A big time in a really small country...

Quick quiz:
How do you spell the name of a really small country?
A. Lichenstein
B. Liechtenstein
C. Lechtinstein
D. Leichenstine

It is: (3 out of 7 are true)
-the smallest German speaking country in the world
-a well-known tax haven, housing more corporations than people
-uses the lira
-governed by a king
-home to a ski resort
-bordered by Germany
-abbreviated LS

You can read more for yourself at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(thenameofthecountry). Two out of the 4 spellings will get you there somehow.

During our visit to Malbun, we sampled Käseknöpfle, Rösti, fondue, bratwurst, and weinerschnitzel.

We were extremely excited the first day because - SKI LIFTS WERE FREE ALL DAY! They were celebrating a second opening since snow finally came to Europe. It snowed all day Saturday and then was absolutely beautiful Sunday and Monday.

The resort was small, uncrowded and had some decent runs. It was a beautiful place to ski (no pictures with me at the moment) AND... Matt even snowboarded one day... or maybe half a day. He spent half a day trying to learn how to go up the tow rope before deciding that the bunny slope wasn't worth the effort. Riding the real lifts was much easier... but at the top of one of them we ended up on a long narrow ski road that wasn't very friendly for novice snowboarders. Bree patiently stayed behind him as he repeatedly:

1) Tried twice to stand-up.
2) Started skiing facing right.
3) Switched to face the inside of the mountain.
4) Went 5 feet.
5) Forced himself to fall down.

It only took about 40 iterations to get to an actual run, where he then performed quite well, while Bree switched roles and became the timid one, inching down the steeper incline.

We made it down eventually and, needless to say, didn't take that particular lift any more.

The people were very, very friendly.

It was a great way to celebrate the New Year, our anniversary and Valentine's all in one.

Only one disappointment: the hotel pool was barely heated and there wasn't a hot tub. We had to acclimate to a sauna instead.