Random thoughts

I typed this earlier today while on the Glacier Express when we were not able to get online. Today we arrived in Maeinfeld (where the Heidi story is based). The trip was wonderful but so far I'm not too impressed with Maeinfeld. The people don't seem as friendly and the B&B is not very helpful. But I'm not giving up hope! It's hot and humid and I already want to be back high in the mountains where it is cooler! And I seriously think I'd be willing to hurt someone for a cold diet soda ...

Anyway ... some random thoughts and impressions ... (oh yeah, we've also added new pics)

Right now we are on the Glacier Express --- the "slowest express train in the world". We are on our way to Maeinfeld. A beautiful train trip -- I don't want to miss the scenery but decidedto use this time to put down random thoughts and impresions we've had of Switzerland --- that way it won"t take too much of my attention from the scenery. Leaving Lauterbrunnen this morning was also kind of sad--the people have all been so friendly and there is so much more we could do and see that it seems like we should stay around a little longer. But of course we can't!

Some random thoughts and impressions:

-- it does look a lot like Montana. There have been parts that look and feel just like the Big Hole. The Valleys are not "broad valleys" like we are used to, it is more green, there is more water, and the mountains much more majestic but it does still look and feel like Montana.
-- Hearing the multiple languages, seeing the different people with different styles, etc the diversity of it all brings a sense of privacy some how.
-- Several of us have had the experience of lowering our heads for a little rest and then opening our eyes to be pleasantly surprised that we are surrounded by the beauty and actually in Switzerland.
-- In the Bernese Oberlnd area we saw a lot more cats -- we wonder if it is because they actually need or use the cats for mousing.
-- There is a lot of noise in this country --- I actually enjoy it but wonder if the constant "white noise" would eventually come to bother me.
-- Even in th smaller villages we could hear young people coming home from the clubs at night.
-- The buildings are old but still used --- they have painted shutters and flower boxes but the walls themselves are cracked and old. I like the fact that they use them and don't feel the need to make sue they all look perfect.
-- Jerry (the interpreter friend of Cousin Valerie) talked to us about the importance of showing respect for the hard work of the people. That is why someone must first taste the wine that soemone brings to the table and approve of it before you fill your glass. If it is the persons own wine that they made you respect their work in making it. If it is wine they bought for their wine cellar you are showing respect for their hard work that allowed them to purchase it.
-- There is an obvious respect for nature and a very green attitude. However, it seems to be woven together with some things that seem unnatural - a woman on one train told us there are very few fish left in the lakes becasue the water is so clean and she said this with pride.
-- Hearing the little kids laughing and talking and playing. They seemed very happy and very well behaved. We saw a day care center and EVERY kid playing in the yard was wearing a hat of some kind.
-- I love hearing the children speaking in the other languages.
-- There are bakeries EVERYWHERE -- how could you find anything wrong with a culture that encourages you to eat melted cheese, butter, baked goods and chocolate? Oh and also appreciates both wine and beer.
-- It is VERY hard to quench my thirst in these countries that don't believe in cold drinks.
--They use small spaces for their shops and cafes - this makes them seem more intimate and like you are a guest in their home.
-- they use the word (?) "wallah" all the time and in weird places.
-- There was a freind of Valerie's who she introduces as to the first day and then we saw him several times throught out the rest of our stay and he always talked to us in English.
-- Jerry told us that we could drink as much wine as we wanted because it was good for us because it "is from nature" -- As Valerie dished us up huge plates of pasta and someone remarked on how can they all eat like that and stay so slim her response was "It's all healthy and natural".
-- They use every space they can --- shops and houses are in underground spaces as well.
-- Noticed about fashion: TIGHT TIGHT jeans for men and women; lots of simple summer dreses; the men wear kind of weird pants with brightly colored pockets; the purses are HUGE.
-- There are lots of outdoor patios and bars --- the people don't seem bothered as much by the cold as long as they are outside they are happy.
-- all the bar tenders have been very friendly and joked with us.
-- Why does EVERY city in EVERY country seem to have too many Italian restaurants?
-- You pay more for a Coke Light than you do for a beer --- that's gotta say something about the country.
-- It is VERY humid and our hair doesn't do so well in this weather
-- The river water runs SO clear.
-- How can there be so many RAGING water falls and they don't seem to go into a big enough river. Where does all that water go?
-- All along the lakes empty space is used as parks/beaches and people all out swimming.
-- We spent a lot of time rushing thru train stations --- for a bunch of women from Montana with very little (for some no) experience with public transportaion I think we did pretty good.
-- With 10 of us we get a lot of staring when we move en masse through places. In some situations the size of our group got us moe conversation with locals but I also think it kept me from noticing some of the things about the locals cuz I was listening and laughing and talking with others in or group.

Well, that's all for tonight. We will blog more soon --- Everyone is enjoying themselves but missing their families/friends/pets.

Love you all.