Glacier Express

                                        What a Train Ride!

     It’s pretty much an all-day train ride  on the Glacier Express from Davos, Switzerland to Interlaken. Knowing that, we all carried a book along to read for the  day. It was a surprise to see none of us even cracked the cover of a book, much less read it. The spectacular scenery absolutely captured all of our attention. It was the most awesome train ride I’ve ever taken. Our reserved coach  was most comfortable.

     Non of was was prepared for this spectacular day. In places the   train trestle literally overhung the side of the mountain or stretched over a gorge between two mountains. The train chugged along so slowly on one very steep climb that I thought it might actually stop or start running back downhill!  The slow ride down on the other side of the pass offered wonderful views of wild flowers in bloom all along the train tracks and down into the alpine meadows.

     At lunchtime the steward came to our car to inform us it was our turn in the dining car. We moved forward to the dining car where we were seated at our booth. Our delicious lunch was served on china plates with real silverware. There were no paper plates, plastic or short cuts here. Serving sizes were more than ample and seconds were allowed on anything but the meat (beef).  Wine even accompanied the meal served in an actual crystal wine glass. Lunch was leisurely with no feeling of being rushed. After dessert a funny thing happened. The dining steward appeared at the end of our table, standing erect he said, “Thank you, bye.”  We just listened and then he repeated, “Thank you bye. Thank you. Bye.”  Then we got the message: our time in the dining car was over!  Being careful not to pull the table cloth as we got up in the small quarters, we thanked the waiter and returned to our coach.

    After six hours on the train we arrived in Brig with a half-hour layover and  change of  trains. Shortly after pulling out of the train station we went through the longest train tunnel in the world; then it wasn’t too long before we arrived in Interlaken.

     It had been a wonderful gorgeous  ride. It was some sort of a Swiss holiday and we were able to watch fireworks from our hotel balcony—what a way to end  a great day!

HAUNTED HOTEL

                                               Haunted Hotel

     I had never been anywhere where there were supposed to be ghosts---until I stayed in a haunted hotel in Sydney, Australia.

    I found the story framed on the wall of my hotel room. It  explained that the second part of the building had been constructed of sandstone with Georgian flattened brick arches over the windows. Built as six terrace houses, they were known as Scarlett’s Cottages. Scarlett, a well-known lady of the night, lived and died in the area.

   The story continued that Scarlett was Eric’s one true love.  In a moment of thoughtlessness, she declared her love for him also, even though she did not mean it. However, Eric died before learning of Scarlett’s lie. It is said that to this day Eric wanders the halls and cottages of the hotel searching and calling for Scarlett, who also met a tragic and untimely death. On occasion Eric has appeared in front of the surprised hotel staff questioning of Scarlett’s whereabouts.

    I asked reception for a copy of the story/legend which she happily gave to me.

    The 170-year old building was built on the site of Sydney’s first hospital. After the hospital was moved, the terrace houses were added and the building was turned into a hotel.

    Each evening we kidded about Eric’s ghost, and each morning questioned each other to learn if anyone has seen or heard him. No one encountered Eric during our Sydney stay, and I doubt anyone lost any sleep  worrying about it. It was a fun stay and an interesting story.