traveltales: GORGEOUS SWISS ALPS

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

GORGEOUS SWISS ALPS

Murren and Schilthorn

Another day in Switzerland we took a train to Lauterbrenner to pick up a delightful hiking trail to Murren. It was a cool cloudy day so about half way we stopped at a new restaurant for a famous hot Swiss chocolate.

Murren is a quaint little village at an altitude of 5390-feet and situated at the edge of a cliff with a sheer 600-meter drop-off. Monks founded Murren in 1133. Between 1849-1914 the Grand Hotel operated a horse-drawn railway transport system and it was the only way in or out of town. The village remains car-free today. Murren means many fountains. We passed many of the 72 waterfalls in the area including one that was 1170-feet high.

We were dubious about the weather as we approached the cable car station. Would it be misty and fogged in at 10,000 feet? The station had a TV monitor which relayed pictures from cameras at the top of Schilthorn. The TV indicated it was clear, so we hurried to get our tickets for the cable ride up. At 8783-feet we changed cars at a platform station for the rest of the upward ride.

When we broke through the clouds we feasted on breathtaking views of the Alps. At the top we could see 200 peaks!. It was so clear! We walked around the 360-degree viewing platform, took pictures and couldn't stop exclaiming about the amazing beauty that lay before our eyes. My windbreaker jacket was all I needed as it really was not very cold on top.

Eventually we found our way to Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant, for lunch. The James Bond movie In her Secret Service was filmed here in the late 1960s. The restaurant was built in in 1967.

We had a good meal at a surprisingly reasonable price. We by-passed the gift shop and simply absorbed the incredible beauty before us. Just as we were ready to catch the cable car down to Murren clouds started to roll in and when we reached the bottom the TV showed the entire area completely fogged in. How lucky could we be!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.