Mike & Kris - Enjoying The Ride

We are back home trying to catch up on our jet lag and, of course, reminiscing about our amazing vacation. Just wanted to send out our last batch of pictures and do a bit of journaling to make sure we remember all the special moments we shared. Also, huge SHOUT-OUT to our friend Theresa who helped make our stay in Switzerland so special. From leading us on spectacular hikes, to telling us events happening in small towns, to navigating us to farms to buy schnapps to accompanying us over 3 mountain passes–she knew it all.

The start of our last week in Switzerland was attending another festival-this one celebrating traditional Swiss Landler music. It was called Steiner Chilbi and it was a carnival held in the town of Steinen. We were able to travel from restaurant to restaurant listening to music in each place and people watching. But the real fun was yet to begin. After leaving the festival, we stopped at a small restaurant near where we were staying for some dinner. It was definitely a locals hangout and we could hear the locals enjoying themselves at their big round table all the way from the parking lot. We ended up seated next to them and watched as people came and went from their group. Eventually a family pulled up and one of the men carried two small accordions with him. In a short time both he and his son were playing music at their table. Mike, of course, wanted a picture and he got to visiting with them. When they found out that Mike also plays the accordion, they invited him to join with a third accordion he had in his car. What a fun day and evening. Only in Switzerland!

The next day we decided to head out to the town of Engleberg and ride the Express Gondola to the top of Mount Titlis. We got kind of a late start for us and could not believe the crowds that greeted us at the bottom of the mountain. It seems the Express Gondola was not working and so there was a huge line and 4 chairlift rides ahead of us to get to the top. It actually moved quicker than you might expect and before you knew it, we were at the top at over 10,000 ft. What amazing views!

Tuesday was our designated Lucerne day and we wanted to make sure we spent some time in this beautiful place. We saw the famous lion monument, walked around the old part of town, and of course walked across the beautiful covered bridge. Then wandered around the shops and spent some money!

On Wednesday Theresa took us to her favorite chocolate shop, a local second hand store full of treasures, and then to a couple buurehofs (farm stores). These are located at the farm and sells products that the farm produces. We were able to purchase Alp cheese and schnapps. One of the stores even had beautifully hand painted glass jars and coffee glasses which we needed too! We ended the day with a short hike to an Alpwirtschaft above Steinerberg in the mountains (we drove most of the way). This place was amazing. They were preparing food and had tables in the house and in the attached barn-with hay as well! All the tables had been reserved and at 8:00 the band showed up! Another only in Switzerland.

Thursday’s events included watching and appreciating many of Central Switzerland’s craftsmen. We toured a factory where they make glass and spent time in the town of Brienz where they are known for wood carving. We also spent some time in an outdoor museum where they have preserved many structures from all over Switzerland in one place. They were demonstrating cheese making. We could have spent an entire day in just this one place – there was so much to see.

Our last day was spent driving mountain passes. Theresa helped up with our route and we were able to do 3 passes in just a few hours. We stopped along the way for a lot of pictures and even were able to walk out to a glacier and walk a bit under the ice. We finished the day with dinner in another town that was having a home show for local businesses. There was a lot of food, music, and alcohol! Every booth was offering drinks and snacks–my final only in Switzerland!!

As you can probably tell, we had an awesome trip and it would be impossible to pick just one favorite day or event. But being able to connect with so many great friends and family would be right up there at the top. Mike’s relatives- Rosie’s cousins- were so generous with their time and helped us understand so much about the family and the cheese! I’m never eating that orange stuff again!! Until next time…