The Agony and the Ecstasy: Switzerland and England
Aug 8th, 2005, 02:33 PM
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The Agony and the Ecstasy: Switzerland and England
I've just returned from 3 magical weeks of gondolas, glaciers, castles, roundabouts, rosti, mushy peas ... and of course chocolates! (Okay. I'll confess right up front. I brought 9 packages of Nutella home.. call me OCD, but did you know it's made with skim milk? That makes it okay, right?)
Once I get over this jetlag, I'll make an attempt at a trip report. For background, accompanying DH and me were my 75 and 80 year old parents (DM & DD) on their first trip overseas ever (excluding DD's time in France way back in '44). They hitched onto the Swiss portion only. "The best 10 days of my life," is what DD keeps saying now that he's back home. So if you're thinking of a trip with your parents, all I can say is "Just Do It". To see their joy, awe, and excitement was beyond belief.
Next: The Rented Chalet and Glaciers
Once I get over this jetlag, I'll make an attempt at a trip report. For background, accompanying DH and me were my 75 and 80 year old parents (DM & DD) on their first trip overseas ever (excluding DD's time in France way back in '44). They hitched onto the Swiss portion only. "The best 10 days of my life," is what DD keeps saying now that he's back home. So if you're thinking of a trip with your parents, all I can say is "Just Do It". To see their joy, awe, and excitement was beyond belief.
Next: The Rented Chalet and Glaciers
Aug 9th, 2005, 03:21 PM
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Dr. Edward, did you get the impression that I was a chocoholic simply by my Nutella purchases? Nay, dear sweet one. But if I told you that also in my luggage were 7 bars of Milka and 2 large bags of Caotina, perhaps your diagnosis would have been correct. After all, isn't that the reason chocoholics go to Switzerland? Certainly not for the yodeling and cows!
Now that laundry is done and food is back in the frige, I shall continue..
We decided that the "cruise ship" type approach would work out best for DM and DD (i.e., no nightly unpacking). Using Grindelwald as our base, we rented a 3-room chalet apartment through the grindelwald.com website. This place was everything we could have hoped for, and more. Our geranium-laden balcony had a to-die-for view of the Eiger north face, and each morning while sipping coffee we'd plan our daily activities. Each large room had 2 beds, the kitchen was fully equipped, and the bathroom was bright and spacious.
Before we left, we'd get asked what we'd do in Grindelwald for 7 nights. And people we'd meet along the way would seem surprised as well ("Our tour only spent 2 nights there and we saw it all" or similar comments.)
I can only say that after spending much time in the area over the past 20 years, I've still not seen it all. And yes, it still amazes me each time I hike a trail or gaze into the depths of the glaciers.
Enough of my soap box.
Oh, those beautiful glaciers...
Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn - how do you describe the majesty of the mountaintops? Just the ride up to each is worth the cost of admission, and we're talking big bucks here. When DD walked into the ice cave with the carved sculptures, I thought his mouth would freeze open - he was absolutely stunned with it all - talk about a kid in a candy shop! And the day we were up at Schilthorn, the fact there's a revolving restaurant up there that served -- you guessed it -- ice cream sundaes, was quite overwhelming for the 80-year-old guy ("No, I'm not sharing with you -- bring me my own Coupe Denmark"
I'm blabbling way too much. Time to check on the bbq (see, I don't only eat chocolate. After all, a Texan going 3 weeks without bbq is not a pretty sight to behold. So off to check the smoker).
To be continued...
Now that laundry is done and food is back in the frige, I shall continue..
We decided that the "cruise ship" type approach would work out best for DM and DD (i.e., no nightly unpacking). Using Grindelwald as our base, we rented a 3-room chalet apartment through the grindelwald.com website. This place was everything we could have hoped for, and more. Our geranium-laden balcony had a to-die-for view of the Eiger north face, and each morning while sipping coffee we'd plan our daily activities. Each large room had 2 beds, the kitchen was fully equipped, and the bathroom was bright and spacious.
Before we left, we'd get asked what we'd do in Grindelwald for 7 nights. And people we'd meet along the way would seem surprised as well ("Our tour only spent 2 nights there and we saw it all" or similar comments.)
I can only say that after spending much time in the area over the past 20 years, I've still not seen it all. And yes, it still amazes me each time I hike a trail or gaze into the depths of the glaciers.
Enough of my soap box.
Oh, those beautiful glaciers...
Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn - how do you describe the majesty of the mountaintops? Just the ride up to each is worth the cost of admission, and we're talking big bucks here. When DD walked into the ice cave with the carved sculptures, I thought his mouth would freeze open - he was absolutely stunned with it all - talk about a kid in a candy shop! And the day we were up at Schilthorn, the fact there's a revolving restaurant up there that served -- you guessed it -- ice cream sundaes, was quite overwhelming for the 80-year-old guy ("No, I'm not sharing with you -- bring me my own Coupe Denmark"
I'm blabbling way too much. Time to check on the bbq (see, I don't only eat chocolate. After all, a Texan going 3 weeks without bbq is not a pretty sight to behold. So off to check the smoker).
To be continued...
Aug 10th, 2005, 04:06 AM
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Part 2: Hikes, Scooters, Toboggans, Ferrys, and Waterfalls:
A really good thing about hiking is that it doesn't matter how much you eat - you still come home 5 pounds lighter than you left! So, armed with a hearty breakfast each day, we'd set off for another "day in Disneyland" as DM continued to refer to this Berner Oberland area. "The only other place I've seen it so clean and pretty was at Disneyland, plus they have all these rides."
And so our daily routine continued. Armed with new hiking sticks purchased at Jungfraujoch (DDs most treasured purchase of the trip -- "Now I can bat those pesky dogs away once I get home", we'd hike the Alps for a couple hours (DMs arthritic knees were cured magically), eat some bratwurst mit rosti, apple strudel with that yummy vanilla sauce, then hike some more, ride some more gondolas and trams, after which we'd find another mountaintop restaurant and have some ice cream before heading down the mountain for dinner!
Speaking of the rides, our adventure continued with the scooters down First, toboggans at Pfingstegg, and the Paddlewheel Ferry on Lake Lucerne (including lunch onboard in the Queen's Parlor).
Even the hike up the thousand or so steps (it seemed) at Trummelbach Falls did not deter us. With the coined phrase "just around the next bend," and resting at each viewing platform, we reached the top and enjoyed the view. Simply amazing. All that water - so loud!
Next: Cows, Cheese, and the Matterhorn ("No, Mom, this one was not made after the one at Disneyland"
A really good thing about hiking is that it doesn't matter how much you eat - you still come home 5 pounds lighter than you left! So, armed with a hearty breakfast each day, we'd set off for another "day in Disneyland" as DM continued to refer to this Berner Oberland area. "The only other place I've seen it so clean and pretty was at Disneyland, plus they have all these rides."
And so our daily routine continued. Armed with new hiking sticks purchased at Jungfraujoch (DDs most treasured purchase of the trip -- "Now I can bat those pesky dogs away once I get home"
, we'd hike the Alps for a couple hours (DMs arthritic knees were cured magically), eat some bratwurst mit rosti, apple strudel with that yummy vanilla sauce, then hike some more, ride some more gondolas and trams, after which we'd find another mountaintop restaurant and have some ice cream before heading down the mountain for dinner!Speaking of the rides, our adventure continued with the scooters down First, toboggans at Pfingstegg, and the Paddlewheel Ferry on Lake Lucerne (including lunch onboard in the Queen's Parlor).
Even the hike up the thousand or so steps (it seemed) at Trummelbach Falls did not deter us. With the coined phrase "just around the next bend," and resting at each viewing platform, we reached the top and enjoyed the view. Simply amazing. All that water - so loud!
Next: Cows, Cheese, and the Matterhorn ("No, Mom, this one was not made after the one at Disneyland"
Aug 10th, 2005, 02:28 PM
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Part 3: Nice Bessie, Come to Momma:
Now y'all have to understand - we've got lots of cows here in Texas - and they've got these long horns that grow longer than -- well, you get the idea. But the Swiss cows, well, they're different - so pretty and all, even friendly-like. They come right up to you when you're hiking through their stompin' grounds. You can practically hear them saying, "Come on in, enjoy the view I get to look at everyday."
And whoa boy, do those cows make good cheese. We toured one of the factories in Gruyeres - yum-yum! - the samples were big and we learned all about churning and fermenting (or whatever it's called). Plus there's this big old castle way up the hill (note: no shuttle for DM - she's such a trooper now). DD loved the armor displays and the huge fireplaces in each room.
Then came Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn, the city without cars (well, sort of if you exclude those blasted taxis), and the magnificence of the 27 glaciers at Gornergrat. Only disappointment was that the top of Gornergrat is undergoing major renovation at the hotel, so that whole upper area was closed. A tent was set up, but the experience wasn't the same as last year. But ignorance is bliss, and DD/DM never knew the difference. Still had some great photo ops.
While having a coffee break, the usual conversation starts up with the folks next to us: where're you from, etc. They were Germans. DD starts in on the Americans and the war (not the current one, I'm talking WWII)-- I went here, our unit went there, we did this and that -- okay, Dad, enough! Guess he never had the chance to say his mind. Thanks heavens they were friendly about the whole thing...LOL!
End of Switzerland was hotel near Zurich airport. DD & DM head back to CA, while DH and I prepare for 10 days in merry England. Uh-oh, suitcases have to be expanded already and we're only halfway done with trip!
Next: Fried bread and pork 'n beans for breakfast?
Now y'all have to understand - we've got lots of cows here in Texas - and they've got these long horns that grow longer than -- well, you get the idea. But the Swiss cows, well, they're different - so pretty and all, even friendly-like. They come right up to you when you're hiking through their stompin' grounds. You can practically hear them saying, "Come on in, enjoy the view I get to look at everyday."
And whoa boy, do those cows make good cheese. We toured one of the factories in Gruyeres - yum-yum! - the samples were big and we learned all about churning and fermenting (or whatever it's called). Plus there's this big old castle way up the hill (note: no shuttle for DM - she's such a trooper now). DD loved the armor displays and the huge fireplaces in each room.
Then came Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn, the city without cars (well, sort of if you exclude those blasted taxis), and the magnificence of the 27 glaciers at Gornergrat. Only disappointment was that the top of Gornergrat is undergoing major renovation at the hotel, so that whole upper area was closed. A tent was set up, but the experience wasn't the same as last year. But ignorance is bliss, and DD/DM never knew the difference. Still had some great photo ops.
While having a coffee break, the usual conversation starts up with the folks next to us: where're you from, etc. They were Germans. DD starts in on the Americans and the war (not the current one, I'm talking WWII)-- I went here, our unit went there, we did this and that -- okay, Dad, enough! Guess he never had the chance to say his mind. Thanks heavens they were friendly about the whole thing...LOL!
End of Switzerland was hotel near Zurich airport. DD & DM head back to CA, while DH and I prepare for 10 days in merry England. Uh-oh, suitcases have to be expanded already and we're only halfway done with trip!
Next: Fried bread and pork 'n beans for breakfast?
Aug 12th, 2005, 11:11 AM
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Follow-up to Zurich: If you're wanting to stay near the Zurich airport as we did for the last night, we got a great deal on Priceline for the Renaissance Hotel in Glattbrugg. Sure made it convenient to turn in our car the night before and use their free shuttle in the morning.
Part 4 coming soon ..
Part 4 coming soon ..
Aug 13th, 2005, 03:22 AM
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HOw wonderful to go with your parents. My DH and I have retraced my DD's route in WWII but without his help or advice. He died in 1964. You should find out everything you can about your dad's experience then take him back. It will be unforgettable.
Now, back to the keyboard for you, Kopp, we are all waiting.....
Now, back to the keyboard for you, Kopp, we are all waiting.....
Aug 13th, 2005, 10:49 AM
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jmw, I was unclear on their hiking abilities myself. Back home, they can only walk about a mile several times a week. So this was a stretch for them, several miles each day, on cobblestones and gravel no less (good for the heart, I read LOL!). Must have been the clean air and breathtaking scenery that kept them going (besides the ice cream, etc.)
cmcfong - a trip re-living DD's war journey through France and Germany would be awesome. Time is ticking away for these vets. My mind is spinning...
cmcfong - a trip re-living DD's war journey through France and Germany would be awesome. Time is ticking away for these vets. My mind is spinning...
Aug 13th, 2005, 01:38 PM
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Nutella is readily available in the USA. Most chain supermarkets, and WalMart, AND at Costco you can get two big jars bound together for a reasonable price. But, isn't it good? Yes, skim milk, cocoa etc.....
