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Another off topic Trip Report > Switzerland Pt. 2
Another off topic Trip Report > Switzerland Pt. 2
Here is part 2 to finish up a full off topic trip report with loads of photos. I wrote this for a friend who wanted all my info so it includes many links that I used to help plan the trip.
This was inspired by Linne's excellent OT TR and photos and FlipFlop where to go question, plus the fact that when I posted some off topic comments & photos re this same trip on the regular board back months ago, several of you (including Anthony) enjoyed them.
2007 SWISS TRIP REPORT May 23 - June 1
Newark > Geneva > Montreux 2 nights > Wengen 4 nights > Lucerne 2 nights > Zurich back to Newark.
Day 5 May 28 (Memorial Day back home) daughter wakes up looks out window of Alpenrose and says "oh my God!" to 5+ inches snow coming down pretty heavy. Cute scene below as locals herd flock of sheep through the snow to a barn. Crazy changeable weather in the mountains.
Before
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
After
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
Down to valley for some lunch - also snowing down there.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 6.JPG"></a>[/img]
Relaxed with our books back up at Alpenrose.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
Sample Alpenrose dinner: Pasta app, clear soup, salad bar with fresh local greens, roasted pork with veggie or eggplant with cheese and tomato, fresh fruit and fresh baked strudel desert, and always cheese plate available. Other nights apps included shrimp; smoked salmon; entrées like sirloin steak, rosti, etc. Breakfast always included bacon, fried eggs, fruit, wonderful fresh baked rolls and breads, fruit spreads, etc.
Day 6 weather not cleared yet so decide to day trip to Bern. Interesting architecture and clock towers and tons of window shopping.
Had some awesome street food - a vendor under the arcade was making fresh waffles that smelled heavenly, so I ordered one up, she poked two slits in the side of the waffle and slipped two thin rods of chocolate into it. Holy smokes my mouth is watering again as I write this.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
http://www.berneroberland.ch/navi/sommer/frame_en.htm
http://www.maennlichen.ch/?lang=en
http://www.schilthorn.ch/index.php?uid=12
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... /gimbd.htm
http://www.wengen-muerren.ch/index.php? ... ang=en&L=1
Day 7 woke to beautiful clear sunrise, snow melting in valley, but wanted to go up and do the Mannlichen to Kleinee Schidegg (KS) hike but that was closed off due to the unexpected snow. So we took the train up to KS from Wengen and enjoyed the views of the Eiger etc. from there.
Dawn breaks over mountains and "shelf town" of Murren on the other side of the valley, as viewed from balcony of Alpenrose.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.jpg"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 0.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 2.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 2.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
Even though we had to catch an early afternoon train out of the valley to Interlaken and onto Lucerne, we were out early enough that I now regret we didn't finish up sooner at KS, go down and back up to Murren on the other side as it was a spectacular day.
Last hour in Wengen, just enjoying the views
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 0.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 8.JPG"></a>[/img]
The ride from Interlaken to Lucerne was quite scenic and enjoyable past the lakes and through Brienz, etc.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
Arrive Lucerne, walk over to Hotel des Alps and check in 3rd floor with view of Chapel bridge etc. Another spotlessly clean room (like everywhere in Switzerland - even public restrooms).
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Waterfront dinner down at the Rathuas Brauery was tasty.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Views from room
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.jpg"></a>[/img]
Train station as seen from room. Hundreds of bikes parked out front. Bike lanes EVERYWHERE.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Also saw signs in the city with the symbol for Parking pointing this way and that way. But next to the arrow, there was a digital readout that changed on occasion. It dawned on me that this indicated the number of parking spots remaining in that garage or lot so that drivers don't waste fuel driving around trying to find a spot!
Duh! Why not? Those electronic gates are counting them anyway. Why not make use of that info! This really encapsulates the thoughtful engineering and efficiency of the Swiss. Their infrastructure is in great condition and obviously well maintained. The doors in almost everywhere are quick automatic glass doors that worked like the doors on the starship Enterprise (except without that cool sound).
At the same time, this drive to be efficient is not stifling. We noticed that except in the big train stations, no one was walking around with to-go coffee cups. Why? Because they sit and enjoy their coffee in the cafes!
Gotta admire these things and at the same time made it me sad for the US of A - how our quality of life could be even better if we tweaked our priorities a little and demanded the same of our elected "leaders". Off soapbox now.
English hotel and pub next door. Lucerne and Alps long time travel fav of the Brits.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Day 8 - Stroll city, chapel bridge, Jesuit church, shops, "Dying Lion" monument, rooftop buffet style lunch Manora restaurant was enjoyable with nice views of city.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.jpg"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
Lake boat to Weggis, walk around a bit, decide against going up to Rigi, back on boat, very nice ride. See on tripadvisor suggestion to upgrade to 1st class to ride up top on lake boat. I don't think this is necessary, and even maybe get better photo ops downstairs with Swiss flag, bell in front of boat, frame mountains in boat window etc. Mighty comfy padded wicker benches in rear of boat.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 9.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 8.JPG"></a>[/img]
http://www.desalpes-luzern.ch/index.cfm ... N=99148814
http://www.luzern.org
http://www.berninfo.com/en/welcome.cfm
Dinner at Hug café type restaurant just as good if not better than some of the higher priced locations - raclette, Alp mac cheese with potatoes and onions was way good.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
Stayed this last night in Lucerne as it is a charming, beautiful and quite civilized city and Switzerland has to be one of the few places where there is no need to stage yourself near the airport when departing.
So the next day of departure, we took the 7:10 train from Lucerne to catch a 10:35 flight from Zurich. Train schedule says trip takes 1hr 3min. Sure enough, the train pulled into the airport station ("Zurich Flughaven") at 8:13.
Then found out that Continental was delayed 2+ hrs! Welcome back to the US transportation system! (lesson learned = shoulda called before we left the hotel to check status of the flight, then took a later train, coulda enjoyed a leisurely breakfast).
Final thoughts: we had a great trip that managed to give us a pretty high level of post-vacation buzz that includes talk of a return trip that would include Northern Italy and the lake country that borders Switzerland. Maybe fly into Milan then go up to Como/Lugano/Ticino then up into a different part of the Swiss Alps.
This may scratch Italy itch. On recent travel show heard that 13 million people a year (!) visit Venice and that tourists are sometimes fed inferior food in restaurants. This gives me cold feet about the BIG tourist destinations in Italy, plus I think it would be difficult to plan a mega-Italy trip on your own, and we are not the organized tour type of people, who are probably just cruise people on land (not that there is anything wrong with that!)
Transportation: we took all manner of trains with an unlimited "Swiss Pass" and family card - panoramic, intercity, double decker inter-regional, steep cogwheel, gondolas up into the clouds, etc. and ALL run PRECISELY on time.
All were a pleasure to use, clean as can be, and people routinely bring bagged lunch, coffee, beer, bicycles, and regular dogs on board no problem. The Swiss Pass was even good on the lake boats and for museum entry. You don't need 1st class on trains or boats - 2nd is fine (maybe in peak July/August traveling 1st class might be necessary to deal with crowds?).
And, I couldn't imagine bothering with buying point to point tickets to maybe save a few bucks - often tickets weren't even checked on some of the shorter runs. Imagine bothering to buy at the station and then not having it even collected.
Accommodations: Hotels/inns were spotless, as well as any public bathrooms used. Owners at Alpenrose and desk people at Eden Palace and Des Alpes were very nice and helpful.
Food: we actually had a lot of trepidation about the food pre-trip as we are not big meat eaters. But the food everywhere was an incredibly pleasant surprise with wonderful fondues, great local beers and wine, salads with super fresh local greens, "rosti" = potatoes with onions and cheese, tasty bratwurst, great bacon in the morning, fruit spreads, and truly awesome bakery stuff - fresh baked pretzels, rolls, bread, pastries, strudels, etc. that was great everywhere (even in grab n go coffee stands in rail stations). Service was good in the restaurants.
And of course wonderful chocolate and cheese, butter, fruit with fresh cream, etc.
Everything was way fresh tasting and nothing was too sweet, even a can of iced tea out of vending machine. I think they use real sugar (and less of it) even in processed foods and drinks instead of that God-awful high fructose corn syrup that is making everyone fat and pre-diabetic here in the USA. Good food and drink = more motivation to return!
All Photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Switzerland
This was inspired by Linne's excellent OT TR and photos and FlipFlop where to go question, plus the fact that when I posted some off topic comments & photos re this same trip on the regular board back months ago, several of you (including Anthony) enjoyed them.
2007 SWISS TRIP REPORT May 23 - June 1
Newark > Geneva > Montreux 2 nights > Wengen 4 nights > Lucerne 2 nights > Zurich back to Newark.
Day 5 May 28 (Memorial Day back home) daughter wakes up looks out window of Alpenrose and says "oh my God!" to 5+ inches snow coming down pretty heavy. Cute scene below as locals herd flock of sheep through the snow to a barn. Crazy changeable weather in the mountains.
Before
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
After
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
Down to valley for some lunch - also snowing down there.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 6.JPG"></a>[/img]
Relaxed with our books back up at Alpenrose.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
Sample Alpenrose dinner: Pasta app, clear soup, salad bar with fresh local greens, roasted pork with veggie or eggplant with cheese and tomato, fresh fruit and fresh baked strudel desert, and always cheese plate available. Other nights apps included shrimp; smoked salmon; entrées like sirloin steak, rosti, etc. Breakfast always included bacon, fried eggs, fruit, wonderful fresh baked rolls and breads, fruit spreads, etc.
Day 6 weather not cleared yet so decide to day trip to Bern. Interesting architecture and clock towers and tons of window shopping.
Had some awesome street food - a vendor under the arcade was making fresh waffles that smelled heavenly, so I ordered one up, she poked two slits in the side of the waffle and slipped two thin rods of chocolate into it. Holy smokes my mouth is watering again as I write this.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
http://www.berneroberland.ch/navi/sommer/frame_en.htm
http://www.maennlichen.ch/?lang=en
http://www.schilthorn.ch/index.php?uid=12
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinat ... /gimbd.htm
http://www.wengen-muerren.ch/index.php? ... ang=en&L=1
Day 7 woke to beautiful clear sunrise, snow melting in valley, but wanted to go up and do the Mannlichen to Kleinee Schidegg (KS) hike but that was closed off due to the unexpected snow. So we took the train up to KS from Wengen and enjoyed the views of the Eiger etc. from there.
Dawn breaks over mountains and "shelf town" of Murren on the other side of the valley, as viewed from balcony of Alpenrose.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.jpg"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 0.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 2.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 2.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 5.JPG"></a>[/img]
Even though we had to catch an early afternoon train out of the valley to Interlaken and onto Lucerne, we were out early enough that I now regret we didn't finish up sooner at KS, go down and back up to Murren on the other side as it was a spectacular day.
Last hour in Wengen, just enjoying the views
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 0.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 8.JPG"></a>[/img]
The ride from Interlaken to Lucerne was quite scenic and enjoyable past the lakes and through Brienz, etc.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
Arrive Lucerne, walk over to Hotel des Alps and check in 3rd floor with view of Chapel bridge etc. Another spotlessly clean room (like everywhere in Switzerland - even public restrooms).
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Waterfront dinner down at the Rathuas Brauery was tasty.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Views from room
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.jpg"></a>[/img]
Train station as seen from room. Hundreds of bikes parked out front. Bike lanes EVERYWHERE.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Also saw signs in the city with the symbol for Parking pointing this way and that way. But next to the arrow, there was a digital readout that changed on occasion. It dawned on me that this indicated the number of parking spots remaining in that garage or lot so that drivers don't waste fuel driving around trying to find a spot!
Duh! Why not? Those electronic gates are counting them anyway. Why not make use of that info! This really encapsulates the thoughtful engineering and efficiency of the Swiss. Their infrastructure is in great condition and obviously well maintained. The doors in almost everywhere are quick automatic glass doors that worked like the doors on the starship Enterprise (except without that cool sound).
At the same time, this drive to be efficient is not stifling. We noticed that except in the big train stations, no one was walking around with to-go coffee cups. Why? Because they sit and enjoy their coffee in the cafes!
Gotta admire these things and at the same time made it me sad for the US of A - how our quality of life could be even better if we tweaked our priorities a little and demanded the same of our elected "leaders". Off soapbox now.
English hotel and pub next door. Lucerne and Alps long time travel fav of the Brits.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
Day 8 - Stroll city, chapel bridge, Jesuit church, shops, "Dying Lion" monument, rooftop buffet style lunch Manora restaurant was enjoyable with nice views of city.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.jpg"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 4.JPG"></a>[/img]
Lake boat to Weggis, walk around a bit, decide against going up to Rigi, back on boat, very nice ride. See on tripadvisor suggestion to upgrade to 1st class to ride up top on lake boat. I don't think this is necessary, and even maybe get better photo ops downstairs with Swiss flag, bell in front of boat, frame mountains in boat window etc. Mighty comfy padded wicker benches in rear of boat.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 9.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 1.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 3.JPG"></a>[/img]
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 8.JPG"></a>[/img]
http://www.desalpes-luzern.ch/index.cfm ... N=99148814
http://www.luzern.org
http://www.berninfo.com/en/welcome.cfm
Dinner at Hug café type restaurant just as good if not better than some of the higher priced locations - raclette, Alp mac cheese with potatoes and onions was way good.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Swit ... 7.JPG"></a>[/img]
Stayed this last night in Lucerne as it is a charming, beautiful and quite civilized city and Switzerland has to be one of the few places where there is no need to stage yourself near the airport when departing.
So the next day of departure, we took the 7:10 train from Lucerne to catch a 10:35 flight from Zurich. Train schedule says trip takes 1hr 3min. Sure enough, the train pulled into the airport station ("Zurich Flughaven") at 8:13.
Then found out that Continental was delayed 2+ hrs! Welcome back to the US transportation system! (lesson learned = shoulda called before we left the hotel to check status of the flight, then took a later train, coulda enjoyed a leisurely breakfast).
Final thoughts: we had a great trip that managed to give us a pretty high level of post-vacation buzz that includes talk of a return trip that would include Northern Italy and the lake country that borders Switzerland. Maybe fly into Milan then go up to Como/Lugano/Ticino then up into a different part of the Swiss Alps.
This may scratch Italy itch. On recent travel show heard that 13 million people a year (!) visit Venice and that tourists are sometimes fed inferior food in restaurants. This gives me cold feet about the BIG tourist destinations in Italy, plus I think it would be difficult to plan a mega-Italy trip on your own, and we are not the organized tour type of people, who are probably just cruise people on land (not that there is anything wrong with that!)
Transportation: we took all manner of trains with an unlimited "Swiss Pass" and family card - panoramic, intercity, double decker inter-regional, steep cogwheel, gondolas up into the clouds, etc. and ALL run PRECISELY on time.
All were a pleasure to use, clean as can be, and people routinely bring bagged lunch, coffee, beer, bicycles, and regular dogs on board no problem. The Swiss Pass was even good on the lake boats and for museum entry. You don't need 1st class on trains or boats - 2nd is fine (maybe in peak July/August traveling 1st class might be necessary to deal with crowds?).
And, I couldn't imagine bothering with buying point to point tickets to maybe save a few bucks - often tickets weren't even checked on some of the shorter runs. Imagine bothering to buy at the station and then not having it even collected.
Accommodations: Hotels/inns were spotless, as well as any public bathrooms used. Owners at Alpenrose and desk people at Eden Palace and Des Alpes were very nice and helpful.
Food: we actually had a lot of trepidation about the food pre-trip as we are not big meat eaters. But the food everywhere was an incredibly pleasant surprise with wonderful fondues, great local beers and wine, salads with super fresh local greens, "rosti" = potatoes with onions and cheese, tasty bratwurst, great bacon in the morning, fruit spreads, and truly awesome bakery stuff - fresh baked pretzels, rolls, bread, pastries, strudels, etc. that was great everywhere (even in grab n go coffee stands in rail stations). Service was good in the restaurants.
And of course wonderful chocolate and cheese, butter, fruit with fresh cream, etc.
Everything was way fresh tasting and nothing was too sweet, even a can of iced tea out of vending machine. I think they use real sugar (and less of it) even in processed foods and drinks instead of that God-awful high fructose corn syrup that is making everyone fat and pre-diabetic here in the USA. Good food and drink = more motivation to return!
All Photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Switzerland
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
What a trip! Your report definitely highlights why I need to visit Switzerland. Your pictures are amazing. I totally agree with your point on how the US could stand to learn a few things. During my trip to Italy, we visit the lake area, specifically Sirmione and enjoyed our stay there a great deal. It was very nice to be away from the big tourist areas of Italy, although I love Venice. The freshness of everything was similar to what you described in your report. Maybe I'll attempt to combine the two areas in a trip someday also!
Thanks again for your report!
Nicolle
Thanks again for your report!
Nicolle
Oh, I’m being nostalgic reading about Switzerland, Venice and Sirmione (Nic). Have so many nice memories from our young days, when we visited these places on camping with our tent. Our honeymoon was in Interlaken on a beautiful campground near a small river, where people put their bottles in to cool them. Never forget that. So funny.
Thank you jmq for your TR and the pics. I think you do a good advertisement for Switzerland, which as seen in your photos, is a beautiful country. And so is Italy, and the weather is normally warmer there, if that’s what you like. So forummites! There is a lot to see in Europe too. Hopefully the US Dollar will be stronger, so you will come and visit us here.
Linne
Thank you jmq for your TR and the pics. I think you do a good advertisement for Switzerland, which as seen in your photos, is a beautiful country. And so is Italy, and the weather is normally warmer there, if that’s what you like. So forummites! There is a lot to see in Europe too. Hopefully the US Dollar will be stronger, so you will come and visit us here.
Linne
Thanks. Indeed we want to go back now to see more - maybe 2 weeks Paris to Milan via Switzerland.linne wrote:So forummites! There is a lot to see in Europe too. Hopefully the US Dollar will be stronger, so you will come and visit us here. Linne
Swiss Franc still not too bad compared to Euro.
Local news reports of Europeans coming here to NYC area on shopping only trips with one empty suitcase to fill.
Liamsaunt - try using Gruyere cheese http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruy%C3%A8re_(cheese)
and/or a Raclette cheese
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette
in your fondue for a more genuine Swiss taste. The Raclette dish described in the wikilink is also mighty good.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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Bob & Anita
- Posts: 611
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:20 pm
- Location: Charlotte, NC
