Ursula:<BR><BR>Thanks for your information. I might take this opportunity to beat the drum for the "Oberrheinischer Museumspass" a museum pass valid for 150 museums in the regions of Switzerland, Germany and France bordering the Rhine from Constance to Karlsruhe. It includes all special exhibitions and costs 72 Swiss francs (45 ?) for a year or 32 Swiss francs (20 ?) for 4 days during 1 month). Its website is: http://www.museumspass.com/.<BR><BR>The reason for my not having seem Monet: Too many people; and, most importantly, damn too busy. <BR><BR>Phil.

Ursula:<BR><BR>Thanks for your information. I might take this opportunity to beat the drum for the "Oberrheinischer Museumspass" a museum pass valid for 150 museums in the regions of Switzerland, Germany and France bordering the Rhine from Constance to Karlsruhe. It includes all special exhibitions and costs 72 Swiss francs (45 ?) for a year or 32 Swiss francs (20 ?) for 4 days during 1 month). Its website is: http://www.museumspass.com/.<BR><BR>The reason for my not having seem Monet: Too many people; and, most importantly, damn too busy. <BR><BR>Phil.

Phil: I think the "Museumpass" is a good thing, especially when you live in the Dreilaendereck. I know of quite some people who have it. After all, a couple of entries at the Beyeler and you are even. Again, visit Monet after 6 pm (it stays open till 8 pm) and most day tripers will have gone by then.

Thanks, s', for your wise words. I'm working on it psycologically and practically. <BR><BR>Ursula, when you go to the Beyeler, do you train back home to Zurich in the evening? I cannot recall how far you said the Beyeler was from the station. <BR>I really enjoyed reading your comments about the Monet exhibit! I imagine that you are anxiously anticipating Art Basel! J.<BR>

jw: The Beyeler is about 30 minutes from the train station. On Sundays, there is a direct line, so you might be there in less time. <BR>Anyway, take Nr. 2 and change at the Messe Basel to Nr. 6 (terminal "Riehen Grenze").<BR>Get off at the specially installed stop in front of the museum. It's the one after "Riehen Dorf". I think they even will tell you on the tram when they announce the stops.<BR>I have family in Riehen and usually stay for the weekend.<BR><BR>I see there is another question further up. <BR><BR>Don: I am not extremely familiar with Neuchatel. The only place I happen to know is the "Beaulac"**** right at the harbour on the lakeside. Not sure, it's the one you're thinking of. You can still search for the hotels there. Once you see the names, you might remember which one you stayed at.

Ursila: Thanks for the lead....I'll do some more searching. So much info on these Boards it took me 2 days to find where I made my inquiry. :)<BR><BR>Don

Hi. So what's this Expo.02 ? The SBB website is promoting it. <BR><BR>And a second question. I think Ingo tried to answer it once before, but surprise, surprise, I can't find it. Do you know what sort of boat passes are offered on Lago Maggiore? I recall purchasing a one-day upper lake pass, but I was hoping they would offer a multi-day whole-lake pass. Anyone know?<BR>J.

jw, yes I tried to answer it before. I think it was in the old Support Group ... thread.<BR><BR>There is a 7 days pass for the whole lake, but I cannot remember the conditions, sorry.<BR><BR>The expo.02 seems to be great. I saw a report on TV and read something about it in newspapers (NZZ). www.expo02.ch<BR><BR>I don't know if you did notice that I did not post for a couple of days. I had a brief vacation in Kitzbuehel/Austria. Quite disappointing. I were better gone to Switzerland. What a fool I am!<BR><BR>Ingo

Hi. So about Ronco S.Ascona -- Remember Ingo that I am a late 50's non-athlete -- I'm thinking, yes, maybe I'll walk down from RSA to Porto Ronco. How great a distance do you think it is? How long would it take, and are the steps easy to locate? You mentioned walking from Ascona to RSA -- how strenuous would that be, how long might it take, etc. I was thinking a bus from Ascona to RSA. You probably don't remember all this stuff, but maybe you can give me an educated guess.<BR><BR>About the boat pass, I've e-'d the tourist office at Locarno, but no response so far.<BR><BR>Grasshopper, I hope you've found my ravings about Gerra by now at the old SGTWLS thread. It's just a very small, very quiet little train stop on the east shore from which you see Ascona and Brissago across the lake. I chose the Hotel Panorama for it's size (tiny), it's price (2-star reasonable), and the rail connections. To sight-see from there, though, one really has to make use of trains, buses, and boats. And unfortunately the Swiss Pass is not valid for the lakeboats -- that's why I've been asking Ingo about a boat pass.<BR><BR>Bye all. J.

Hello, Swiss experts:<BR>We're traveling through Berme to Adelboden and decided to stop in Berne for an afternoon. Any ideas for a restaurant (maybe fondue--we've got a 12 and 14 year old with us) and what to do? Should we just wander the old town?<BR>Thanks for any help. <BR>Sandy

Hello Sandy,<BR><BR>Very good decision to stop in Berne! Great old city. I stayed there 5 nights in 2001.<BR><BR>Fondue is typical food for winter season. Anyway, I am sure you will find a restaurant which serves (cheese) fondue in summer, too (assuming you will be there in summer). But I recommend to have fondue in Adelboden. Plenty of opportunities there!<BR><BR>Restaurant suggestions for Berne:<BR>Old town:<BR>Kornhauskeller (in a cellar, vaulted ceiling)<BR>Goldener Schluessel, Goldener Adler (both hotels)<BR>North of Old town:<BR>The sunny terrace restaurant of Casino Kursaal (Hotel Allegro) with fantastic views of the old town<BR><BR>Sights:<BR>Swiss Parliament Building, join a free guided tour<BR>Munster church (views from the tower! Stained glass windows, sculptures of the western portal)<BR>Clock tower (figure play 4 minutes before each full hour)<BR>Bear pit (nice caf&eacute; nearby, delicious cake + cappuccino, self brewed beer, too)<BR><BR>Just enjoy strolling through the old town with arcades (no problem with rain or too hot weather) and watching the 12 old fountains with different figures from Berne’s history.<BR><BR>Jw:<BR><BR>I found my post in the old Support Group thread. There is a boat pass which covers the whole lake and costs 66 Sfr. for 7 consecutive days (at least in 1998 when I stayed in Locarno).<BR><BR>The walk from Ascona to Ronco is very easy. It might take you ca. 2:30 h with some stops for taking pictures and having picnic (I did it in 1:30 h). Just start in the centre of Ascona, go up the steps “scalinata della Ruga” towards Monte Verita. Soon you will reach a road (Monte Verita to Ronco), follow this road for about 400 metres and turn to the right (sign: “Sentiero romano”).<BR><BR>The steps from Ronco down to Porto Ronco are easy to locate. The distance is not worth talking about it, maybe 30 minutes (or 40 min. for you).<BR><BR>Bye Ingo<BR>

Ingo--<BR>thanks for your help!<BR>Sandy

Hi y'all. Thanks for the really good directions, Ingo, easy for you maybe. Second question, it's different I think for a guy to walk 2:30 alone along a trail (?) than it is for an older lady, yes? So can you give me a frame of reference by telling me if you are m/f? and age? I'm sure I will try the steps from RSA down to PR, but you don't have me convinced yet about the first walk. I'm sure you realize that I am not a hiker. So, do you still think it would be fine for me and safe? <BR><BR>Sorry you didn't like Kitzbuhel. I visited there once just for the afternoon while spending a week in Seefeld, which I liked a lot. This was a good ten or so years ago. We used Seefeld as our rural place to stay in a little B & B, and visited places in Germany and in Austria by train. This was the summer, of course, so not the big ski season, and Seefeld was quiet with pretty hills and mountains. Don't know what it is like in the winter but sure to be busier.<BR><BR>Sandy, Ingo gives excellent advice. My favorite thing about Berne was the collection of wonderful painted fountains. I had a wonderful meal of my favorite geschnetzelts mit rosti there, and it might have been at the Adler --sounds familiar. Ingo, do you take notes when you travel? How do you remember all that stuff? Or do you have an comprehensive set of travel books to refer to. Or, are you in the travel profession? You know so much! If I just knew half! Hello S' -- any comments about Berne? J.

J--<BR>Funny you should mention the Adler--We're staying at the Adler hotel in Adelboden, where my husband worked as a bartender between his junior and senior years in college. (The triumphant return? "Look girls! That was daddy's bar!") There doesn't seem to be too much informtion on Adelboden, though. I know it's a hiking mecca, which will be great. <BR>Sandy

Sandy, jw, Ingo & all!<BR><BR>Sandy, sorry, I don't have anything to add to Ingo's wonderfully detailed & helpful remarks about Berne. I only spent one afternoon there, and there was some kind of street festival going on. Folks were marching/strolling down the main streets in the old town in medieval costume playing on horns and drums. I came away with only some fuzzy memories (and fuzzy photos) of multicolored costumes & frivolity.<BR><BR>Ingo, welcome back, and I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Kitzbuehel. I wonder if you can pinpoint your disappointment? I felt similarly disappointed when I was there in Jan, and the best I could muster was, "Well, not Switzerland . . ." I suspect it was the lower mountain tops & the overall "normal" feel of the town (sometimes Switzerland does feel like it's a movie set; it's just too too perfect!). Or maybe it's just that I'm used to Switzerland.<BR><BR>jw, in the spirit of studying guidebooks & language books to prepare for a trip, why not start a (gentle!) exercise program to prepare for your next trip? If I remember right, your next trip is some months away, right? You may be able to build up some muscle strength & lung endurance in that time, and also get the feeling that you're doing something concrete toward the next trip. Maybe something like yoga, t'ai chi (sp???) or simply walking might be just the ticket! Exercise doesn't have to be all grunts and sweat, and it is also a great stress reliever!!<BR><BR>Have you found the sites on the Expo 02? It appears to be an exposition held once a generation -- every 25 years, I guess. There were a few posts on it last week.<BR><BR>Listen, I think we should all meet at the chamber music festival in the Engadin next summer. Or another time next year? I know that I, for one, owe lots and lots of thanks to Chris, jw, Ursula & Ingo, and now to Phil & Andre for their wonderful contributions. I'd love to buy you guys at least a beer!<BR><BR>Still sadly stuck here -- <BR><BR>s

I am back. Server was down at work! :o(<BR><BR>Ingo:<BR>The Kornhauskeller in Berne has been turned into a very hip and trendy place for younger folks. It's no more what it used to be. Now, it's a very modern restaurant/bar/lounge with techno and house music. <BR><BR>jw: for the expo 02, make sure you to go to this page for all relevant info.:<BR>http://www.expo.02.ch/e/home.html<BR>It's the Swiss National Exhibition Land of the Three Lakes.<BR><BR>I will be in Yverdon myself this coming Wednesday, but won't have time to visit.<BR><BR>As for Berne, will be there next week, staying at the "Schweizerhof" and have dinner at my fav "Brasserie Jack's".<BR><BR>Sandy: I second Ingo's suggestion to have a fonue in Adelboden which is a gorgeous place. However, it will be difficult to digest with hot weather which seems to be back this week.<BR><BR>s: Will be in the Engadin (Celerina) this summer for some hiking. Next year, should work for me! :o)

Ursula: Merci vielmals. I enjoyed the Kornhauskeller very much. Sorry to hear this about it – but maybe this is not too bad for me … soon you will know why … read on. Do you know if the Kl&ouml;tzlikeller is still what it used to be? Schweizerhof sounds great! Who has to pay the bill? I hope not you.<BR>When will you be in the Engadin this year? I will be there first week of July and then again for a couple of days end of July.<BR><BR>Sandy: You are the one who posted some time ago about Adelboden! Sorry I did not reply. I was too busy at this time.<BR><BR>I remember you asked for hiking opportunities, didn’t you? You will have lots of choices. Don’t miss the hike from Adelboden to Kandersteg and back by train/bus.<BR>Another good choice is to go by local bus and cable car to Engstligenalp, right below the impressive Wildstrubel mountain. Several hiking paths from there.<BR>If you use the gondola/bus system it is a very easy hike to Lenk via Hahnenmoospass. Although it takes quite a long time to go back by train/bus via Spiez it is well worth it. The train passes all the Simmental valley with the most beautiful chalets (wooden farmer’s houses) of the world!<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip!<BR><BR>S: See you next year in the Engadine! The problem is that I will have matches with my tennis club in June when the chamber music festival takes place (right?). What about a winter trip? End of March they always have the “Snow and Symphony” festival.<BR><BR>I wanted to tell you about my trip in an email, but now I see I have to post it here.<BR><BR>Jw: Now to your questions. They are most difficult to answer. And you want to know quite much!<BR><BR>I take a lot of pictures when I am travelling. And I am collecting brochures, bills and such stuff. Of course I have some travel books (Baedeker, Lonely Planet and others) and maps, but I almost never use them to answer one of the questions here. Just to confirm prices, altitudes or distances. Travel books can never substitute own experiences! And I must admit I very often disagree with opinions in travel books. It is always a matter of your personal point of view.<BR><BR>No, I am not in a travel profession. I finished my studies of jurisprudence and have a job at the administration. I am male and my age, surprise, surprise … 40 – 7.<BR><BR>Ingo<BR>

Sandy: <BR>Re. Adelboden, make sure you have a look at their web page. You can select your language, once you're at the main page.<BR>http://www.adelboden.ch<BR>It's lovely with tons of information and some gorgeous pictures. I know Adelboden mainly from skiing, but I am sure it's very pretty in the summer as well and above all, less touristy that some other resorts in the Berner Oberland. More genuine, I'd say.<BR><BR>Ingo:<BR>Never heard of the Kloetzlikeller. You know, that in most towns, a lot of traditional places are turned into hip meeting points for the young crowd now. Berne is not an exception when it comes to that. I am subscribed to the bi-monthly magazine Annabelle and Boloer (monthly) and they always have articles about newly opened trendy places. It's absolutely amazing.<BR>But you should still fit into the Kornhauskeller. ;)<BR>And regarding the Schweizerhof and its brasserie; I shall be there for business so it won't hurt my wallet.<BR>BTW: The business lunch at "Jack's" isnt that expensive for what you get.<BR>Dinner is another story.

Hm... that should be Bolero, of course.<BR>www.boleroweb.ch/<BR>My fav magazine, BTW.

My husband are eagerly awaiting our upcoming holiday to Murnau, Germany and the Lake Geneva region (early July). Since some of you are experts in both CH and DE, is there anywhere close enough to either region to do some summer skiing? In Bavaria, we will have a car. In Switzerland, we are using the trains/boats. Thanks for any help.