The orange glow, of course, comes from light pollution and low flying clouds (the ones that are currently dumping snow across our region). Light pollution is a pain, but tonight it created a surreal atmosphere, where you really would believe that the yobs in the yob estate next to us had finally set fire to the ugly tower block – and you thought I was going to get all surrealistic on you! Ha!

I’m not going to go into one of those rambles about why adults turn into big snowball lobbing, sledge dodging kids whenever snow arrives, they just do. FACT - now deal with it.

What I will say though is that it has also snowed all across Europe, which is brilliant because next week I will be skiing in Germany!

Germany? Skiing?

Yup, many people I speak to somehow find it hard to comprehend that there is actually a veritable feast of ski resorts in Germany. The fact that the Tirol Valley, which hosts such delights as St Anton and Kitzbühel is only a stone’s throw away is something that most people seem to forget!

You will find that that ski passes in Germany are also a fair amount cheaper than their Swiss, French or Austrian counterparts.

This price difference is also reflected in the food and accommodation costs. The old adage that if you’re a vegetarian you will have the option of “bread, salad or bread and salad” is slowly dying away. Not that I am too bothered really, there is nothing better than a Currywurst mit Pommes! In fact I believe almost 90% of my food budget is spent on this option!

As for accommodation, well, I am holidaying with my parents this time round and we are taking the ultimate holiday wagon with us! We will not be staying in a campsite thought. Oh no – we will be staying in a car park, a car park that has eclectic hookup and about a hundred other vans! Welcome to Stelplatzes. I honestly can’t think of an English term for it. “Pitch” is the literal translation but “Stay Place” is more on the mark.

These places are awesome. With a camper van you have most of your facilities with you, so staying in a campsite defies the purpose of your wagon. These places have become incredibly popular all across Europe and you can find one in almost every town, city or place of note! Except in the UK, of course, we don’t like them slow travelling folk, oh no!

So there it is guys and girls, I will be staying in a car park near a place that in slang translation means “Burning Penis” next to the village of “Wank” and they say the Germans’ have no sense of humour!

Also – here’s a wee note to go have a look at a blog from Jennifer L Price, a traveller based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where I skied only last month! (LINK) If only I knew then. We truly are a global community.

Welcome one and all.

As usual, please click here to leave a comment -If you don’t I’ll send the wrong kind of snow to your town!

(A FEW MORE PICTURES WILL BE COMING ONCE BLOGGER IS WORKING PROPER AGAIN)