Switzerland at Last!
Trip Start
Aug 10, 2008
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10
14
Trip End
Aug 31, 2008
Appenzell, Appenzell, Switzerland
Monday, August 25, 2008
In the morning, we awoke to the mountainous splendor of Switzerland. Everything is so green and pristine! The street sweepers are out in the morning keeping the roads clean, and I swear the farmers must go out every morning and rake their fields. It was spectacular!
We went downstairs for breakfast and enjoyed the usual cold cuts, breads, and yogurt. But this morning, our breakfast included Appenzell cheese as well. I tried it first and the look of shock on my face encouraged Attila to try it. The brave guy managed to eat two bites and spent the rest of the morning trying to get the smell off his hands. That is one strong cheese!!!
Our first stop was the Appenzell cheese factory. Visitors view the cheese-making process through a plexiglass window above the factory floor. It was very interesting and no where near as stinky as I thought it would be (based on breakfast).
After our cheese tour, we headed south. We were heading for Interlaken were I hoped we would see some mountain vistas. We saw great scenery en route but Interlaken itself was a major disappointment. Too many tourists and all the touristy crap that comes with them. We didn't linger and instead drove for Merte near Bern.
Merte is another wonderful little town with ramparts that are a thrill to climb. After touring the town, I found a little restaurant in a wine cellar where I hoped to experience Swizz fondue. Attila wasn't feeling well, so I told the waiter that I just wanted one fondue and Attila would share with me. Well, apparently that means "fondue for two" in Switzerland -- although the fondue was wonderful, I'm not sure it was worth the 70 CHF that we paid. And Attila didn't even like it!
As darkness started to fall, we hopped back in the car and headed North to Germany.
