Swiss Alpine Life

Farms and villages scattered among incredibly beautiful mountains and valleys describes the landscape of Appenzellerland located in eastern Switzerland. Everyday life still mostly centers around dairy farming. More young Swiss want to farm than there is available property. The land of yodelling and cowbells, as it is known, is sought after.


Hiking, biking and skiing have built up tourism. The Alps provide a scenic opportunity every direction one looks. Natural beauty as far as the eye can see.



Appenzeller's are known for their legendary hospitality, "storybook" friendly. The fictional character, Heidi, was created in these hills. Welcome mats are rolled out along with cheese fondue.








Traditional handicrafts (carving, painting, embroidering etc.) produced in the area were exceptional and also very functional. Craftsmanship with a golden touch was established and practiced proudly


Prayer, faith and family are anchored in people's lives. "Permanent values" according to Appenzellers.

Our 24 hour stay ended with fanfare. Bags packed, hop in elevator, push R for reception area, door closes, elevator doesn't move, push button again, nothing, push alarm, nothing, push alarm again and again, reception guy responds in German, we don't understand him, push alarm again, reception guy responds in English, "I'm working on it!"

My panic attack started two seconds after realizing there was no escape hatch in the ceiling.(this was like an MRI, we might die! maybe!) After 1o minutes or so reception guy had forced open the door with a wrench saying, "Would you like breakfast now?"

Driving out of Appenzell Town on the wrong road again (mountains block navigation systems) we felt fortunate to drive around, and around. Gorgeous mountains still look good the third and fourth time!

Our Swiss Hero

Leaving France Saturday morning the only gas station we found took credit cards, however for some unknown reason, not ours. Almost on the big "E" we headed to Switzerland, which might prove tricky, their currency is francs not the euro.(we had no francs)

Our gas gauge read 68 miles, Geneva was 65 kilometers. (uphill or downhill) Passing mountains weren't quite as stunning as they might have been if the "oh! oh!" thought would not have been hanging over us.


Made it to Geneva, now where is a station? Friendly Mr. Frydrick Gas Station Guy only took cash. We both gave him our best "pretty please smile" and he agreed to euros. He also had a headlight bulb to replace ours that had burnt out the first trip day.


Tom now admired the Alps more: snow peaks, green valleys, grazing farm animals and rural homesteads.

The Scarf (Enter and Win One!)

Here we have an American in Europe

fashionably wearing a scarf




We haven't had a blog contest in several months,

so here's 2009's first!

Four pictures of me with my favorite five-Euro scarf are featured in this blog.



ONE



Photos 1,2,3, and 4 show different ways of wearing a scarf from these four countries:



Spain, United States, France and Germany.


TWO



Identify which country is Number 1 etc. and write a 25 word essay on scarfs.







Do you wear them? like them? think I should wear them?



THREE




Be creative in your writing!






Please enter to win a SCARF! (of course) Deadline for entries is April 15.


FOUR

Your prize will be mailed to you along with a chocolate treat!






"Scarves are the must-have accessory of the moment, according to Yasmin Swell, fashion director of London's iconic Liberty Store, situated just off Regent Street. (anyone ever been there, haven't heard of it, Harold's in London been there, remember not to take pictures in the store, they don't allow it and let you know, quickly)

Seaside Digs

Tom felt like he had died and went to heaven when we visited Cadaques, a small whitewashed fishing village. It was dubbed the "St. Tropez of Spain" in the 1960s. A laid-back lifestyle appealed to him as he marveled at deep blue water and a bright shimmering sun from our room's balcony.

Salvador Dali, one of Spain's famous artists, had a workshop and home near Cadaques. We learned from our tour that the home was made from fisherman's huts structured into a labyrinth. Intellectuals and artists have often chosen the coastal town for inspiration.


Casino Coffeehouse, the local place to be, served a most creative little cup of brew. "Cremat" a rum/coffee drink with sugar sprinkled on top served flambe style. It was one of those flavors that sticks on the taste buds and clears out your sinuses for a few days. Thank you, but I think one of these bombs is enough! (Have to be daring and try these things!)

High on the Mountain

2,400 feet above sea level, high in the mountains, is the Monastery of Montserrat, considered the most holy place of Catalonia. It has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,ooo years. Today 30 Benedictine monks continue a lifestyle of work and prayer.

Blue skies and mountain air let one feel free and peaceful when visiting. A panoramic and dramatic view is much like that of Arizona's Grand Canyon. Nature's beauty is most impressive!
Montserrat looks over a valley northwest of Barcelona.




A small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary is the Basilica's centerpiece. The only Black Virgin found, she was carved sometime during the 12th century.










A lovely courtyard garden of votive candles honors Mary.







Well worth the challenging drive of a series of mountain switchbacks. Our afternoon visit was a perfect setting for reflection and appreciating life.

No Photo Available

Right or left?
Exit here or there?
Only a few miles (define a few).

As we have traveled, even with a navigational system,
sometimes because of road construction or missing the turn you get lost.
Women admit this easily,
accept reality
and start asking for directions.
(pleading, whatever it takes)

We left Barcelona Tuesday, headed for Montserrat, described as an easy one hour trip. Confused , the first guy we asked for assistance pointed saying,
"way around the mountain, long way, over there."
Grazie
We remained lost after driving another thirty minutes.

I am so disappointed the following exchange was not on video,
it would show how stubborn men can be and
how women give in to keep peace.

Still lost, we pulled off at a gas station.
A cheerful woman tried to explain directions to us; pointing at our map.
Her English was limited, our Spanish more limited.
A truck driver pulls in she knows. "Pedro, you know English. Help!"
He starts to give guidance,
"no,no!" she says.
They disagree and wave arms at each other.

She starts to correct him.
He doesn't like it, and keeps giving us wrong directions according to her.
She gives him the "you're nuts look!" backs up, puts her hand up by her mouth, so he can't see, and lips different directions to us.
Shaking her head at him and smiling at us.

We thank them graciously.
Back on the road again, we have a decision -
First exit - he said or
Third exit - she said.
?????

"Senor, We Have No Chips or Salsa!"

Nachos, tacos and burritos were not on menus.
Tapas, paellas, churros and sangria were in Spain.

Tapa plates (appetizers) were most popular.
Olives, cheese, seafood, skewered chicken and lots of pork.
A travel guide we consulted wrote of the love affair the Spanish have with ham.


Also their sweet tooth loves drinking chocolate.
The beverage is served with pastries, in small cups, and is about the thickness of Hersey's syrup, but better. (served at room temperature, don't confuse this treat with hot chocolate)







Small cafes line Barcelona's streets. Many families working together; behind the bar, cooking, wait people and "nab'em and grab'em" hosts on sidewalks. Passionately pointing out bigger and better portions at their place.









Outdoor markets are the heart and soul of Europe's cuisine. "La Boqueria", one of the finest, treated us to theater and great eating. Abundance was displayed at all booths. The range and quality of fruits won the blue ribbon. Smoothies for a Euro; sellers demanded you slurp more than one. (good advice)



Friendly people definitely are a travel highlight. Pinoxto Bar, a small counter establishment at market's entry introduced visitors to Juan. He and his hardworking sons welcomed all to its table. Perfectly brewed coffee drinks and breakfasts warmed and filled you up! If one wants to share a pastry, Juan just gets out his scissors and cuts it in half. (he also opens boxes with this scissors)

Mr. Thumbs up! Quite the gentleman!

Best Seat on the Doubledecker Bus

Front seat, top deck, two thumbs up!
Riding around Barcelona on a tour bus let us marvel at what an architectural scrapbook the city is: old, new, renovated, palm trees, parks, churches, museums, stadiums, palaces etc.
Stress free riding with other tourists, taking way too many photos, was a bonding experience.





We hopped off to see the popular Sagradia Familia church designed by Gaudi. Construction began on the cathedral in 1883 by the artist himself.







Project completion date is estimated to be in about 50 years. Awesome, but yet why, were two reoccuring thoughts in our minds. Detailed work dominated every inch of building. No public funding has ever gone into the project. A devout Catholic, Gaudi apparently was planning on a really nice present to a Pope someday.




Since we had a 2 for 1 coupon(from our bus ticket) we had to hop off at McDonald's for a Big Mac. This franchise had style, located in chic "new" Barcelona. Creative burger artwork graced building walls, very tidy, and a 1E menu was available! Gelatto/espresso floats were a 10! (European McCafe's are not to be laughed at!)

Picasso's Museum was educational, he had many styles of works not often exhibited. His famous style of art created in the early 60's , like "LeBouquet" (two hands exchanging a handful of bright flowers) were not included in displays. A docent explained that random museums and individuals held these pieces. (minor disappointment)


Sunday night we were well entertained by flamenco opera performed by dramatic Spainards. Monday evening's concert held at a beautiful, beautiful concert hall was a bit too classical for us. We left at halftime to look for a late night snack.






Next door to our hotel, in an almost dive cafe, a sign was proudly posted. New York Times food critic Mark Bittman had proclaimed that he had eaten the best sandwich of his life here . An Iberia sandwich (specialty ham(29 E a pound) and tomato smeared on a toasty bun) in his words should be enjoyed with a beer and nothing more. Great taste, and he was right , no more, the fries we ordered never came!

Sunny Spain!

Following two days of croissant filled travel,
we arrived in Barcelona at high noon.

Bright, warm sunshine was on our backs,
the city packed with people savoring Sunday's relaxation.

Life bubbled everywhere, the charm of an area relies on its residents more than its buildings. Bursting with narrow alleys and balconies
(many lined with laundry, as most everywhere in Europe is),
grand boulevards and a chic new part of town we drifted in and out of places.





"The Ramblas" is Spain's most famous street
and was located out the hotel's front door.
A mile long pedestrian boulevard daily is lined with vendors selling a wide variety of goods,
including pets such as hamsters, birds, turtles, baby chicks and gold fish .
Historically children would plead with parents to take a Sunday stroll
and bring home a new friend to clean up after.








Talented musicians and mimes entertained,

creating a festival atmosphere.

Barcelona is a part of Spain's Catalonia region which is fiercely independent.
Sunday's at noon on the square in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona
people gather and dance a "Zorba the Greek style" number.
Sardana dance is considered both patriotic and fun,
it's a sharing of community.
Gracefully participants hop and sway in a circle
to live music provided by twelve piece bands.

Shopping bags and purses are put in the center of circles for two reasons,
first to symbolize a bond and unfortunately to prevent theft.

Since tourism has grown so has pickpocketing.
Being a seasoned world traveler,
I put my small billfold in my boot on the leg.
I feel safe and its slows down purchases.
(This is confidential info.)

I developed this strategy for my piece of mind as well as those I travel with. Several years ago when my sister, Jean, and I went visiting our brother in South Carolina, after two days of watching me frantically dig in my purse or wondering where it was, she strongly suggested I turn anything of importance over to her. Tom, to this day, tends to roll his eyes when my "oh no!" look surfaces.

On The Road to Barcelona

1,400 kilometers west and south of Bamberg is Barcelona,
city of our travel dreams for awhile.
The Mediterranean, cosmopolitan port is home to 1.5 million residents.
We left at 4:31 p.m. Thursday, racing away on Germany's autobahn.
(actually many BMWs, Mercedes, Audis and other fancy vehicles whizzed by on the left of us)

Bon jour, Merci, Monsieur, Madame - all the French we know.
Skipping across southern France on their freeway, we paid around 60 E in tolls (each way). Country landscape can only be described as awesome.




Lyon is considered the number two city of lights and cuisine.





We usually stumble into and then stroll through big cities. First tension mounts in our auto. (too many traffic lights, bikers, walkers, cars, buses, cable cars and trains everywhere and no place to park!) Next I hop out at Le Hotel of the Night and ask where our reserved parking is located. And then, in a space sized for smart cars, he goes forward and in reverse while she flags him in. By this time someone is snappy and she grimaces at him.








Notre Dame Cathedral sits high over Lyon beautifully and majestically.
It was well worth the hike up, as we huffed and puffed.
















French chefs earned their pretentious reputation when we dined at a bouchon cafe, food for common folk as they are known.
Bartender, waitress, waiter, water guy, bread guy and host guy all had attitudes.
Our dinner entertainment was watching Monsieur Bread guy toss baguettes, brought back from tables, into baskets for new customers!
Disgraceful!

Muhlworth 3

As of March 1 we are now official residents of Bamberg. A street parking permit is in place so we shouldn't get a 35E ticket from passing officers. The loft style of this apartment is upbeat; big windows, high ceiling, wood floor, king sized bed, white and black furnishings, and butcher block counter top. A big perk is we have a washer in our unit and a building shared dryer. No microwave, no freezer in frig, not complaining, just stating facts.

The river view is beautiful; featuring church domes, old homes and interesting boats. Within walking distance are parks, cafes, shops and bus lines. Signs of spring are abundant, along with nature, Germans are trimming bushes and washing windows.



Four pods and 15 boxes of valuables are what we are down to now. This place lacks storage so soon I think we will have a couple less containers of stuff. Not as much dusting and wondering where you put it!








Lately, we have not blogged for two reasons. German utilities was our biggest problem, it took ten days and staying home four times to get phone and internet hook up completed. Secondly, life has been rather boring, no big events or travels. However on Thursday we are leaving for a much anticipated trip to Spain. Barcelona and surrounding area should be beautiful.

PLEASE NOTE - OUR PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED, IT NOW IS: 01149-951-208-4227. We are seven hours ahead of Central Standard Time. If you call, (it costs about $1.50) I'll call you right back and we can chat. Our phone rings about twice a week , so feel free to stick that finger in the phone and dial! I would even reimburse you by mail for phone charges.

Benedict's Stomping Grounds

Pope Benedict spent the first part of his career as a professor at the University of Regensburg. He was loved and well known area wide, as was his brother, a bishop of St. Peter's Cathedral, in this German city. An impressive Gothic structure, it is a Bavarian treasure.

The last Friday evening of February, following a 90 minute road trip to our destination, we took a walk. Well kept historic buildings that reminded us of Italy were abundant. Fortunately the window seat across from St. Peter's was open, a great perch for people watching. Our pasta meal was well prepared.




Saturday morning sunshine enticed us to an early stroll; chiming bells, shop windows and cobblestone walkways provided a perfect background. Brunch served at Park Hotel Maximilian deserved a 10! It was beautiful and bountiful. You name it, the buffet had it!




Since this was one of the nicest places we've stayed, celebrating, we ate a bit much.
However, we did not fill our pockets or purse with edible goodies.

But "Bless me Father for I have sinned."
This small espresso cup did end up in my pocket as a souvenir. (I looked for a gift shop and there wasn't one. ) Tom almost moved to another table. I went to church and put money in the donation box. Does that count?

Many castles follow the Danube River's path. We slowly journeyed back to Bamberg on country road. Continual rolling hills and peaceful nature shine in rural Germany.