We celebrated my recent birthday in Tyrol, Austria, near Innsbruck. Our accommodation was on a dairy and guest farm, Edenhauserhof, near Natters Lake. The beautiful crystal displays at Swarovski Crystal World fascinated me. I contemplated the symbolic meaning of both reflection and refraction of light.

Family life on the dairy and guest farm

The farmhouse took my breath away. It is a beautiful wooden house decorated with vibrant pink petunias on the windowsills. In the backdrop were lush green pastures, accompanied by the melodic tinkling of cowbells. At sunset, the cows leisurely walked to the barn for their evening milking. We observed how the farmer diligently recorded each cow’s milk production alongside their respective names.

The children played outside with toys and the kittens and dogs. They are the tenth generation on this farm. The grandmother was responsible for breakfast. She offered a spread of farm-fresh and homemade products. We experienced her warm hospitality when she patiently conversed with us in German, ensuring we could understand her every word.

There is a quant chapel where the young couple, managing the farm, exchanged wedding vows and baptized their baby girl during Covid-19. Witnessing their collaborative and close-knit family dynamics left us deeply touched.

Close to the farmhouse are camping facilities, nestled beside Natters Lake. A sunny autumn glow in the air and the reflections of the warm colours on the lake’s surface created a tranquil atmosphere. Everyone relished and revelled in nature’s grand spectacle.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is a beautiful town nestled in the Inn River valley, embraced by towering mountains. The name “Innsbruck” translates to “Bridge over the Inn.”

Internationally acclaimed as a hub for winter sports, Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. The modern Bergisel ski jump, with its breathtaking view over Innsbruck, bears witness to this.

We strolled through the enchanting old town area. The most iconic landmark in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof, completed in 1500. We had the privilege of witnessing a couple celebrating their wedding in front of this historic edifice.

Swarovski

The Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, just a short distance from Innsbruck, was a highlight for me.

It is a family-owned business managed by the fifth generation. It is renowned for its exquisite ornaments and jewellery. However, they also have an Optics division specializing in lenses and telescopes.

The Crystal World consists of a Giant Cave with 18 Rooms full of Wonders and an enchanting Garden. Within the Chambers of Wonder, globally acclaimed artists, designers, and architects have crafted diverse experiences to showcase the multifaceted beauty of crystal. The exhibits provided interactive, immersive experiences.

Our journey began in the Silent Lightroom, an enchanting winter wonderland featuring falling snow and temperatures as low as minus ten degrees. The following room, the Crystal Dome, comprised 595 mirrors, producing a mesmerizing depth effect that made me feel like I had stepped inside a giant crystal.

The “Heroes of Peace” exhibition left the most profound impact on me. Innovative projection technology allowed life-size holograms of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to come to life. These “Heroes of Peace” engaged with visitors, offering inspiration and sharing the wisdom they’ve gleaned from their extraordinary lives.

In the Garden, I felt like a child. I was mesmerized by the crystal clouds reflecting in the crystal-clear pool below. When the sun emerged from behind the clouds, the crystals shimmered like Christmas lights adorning a tree.

Light refraction and reflection

Amidst all our experiences, light refraction and reflection resonated as symbols.

Refraction is light bending as it transitions from one transparent substance to another. It plays a vital role in various optical instruments, from lenses to magnifying glasses, prisms, and rainbows. Even our eyes rely on the bending of light. Like crystals, we allow God’s light to pass through us, each of us uniquely bending it to contribute to a more beautiful and colourful world.

Reflection, on the other hand, involves the rebound of light without absorption. Surfaces serve as mirrors, reflecting the image. In the same way, other people and challenging situations can serve as mirrors, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly. Subsequently, we require reflection time to make sense of what we observe and to decide what we want to do with this newfound awareness. Our reflections are instrumental in helping us comprehend our identity and aspirations.

Within families, both light refractions and reflections occur. Each member interprets the light in their unique hues and shades. Family members’ reflections serve as mirrors that aid us in gaining a clearer understanding of ourselves. Occasionally, these reflections inspire and motivate us to further develop ourselves.

My recent gift, “Letters to Emsia,” was a mirror, reflecting the perspectives of friends and family and offering valuable insights.

In the video below, I provide a visual reflection of our weekend.

Regards

Emsia