Thank you 2022, old friends and new so now let’s party in 2023.
As is tradition at this time of year it’s fun to look back on what we all did over the past 365 days.
Of course even the most travelled of us will spend most of our time at home.
And we’re blessed to live by the sea near one of the great cities, Edinburgh, which is why we have been fortunate to receive visitors from around the world.
Swish Swiss
Put them on a podium: With Fran and Myriam
Auld Reekie’s winds and bends have long captivated the most imaginative which is why it’s oft-used for film locations.
And that’s part of the fun of it all as even those who thought they knew Edinburgh’s streets found themself taking detours around building works.
Before alighting on the charming Ondine on George IV Bridge, in between St Giles’ Cathedral and the Camera Obscura.
Royal watchers, of course, would become acquainted with the historic Royal Mile and St Giles Cathedral.
With Queen Elizabeth taking up residence there in September (but more of that later).
We rounded off the afternoon warming ourselves with Scottish drink in the institution that is the Greyfriars Bobby pub which like Bobby we always come back to.
As we will Switzerland, and had, earlier in the year when we tarried as long as we could in Zurich airport and the Montreaux Jazz Cafe Geneva which does exactly what it says on the tin.
Ski and easy in Val D’Isere
Way to go Jo: In Val D’Isere
There was dancing in ski boots on the slopes of Val D’Isere too as skiing got back on the slopes after Covid.
It’s safe to say that I’m more comfortable at the apres than the ski as I raved at La Folie Douce.
And fell on the magic carpet up to the slopes.
With the help of my new amis I managed to stay upright on the mountains.
But it was now and beckoning me on from my Envoy Hotel window.
As was a return to my old haunt, the Irish Black Rose pub and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
And a trek on the tracks to other wonders of New England in arty Providence in Rhode Island and kooky Connecticut with its academia and culinary pizza and hamburger heritage.
More America
Don’t forget the Motor City: Detroit
I wasn’t finished with the Oo Es of Eh, and it hadn’t had it with me either, and while we weren’t dancing in the streets of Detroit we were singing its praises.
And for the fourth year running it’s the happiest place in the world, it’s a No1 Finnday Funday.
So what do we put Finland’s joy down to… all those icy dips and saunas?
Well, yes, according to the Finns themselves who credit their love of nature.
He’s started so he’ll Finnish
Roll in it: Finland
Heli Jimenez, of Business Finland, explained: ‘We appreciate the small things in our daily lives.
‘Such as sitting quietly on a bench and staring at the empty lake after a relaxing sauna session or taking a morning dip in the sea before starting the working day.’
If you now live in the frozen north of Britain, or Scotland as it’s sometimes called, then it’s a victory for chilly places.
Cry freedom
Happiest place on earth: Paula in Orlando
The UN World Happiness Report looks at perceived freedom, honesty, welfare, good health and generosity.
And a trust in their leaders which has been reciprocated over Covid with that ‘helping to protect lives and livelihoods during the pandemic.’
Now we’re all of us ambassadors for our countries when we live abroad.
And among my most treasured possessions is the Pleasure To Work With Award that hangs proudly on my wall.
OK I’ve made that up that the Swissglais verb to ski is Verbier but it is only to give the resort the prominence it deserves.
Verbier is celebrating and not just because at last we’re getting a ski season (my delayed start on the run will start in March, Dieu s’il vous plait).
The Swiss village in the Valais Canton, the gateway to the 4 Vallées region, has been named World’s Best Ski Resort 2021 at the World Ski Awards.
It was a double celebration for the village with W Verbier collecting World’s Best Ski Hotel.
Chalet, allez, allez, allez
Chalet Zermatt Peak, sitting in the shadow of the Matterhorn, claimed World’s Best Ski Chalet.
Whilst Austria’s exquisite Aurelio Lech won World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel.
Now proper skiers (moi? aspiring) will tell you rightly about the world beyond Switzerland and the Alps
And that is recognised in the awards.
With the latest arrival on Japan’s luxury ski hospitality scene, The Vale Rusutsu, taking World’s Best New Ski Hotel.
With the newcomer accolade for World’s Best New Ski Chalet.
Murphski and I
Now if only I had a chalet trip to Val D’Isere set up for March.
And better still I only have an old friend and champion skier there with me.
The multi award-winning Catherine ‘Murphski’ Murphy on the party to pick me up when I’m down.
And I mean that quite literally.
Bravo
Bravo to all the winners and as they say in these quarters, a word from the sponsors.
Sion Rapson, Managing Director, World Ski Awards, said: ‘Our winners represent the very best of the global ski tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them.
‘The 9th annual World Ski Awards programme received a record number of votes from ski consumers across the world.
‘This shows that the appetite for ski tourism has never been stronger and bodes well as the global recovery gathers momentum.’
If I’d been there, of course, I’d have fed Sion the line The Swissglais verb to ski is Verbier.