jw

Hi Grasshopper! I've been having a terrible time trying to access threads. Is this really S's departure date? Oh, I hope so! Does anyone have more up-to-date news of flooding in southern Switzerland? and p.s., does anyone know the significance of a "JAVA script error"? If they are symptons of a computer meltdown, well I think I'm about to have one. I tried to view the slideshow of Ingo's pictures at ofoto, and a java script error drop-down kept blocking my way. Any ideas? Miss you all! J.

s

Hello Folks,<BR><BR>What am I doing at a cyber cafe here in Montreux???<BR><BR>Well it`s drizzling rain and I've already walked to Territet and the old town (lunch at Hotel du Pont -- ravioli with cheese and white truffles shaved over &amp; a local white wine) and I plan to leave here and explore Veytaux (around the Hotel Masson) and then return again to Montreux along the lakefront. Ah it's nice to be *home.*<BR><BR>I miss you folks. Think of you often.<BR><BR>Kasey, have you posted your travel journel yet?<BR><BR>jw, sorry for the mix up with Ronco &amp; Gerra. I'll have to do some more research on Gerra!<BR><BR>Ingo, are your photos now at ofoto? I must have missed that post. I'll check it out when I get back.<BR><BR>Grasshopper, are you skiing yet in COL?<BR><BR>jw &amp; Grasshopper, yes indeed I left the US on the 23d. Only five nights here then I'm off to Weggis for a few more. There's so much I want to do, but I'm afraid I've gotta slow down. <BR><BR>Anyway, tomorrow I rent a bike and hit Lutry &amp; the Lavaux trails. I'll drink to Ingo in Lutry and to jw at Rivaz and to Grasshopper in Vevey?? . . . hope I don't fall down the hill!<BR><BR>More later,<BR><BR>s

Ingo

s, glad to hear from you! I am envious. Your short report is torturing! Truffles, white wine, walking along the lake ... Raise a glass of red wine (Plan Robert or Pinot Noir) in Lutry's caveaux and think of me!<BR><BR>I have posted only a very few photos on ofoto so far. I will keep you (and all the Support Group) updated.<BR><BR>Have a great time in Switzerland!<BR><BR>Ingo

Grasshopper

Ingo, Can you send me a link to your ofoto album? Unfortunately, I don't think you can just do a search without being invited. May I please be invited?<BR><BR>

jw

S!!! I'm overjoyed to read your post! I'm toasting you with a copy of Folgers for One! Take a zillion photographs! jw

jw

That's a cup of F4One.

jw

Has anyone heard from S'? It's raining here--AGAIN-- and I'm desperate to read about the Lavaux. I'm off now to bring my hatchback in for its 200,000 mile check-up. Later gang, affectionately. J.

Phil

Actually it has been raining almost continually for the last few weeks in the major part of Switzerland. There have been nminor floods in the canton Ticino with Laghi Maggiore and Lugano rising to flood Locarno and Lugano. No way as bad as in Northern Italy, though.<BR><BR> Fortunately, there are lots of interesting exhibitions to get us over the dreary season.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trips<BR><BR>Phil.

Jan

Phil,<BR>One word for you! MOUNTAINS! Yes, the weather has been dreary and rainy here in Luzern, but we headed to Ibergeregg yesterday. It is only at about 1800 meters and the sun was shining beautifully. Sledding, walking the wanderwegs, absolutely glorious! At the lower elevations, I think the sun has shone for maybe one hour in the past 30 days! When it comes out, we feel like moles!<BR>Cheers! Time to go sloshing through the mud with the hund!<BR>Jan

Ursula

Hello everybody!<BR><BR>Wow, Ibergeregg! Makes me think of our winter school ski campuses! <BR>We just called it 'Ibi'.<BR><BR>At that time, we did not like that place, because there was not much to do, besides skiing, of course. Every year, we hoped we wouldn't be ones who have to go up there. But, incidentally, my class went through it twice.<BR><BR>Anyway, November here wasn't pleasant at all and one can only hope December will be somewhat better. At least, the Christmas lights are up now, although it's no real substitute for the sun.<BR><BR>But if any of you get the change to be in Zurich this month, don't miss the famous Bahnhofstrasse. It's just magic, especially with a little fog. Thousands of small lights seem to 'fall down' on you.

Grasshopper

Happy Holidays everyone.<BR><BR>Ursula, I love your description of the lights falling on you. Oh to be in Switzerland during the holidays. The grass is certainly greener on the other side of the fence! While we have sun nearly every day in the SF Bay Area, the holiday mall shopping scene doesn't seem nearly as romantic and glamourous as the Bahnhofstrasse.<BR><BR>Is S' back yet? I am sure we are all anxious to hear about her trip.<BR><BR>Cheers to all.

Ingo

Hi all,<BR><BR>I am sure S is back. I am wondering why she doesn't give us a short message. Maybe she is working on her trip report? Hope so.<BR><BR>I am also envious to be NOT in Switzerland, esp. Zurich. Ursula's description is torturing. Although we have a wonderful Christmas atmosphere here in Dresden it is not a real substitute.<BR><BR>Today I saw pictures of the cross-country skiing world cup in Davos. Such a fantastic winter dream. Snow and pure sun. And I am not there ...<BR><BR>Happy travels<BR><BR>Ingo

Ursula

Sorry for torturing you, Ingo..... and I haven't finished! ;o)<BR><BR>We got our first snow last night. And great sunshine today. A gorgeous day around the country. Just a little dangerous on the roads and sidewalks.<BR><BR>Now, I just wanted to let you know, that at the Swiss National Museum, i.e. in the inner court, there is an ice scating field till January 4. Entrance is free (wow, something free in Zurich), scates can be rented. <BR>Open from 10 AM to 10 PM. <BR>Restaurants are open till midnight.<BR>It's a big thing from what I've heard and the place is absolutely magic, a real medieval fairy castle.<BR>Plan to go, before it's over again.<BR>www.liveonice.ch<BR><BR>Ingo, I saw the fireworks in front of the Semper Oper the other night on a German TV channel. <BR>That must have been a very nice event. So, don't complain. ;o)

Jan

Oh Ursula!<BR>I am jealous. No sunshine here in Luzern. 0 degrees all day and a bit of snow yesterday (thank goodness!). <BR><BR>Thanks for the tip on the ice skating!<BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

Ursula

Welcome back, S!!<BR><BR>I printed your trip report out and will read it later today.<BR>Sounds, as if you had a fabulous time. Thanks for posting.<BR><BR>Jan, the ice skating field at the Museum is much smaller than I thought. But still, good idea for the holiday season.<BR>BTW, there is another ice field (indoor and outdoor) at the train station next to the huge Christmas tree in the departure hall. Is there such a thing in Lucerne?<BR><BR>It's Friday, December 13 (!!) and the weather couldn't be more miserable.<BR><BR>Enjoy your weekend!<BR><BR><BR>

Jan

Ursula,<BR>There isn't an ice skating rink downtown, but there is a newly renovated one by the Robert Wagner Museuem. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the same ambience of an outdoor rink!<BR><BR>Christmas markets have started and quite busy despite the weather. Finally, it looks like the clouds may be breaking up...at least for the time being. Give it another hour and we will probably be socked in again!<BR><BR>Cheers...despite the weather!<BR>Jan

jw

Hi everyone. I'm missing you all and hoping that you are having a wonderful Christmas season. I imagine that the lovely old cities of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria are transformed into magic places at this time of the year. I wonder if there are any webcams that would give the rest of us a glimpse? Did I mention that it is raining today? surprise, surprise. Affectionately and waiting to hear from you, J.

Grasshopper

Merry Christmas to all my friends and fellow fans of Switzerland. Having a white Christmas here in Keystone. The neighborhood association put tiny white lights in the small trees around my neighborhood and it's truly a winter wonderland. I woke up to 0 degree weather (that's -18 to you celsius speakers). <BR><BR>Today I'm going to pick up the new Cross Country skis that Santa left at the sports store to have the bindings mounted. Great way to warm up!<BR><BR>I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that 2003 brings happy travels!

Jan

JW,<BR>Here you go!<BR>http://www.palace-luzern.ch/de/Destination/Webcam/Webcam.htm<BR><BR>It is actually pretty dismal looking. Grey and foggy with a tad of sun today. More rain on the way and perhaps, snow on Friday!<BR>Cheers and Merry Christmas to all!<BR>Jan

s

Hello Everyone!<BR><BR>My thanks to you all for enriching my days with your best thoughts as well as your delightful travel notes this year.<BR><BR>Hope we all have a peaceful and joyful holiday!<BR><BR>G’hopper: not jealous at all. Nope. Harrruuummmph.<BR>Jan: ditto. Rain &amp; fog &amp; all!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>s <BR>