Grand Personnage

The resemblance is nothing if not uncanny.

Porridge: The Secret of Renewal

Many seek the counsel of such a one as Büäzer Porridge. (The word ‘sage’ is often heard whispered by them in reverent tones.) In this, his duty is also his deep pleasure.

But what is the secret to such wisdom coupled with an almost child-like appreciation and joy of life and its complexities?

Bergun, Switzerland

Retreat.

Sought by all in his regular life, from notables (privacy diligently guarded; sorry, no name-dropping here) to Jane and Joe Citizen, once on retreat, Herr Porridge lives sparsely, surrounded by nature. Mentally sustained by his rich inner life, he returns to the world tingling in every (soluble) fibre of his being.

Well Done!

It’s easy to receive accolades from the Swiss.

I Spy Confusing Signs

What are they getting at here? They don’t want any wading? Or wading is fine so long as one doesn’t wear bathers?

Clearly, boating is quite acceptable provided no people are involved.

Photos taken at Lake Palpuogna near Preda, Switzerland.

Mountain Danger – Not Where You Expect It.

It’s skis. It’s snowboard. It’s wind-in-the-hair-and-mountain-views. All in complete safety.

Hardware at Height

We missed the signs on the walk up. It was only when we got to the big red one lying on the rockface after the first short section of La Resgia via ferrata that we realised we would have to abandon. Birds and nature are not to be tampered with and the sign made it clear that we would be doing so if we proceeded. We were not to be there until the 1st July – two days hence – on account of nesting birds. (Perhaps they were on some sort of timed evacuation.) We departed sadly.

On the way down we met two Swiss folk who told us the fine was 300 CHF. They kept going regardless. Perhaps their Swissness was protection enough.

Fortunately, as you know by now, there was plenty to keep us occupied in the intervening time and we returned on the allotted day.

It is a great via ferrata for three reasons:

Channelling Your Inner Bergun

As one wanders around Bergun, Switzerland, one asks oneself, ‘Could I do that?

‘Could I transform my house into a creation, a work of art, a pleasure and inspiration to me and those who see it? Could I show my aspirations, my heritage, my values – cryptically or with clarity – on my abode?’