Last day in Switzerland

Castle in Lucern

7/18 - So, today is our last stop in our trek before heading back to St. Gallen and reuniting with Karen and Norwin before flying out of Zurich on Monday. Luzern Switzerland holds magnificent beauty. This large mountain lake is surrounded with traditional Swiss homes, beautifully maintained farms on the hillsides and even a castle or two. It is a large city, not the size of Munich... or even Basel, but much larger than the villages we just left in the Alsace valley of France. The clouds brought in rain and great thunder on Saturday evening. However, that gave us the opportunity to find Wi-Fi and to do some sightseeing while driving around in the little Golf VW we rented for this journey (had to mention this car because it has served us well on this trip). We found an affordable zimmer in the smaller adjoining town of Meggen (no small feat as we arrived on a wknd. and this is a popular resort area for locals/expensive already on an off day). While in the city updating our blog the clocks strikes 5PM and the bells of all the churches began to ring....and it continues for at least 20+ mins. We have learned this is traditional throughout Europe and occurs on the hour and 1/2hr. throughout the day. However there are a couple of times, 5PM being one in Luzern, that they do a special performance, and because there are many churches, it is a choir of bells and it goes on and on and on. I find it charming and spiritual. Lyle tends to get annoyed after awhile. I asked the young waittress where we are working how she feels about it living here...she says its quite lovely. Later we have a wonderful Italian meal (yes we are in Switzerland) at the restaurant where we are staying. When in walks a couple of local families with their dogs... large dogs. Lyle's eyes get big. However, the dogs are so well-behaved and lay silently at their feet you'd never know they are there. The next day we explore further. Getting up to run, we investigate the small town and community of Meggen and run back to make it in time for the complimentary breakfast. The breakfasts usually consist of meat, cheese, bread and juice. It's surprising everyone is not keeling over from high cholersterol because you never see light butter, or 2% milk. It is always full cream and whole cheeses, with some coldcuts and baguettes. However, these people are most fit, trim and active I've seen in all my travels. Maybe it's in the genes (I've come away with the belief that exercise plays a much bigger role than I once thought in staying trim). One thing you don't see over here is much in the way of fast food restaurants. After checking out we find a beautiful park in Luzern and enjoy walking around the lake people watching there.

Our days in Alsace, France

Breakfast in Riquewihr, France

7/14/10 -We are in the quaint little midevil town known as Riquewihr in France. It is in the region of Alsace, and is a favorite wine growing valley and visiting spot of French and German vacationers. We’ve only met one other American couple here so far and they were not great representatives of the US. Our day started off in the small walled village (fortress) called Rothenberg, Germany. Rick Steve’s swears by this historical spot…however small it may be we found it loaded with tourists (not us of course..ha) and even busloads with tour guides. It lost a bit of its magic for us because of this. Still we found a sweet little hotel suggested as reasonable but classy in our tour book “Le Gerberhaus” (we rolled in around 8PM after a long drive from Munich and getting lost for 2 hours). A warm evening stroll within this gothic picture book town found us in search of a nice place to eat. We found one, next to another amazingly old (14th century) church where the choir was practicing and sounded great. It was on an upper veranda lit with garden lights in the trees. The only thing that spoiled this amazing ambiance was the loaded Texans at the next table who all had their cell phones out. I was lucky enough to find pasta. This was a brautwurst and sauerkraut kind of place. On our way home there were much fewer loud tourists and we strolled the cobblestone pathways to our hotel.. .when all of a sudden a rat the size of a small cat walked out into the middle of the road. It was all I could do to walk forward…. Ugh! We found this place to have more charm the following morning as we ran by a pathed graveyard and bishops residence. Let me tell you the Catholic church has presence everywhere in Europe…. But having been raised Catholic, it is sweet to me. . however I was ready to get to France… Lyle was apprehensive about distance, but all these countries are so close, I knew it could be done. We had researched a lot about the Alsace region (or wine country). It took us hours of negotiating maps and crazy driving on the autobahn and smaller country roads but we found this place around 6PM. We looked for ColmarRick Steves' suggestion in the guidebook. Knowing it has some remarkable features “Petite Venice with canals and Gondolas” we decided to check it out but the size and busyness of the place made us reconsider and head to a quiet little village we had passed through. There we found a Chambre/Zimmer for 58E or with breakfast 68E. To our delight it wasn’t just a room but an entire little chateau behind their main house, situated in a garden with it’s own private veranda and patio. Very clean and with antiquitated charm we grabbed it. The owners are Jose’ and Lucy and they don’t speak a work of English… which matches our ability to speak French. So we used Spanish, German and hand signals to communicate and it worked. Soon we were off to explore Ricquewihr...and the other small villages in the beautiful valley of France.

7/15 – We slept in but awoke to our in room breakfast that came with the deal , croissants, juice and coffee set up in the small kitchen living area in the main room. Both Lucy and Jose were off to work and we had this place to ourselves. After waking late (9am – I laid in be counting the church bells… one, two, three..”) we decided today’s experience would be to rent bikes and explore the small villages on the bike path which cuts right through the vineyards. It was an overcast and cloudy day but temps were still in the 80’s. Right after lunch and some explorig we went directly to the bike shop (it was now 3:30 PM) and rented two bikes. Luckily the shop owner knew some English and directed us to the first town Bergheim. Now this is life, some exercise, fresh air and exquisite scenery, we were both thrilled with our choice. We found our comfort zone, off the busy roads and into the beautiful farmland of the country.

July 13, 2010

Munich was fun... large and busy. Trying to drive in these large cities is nothing short of scary. Lots of one ways, trams or electric trains - Do Not Enter streets, mopeds, bicylclists, pedestrians and poor signage. Often the signs you do see are telling you what roads are up ahead; not what road you're on... and then there are the street signal lights. Not large and up in the air, put on short posts on the sides of each lane. On a double lane street ( 2 going each way), if you're in the right lane you have one light, but if you're in the left lane to turn left you have a different light. We've had some close calls, but luckily no accidents or tickets. There is a shortage of parking. When you can find it.. park! Even if you have to walk several blocks (which are triple the size of city blocks in the states). Munich has a lovely large market (probably similar to Pike Place market in Seattle) that is open every day but Sunday. In every old city there is a new part of town and the old historic part is in the city center. We took Rick Steves' advice and went on a walking tour. These young kids are very well versed in the history of the city (ours was also a college educated history major). His name is Iain and he brought along Bjorn, his 6 month old pup for the journey. Gratefully, he spoke English, although very British and Scottish. He was a walking encyclopedia, with a great gift of gab and sense of humor. My challenge was trying to understand what he was saying because he spoke so quickly and had a strong accent. It was a 2.5 hour tour that hit the highlights. Soon we were packed up and ready to roll. Planning to go to Rothenberg (a "must see" in our guide book) we were heading North on the autobahn. Unfortunately we came into construction on the highway and were soon at a stop. Rick Steves' wrote about the Romantic Road, a slower route but with phomenial scenery, and were told we could find it by reading the brown signs. So we detoured into Augsburg, a large more modern city, and got lost for 2 hours. We stopped at EuropeCar ... not much help but we got a map of Germany. We finally got some tips from a local hotelier, but his suggested route was not possible due to closed streets and construction in the city. Lyle was so patient and we finally got onto the road after several detours. Later we decided all the frustration and loss of time was well worth it. We rolled into Rothenberg around 8 PM and found a cute old hotel in the historic walled off part of the village... cobblestone streets and all. Had dinner on an outside Veranda under the trees, and had a reasonably quiet nights sleep. Although it had cooled to the 80's yesterday... today will be back in the 90's. We are off to run and explore.

July 12, 2010

Today we awoke and the two big agenda items for the day were to visit the castle in Salzburg and make it to Munich, Germany. We checked out of our room leaving our baggage in the closet and headed out to the castle in old Salzburg. We then took the "lift" up the side of the mountain to the castle. What a breath taking view from up there. We could see all over Salzburg. We visited all the rooms and learned of many interesting facts about the castle. It is very apparent that the Catholic Church has always been very involved in the ruling of the European towns. In Salzburg alone, there are 42 Catholic churches and only one Prodestant.

Back for our luggage and a rush to the car, worrying the whole time because the ticket for parking was about to expire. We made it with 4 minutes to spare!

We left for Munich. We arrived, parked and walked the streets looking for a suitable Pension in which to stay. The first one we were referred to by a nice English girl was full, the second too "pricey", but as in Little Red Riding Hood, the third was "just right"! Here we met a cute girl named Gabriel. She is the Hotelier and a sweet one at that. The rooms were clean and affordable. She gave us a room that opened out onto a courtyard, one block in from the street. However, the noise was still pretty loud. A pension is like a B&B at home but very simple and basic... you share the toilet, but may have a sink in your room. These were very nicely decorated as well and we got it for 90 Euros (without breakfast). Thought we'd follow Rick Steves advice and hit the kaffee shop for some local color in the morning.

We then decided to get dinner and to try our hand at the local train transportation as the place we were going to was a ways down town. We met a wonderful middle aged woman at the train stop and she tutored us through the process. All the folks seem so happy to help, once you connect with them in some way. We arrived at the Hofbrauhaus where you could either self serve or have service. We chose the cheaper self serve. We had a delecious platter of fries and a half chicken. Here we shared a picnic table (they were lined up back to back and several rows deep) with an elderly couple: Carla and Eric who have lived in Munich their entire lives. They invited us to sit and we soon learned everyone eats community style in this self-serve garden. It was shaded and a very cool spot considering the conditions. The thunder continued to threaten and we were hopeful rain would come because it was still in the upper 90's at dinner time. However, we only got a very light sprinkle and then the sun was back out. We learned Carla (in her 70's?) was taking English classes. Eric thought this was silly, however he seemed to enjoy having her help translating during our very exuberant conversation. It was a great time. After the train ride back...we came to the room and literally just laid on our bed with the lights off and windows and doors open (who cares when its this hot) in the least amount of clothes possible. Because the sun had gone down by now all our neighbors were out on their roof top decks or balconies enjoying the cooler night air. It was a "Rear Window" experience (check out this old Jimmy Stewart movie if you've never seen it and you'll understand my point). We enjoyed listening and watching our neighbors in the darkness. Boy what we would've done to find a fan! Tomorrow we hope to rent bikes and explore the city more.

July 11, 2010

The day started out with breakfast in the courtyard of Linzergasse Salzburg Austria... the street is only cobblestone, no vehicles allowed except for shop owners. We headed for Mozart's home. Born in old Salzburg acrosse the river, soon they had more status and needed more room, so rented a large apt. house on the river in the new part of Salzburg. We were both amazed that Mozart, while very gifted in his youth... writing complete compositions at age 8, suffered through his life socially and politically. Also, he came from a very talented family, although Wolfgand was the genius. We then booked a tour of all the important sites, of the non-fiction story "The Sound of Music" based on the life of Maria von Trapp, a once committed nun at the Salzburg Abbey, who become the nanny and later the mother of the large von Trapp family. I never knew this was a true story. Our tour took us to the many sites and beautiful villages of Austria, including the serene mountain villages. Once of the most impressive was the village of Mondsee in an Alpine lake setting... married in the cathedral of St. Michaels. All I can say is "Wow".....this is the finest beauty of nature. While there we observed a drunken celebration of swiss finery in their liedehossen and driedels playing in the city fountain when one young man decided to come and throw me in as well. My husband had to intercede. It was a very hot day and although I wanted a cooler venue... I was thinking the AC on the bus would suit me well. Once arriving back we found suitable lodging in a bit more upscale hotel...yes, we had fans, running water and TV for the final game of the soccer World Cup. Lyle was delighted and I was exhausted. We both quickly crashed!!

July 10, 2010

Our day started out with us waking in Nor and Karen's front room where we have been sleeping on matresses on the floor. We move the furniture aside and plop down our beds. It's great sleeping. Next, we drove to Innsbrook Austria, just over the border, 1 1/2 hrs. away. and found our way into the large city. We only stayed for a couple of hours. However, some of the highlights were, we went shopping at a grocery store and got some basic supplies, met a couple of nice elders, one from Boise, Idaho and one from St. Gallen. They helped us get oriented and settled our nerves being in a strange land without NorWando and Karen. We then headed for Salzburg. We followed Rick Steve's advice and booked a room at St. Sebastian's.. similar to a hostel... maybe just a step above, very clean quarters. We pd. 1 euro for phone, it didn't work and 5 euros for internet... it didn't work. So we walked the city and explored. We found an old alley that went up a very steep slope. There were mice walking horizontally up the wall. We first thought they were birds. It was eerie but very real. And about 90 degrees Fehrenheit at 9 Pm. We tried to sleep but in the center of town you hear everything and you have to keep the windows open because it's 90 degrees. ugh! such a choice. We still loved it all. The next day, we look forward to taking a tour, The Sound of Music"... roaming Austria and all the important sites in the dramatic non-fiction film that made history. We're sure it will be amazing.

July 9, 2010

Here you will see two incredible people. Yes, our beloved Norwin and Karen who have also been our wonderful companions the last several days. It has been amazing how they... using only public transportation, buses and trains, scoped out great spots to take us, throughout Northeastern Switzerland. Norwin must have spent a great amount of time preplanning these exceptional experiences. Yes, they are also great chefs... meals exceptional.We I loved Karen's homemade pizza. We had some unforgetful experiences, such as when the two young mssionaries stopped by for fun conversation and an acoustic performance of a great birthday song the wrote and harmonized for Norwin. We couldn't get over their love for adventure and commitment to their purpose; especially impressive is their great respect and caring for Norwin and Karen. We saw this again when a young adult living in the area, where they are serving their mission (Kim) stopped by for some fellowship and support. Karen quickly served up salad and awesome homemade pizza as well as chocolate cake. We played several games of dominoes "Chickenfeet" and had great times interpreting and communicating with this young Swiss girl. These are memories we will cherish for our lifetime.

July 9, 2010

Today we got up early and Norwin took us up to the church to pick up our rental car that we had left parked there for a couple of days. However, first we went up to the three lakes via foot and had a beautiful run around one of them. It was very peaceful and the trail was shaded and the locals were out walking, fishing and jogging.

We then picked up our car, came back to the apartment, showered up and headed east to visit Liechtenstein. This little country was 55 km away and is one of the world's "banking biggies". The country is still led by a Prince and has a castle where he lives. It was great driving around the town and we even went up to the castle and took some great pictures.

We headed back to St. Gallen for a peaceful evening before Denise and I head out alone for our future great adventures.

July 8, 2010

We've had warm weather here. Today was warmer than yesterday and we've been out in it all day long. That makes us very tired. Yesterday was the worst. I think we're still getting over the jet lag... but today I am better. We keep moving all day long. It is good. I'm especially impressed with how Norwin and Karen have figured out the public transportation. Even though Switzerland is very rural, everyone uses public transportation. On somedays we may change buses up to 5 times and then jump on a train. I'm feeling frustrated because I know none of the language. I felt a little better when we were in Italy last year because Spanish and Italian are somewhat similiar and they had many of their signs in English as well. Not so in Switzerland, so I feel very dumb at times....I have problems reading a bus schedule. The Swiss speak a Swiss version of German... some words are the same but some are completely different. There are many other things that are quite remarkable about Switzerland. This country is extremely neat and tidy. You will rarey see liter and never see junk outside of a house. It is a prideful country. They not only teach that this is important but it is probably regulated as well. So every house is kept up even though some houses are a couple of hundred years old. They keep all the yards and lawns well-manicured....even the farm pastures are kept mowed and the manured stacked in piles. Everyone loves to be outside enjoying nature. Laurie, we must have some Swiss in us ...ha! Everyone is biking, hiking, walking, playing soccer, swimming. Today we went up to Sentis, the largest mountain in the Alps in Eastern Switzerland. There were mostly locals up there and some even biked up.... a pass almost 3 times as high as Snoqualmie. The bus ride was phenomenal.... the scenery breathtaking. Then once up there, you would see people all ages hiking all up the side of the mountain which still had snow on it. We took a gondola (it cost up $20 ea. and would've been $40 ea, but Norwin had a discount card). Some even had their dogs with them hiking on dangerous slopes. yesterday we hiked by some lakes. One of these lakes, although small, was about 3 or 4 times as long as a swimming pool, People of all ages were swimminglaps and swam the length of that lake several times. They keep very fit. It is rare to see someone overweight. The Swiss love their children and animals! Their dogs go everywhere with them... on trains, in restaurants, dogs in stores, etc. and most often they are off leash, but they are so incredibly trained. They stick right beside their owners, they don't bark, when you see them in restaurants they are sleeping on the floor (not begging) they don't pee where they should not. They almost seem invisible. We have figured out that the Swiss spend so much time with their dogs that they are well socialized (behaved). It is rare they bark or react at each other. They are also firm with their dogs (and children as well :) No babying...or spoiling, and no yelling either. They talk to them in a whisper. It is amazing.

July 7, 2010

Norwin took Denise and I to town after our run to see the insides of the two big churches in town. Karen went ahead of us to the lakes because walking is hard on her knee. The churches were magificent. They were build in the 15th century and have been renovated a couple of times but are still very authentic and beautiful.

We wanted to take a tram from town, but wouldn't you know it the tram was not in service today. So we walked back to catch a bus to meet Karen and walked past three beautiful man made lakes where the folks were swimming and sun bathing. One lake was for the general public. The other was like a private club where there wa sa fee to pay. Lyle couldn't help but notice there were some topless female swimmers. The weather was beautiful today (80) and the countryside breathtaking. Every view is so picturesque. We ate lunch up by the lakes and the restaurant is on an actual "working dairy farm" so the food was fresh! It was great to see the horses and animals grazing in the fields while we ate. We then walked further to view a functioning monastary and to check out more closely a couple of dairy farms. These Elma boys can't seem to to get the dairy farming out of their blood. They are still fascinated!

We saw some beautiful farms today and great views of the countryside from a doubledecker tour bus that kind of scared us because we were on the upper deck and right in the front seats. The farms are as neat as a pin and they have bearutiful Brown Swiss cows. We visited the girls in all their glory!

We ended up in a little town of Rorschroch on Lake Constance, which a beautiful huge lake filled by the Rhine River. We enjoyed watching all the locals playing in the water as well as watching several large swans (the size of big dogs). We were going to do a barbeque but realized everyone was so tired we couldn't muster the energy to complete. After making connections on 4 different buses and walking around to do some sight-seeing, then catching the train home we were wiped out. So, we headed home to St. Gallen to have a light easy meal and then to crash!

July 7, 2010

July 7, 2010

Today Denise and I got up and took the car to the church to park for a couple of days because the cost of parking is prohibitive. We rode the bus part way back to the apartment and then got off and ran our run back to the abode. Well, that was interesting! We got turned around a bit and after a few "exchanges" we struck out and finally got home...

Architecture in St. Gallen, Switzerland

The architecture and buildings are wonderful. Many buildings were built in the 1400's and are very old and gorgeous. One of the really unique things about their buildings are little outcrops for looking down the streets called "Orials".

City Bus

We took a nap and ate a great little dinner of the best maccroni and cheese ever. Karen had created a beautiful masterpiece of a lemon pie that really "puckered" me the way I like it.
We then went via bus to the old part of St. Gallen.

Arrived in Switzerland

July 6, 2010

Today we arrived in Switzerland at 7 AM. The 14 hours of air time really kicked our bottoms. We picked up our baggage and met Norwin and Karen who were right there waiting for us. We then picked up our rental car, VW Golf. We headed out for the Autobahn and traveled for about an hour to the beautiful little town of St. Gallen, where Karen and Norwin live.