Trip Reports - Catman & Wanderlust's Swiss Adventures

A Manageable Coach Flight

Got to EWR extra early over concerns the lines for Lufthansa check-in might be long. I was right, the lines of flyers snaked all along the check-in counters. I could not find the special Gold Star Alliance check-in counter and when I asked an agent was pointed to the end of the very long line.

Luckily the line moved very fast. I tried my charm to try to get a free upgrade and was relegated to seat 37C.

Being a Star Gold, I went to use the Senators Club at EWR and had a bartender who looked 15. I enjoyed three Sam adams (I wanted to get as well "preserved" as possible so I could sleep to Frankfurt.)

Boarding took awhile but I flashed my United Gold car and got on early. After takeoff the F-A's came around with little orange juice containers and then moist Towelettes which was a nice touch.

I started to doze about 20 minutes after takeoff and don't remember mucha bout the flight, except the two German beers I had and waking up to see Tom and Jerry Celebrate the spirit of christmas.

I woke briefly for th edinner but took a few tastes and passed back into sleep. The F-A had to tap me when we arrive din Frankfurt.

After a nice hour layoff at the other Lufthansa Business lounge right near my connection headed to Zurich.

Greetings by Rudi

Heading to Passport Control, the officer asked me THREE TIMES "Are you here to work?"
I kept saying "NO, I'm here to have fun with friends." The Third TIme I said "My only work is to work on relaxing." He let me thru and later I realized I forgot to get my passport stamped... a tradition of mine.

Rudi as promised was outside the gate in his MARTEL chauffer's hat. He took me to a candy store for a "traditional, welcoming Swiss Chocolate." As RUDI describes it was:

*One Spruengli chocolate 'truffe du jour' (at ZRH airport - my welcome gift)

It was the sweetest welcome treat. Even better than a Hershey's Kiss! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Rudi spent the time before the arrival of wanderlust's flight showing me around the Zurich airport, explaining where we would check in on departure Sunday and how to get into the Lufthansa Senator's lounge.

We had time to kill so we drove into Zurich for a brief taste of that fine city.

A Swiss Feast

FIRST, DANKA RUDI FOR REFRESHING MY MEMORY!!

Rudi took me to the fine restaurant known as
Kronehalle (which I probably would have missed because the door looks like one to an office building.

We enjoyed * a first 'Side-car' (Kronenhalle Bar, Zurich) Since the restaurant was not open yet we went walking around the waterfront of Zurich where I dodged out of the way of a street car.

We headed back to Kronenhalle where as Rudi describes I enjoyed:

* 2 Pilsner Urquell
* a mixed salad
* an original St.Galler Bratwurst (butcher: Schmid, St. Jakobstrasse, St.Gallen) and swiss Roesti = potato cake
* the (world famous) Kronenhalle chocolate Mousse

Rudi said I could switch meals if I did not like anything.

This was one of my five all time EIGHT PAWS UP MEALS EVER! It was absolute culinary heaven, and I thank you RUDI for sharing this marvelous place with me.

Time was ticking away so we headed back to Zurich Airport.

Reunited With My Favorite Traveling Bud

Wanderlust's flight was a bit delayed but he was among the first off at the baggage claim area. I met him at the exit and surprised him with Rudi's Traditional Spruengli chocolate 'truffe du jour'

Rudi reminded wanderlust to eat it immediately and the look of enjoyment and peace on Wanderlust's face as he enjoyed the chocolate was as great as when he lost his Krispy Kreame Virginity with me at the World Trade Center location.

((Hope COmmander Catcop Does not arrest me for that last comment!))

Rudi then gave us an appreviated tour of Zurich, visiting his angels at teh Lufthansa ticket office before goign to his home to enjoy a fine bottle of champaign. Wanderlust presented Rudi and Gisela (who I was happy to see was home) with little tokens of appreciated. Santa CLAWS told me to pass on Rudi and Gisela's Holiday gifts.

I was also treated to a nice black and white cat in the Martel's yard on a lawn chair, who meowed at me before walking off.

Rudi then said it was time to drive to Wengen. With him at the controls, We cruised for about two hours thru beautiful mountainside. The long flights started to set in both Wanderlust and me and we both dozed before he reached this grand hotel called the Hotel Victoria Jungfrau Bar in Interlaken.

Rudi treated us to sidecars and they keep tasting better. I told Rudi that wanderlust and I had one at Smith and WOllensky which like the one at Victoria had some kick.

After touring the hotel some more we headed to the Interlocken train station for the ride to Wengen.

NEXT: THE VISIT TO PARADISE BEGINS!

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

I can hardly wait to read that report, Catman! I was at ZRH this weekend, you could have told me.. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Special for RUdi and Wanderlust: if I leave something out (it's hard to read my journal notes) please add. Thanks my friends! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Nice report.

I've been to Switzerland maybe 30 times, and I've never had the person in passport control utter a single word to me. They just see my American passport and wave me through.... curious.

Originally posted by Catman:
...we went walking around the waterfront of Zurich where I dodged out of the way of a street car...

Didn't you almost get hit in Jersey a few months ago? You better be careful, don't want you to end up as "roadkill".

Super report CATMAN! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Glad you enjoyed the trip! It was great to see you yesterday at EWR too. And you didn't even look tired! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I could not find the special Gold Star Alliance check-in counter

Hey Catman: it pays to read the LH forum on FlyerTalk (from time to time). StarGold-ff are always welcome at the LH first-class-check-in-counter

some trip report questions for Catman (you asked for my remarks/questions):

how does SR (Swissair) inform about possibilities to get bumped at ZRH airport (terminal A)?
how easy is it to get from/to Zurich airport by train?
any differences between Spruengli and Teuscher (how did 'your' secretary appreciate the Teuscher champagne-truffes?; don't be jealous tropicalflyer)
is it true that Rudi 'bribes' LH-angels with chocolates?
can you see the Alps from Gisela's/Rudi's home?
how many curves on the car way from Zurich-Lucerne to Interlaken/Wengen, taking the Brunig-pass-road? (what are the risks of becoming seasick?).
how do you judge Rudi's driving-abilities after that side-car, two Pilsener-Urquell and the Champagne at his home?

Ah, gruezi Rudi.

Please allow me a chance to answer before Catman gets his claws into them...

1. I think I must have been absent from class when that was discussed. But I'll guess and say, with a box of chocolates, they inform you right away!
2. Incredibly easy when you have an experienced Swiss guide to show you every step to take!
3. Hmm, that one IS for Catman
4. Not only that, he makes his friends bribe the LH-'angels'.
5. On a clear day, you can see the majestic Alps from Gisela's/Rudi's home. However, you cannot ski directly to the lifts from their home. :)
6. Brunig-pass road=5,724 curves and 437 tunnels. And that doesn't include any of the thousands of switchbacks. (chances of becoming seasick: 0%. Changes of becoming carsick: 110%)
7. Was that YOU that drove? I must have passed out. You did a remarkable job. I think. Swiss can apparently hold there sidecars better than us bloody Americans ;).

-A new Swiss apologist

[This message has been edited by wanderlust (edited 12-19-2000).]

Well Wanderlust best buddy, my claws are ready:

how does SR (Swissair) inform about possibilities to get bumped at ZRH airport
(terminal A)?

A: There is a special screen and several counters that lists the flights that are oversold and looking for volunteers.

how easy is it to get from/to Zurich airport by train?

A: Downstairs (I forget the level) there is the direct train to the main railroad station at Zurich. I think about a 15 minute ride.

*any differences between Spruengli and Teuscher (how did 'your' secretary
appreciate the Teuscher champagne-truffes?; don't be jealous tropicalflyer)

A: Both are right and chocolately. My boss' secretary found the Teuscher truffles "absolutely heavenly" and said the next time I need off all I need to do is ask. For me
I don't find much of a different except I hope heaven is full of both chocolates when I go!

*is it true that Rudi 'bribes' LH-angels with chocolates?

A: Well I don't think it's bribery but it's a thank you gift for a job well done!

*can you see the Alps from Gisela's/Rudi's home?

A: Absoultely yes!!! And what a view! I could wake up to that view everyday (at home all I get is the view of Yaz's beautiful face and Eddie's butt!

*how many curves on the car way from Zurich-Lucerne to Interlaken/Wengen,
taking the Brunig-pass-road? (what are the risks of becoming seasick?).

A: I stopped counting at 100 when like my very sleepy buddy Wanderlust I went off to earn with him double snoring miles! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif There is a risk of becoming CARsick but neither of us did! Hey! We're REAL MEN, RIGHT WANDERLUST? WANDERLUST? STOP SNORING!

*how do you judge Rudi's driving-abilities after that side-car, two Pilsener-Urquell
and the Champagne at his home?

A: EIGHT PAWS UP!!! NUFF SAID.

More trip reports to come. I have some handwriting to dissect!

Undescribable Wengen!

I only imagined nice little Swiss towns from Postcards, movies and PremEx's photos, but Wengen can't be described by any medium. You have to be there: beautiful buildings, a nice hometown, small town flavor, very very friendly and helpful people, and what clean air! The air was so cool and crisp it took a while for my lungs, full of New York city polution to adjust.

There is a steep hill down to Rudi's Chalet and he and brother Wanderlust worried about me not making it. I huffed and puffed a bit but I was up for the challenge and the exercise and breathing the clean Swiss air envigorated me!

There is No Place Like a Swiss Chalet

PremEx did a wonderful and colorful describtion of Rudi and Gisela's chalet but like going to Wengen you have to go there and live there and be there to really really appreciate it. It's like a very warm, comfy, welcoming home.

Wanderlust and I got our rooms: all in the themes of ski resorts Rudi visited. I had the Aspen room with fun ski posters all over the place. (I forgot Wanderlust's theme room except it had a low ceiling.) The feather bed was comfortable and Rudi made sure wanderlust and I would not want for anything.

There even was t-v for wanderlust and I to watch CNN International and at least have some like to "the other world."

But the main attraction was going outside on the deck and having white and blue and grey and green Swiss mountains all around you. Both wanderlust and I let out silent WOWS and just stared at the natural beauty around us. We could not believe we were actually in Switzerland so Rudi told us to pinch ourselves!

Words can't do justice to Rudi and Gisela's Chalet and the Alps so I'll move on.

How do you Do Fondue?

Rudi decided a nice walk around Wengen was in order so he showed Wanderlust and me some of the sites and the shops to get bread, milk, meat and ski rentals if we needed. It was very nice to do a nice relaxing, and I was building up strength to climb those steep hills.

We ended up at the Restaurant Bernerhof where Rudi suggested a Swiss speciality to try: Fondue.

I'll let Rudi decribe the meal Wanderlust, he and I enjoyed:

* 1-2 glasses of Fendant (a swiss white wine) at the Restaurant Bernerhof in Wengen.
* a Cheese Fondue (Bernerhof Wengen)
* some bread crumbs (for the Fondue) dunked in a glass full of a swiss cherry-spirit
(Bernhof Wengen)

Rudi had to show us a few times how to do the Fondue. The first few times my bread disappeared in the boiling cheese, but eventually with his teaching and wanderlust's constant support and jokes I mastered it, somewhat. It was delicious.

But dipping that bread in that Swiss cherry spirit made wanderlust's and my hair curl and put a nice glow on our cheeks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Afterwards, Rudi wanted to show us one of Wengen's big hotels, so we headed to the Hotel Regina where we enjoyed a
Feldschlösschen Beer which could make me give up Sam Adams!

All that excitement though got to wanderlust and me and we headed back with Rudi to the Chalet where in five minutes we both were earning DOUBLE SNORING MILES! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

NEXT: CONQUORING THE JUNGFRAU!



[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

Some Wise Advice

Rudi had to leave for work early but before he left he told wanderlust and I thru the rooms of our doors "This is the best Day to go to the Jungfrau." We answered him with snores.

Wanderlust and I slept in and woke up to see that the election mess in teh U-S appeared to be near a resolution. I told him to shut off the t-v and we enjoyed hot chocolate outside in this pair of ski lift chairs that Rudi got at a sale. We talked and looked at the mountains and decided to...

Conquer the Jungfrau

We first stopped for a sandwich and water and grabbed the train up the mountain to the Jungfrau. There were a few stops at observation points to take pictures and see the scenery. Mostly we saw clouds and snow and we both kind of got worried that we would not see a thing about 4158 feet (or is it meters) high.

We went outside and wanderlust kept joking about looking thru the grate to the mountains hundreds of feet below. Once upon a time I would become very sick. But I looked down and really really enjoyed it. We both stomped on teh grate to shake some snow and look thru a telescope at the beautiful scenery around us. I could not believe it! I was thousands of feet in the mountains and very very comfortable. Wanderlust said I did him proud!

Then like a scene out of a movie the clouds slowly started to lift, the mountains came in crystal clear views of white and blue and grey and THE SUN CAME OUT!!! The skies became crystal clear and I told wanderlust "I guess my cat vibes worked."

Does Yalping Start Avalanches?

Excited by the beautiful day (and the nice pictures we hope would come out, wanderlust decided to do an experiment: check if our TRADITIONAL ANCIENT PRACTICE OF YALPING CAUSES AVALANCHES!

Wanderlust suggested a 3/4's YALP (so we don't scare people or birds flying overhead.) We did it and got a slight echo. We both agreed to go a little louder, then at full force the third time. You can hear our Yalps echo thru the Swiss Alps to Europe (and from what I heard even made it to Jersey City and Oakland< california!)

It was one of the greatest moments of my life: Conquering my FEAR of heights and YALPING with my best buddy Wanderlust and just sharing the moment. Thank you Wanderlust for letting me Yalp with you.

Frozen E-mail and Tunnels of Ice

Wanderlust and I went inside and he treid to send a postcard e-mail to a friend. We put in about six Swiss francs (it cost 3) and NOTHING. We gave up after 10 minutes because we had the Ice Palace to go thru.

We slip slided thru walls, floors everything of ice. There were ice sculptures of the Virgin Mary, Polar bears, Sumo Wrestlings, lots of characters. We went through a narrow tunnel and wanderlust roared in laughter as I tried to sit on a chair of ice and slipped right to the ground (I WANT THAT PICTURE BUDDY, PAL, CHUM!)

Then we found another outdoor scenery site so we went out into blowing fridget wind and snow and being strong, no worries and no fears dudes marches through the "storm" and walked around the top of the mountain! We found an open spot and let out the LOUDEST YALP YET! There were no avalanche -- we came back! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Two New Female Friends!

Wanderlust and I were discussing his home of the Bay Area over some powerful Jungfrau punch when this beautiful blonde woman said "So youa re from San Francisco too?"

The blonde was named Alicia who was traveling with her sister Patricia through Switzerland to France and then home. Alicia was spending a semister in Italy and Patricia joined her for vacation.

They ended up joining us and for the next many hours we talked of our life histories, San Francisco and the Bay area, our mutual love of traveling, our dreams and passions, and debated politics and many other issues. (It ended up the boys on one side of the fence, the girls on the other.) We took the train back to Wengen for a drink or two.

Seven Degrees from All the People in the World!

Patricia (or was it Alicia Wanderlust) made an interesting comment: "We are all separated by seven people from everyone in the world."

Wanderlust said he lived in teh same area as the women. Alicia and Patricia were originally from Westchester County; I know Larry U and Dhammer From Westchester so I guess they were right about it being a small world.

We accompanied them back to Laudenbruden where the only restaurant open was serving Pizza. The company was priceless.

Patricia and Alicia had to get to Interlocken so it was said to say our goodbyes but exchanged e-mails. Wanderlust and I headed back to the Chalet where we saw reports Gore was goign to concede but our beds were calling so we decided to wait till the morning for the endless repeats of the gore concession/Bush celebration!

Next: Another Mountain to Climb!

An Espresso Lesson

Wanderlust and I both woke up somewhat later than usual and celebrated the end of the election mess and finally finding a new president. We both said we could get used to waking up to the Swiss Alps in our backyard.

Then seeing the espresso machine (and thanks to Gisela for telling us where the cover for the grounds for the coffee was) Wanderlust decided to teach me how to make espresso.

It's more complicated than the formula for Coca Cola (bleh!) But wanderlust is the most patient teacher, showing me how to measure the coffee, set up glasses for the liquid, boiling the milk with the long tube thing at the side of the machine. I assisted and we enjoyed espresso and bananas outside enjoying the beautiful scenery.

This can't be Swiss Hospitality!

We headed to the Hotel cigar where we thought having a nice lunch would make us ready for whatever the Swiss Alps had in store for us.

Went to the downstairs restaurant and underwent the most grueling, poor service either of us had in a long time. We waited:

*15-20 minutes for the menu.
*Another five minutes for coffee.
*Another 10 for someoen to take our order of chicken curray.
*then a half hour for the meal which came back cold.
*I ordered a second coffee and both of us were certain we were told it was gratis.

We ended up paying about 25 dollars for a cold lunch and colder service and got charged for the gratis coffee.

Wanderlust wanted to move on but in a rare moment I went and complained about the poor service. I asked the hotel manager if it was because we were NOT SWISS that we were treated so shabby. The manager gave us his business card with a free round of drinks. Wanderlust was surprised at how I reacted but I said I wanted the most purrfect time and this just got my cat hair on edge!

Trains, gondolas and Red Bull Energy Drink!

Wanderlust and I decided our next challenge was to find the way to Schilthorn so we first took the train to Lautenbrunnen and then the two gondola rides up the mountain. Wanderlust thought I needed an energy boost so we tried Red Bull Drink and it has some kick. It's NOT alcohol but tastes like malt and it made me want to climb a mountain.

We hooked up with Bill, who works in the United Arab Emerities as a computer guy for a oil company. We chatted about our adventures and slowly made our way to the Schilthorn.

Making like James Bond

The mountain we ended up at was the main setting for the late 60's James Bond Picture "On her Majesties Secret Service" with the actor who was no Sean Connery and played Bond once and only once thankfully! (help me with the name wanderlust!) The red haired girl was very cute though.

We got to an observation area where we shot some pictures and watched a comtemplation of clips of the James Bond film (wanderlust joked now he didn't have to rent the movie!) Then we saw a very nice multi slide show of various swiss scenes.

Then to face the cold outside we went to the Drehrestauant Piz gloria where wanderlust and I had a nice veal concoxtion with Irish coffee that had more Irish (I guess it's whisky) than coffee. Bill had a light salad. The waitress looked like the managing editor for Pink On Line Maria Coder but she had a wedding ring so I decided NOT to flirt.

Who's the Master Yalper here??

Wanderlust, Bill and I went outside to the observation deck where the wind was picking up and blowing loose snow everywhere! Wanderlust told Bill of our tradition of Yalping so we decided to do it and Bill (who said he never did it before) really got into it: Yalping so loud it almost knocked Wanderlust and me off the mountain! I think the echo of our yalps continued as we made our way in the gondolas down the mountain.

Bill went his own way at one station halfway down the mountain and wanderlust and I headed to the base of the mountain.

Second Childhood

We walked through this small quiet town with several very nice hostels and small guest houses. the town was deserted and we enjoyed it to kill some time before the next gondola arrived.

We found a little park near the station. We sat on benches in silence and just took in the trees and forests and the beautiful and quiet scenery. then we saw a little playground with an enclosed slide and swings. We screamed going down the slide and swung high and laughed and acted like kids again! I guess boys really don't grow up! We had such a grea ttime we almost missed the last gondola back to the bus to Laudenbrunnen.

After a relaxing ride back to Wengen we headed back to the chalet to watch gore's concession and Bush's victory speeches. We both were so exausted from our fun day we called it an early night! [/b]

Next: A Skier and a Faller



[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-19-2000).]

A Gift of Snow!

I woke up about 5:15 am because I wacked my head against the headboard (I was having a bad dream about being chased through the Swiss snow by not one of my favorite persons) I went to get ice for my head and as Rudi predicted wacked my head against the bell near the door to the porch. Wanderlust's room was nearby but by the sound of his loud snoring http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I was glad I did not wake him!

Then holding the ice on my head I looked outside and saw lots and lots of snow. I went out barefoot on the porch to feel a bit of the snow on my feet and stood there to enjoy the snow falling. I did like the kids in "Peanuts" did in "A Charlie Brown's Christmas" and caught snowflakes on my tongue. It was fun, but I thought like Linus that it needed some sugar.

To prevent myself from getting pneumonia I went back into and back to bed. the snow also cured the pain in my head.

The Best Things in Life

Wanderlust decided he would go skiing and since I don't ski I would go exploring. But we hung out together for most of the morning and I watched in awe at all the equipment wanderlust needed to rent to go skiing.

I remembered to get teh Swiss knife I bought the day before and left for engraving. Wanderlust had one and he got his engraved too: both with our FLYERTALK names in nice lettering!

We stopped at a little pub and enjoyed what I call the best things in life:

*Great Local beer.
*cigars (we both smoked this delicious chocolate like tasting stoggie called Constellation. Wanderlust showed me how to make circles.
*Good talks between best buds.

I wish I could all that every day with all my best buddies and brothers like you wanderlust. Thanks man!

A Skier and a Faller!

We took the train up to Kl. Scheidegg where wanderlust found a slope and went down. I went over to take a shot of him going down and I went tumbling down about 50-60 feet (or was it meters? It was a good roll) A police officer yelled from the top "you are supposed to have skiers on to go skiing.)

I parted with wanderlust there and headed on the train to do some exploring. I ended up at Grindelwald where it seemed everything shut down for afternoon naps around 1 pm. I found an Internet cafe and as I was going in was told it was closing "for lunch."

Grabbed a soup and a coke at nearby hotel and waited for the train to slowly make my way back to Wengen.

YOu can Get Off but You can't Leave

I took the train through more beautiful mountains (I was amazed the snow was gone further down in the valley) to Zwellutschinen where I got off and intended to take a connection train to Lauterbrunnen. After a half hour wait, I got on a train and dozed off. I awoke BACK IN GRINDELWALD!!! The ticket taker said in excellent English He wondered why I wanted to go back.

So I was told the only way to get back to Lautenbrunnen was to get to Zwellutschinen and wait again for a train. So back to the "Z" town and wait a half hour for another train, hopefully the right train. A dispatcher in the ticket booth inside who looked 15 remembered me from my last visit and directed me to the right train.

An Internet Link to the World!

I found a single computer with Internet access back in Wengen (5 francs for 15 minutes!) I checked my e-mail at home and had over 200 messages, a third of it junk mail and a number of people saying to quote rudi they were "ssoooooo jealous" of me being in Switzerland! Then I checked this travel bulletin board and found flaming and wars going on so I shut down and headed back to teh Chalet.

Hostest Extraordinare Gisela and Master Chef Sherry

Gisela and one of her best friends Sherry were at teh Chalet waiting when I got home and wanderlust followed about 10 minutes later. the ladies said they were going to treat us to a fine home cooked Swiss meal. After our adventures wanderlust and I were really looking forward to it.

Gisela like her love and first husband http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Rudi always making sure her guests like wanderlust and I were happy and comfortable.
Sherry immediately impressed us dudes with her knowledge of culinary and other arts. She would spend the evening telling us of how a particular wine came to be or how a course in the meal was prepared.

We started with appetizers and Charme Brut Merlot which was the best sparkling wine I ever had. Wanderlust said it best (i'm parapraising you buddy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif "the wine makes me happy and relaxed." It was the purrfect start to the exception meal to come.

Sherry and Gisela offered us a fine salad with dressing, chicken with nice sauce (I ended up being the "official taster of the evening" and bow tie noodles and nice wines to accompany the meals (Gisela: you can describe the meal best.) We finished with a heavenly chocolate moouse. Sherry took the time and care to explain how each course was prepared and what made it special. Sherry should have her own show on "the Food channel" PLEASE TELL HER GISELA!

As great as the meal was so was the conversations where we shared and talked of everything. We four became instant and I believe lifelong friends. It was so interesting to have two sets of best friends and we toasted to our friendships old and new and enduring.

Everything was homemade, prepared with dedication and love from Sherry and Gisela. Wanderlust said it best for both of us: it was one of the best meals we had in a very very long time and we would remember it for a long time after the last dishes were put away.

Freddie Junior is MISSING!!!

Gisela and Sherry suggested we go take a nice walk in teh snow which continued to fall. So coats on I came up with the idea of taking pictures of Freddie Jr. in the snow.

We got a few nice shots, including one of Freddie with Gisela, wanderlust and myself. The four of us then walked and wanderlust and I threw snowballs at each other. I then remembered a tradition of my best friend Theresa and me: making snow angels with the first significant snow fall of the winter.

So I made my angel, we moved on and I screamed "Freddie Jr is MISSING!"

We walked slowly back to the Chalet and then back along the path twice in search of the transparent buster. Wanderlust suggested it was back where I made the snowangel. Sherry dug thru the snow and sure enough, Freddie was rescued.

Gisela came with a flashlight and we were all roaring in laughter over the experience. Gisela said Freddie made it a walk in the snow to remember!

NEXT: A Three Country Tour!

I WILL FINISH THIS REPORT LATER!! THERESA IS HERE AND WE HAVE TO HELP SANTA CLAWS WRAP OUR GIFTS FOR FRIENDS!!

Sounds like a fabulous time, but I must say you gave me a pretty good surprise before I realized Conquering the Jungfrau referred to climbing a mountain peak. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Before shadow makes it here before me, I will inform you that the one-time James Bond you mentioned was the antipodean George Lazenby.

Catman, sounds like a fabulous trip. Glad you're back.

jl

Yalping! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

And we got another "gift" of a bit more snow this morning, too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Also, I'd forgot to note previously above that I too have always found LH TA inflight service to be quite good!

Thanks again for the fine report(s)!

Great report-Catman! I'm going to Zurich & Lucerne in March and now I really can't wait. I'm glad you mentioned the drive between those two cities, as I was debating if I should rent a car or take the train (1 hr)---given your comments, I think I'd do better with the train.

You certainly have a unique way of remembering things my friend! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif It's fun to see the trip from your eyes. See you soon at the Catman Do Troi.

------------------
Life is a book. Never travel and you're reading just one page.

Catdude says:

The red haired girl was very cute though.

Yes. Yes she was.

Fancy meeting you here, fraulein!!!

[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 12-20-2000).]

A Way Too Early Wakeup Call

Gisela was up early and made sure wanderlust and I got up so we did not miss our train to Basil. I got up easily but my snoozing brother needed some more time to get out of bed so I got the shower first.

Gisela even at that early hour was the most awesome host, making coffee and keeping on checking if we wanted cereal or toast. We did enjoy SHerry's bundt breakfast cake. It was so nice to have a wonderful breakfast served with a smile and love (instead of, at least in my case, Oreo cookies!)

We both were very very sad about leaving our little "home" in Wengen and we stared sadly at the Swiss Alps one more time before heading out into about half a foot of snow to the little waiting "shack" for Wenwald. Wanderlust ever the caring brother kept checking to make sure I did not fall down the cliff. What a buddy you are man!

This is NOT Amtrak!

We tried to hold back our sadnessa bout leaving the Swiss Alps behind by snapping a few more shots, enjoying the trains going thru the Alps and just reflecting on the wonderful and often funny (thanks to me) adventures.

Rudi is as precise with his directions as the Swiss train system and the Swiss Army watch I got from wanderlust. We changed trains first at Laudenbrunner for Interlocken and then the very nice Euro Rail to Basil.

Second Class was as good, if not better, than some Amtrak service in teh states. We took Rudi's advise and went to the dining car for breakfast and some more good talks about life, our adventures, beer and how much we are thankful that a little bulletin board named FLYERTALK could bring folks with a love of travel and life together -- and form lifelong friendships like ours!

Santa Rudi

Wanderlust suggested we let the train operator make some money from our table so we headed back to our very comfortable seats and in five minutes were earning soft double snoring miles. We reached Basil on time and what did our eyes appear was this jolly Swiss man in a Santa Cap: Rudi.

He took us to his car and then we headed to this little boat to take us across the Rhine from new to old town Basil. I failed the question from Rudi about how the boat is run (by teh flow of the river, attached to a long cord that moves across the Rhine to bring the boat to and fro.)

We spent the rest of the morning learning the history of Basil, walking around and seeing buildings that date back to the 13th century! It's a very charming city and a great tour for walkers to get several centuries of art and architecture in one place.

More history lessons

After enjoying a fine homemade pilsner and pretzel at a brewpub owned by a dentist, Rudi, wanderlust and I went back across the Rhine to the Market where Rudi talked of some fo the history of the buildings and landmarks in the area.

Rudi also told us for a time he and Gisela and his daughters lived in Basil and we saw his former home. We also went to the Three Kings Hotel, a Leading Hotels of the World Property where we got a very nice perspective of the Rhine.

Rudi then said it was time for lunch and the second country on our three nation tour: Germany.

A Luncheon feast in Germany

We drove across the border and Rudi's Swiss Passport was all we needed to get us thru. We headed to Gunther Von Adler, and Rudi can best tell us what we enjoyed:

(From the MEOW FROM WENGEN thread on Flyertalk Community http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Restaurant Adler, Weil am Rhein, Baden-Württemberg (at the foot of the
Black-forest), Germany: 7,5 km from the Swiss boarder (Basel, Bâle), 3 km from the
french boarder (direction Mûlhouse)
one of my long time favorites (I worked and lived in Basel from 1974 to 1984) for an
ideal combination of traditional southern-german (Black Forest = Schwarzwald)
grandmother-style cooking and trends of the nearby alsatian/french-nouvelle cuisine
the french/alsatian- and the swiss-boarders are just car-minutes away).

* local White (a perfect, very dry Baden-Württemberg-'Chardonnay') and a local Red (Weiler 'Schipfe' from the producer next door to the 'Adler').
* Hand-made noodles with White-truffels (from Alba, North of Torino, Italy)
* Black-forest venison with home-made-Spaetzle

I cannot top that describtion from a master writer with a purrfect command of the English language (yes RUdi that's not necessary but you are reallly good!)

Adding my perspectives:

*Rudi showed me the finer art of enjoying wine, and PremEx's lessons finally came back in clearer view.
*Brother Wanderlust especially was impressed that I enjoyed and got to like the truffles (my first REAL truffles) and the venison. A year ago I would said "I can't eat Bambi." In fact I said that and poor wanderlust almost choked on his red wine.
*I was glad of something wanderlust told me a while ago: Don't think of food as something just to consume but to enjoy and experiment. Don't think I'm eating Bambi he said, just think of it as a nice Ruth's Chris steak, german style!

A Crowded Christmas Sale in a beautiful French town

The lunch was more than enough to keep us filled and happy for the rest of the day THANK YOU AGAIN RUDI

After making it to Rudi's car we drove across the German border to France where I exclaimed "I'm HOME AGAIN!!!" We drove to this very quante French town dating from the 15th Century where Rudi said every year they have a Christmas festival.

The place was packed with shoppers, the stands had interesting stuff but nothing that really caught wanderlust's and my attention. What really caught our attention was the architecture, and Rudi said to look up and around at the buildings and how each one is different and the nuisances of each structure.

Rudi found a nice side street to get away from the crowds and we walked down and could enjoy the French/Swiss/German/Dutch influenced architecture. He suggested pretending we are back in the 16th century and think of the dress, the habits the customs. We both did well although the occasional Satellite Dish threw me at times.

Wanderlust explained to me what a gable was on top of a building and pointed out other intersting architecture. Again, this was one place I could not have been without my buds Rudi and Wanderlust! Danka.

We decided to head out early after finding the Post office museum for all the world's postal systems. It was closed though!

How do you say "All That JAZZ" in German?

We tried to get to this town with a beautiful castle for a drink before heading back to Basil to see the Musical "Chicago." The town was packed so we drove on.

We reached Basil with time to stop at this nice bar within walking distance of the theatre where I had a coke (No PEPSI again! ) and wanderlust and Rudi enjoyed Coffee. It was disconcerting for wanderlust and me that the one restroom was co-ed: women went one way/men the other.

Wanderlust never saw "Chicago" But Rudi remembered the story and we both filled wanderlust in on the Bob fosse musical look of the roaring 20's in the Windy city. The tunes translated very well in German, and I hummed to myself in English in my head some of the classics: "All that Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle" (which translated as Hocus Pocus) "Mr. Cellaphane," "Class," and "Roxy!" I suspect RUdi and Wanderlsut enjoyed the show but wanderlust and I enjoyed the dancing girls most of all! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Roxy was another cute redhead! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I really liked "Chicago" before but now really appreciate it and hearing it in German makes it now one of my five top musicals of all time! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

The show was over and wanderlust and I fell asleep in Rudi's car as he drove us back to the Hilton Zurich AIrport where it was tough to say goodbye to him. But Rudi said we will be back to Switzerland and he and Gisela will see us at THE CATMAN DO TROIS, MARCH 23-25TH!

In five minutes wanderlust and I were earning triple Dip snoring miles!

NEXT: THE INEVITABLE AVADALZANE http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif


[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-20-2000).]

Wow Catman - awsome trip report, the two of you seem to have spent a really great time here. can't wait for the rest to come..

mauld: train service between Zurich and Lucerne is easy and convenient, trains run every 30min and a ride will take you less than an hour. the mountain pass ("brünig") is not between Zurich and Lucerne but between Lucerne and Interlaken.

But dipping that bread in that Swiss cherry spirit made wanderlust's and my hair curl and put a nice glow on our cheeks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Wusses http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ... after Rudi told me that PremEx had only tried that once, I made it a point to do it a few more times to make sure I had adequately proven my great intestinal fortitude beyond Premex's ...

Nancy on the other hand was unwilling to try it even once ... as was Gisela I believe ... I guess they're not as brave as us men (or is it not as dumb?) ...

Avadalzane (SP?) My Best Comrade

The alarm went off oh too early and it was hard to get out of the feather beds of the Hilton. I wish wanderlust and I had more time to try out the health club and other facilities. But we will be back!

Wanderlust and I took the free shuttle bus from the Hilton back to the Zurich airport where his flight was leaving early. We used the gold check in and got our tickets fast. Waht was not fast was passport control and wanderlust made his flight as it started boarding.

It's tough to say so long to a great friend so I took wanderlust's advice and after hugging said "i'll see you a little later wanderbruddar." Wanderlust got hand searched after he set off security but he made his flight and sent me positive cat vibes for my flight.

I got the code for the Lufthansa Senator's Lounge and enjoyed two beers, leaving twice to use the Free Internet station and get cigarettes for my driver.

A budding World Traveler

An uneventul FRA-ZUR flight on Lufthansa turned into something interesting when I met up with the young and cute Laura from Brien. She's in college who ahs never heard of Frequent FLyer programs. I told her how her flights to vancouver Canada could net her thousands of miles and bonus miles and eventually free tickets. SHe glowed as I told her of my travel adventures but I was more interested that for someone that young she has done a lot: traveled most of Europe, skiied, speaks three lanaugages.

Even with a flight delay, the flight was oh too short. we exchanged addresses and e-mail and I told her to please look me up in NYC, where she has NOT been,a nd I would give her a purrsonal tour! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Tried to get an upgrade but was told by the very sour looking sour faced gate agent that business was oversold. SO I settled into my 27C seat, put my Flyertalk ballcap over my head and went to sleep, only awakening for my German beer, the goose lunch and as this gaggle of all beautiful blonde haired, blue eyed Flight attendants danced around the coach area.

One angel kept saying "Flyertalk" what a cute club. I gave her the address and told her to look THRU THE LUFTHANSA THREAD for the posters in particular named CATMAN and WANDERLUST!

We got in on time and after dealing with a cab driver who tried to ignore my directions home saw my wonderful Swiss adventure draw to a close.

AGAIN, THANK YOU PEOPLE OF SWITZERLAND, WENGEN, SHERRY, MY SISTER GISELA, SWISS BROTHER RUDI AND YOU MAN WANDERLUST FOR EXPERIENCES THAT I HOLD IN MY HEART FOR ALL TIME! DANKE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME! AVADLAZANE!

AVADLAZANE (Catman's swiss german)
Uff Wiederluege (Rudi's swiss german)
Auf Wiedersehen (german)

this very quante French town dating from the 15th Century

RIQUEWIHR (Département Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France)

... and they (Catman and Wanderlust) didn't find anything 'appealing' at the Riquewihr Christkindl-market because they didn't have any french francs ... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Riquewihr is certainly the object of an enchantment which lasts for centuries. Its layout and structure have not changed since the Middle Age. Look at these old houses built in the XVI ème and XVIIéme siècles, their courtyards, their galleries, the old wells, the fountains.

Every piece of architecture is miraculously preserved. If today's Riquewihr resembles so much the Middle Age town it is because the people have not changed much either. For they have the same lifestyle and their existence revolves around the industry of wine making.

It is the aroma of this particular wine that you smell in every "Winstub" of the main street. Wine is everywhere and everything in Riquewihr and maybe the cause of the enchantment.
http://www.riquewihr.com/

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 12-20-2000).]

Premex for sure misses any news about his best friends here in Wengen?

(and, Catman, a printout of your report is now in our guestbook).

Thank you again Rudi and I hope Kris Kringle brought youa nd Gisela an dyour family lots of goodies and snow.

You'l never know how much that trip helped Wanderlust and me. It was one of the most incredible adventures ever. and sharing it with my best buddy and brother and friend made it more special.

Happy Holidays! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

wonderful trip report Catman

Sorry that I missed you. I would have gladly met up with such distinguished FTers. After all, I was skiing not that far away.

Great report, Catman! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif