Switzerland 2004-Heartland Triplog Part 3

Wednesday, September 1^st

Today is the Alumni trip to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. We met at the train station; Jessica accompanied the group to the Swiss Confederation Building in Bern. There are many interesting clocks in Bern. Many people had photographed this beautiful clock, the Zeitglockenturm, or clock tower. At the Parliament building Michael was to be the moderator for the meeting. He had a good sense of humor- he explained the different laws, customs of the Swiss Parliament, governing bodies, how to get a bill put on the referendum—and voting requirements. Voting is usually 3 to 5 times a year. This building was also used for neutral political views; any group can use this room. We discussed the smoking issue; we noticed how many Swiss people smoked. Other topics covered were: education, taxes, drugs, banking and finance. There was a question and answer period that was most amusing and informative. Our friend Shirley enjoyed the tour and found it very enlightening. After the meeting, the group followed Jessica to a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 14^th and 15^th centuries. The figurines along the arch were carved intricately. We toured the Cathedral.

On our walk to the Aare River there were many beautiful gardens. We walked by the American Embassy. It was well guarded by men and women. The guards did not allow you to take pictures. We walked along the Aare River to an outside restaurant where we had lunch. Jessica helped us understand the luncheon menu; together at a long table.

The restaurant was crowded; groups of people were seated at reserved tables.

We passed by a magnificant garden on our way to lunch. Our group sat at long wooden tables. The Aare River flowed by swiftly. After a leisurely lunch we headed back by bus and train to our different villages.

Thursday, September 2nd

Today we took a longer train ride to Montreux. The train left Meiringen at 9:00 a.m. connected through Bern/Spiez and our final stop was Montreux. A total of 3 hours and 15 minutes; we made 2 changes. It sounds like a hassle but with the Swiss train schedule, your connections are only a few minutes apart. The trains were electric, so no noise—very quiet and fast. Our Swiss train pass covers most of all the transportation we needed. We used the trains, busses and boats; we rode from one area of the Switzerland to another. As we approached Montreux, vineyards grew on terraces. We had lunch at the casino, ordered the “special of the day”. A salad, white fish poached

in a wine sauce, mixed vegetables, rosti and wine/beer were served. We walked along the waterfront.

Palm trees greeted us, an unusual sight to see in Switzerland.

We wandered up quaint a side street; we looked for shops that sold interesting souvenirs. We shopped and later went to the train station for our trip back to Meiringen. The Golden Pass Panoramic train left at 5:00 p.m; we chose a different route that had 3 connections, Zweissmen, Spiez and Interlaken. It was a 3-hour ride with steep inclines/mountains and forests. We enjoyed the scenery very much. We arrived home at 8:00 p.m. It was a wonderful day in Montreu

Friday, September 3rd

We trained to Brienz to visit a wood carving company Jobin. Inside the Jobin store we saw many different items. We admired the carvings of animals, large and small. Wooden clocks, children’s tops, Christmas decorations, jewelry boxes, and plaques were all displayed. We spent most of the afternoon in Brienz; enjoyed a nice lunch at an outside café.

Saturday, September 4th

We left early this morning to go to Luzern. At Luzern we boarded the boat at 10:00 am.

We had 8 stops before we landed at Bechenried at 12:00 noon. We ate ice cream while waiting for the bus to Stans, (a main train line). When the bus came, the sides of the bus were painted with very large birthday candles. It was nice to see families with small children on the bus. We trained from Stans to Hergiswil to Meiringen.

Sunday, September 5th

We got up early; got the 7:03 train to Hergiswil; and changed trains for Engleberg. When the train approached the different stops, more and more people boarded. Most people were dressed warmly, down vests, walking sticks and hiking boots. These people were hiking in Engleberg area. The ride up to Engleberg was slow, and a very, very steep climb through the forest. The hikers talked excitedly as the train approached the station. The hikers got off; we walked through the town. Sunday morning most of the stores were closed; a few outside cafes and small restaurants were open for coffee, light snacks and dessert. The view of the mountains was spectacular, snow glistened on the peaks, and there was a bright blue sky with white clouds. From Engleberg hikers took cable cars and gondolas to Mt.Titlis; the trip took 45 minutes.

At every turn in the road a different view appeared. We took many pictures of the majestic mountains, flowers, shops and parks.

We sat outside and enjoyed coffee and dessert from the Coop cafeteria- this was gourmet cafeteria! We looked at all the delectable desserts and fruit plates. It was a hard choice to make.

We stopped and admired The Angel of Engleberg that hung outside near the park. Near by was the Benedictine monastery; the monastery was rebuilt in 1729. There had been many fires. The gardens around the monastery were very colorful

After we spent the entire day in Engleberg, we trained home. We met a few people from our group; stopped and compared notes on what we had been doing over the last few days. Lydia and Ernst had invited us for dinner this evening. We enjoyed a very pleasant dinner/visit with them.

Monday, September 6th

Tonight was the Untours Farewell Party, at the Bahnhof Restaurant in Giswil, starting at 6:00. Before the party we trained to Brunig to see the indoor flea market. Inside the different building were old jewelry, old pictures, tea sets, furniture, clocks, dishes, etc. There was quite an array of everything.

The Farewell Party was held at the restaurant in Giswil. Notice the flower boxes! The room was nicely decorated with the Swiss flags, colorful tablecloths, wine and beer glasses, and centerpieces.

A Swiss band provided the music for the evening. People danced, and played the alpenhorn. Booklets were passed out, and we all sang some Swiss songs. We were sorry to see the evening end, as we knew we were heading home in a few days.

Tuesday, September 7th

This morning we started to pack, later we trained to Interlaken West. We browsed in the shops, and admired the beautifully decorated windows. We trained back to Meiringen and met Andrew, Lydia and Ernst’s neighbor; he had cut wood, and stacked it for the winter. The wood took 2 years to dry out.

We joined Lydia and Ernst outside on their patio. We had dessert and coffee with them. Outside was a small Party House where the Bruggers would entertain their family and friends. The house was furnished inside with a table and chairs etc. We enjoyed our evening with Lydia and Ernst. The evening passed by quickly, and we must say “goodbye” to our Swiss friends.

Wednesday, September 8^thThis was our last morning in Switzerland; we were up early. Lydia and Ernst drove us to the train station at 7:45 am. We met Ruthie and Harold McLeod, and their landlady at the train station. We said “Auf Wiedersehen”and boarded the train to Luzern. In Luzern we changed trains for Zurich. It was a wonderful vacation in Switzerland. We enjoyed the time we spent with the Swiss people, learning so much from them about their country and customs. It was a wonderful opportunity to stay in Switzerland and live like a local. There is so much to see and do--- we plan to come back again in 2006.