A Chalet Girl At Last
Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 9:38 PM 
I grew up with Elinor Brent-Dyer's Chalet School books. I adored them. I was convinced I would leave school and flit off to Austria for good and evermore. Had my ten year old self known it would take me close on half a century to get there, I'd have been horrified. But the years have come and gone and I never quite made it to Tirol.
Today, however, was THE day. I finally stood - for all of about three seconds - with my feet in the icy water of the Aachensee (the Tiernsee of the books). I perused the menu at the Post Hotel and walked along the lake path that leads to Seespitz. I lingered on the boat landing and tried to identify the snowy peaks that ringed me round.
I absolutely couldn't have chosen a better day to be there - the first really hot day of the year, the sky so blue, the lake so clear and still. I left with a pebble from the water and a cone from the pine woods. And a soul at last satisfied. The Tiernsee (Aachensee) was exactly as I'd imagined it. And it was perfect.
Reader Comments (3)
I'm so glad that after all these years it lived up to your expectations and that your romantic self was satisfied. I guess you're not the only little girl who dreamed of being there one day. It looks absolutely beautiful - you were lucky to catch such a perfect day.
Your trip sounds fabulous. Hoping you are having a special celebration today. sending our love and best wishes
Sounds wonderful! So glad you made it there after all these years. Who says dreams don't come true? :)