Switzerland 2006 Part 1

Monday, August 21st we returned to Meiringen, Switzerland for our third Untours Adventure. We left Boston a day early and stayed overnight at the Allegra Hotel in Kloten (very near the airport).

Wednesday, August 23rd this morning we took the free shuttle from the Allegra to the Airport/Railway Center to meet up with the rest of the Untour people and met our Staff member Jessica. She would accompany us to our village,Meiringen, in the Heartland area of Switzerland. It was wonderful to be back. We trained to Luzern and then changed trains to Meiringen on the Brunig line. Our host family Lydia and Ernst Brugger met us at the station; picked up our luggage and drove to the chalet. After unpacking, the Bruggers invited us to join them outside on their patio for lunch.

After a light lunch and cold drinks we talked with Lydia and Ernst and caught up on all the news of Meiringen and their family. Later Fred and I did a little shopping and pick up some information at the Tourist bureau.

Thursday, August 24th is Orientation Day at the church hall in Meiringen at 10:00 a.m. Jessica and Marlis held the meeting; they filled us in on the plans for a trip to Bell Foundry, Frey Chocolate Plant and a special luncheon for the alumni plus the Going Away Party. It was nice to see many new and old friends at the meeting. Fran Douglas, Mary LeFever and Ron were at Orientation.

The alumni luncheon was extra special; there were 99% alumni on this Untour. In the 32 years since Untours first began, this had never happened. We were so happy to be part of this event.

On our way back to the chalet we saw children who were carrying large bundles of newpaper; they were taking the papers to the recycle center. Some rode bikes, and others pulled small carts. All of the children smiled as we took their picture.

We stopped at the Tourist Bureau to book a tour of the KWO Hydro Electric Plant in the Grimsel Pass. The dates we needed were all filled; but we will contine to try again. The price was 25 Swiss francs each. Other people had taken the tour and recommended it to us.

Friday, August 25th We trained to Luzern and took the boat over to the Transportation Museum; showed our Swiss pass and admission was free. There is even an I Max Theatre at the Museum, much to see and do-- something for everyone. We spent 4 hours at the Museum; had a nice lunch in the cafeteria; walked back to the train station along a colorful promenade-- beautiful flowers and shrubs dotted lined the walk way. We arrived home and enjoyed a glass of Swiss wine on the balcony.

Saturday, August 26th, trained to Sachseln to watch the village festival. There was a village dedication today at 9:30 a.m. It was indeed a festival, banners flying, children running and playing, music and decorated food stalls. It was a great celebration. Many of the Untours people were there having lunch. After lunch we trained back and were able to make arrangements for our KWO tour of the plant on Thursday.

Sunday, August 27th.

Off we go to the Military Bunker in Stansstad. It was an easy train ride with only 1 change in Hergisvile to connect to Standsstad. We followed the directions in the Untours booklets, but it was a little longer walk. The walk along Lake Luzern was lovely and cool. We showed our Swiss pass and admission was free. Again there was much to see inside the Bunker which was built in World War II.

It took 24 months to build the Bunker; men worked 24 hours a day to get the Bunker completed. Inside many long tunnels connected the different areas, from the hospital to communications, kitchen, soldiers barracks, etc.

Monday, August 28th

"Ah, Ah" the trip to the Frey Chocolate Company in Buchs. It was an early start at 6:45 a.m. Marlis was accompanying our alumni party to the compay. At the Frey company as we step off the bus, the scent of chocolate filled the air. What a heavenly aroma!! Inside the company, we were greeted with hot coffee and warm croissants!! We left our cameras, backpacks or pocketbooks in a secure area. Next we wore white jackets over our clothes; and put booties over our shoes. The whole factory as immaculate. At last we went into the factory to see how chocolates are made. We knew this would be a great new and interesting adventure!

The tour lasted about 3 hours; with all the tasting areas set up; while we watched from the balcony workers were making; storing, and packaging of the chocolates. Again we could not take any pictures inside of the Frey Company. We ate so much chocolate, nobody wanted any lunch. It was a long day, but it was great--- don't miss going on this tour-- we had a lot of fun.

Tuesday, August 29th Untours surprised the Alumni by treating them to a special luncheon high up in the mountains at a restaurant, Hotel Baren, in the small village of Guttanen. Beautiful flowers decorated the chalets in Guttanen. Former Staff members joined us for the luncheon, Marianna Rosa, Marianna. and Fran Douglas was from the office in Media, PA The trip up to Guttanen had awesome scenery, and the bus climbed higher and higher up the mountain.

The Hotel dining room was decorated with colorful tablecloths, and napkins. We ordered wine, coffee before the lunch was served, and toasted Untours and Hal for making this a very special day for the alumni. The food was delicious, some of us ordered the "alpen macaroni" other people ordered "cheese fondu", a nice array of desserts and hot coffee rounded out the luncheon.

Marianna Rosa and Fran Douglas were friends. They looked forward to joining us in this Celebration. It was good to see them again.

The "golden girls" Fran, Mary and Shirley enjoyed themselves at the party. The beer, and wine gave this luncheon a very festive air. Everyone had a marvelous and fun time.

As you can see we certainly are high up in the mountains,

the water cascaded down from the mountains; the water was so clear, and it ran swiftly through the middle of the small village.