“There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them.” said Sylvia Plath, one of the most renowned and influential poets, novelists, and short story writers of the 20th century.

Slowly I step into the hall of a historic farmhouse. It feels like stepping back into the rural life of yesteryear, and it sure was hard living there. Everything here is kind of distressing and grinding – I wonder if it is the old timber or the smell? At the same time, I am kind of fascinated by this authentic simplicity, this reduction to the essentials.

No matter whether you are a Tirolean native living somewhere else in the world or simply a lover of all things Tirolean who can't wait to get back to the Heart of the Alps, we have put together a list of 15 telltale signs that you are missing Tirol.

Easter Eggs are more than spring’s most iconic food. For Christians, Easter Eggs are a symbol of new life, a colorful reminder of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the beginning of a new time. Inside each egg there is a new life growing.

It is really mean. The sun is shining, the days are growing longer and the open-air season has begun. Spring has sprung, but not everyone feels energetic. For some, it is a season of leaden limbs and fits of yawning. While the world is waking up, they want to go to sleep. Observing the total renewal of nature after a long and cold winter is unbelievably beautiful, but it can make you behave like a sleepy fly—and not after a night out drinking. Somehow, you feel sleepier than during wintertime and that terrible feeling of fatigue and weakness coming between you and the world can feel uncomfortable, frustrating, and debilitating.

Or perhaps not, because falling in love isn’t really about choosing the type you prefer, but rather more about the chemistry between two people.

There are phenomena, buildings and customs in Tirol which might seem strange at first sight – but they exist.

As a little girl it felt like my father could do anything. One of his magic tricks was cooking a specific dish synonymous with Tirol: Kiachl. I still remember the smell and sound in our home when he made them. Kiachln are doughy discs traditionally served with Sauerkraut, though these days you will also find them dished up with several other accompaniments such as cranberries. Now that I'm all grown up, it's time for me to learn for myself how to make Kiachln. And who better to teach me than the master himself?

For many people it is the most important celebration of the year: Christmas. With the countdown already on, I spoke with some locals in Tirol to find out what the festive season was like here in Tirol many decades ago, when they themselves were children. Join us on a journey back in time to an period when many things may have been different but the core elements of celebrating Christmas were pretty much the same as they are today.