Phil

Hello all,<BR><BR>Yes, temperature has been dropping. It started snowing even at Basel yesterday evening around 11 pm and has gone on all night. We woke to a thin cover of snow over the city this morning. I guess there will be lots of snow in the higher reaches before long (be careful of avalanches outside marked ski routes for the next few weeks, however).<BR><BR>It's true, I have not been posting for quite some time, because I have been *very* busy since August 2002. I reduced my first job (I am self-employed) from 100% to 80% in order to work 10% on a second job and have 10% off. Well, my second job did go on and claim 25% of my time, so I was actually working more than before...<BR><BR>If you happen to be near Basel on January 17, be sure to go to the Basel Museums Night. About 30 museums in and around Basel will be open from 6 pm to 2 am. Extra buses and boats on the Rhine will provide transportation and all of the museums offer special programs, food and drink. You will get more information (in German only) at www.museumsnacht.ch.<BR><BR>Um, s, I wonder, whether you will get a positive impression of the Swiss army when taking up dialogues with recruits. Don't forget, the Swiss army is at this time a 99.8% militia (things are going to be reorganised) and has depended for far too much time on the idea of &quot;big numbers of infantry will be able to stop whatever would be coming&quot; (and hope for help from outside, if we wouldn't have been able to wiggle our way out by other means. You might be interested in the final report of the commission examining the dealings of Switzerland during World War II: &quot;Independent Commission of Experts Switzerland ? Second World War: Switzerland, National Socialism, and the Second World War. Final Report.&quot; Pendo Editions, Zurich, 2002, 597 pages, ISBN 3-85842-603-2, CHF 45.- / EUR 29.90.) or check out their website at www.uek.ch/en/).<BR><BR>The Jura is a hilly region (having by the way given the notion of &quot;jurassic&quot; to geology) stretching, in Switzerland, from the region of Geneva to Basel. It is characterised by high plains, chains of calcarious mountains and deep gorges. It is a prime hiking region and not touristy at all (yet!). The region around Saint-Ursanne is just a little part of the whole varied cultural landscape, which for centuries has been on the border of Germanic and French cultures.<BR><BR>jw: The Val Colla region is north-east of Lugano and hidden from the main motorway by a stretch of hills to the west. It is bordered to the south-east by the denti della vecchia (teeth of the old women; I wonder why they always name women when comparing landscapes unflatteringly to humans) mountains, from wherethere is a magnificent view over the Italian part of Lago di Lugano.<BR>the southern part of the Val Colla has been haphazardly built up by suburbs of Lugano, but its northern part still is genuine Ticinese. A good base for the region is Tesserete, the terminal of the bus line from Lugano. It is a beautiful region to hike, relax and search out charming romanesque or baroque churches.<BR><BR>A GTG in the Engadine? Good idea. Just remember that July and August are the main season in the summer, maybe June would be most appropriate.<BR><BR>While it is still snowing at Basel: Enjoy your trips.<BR><BR>Phil.<BR>

jw

Hi Phil, Thanks for expanding on the area around Tesserete. Any thoughts comparing Ligerz with Twann? -- keeping in mind that I really am most fond of tiny places with old centers or picturesque locations. <BR><BR>Speaking of places that no one ever seems to mention, Solothurn is one of the most delightful small cities I've ever visited. I spent the day there on one of my trips, and I highly recommend it as a place to stay for those who prefer towns to villages. J.

Ingo

Seems to me that almost everyone loves the idea of a GTG in the Engadine. I am – like Grasshopper - also completely flexible as to dates and accommodation. Be sure that there are plenty of opportunities for bike rides, having excellent meals and good wine!<BR><BR>I think late June or first week of July might be best for blooming alpine flowers and still thick snow capped mountains/glaciers. I know this time is considered to be often chilly and wet. But I had good luck with this time so far (and rain, rain and again rain … in August).<BR><BR>S: I am convinced we should all stay in the same village. Maybe in the same hotel?<BR><BR>Phil: I would love to be in Basel for the Museumsnacht, but no chance.<BR><BR>I am glad to hear winter has approached in Switzerland. But not much snow below 1500 m so far.<BR><BR>Regards, Ingo<BR>

s

Hello Folks,<BR><BR>Ok, how about sometime 29 June - 5 July? Weekend for Ingo, Ursula, Jan, Phil, &amp; other European Fodorites or weekday to try to lose some of the crowds?<BR><BR>Ingo, I concur about the same village and hotel too. But now the hard part begins: which village &amp; hotel? I think we should forego the Waldhaus am See in St Moritz because St Moritz is just too big for our tastes, yes? I’ll also give up my preference for a lakeside town if we can agree on a village with a great town square and more locals than visitors. How about your Samedan? Pontresina? Celerina? Jan, do you have a favorite here? Phil?<BR><BR>Phil, I’ll check out that website &amp; look into the commission. I’ve been an admirer of the Swiss militia system (similar to that of other European countries with universal male conscription, yes? But then 20 years of intermittent drills?) for some time. I’ve felt for a long time that the US should begin some type of mandatory service (either military or volunteer) for all its young citizens (men and women); there’s too great a division between the poor who enlist and the wealthy who go directly into college. In my opinion, some of our young folks don’t have a realistic concept of civic duty and responsibility . . . There’s a new controversy here about starting up the draft again, with no academic exemptions! Interesting.<BR><BR>Anyway, hope to continue this discussion . . . over beer &amp; wurst or wine &amp; cheese or coffee &amp; cake . . . in person!! <BR><BR>In the meantime, everyone stay well!<BR><BR>s

Phil

Noooooooooooooooo<BR><BR>I will be out of the country from June 28 to July 11! (By the way Swiss summer school holidays start on June 28 or July 4, depending on the canton). Might I tempt other posters with a date just before or after my summer holidays?<BR><BR>About the location: <BR>I agree with St. Moritz being too touriaty (and too expensive).Anybody for the lower part of Engadine: Between Zuoz and Scuol? Maybe Zuoz, Zernez next to the Swiss National Park, or Scuol?<BR><BR>s, I would like to talk about service (civilian or military) for one's country with you, but as it is getting late into the evening over here (and there is a gruelling week awaiting me), I simply have to put it off to another time.<BR><BR>Have a good time<BR><BR>Phil.

Ingo

As mentioned I am flexible. The week before June 28 is ok. My tennis season is still going on at this time, but I hope my team mates won't be too angry ...<BR><BR>location: I like the Lower Engadine very much, but I think it is too far out of the way for day trips to Soglio and with the Bernina Express. Zuoz would be the perfect compromise: beautiful village with a picturesque square, plenty of accommodation in several price ranges, a COOP grocery, good restaurants.<BR><BR>Others?<BR><BR>Ingo<BR><BR>PS: Grasshopper, you were partly right: the stack of papers in the office got HIGHER!

Grasshopper

I just took a look at airfares for June/July. Holy Cripes! Where do you guys typically fly in to? Even Paris is over $1,000. <BR><BR>Ingo, I have huges piles of paperwork too. At least it's not boring today. <BR><BR>I think the GTG sounds great. I wonder if there is any way we can convince JW to come.

-K

We recently returned from an unforgettable 15 day Christmas/New Years vacation in Switzerland. Armed with suggestions from this message board our family of 6, including Grandma, gathered Swiss Passes at the Zurich train station and set out to explore Luzern, the Jungfrau region and the Ticino. Thanks to all for your flawless recommendations:<BR>the ease of 2nd class railpasses, the Hotel Krone Luzern, scenic trains to Murren via Interlaken, the hike to Gimmelwald, lingering in Lauterbrunnen, Heidi's hospitality at the Alpenblick, the spectacular Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, trains through Domodossola to Locarno, the magnificent Belvedere Hotel, views from Madonna del Sasso, and the quaint beauty and vistas of Ronco. Our most sincere thanks...

Grasshopper

Wow, K, it sounds like you covered a lot of territory. What a wonderful family trip! Tell me, what did the Centovalli (from Domodossolo to Locarno)look like in the winter? Was there snow? Was it raining? Were the waterfalls full?

Ursula

Hi all! Hope, you all had a good start into the new year.<BR><BR>Back at work. (<BR><BR>Lovely day here, cold, sunny and little snow. I wish I was somewhere in the mountains.<BR><BR>Jan, what about the Rosengart Collection GTG? <BR>Plan to visit it on January 11 or 18.<BR><BR>GTG in the Engadine sounds good to me. If I can make it, date wise, I'll join you in Zuoz or wherever.<BR>However, first July weekend is out for me (Paris, Rolling Stones concert!).

s

Good Morning All,<BR><BR>Great! Zuoz sounds perfect to me! Now I get to spend some quality virtual time in Zuoz this week!!<BR><BR>Looks like somewhere in 18-25 June looks good for most folks? Anyone up for 13-19 July? I’ll be happy with whatever date accommodates the most folks. <BR><BR>Jan, I don’t remember if your children are in school yet? If so, do you know when the schools in Slovenia break for summer? Also, are you hip-high in boxes yet??<BR><BR>Ursula, so glad to hear from you and to hear that we might see you this summer! Where did you spend the holidays? I hope you had a wonderful time with your family! <BR><BR>Hello K! So happy to hear that you had an unforgettable trip! If you’re like the rest of us, you’re already planning your return trip -- to revisit a favorite spot and to discover more new spots!<BR><BR>Grasshopper, I usually fly Atlanta - Zurich, but my airline has recently decreased the number of flights each week. It used to be a daily flight, and now it’s every other day. Anyway, the high cost of coach class seats is why I have been using my ff miles to upgrade: it’s not much more then those premium-price summer seats, but it’s a world of difference in service and comfort. <BR><BR>My best --<BR><BR>s<BR>

Jan

Hi all,<BR>Ursula, if the 18th of January works for you, it would work for me! I am headed down to Como for the day on the 11th. Girl's day away! Yeah!<BR><BR>Hi, S! Nope, haven't even started on the packing yet. We will be doing a packing marathon in mid March! I believe that school ends in Slovenia mid-June...so that date or later is fine with me. We will try to be there, but no promises. I really want to see Bregaglia, so I am happy with Zuoz instead of the Lower Engadine. We will probably bring the bikes and/or the dog! Just a note; rates jump into high season about the 14th or so of July.<BR><BR>OK...cheers to all!<BR>Jan

Ursula

Jan, fine. <BR><BR>The Rosengart is open from 11 AM to 4 PM (Nov-March).<BR><BR>I will have to check, when the trains arrive in Lucerne (boarding at Zurich-Enge).<BR><BR>I suggest, we meet at 12:00 PM on Sat 18th in front of the Rosengart (or just inside, in case of bad weather).<BR>What about that?<BR><BR>Have fun in Como! Lovely charming town.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Jan

Ursula,<BR>Sounds good. I have put it in my palm pilot. Anyone else want to join us?<BR><BR>I will confirm via email later next week!<BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

ttt

topping

jw

Good morning! (or whatever)<BR><BR>I'm so enjoying your enthusiastic plans re Zuoz. Make sure that one of you has a cell phone so I can call to chat while you are sitting around a table somewhere. J.

fellow traveller

Sooo good to hear from all of you and know that you are having such a great time. Our trip is marvelous too. It is so nice that we are all sharing our adventures. We will check in later for further chats.

who?

Will the mystery guest sign in please?

jw

Hello again. Ursula and Jan, wishing I could make it a threesome at the Rosengart. I could use a wonderful couple of hours in among the Miros and Klees and Picassos; any Matisse collages? J.

Ursula

jw,<BR>We will be thinking of you, when in the museum. If there are any Matisse collages, we'll look at them for you. ;o)<BR>Hope, that sounds good to you.<BR><BR>Jan, how was Como, sunny and a little warmer?<BR>Anyway, the cold wave should be over soon and snow is announced for tonight.