Traversing the Bernese Oberland on a summer holiday had a profound effect on the 19-year-old author-to-be.

BBC: In Alpine villages, Hobbits lurk

Located within the Bernese Alps, Piz Gloria was still under construction when it took on its starring role as the allergy research institute used by Blofeld to brainwash a group of beautiful women from around the world.

BBC: James Bond��s On Her Majesty��s Secret Service

As she bounds through the grass with the Great Danes and the Bernese Mountain Dogs, I believe that there was never a dog so popular and well adjusted as mine (and yet realize at the same time that this is the height of my own particular brand of insanity).

NPR: 'Dog is My Co-Pilot'