Tyvand Family Adventures: Winter To Spring

First snow, October 13. Snow Day (no school), March 10. Unlike the two week winter we experienced in Southern China, the Balkan winter has some bite. During this time we've sledded (thanks to the Stalkers and their steep driveway across the street), introduced the girls to skiing (thanks to Igman, Olympic ski jumping site and home to a great bunny hill) and generally made the most of the white stuff.

Spring, however, may have finally arrived this weekend. Enjoy the photos.

View of the hill just outside our house. Trying to drum up support amongst the locals to build a lift.

Our house, early March. The bag you see is Jim's skis, about 8:30AM on a Saturday. 40 minutes later, on the mountain.

Talin and Alma playing with Vera Stalker. Our house is white one partially hidden by tree on the left.

This is where we buy lift tickets at Jahorina. Great thing about the Bosnians, they don't like to get up early to ski. However, at 11AM or so, you can stand in front of this shack for about an hour waiting to buy one. In the background, brand new 6 seat high speed lift. The mountain has 2 of them, both installed this season.

Talin on skis for the first time. Dad was the the instructor. Jury still out as to whether Talin learned anything. Talin has enjoyed skiing this year, biggest challenge is getting Dad and Talin (or Alma) on the rope tow at the same time.

Alma didn't miss out. Alma's favorite part of skiing is when Daddy let's her ski by herself at the bottom of the run.

Rose gearing up on "snow day". Wednesday off of school, so we hit the mountain. Notice all the cars in the lot, it's about 9AM. Believe there were 6 or 7 by middle of the day.

Jim enjoying a pivo (beer) with Melissa after a day of skiing. Stalkers outdoor fireplace/bbq serves as a gathering point, regardless of season.

Bombed out hotel, Jahorina. Jahorina was in Serb controlled territory, and served as a military HQ during the war. Surprising how many bombed structures still visible in Sarajevo and surrounding area.

Yesterday, March 20. Bluebird day! Another great thing about the Bosnians, they like the groomers, never ski off piste. Last snowfall about 7 days ago, and still laying down fresh tracks.

Alma at Igman. Our favorite place to take the girls. While Jim instructs one, Rose sleds with the other. We wrap it up with a lunch of cevapi and french fries, home in time for naps. The still intact ski jumps and larger surrounding mountains provide the backdrop.

Jim and Rose at the Burns' Supper in downtown Sarajevo. In honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Never read his stuff. Didn't stop us from attending his bash. If haggis, scotch, meat and dancing are your bag, great event. Expat community was out in full force.

Spring. Talin is a big time tree climber.

Talin and Alma checking out books at school. On Friday, Alma comes to school with us in the morning to return, then check out books. Skirts of every color a theme in the Tyvand household.