Switzerland 2002 Trip Log Part 4

September 8th today is Helen' Birthday (we won't tell your age). Every morning while we made breakfast we glanced out our kitchen window at this spectacular scenery. Imagine mountains all around us --- Switzerland is wonderful and we are so glad we chosen Switzerland as our first Untours trip.

The village bustled with activity; many cars were parked on our street as it had easy access to the center of Meiringen. We walked over the the Bahnhofstrasse; already some Bell Ringers were practicing their cadence, the men swung the bells from side to side as they marched.

Young children and adults were dressed in traditional swiss clothing; they smiled at us.

Other Bell Ringers wore unusual outfits/costumes for the parade. We walked to the main street; already crowds of people had arrived early to get a good view of the parade. It was due to start at 11:00 a.m. Each group had a different style; they lined up in different parts of Meiringen. Imagine 3100 Bell Ringers located all around and in Meiringen!

The Bell Ringers moved along the crowded street quickly; other large groups followed behind them. This parade went on for hours, more and more Bell Ringers and local people dressed in swiss costumes. The children were especially fascinated by the parade and colorful costumes. Many happy smiling children watched from the side lines.

It was very noisy; some people wore ear plugs because the sounds of the bells were very loud. Colorful blue and black outfits were wore by this group. Notice how large the bells are; and imagine carrying them around while you marched to the end of the long main street.

The largest bell in the parade is displayed in Meiringen on a main street off the Brunig Road. We stopped to see the bell and talk to the man who had the bell in front of his business. He took us inside to see some of his other decorated bells. His shop was fascinating and we plan to see the owner again when we return in 2004. He kindly explained and showed us more bells; many business order them for their clients and local people design bells for weddings, anniversaries and other special days.

A man next to our chalet, Andrew, decorated and painted some of the special bells. A very talented man.

Many more groups followed in a procession; remember it would take a least 2 days for all the groups to pass by on the main street. We saw quite a bit of the parade; we took a break; had lunch and later headed back to see more and more of the men marching with the heavy bells. In evenings of Friday and Saturday, many of the cafes and restaurants were allowed to stay open very late. Young people and old alike gathered in the large tents to enjoy beer, wine and local swiss dishes. The festivities ran late into the morning hours. We were glad our chalet was further down the street, it was not as noisy.

Monday, September 9th today was our 51 Wedding Anniversary; we couldn't think of a better place to celebrate it --- but in Switzerland with Helen and Al. They got up early and made breakfast for us. What thougthful friends we have! Today we walked to the Aare Gorge; had lunch in the cafe and walked throught the gorge. It was a 3/4 of a mile walk; there were tunnels, caves and wonderful waterfalls. The Aare River ran very swiftly below us as we walked on steel and wooden walkways high above the river. In some places water dripped from the top of the tunnels. The wooden planking was slippery from the water; you had to be careful not to lose your balance. The gorge was unbelievably spectacular and beautiful; here it was right in Meiringen. Unfortunately we had run out of film, and missed out on taking pictures.

Tonight was the Untours Going-Away-Party; it was being held in Sachseln at a local restaurant. It started at 6:00 and ended at 8:00 p.m. so everyone could get their bus or train back to their apartments. We wanted to arrive early to see the picturesque village of Sachseln. Their patron saint Bruder Kause was buried in the large church. The Bruder Klaus Museum was in the village square.

In the cemetery in front of the gravestones, were pictures of deceased members of the families who had lived in Sachseln for many years. The cemetery we visited was quite small.

This was so unusual for us to see; the cemetery was well cared for; pretty colorful flowers in abundance adorned the gravestones and the surrounding areas of the cemetery. The cemetery was well maintained.

A large group of Untourists had arrived; we sat at long tables and ordered wine and beer. Everyone was in a festive mood; and shared their adventures in Switzerland; what trails they had hiked; and the different Swiss villages they had visited. The party was a lot of fun. Untours gave a box of swiss candy to people who celebrated an occasion. One couple had been married 56 years; they received a bouquet of flowers. A nice box of Swiss chocolates were given to us for celebrating our anniversary. It was very thoughtful of them.

Helen and Al had a marvelous time at the party; they were also sad to leave Meiringen. We had such a wonderful vacation; seeing Switzerland; riding the trains, busses and boats; and meeting the local people. We had done so much in only 2 weeks and now it was coming to an end. We will have to get busy and plan another trip with Untours.

Swiss songs were sung by a swiss man; another one played the alpenhorn. Some alpenhorns can be as long as 20 feet. A Swiss three-piece band entertained us; accompanied by a singer. Our swiss dinner and dessert was delicious; we hated to see the evening end. At the end of the evening we sang Swiss songs, then it was time to say our "sad" goodbyes to our new friends.

As we left the party, we exchanged email addresses and plan to keep in touch with each other during the year. This was the end of our Swiss Vacation. We were sorry to leave Switzerland and the friendly people of Meiringen. Auf Wiedersehen!!! We'll be back!