Switzerland 2002 Trip Log Part 1

Tuesday, August 27th this was our first Untours trip to Switzerland. The four of us, Helen, Al and Fred and Jean left Boston, our luggage would be sent directly to the rail station in Meiringen. We didn't have to worry about our luggage. We flew overnight to Zurich Airport. In the morning we were met by the Swiss Team and the other Untourists at the Railway Center. We had our Swiss passes validated and we were on our way to Luzern; then we would train to Meiringen. We didn't know what to expect and were so delighted to be escorted to our individual villages. At the village train station the host family greeted us, picked up our luggage and drove us to our chalet.

As we rode through Meiringen we realized how small this village was, only 5000 people. A perfect size to get to know the village and meet the local people.

Our chalet was located on a side street near the hospital in Meiringen. This area was very quiet, in fact, we thought the hospital was closed. The chalet was wonderful, a few groceries were stocked for an easy meal; milk, coffee, butter, bread, eggs, cold cuts, jams and jellies. Inside were 2 bedrooms, one bath, living room/dining room and kitchen.

Every morning we greeted by birds singing and majestic mountains all around us. It was a dream come true to be in Switzerland!

After we unpacked we wandered through the quiet village, we wanted to see all the shops and restaurants so we could get oriented to Meiringen. There was a hotel named after Sherlock Holmes on a side street; local people were sitting outside; they enjoyed their dinner and a cold beer.

Thursday, August 29th up early and another sunny and bright day. The Orientation Meeting was held at the Church hall. At the meeting we enjoyed hot coffee, and juices while we listened to the Swiss Team explain the train and bus schedules. Brochures were displayed for other day trips and events in the area. It was easy to make connections as we were on a main train line between Interlaken-Meiringen-Luzern. This was definitely a plus! It is important that everyone attend the Orientation Meeting! After Orientation and lunch we walked to the cable car in Meiringen and took a ride up to Bidmi. Later that day we shopped at Migros supermarket..

Friday, August 30th our 5 pass bus tour left from Meiringen, we paid a small supplement and used out Swiss pass. Al noticed that we were on the wrong bus, and told the bus driver. Arthur Wyss was the bus driver and explained to us that we must change busses at Andermatt; he would notify the other driver. Arthur joked and called us "the lost Americans" and everyone on the bus had a good laugh!! Everyday a new adventure, that is the Untours way.

Wow, steep wasn't the word for this ride through the awesome mountains-- up, up and around curves, this bus driver was the best, nerves of steel-- he sounded the musical horn as we approached to alert other cyclists, cars or busses that the bus was on the mountain road. He handled the big Mercedes bus effortlessly. The Furkar pass had many switchbacks or hairpin turns.

The mountain tops were covered with snow; picturesque villages below shone in the bright sun light. The scenery looked like a "picture postcard". Just looking down the mountain took your breath away!!

As we approached Airolo we notices two yellow stage coaches being draw by horses. A local celebration was taken place; some dignitaries arrived by the stage coach.

Fred and Al talked with Swiss soldiers, who were on maneuvers in Airolo. This bus tour was great; it left from the bus station in Meiringen. An easy walk from the chalet to the bus station.

Saturday, August 31st the Untours staff would accompany the "new comers" group on a train ride from Meiringen to Lake Thun. Once there we had a two-hour cruise on the lake.

The cruise was enjoyed by everyone; the scenery with waterfalls, picturesque villages and a sunny day made this a special day. The Untour staff helped us again with the train and bus connections.. It was our "homework " to find our way back home. Once you mastered the schedules, it was quite easly to read the train and bus schedules posted at the rail and bus stations. There was always someone to help us. At Lake Thun the four of us wandered along the shops; we stopped for a delicious lunch along the Aare River and watched the swans glide smoothly along the water.

It was time to find our way to Meiringen; we did our homework and from Lake Thun we took the train to Interlaken Ost; then to Meiringen; arrived just in time to attend Mass at the little church in Meiringen.

All of us enjoyed the use of the Swiss Rail Pass; you rode trains, connected to busses, or connected to a boat for a cruise; the connections were always on time. Everyone could enjoy the scenery, no driving for anyone.

Sunday, September 1st our first rainy day; we decided to go to Luzern and visit the huge Transportation Museum. We wore our rain jackets, took our Rail Passes and we were off again. Al, Helen, Fred and Jean "What a Traveling Team" !! We took the train to Luzern, cross the street and rode the boat (only one stop) to the Museum. At the museum we spent 5 hours or so, much to see and do-- impossible to see it all in one day.The exhibition of trains, airplanes, boats, bicycles and communications even a helicopter amazed the four of us. Also at the museum was an I Max Theatre. We had lunch and walked back to the Rail Station along the peacfully and scenic waterfront; stopped at the Casino, Jean won 25 swiss francs, that made her day-- it was a lot of fun, even though we weren't quite sure how to play the slots.We arrived in Meiringen at 9:00 p.m. and had pizza at the Pinocchio Tavern near the train station.

Monday, September 2nd another sunny and warm day;

trained to Lake Brienz; took the boat cruise to Giessbach; rode a funicular up to the magnificent falls; visited the magnificanet Gran Hotel Giessbach; took pictures on the terrace. Later we walked and took a bus to a smalll village on the lake; enjoyed our picnic lunch in a picturesque park along the lake. We lazily ate our lunch and enjoyed the scenery.

The next bus took us to Interlaken West; we walked over to Interlaken Ost, and along the walk we stopped for cappuccinos; we sat outside in the late afternoon. At Migros supermarket in Meiringen we shopped for groceries before we walked back to the chalet.