Woke up early this morning, the last remnants of jet lag still clinging to my circadian rhythm.  It was -7° C as I walked to the backerei to get this mornings brotchen.  Whilst waiting for backerei to open I was suckered into parting with 1 euro by the most well dressed, well spoken beggar I have ever met .  She was chatting with another women whilst I was counting my geld.  She rattled something in German to me and I went into my routine of explaining that I am an ignorant Australian that can't speak Deutsche.  In near perfect English she asked me for a euro.  I thought she wanted some change for parking and before I could say "Give that back you thieving bitch" she had my hard earned cash.  I will be on the look out for her next time.

Today's discovery is that the closest ski field is only 5 minutes walk from our apartment.  Amazing.  It is not particularly big and I don't think it will be hosting the Winter Olympics any time soon but there is a sign saying skiing announcing to the world in general that it is in fact a piste.  The first time we get a big dump of powder I will heading up there to give it a go.