Swiss Alps

The change from the Mediterrainian to the Swiss Alps couldn’t be more dramatic. We make our way up narrow winding roads with incredible views of the alps. I even see a bit of a glacier. Switzerland is cheese country, the government here subsidizes small farmers so they can keep producing their special cheeses. As we make our way through the alps there are cows grazing here and there. People love their cows here and they even name them. Our hotel sits in the little town of Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The woman who runs the hotel talks a lot. I can’t understand a word she says and I reply in English and somehow most everything is understood. She does this with everyone and it is entertaining to watch these exchanges. I stand in front of my hotel and in every direction I turn the view is breathtaking. This is one of “the” places that base jumpers come for their “earth” jump. Some people in our group sign up for para gliding. I pass on all of the possible jumping options.

    Instead, I take a gondola to the top of Schilthorn peak, it is just under 10,000 feet and the temperature drops significantly. Later, I lunch at the cafe where you can order food, coffee, beer, para gliding, bungy jumping or heli sky diving, I settle on tomatoe soup and tea. Then a few of us take the long walk (two hours) back to the hotel, there are waterfalls scattered along the way, and cows, and amazing views of course. The mountains and fresh air offer a different kind of paradise. This is a good place for long walks, hikes, and just sitting around talking.  Next stop France!