well, in case you are wondering what this looks like on the plate...HERE IT IS FOLKS.

A serving from the 'Strudel Buffet' with vanilla sauce and 'shlag'

The look of a woman being COERCED into consuming 8 types of strudel.

I do not want to leave you with an image of gluttony and self-satisfaction. In truth, this has been a very moving and poignant return for us. Last year, as most know, we spent the summer in the German Alps and Black Forest. We were struck by the German countryside, its pristine character, its variegated bands of green forest; its earth, bedrock, boulders and crust. I don't think we were prepared for the experience we had. (A shout-out to Howard and Lily for introducing us to the experience)

So, this year we knew we wanted to return as part of the whole years' journey. And, then our itinerary allowed us first to go through Italy entering Germany through these Alps. Well, we started our first day's trek with hiking map in hand. Guided by the daughter of the owner of Ritterhof, she described our yet to be undertaken walk with a "Pfff" and a wave of the hand. We took that to mean easy. But easy to those who have lived, grew up, and worked in the Alps is different from those who have traversed a high rise by elevator. The walk, although only 4.5 miles, was strenuous and arduous...and, UP! However, the reward brought tears to our eyes. We love hiking so much. We love being in nature. We love being amongst people who walk. We love being surprised. The view one sees this moment is ever changing from day to day and minute by minute. You take just a few steps around a corner or through a corridor and your perspective shifts and your participation with the environment alters with it. So does your attitude - physical and philosophical.

A peek at the 'peaks' in the South Tyrol.  Some of these formations are part of the Dolomites. — *A peek at the 'peaks' in the South Tyrol. Some of these formations are part of the Dolomites.*

There is the sense of absolute Peace. Adele likes to say that what she appreciates most is "having nothing else on my mind".

As the afternoon fog set in, I couldn't believe I got this shot of Adele

I feel this deep gratitude, too. I will scream to the bedrock and mantle, to the cliffs, crags and escarpments as if announcing to the gods of the forest and hills and core of this Earth that I am appreciative and deeply indebted to be amongst you...be a part of you.

Lago di Fie

I feel the energy caress me, not as the bestowal of a gift from god. No, rather the extension of a hand that has always been there, as if Source exists as our Presence. The contentment can instantaneously turn to euphoria, conscious that this life offers a constant, endless and varied assortment of delights and pleasures. The truth is I stand alone in those moments and can feel unworthy bathed in an overwhelming, rarefied pleasure dome, unable to absorb the beauty and perfection.

That is just how it looks here in Seis (Siusi)

And, then I must and, eventually, just let go. Let it happen. Let nothing be in the way. In my Conscious Presence, vacated of mind, particulars, purpose and meaning, cause and effect, reason and rationale, I accept the flickering nature of it all and accept my role. To be Present, as I am, in each moment. That is all.