Hi all....I was just out on CNN.com and one of their articles was about the stereotype of the "Ugly American Traveler". I know all our Mom's raised us right, so this isn't really a concern...but thought I would pass on the tips as we are well on our way to following all of them :)
1) Research the area and its culture before you travel to your destination. Read guidebooks to learn about the region.
2) Learn some basic words in the language of the region you are traveling to. Don't expect everyone to speak English.
3) Travel with a desire to experience the local cuisine. Don't expect to get a hamburger.
4) Don't flash around money or expensive items like cell phones and cameras.
5) Try to really experience the culture. You are less likely to offend if you understand.
50+ days....can't believe it!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Time to buy our rail passes!!
Hi all!
It seems unreal that we are really getting this close! I think it is now time to buy our rail passes! The second class Swiss saver pass is discounted for 2-5 people travelling together. We think the best option is to buy the 15 day pass. This pass is $335 per person. You have to order the passes together. So, the Thiel crew will all order ours together. The rest of you just need to make sure that you order in groups of at least 2. If you buy through Rick Steve's you get few "freebies" and the cost is the same as other places. The link is here http://ricksteves.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/swiss_saverpass.htm. Under the table is a link to terms and conditions. This link has information about a rail protection plan which costs $23 per person and probably is a good idea to purchase.
It seems unreal that we are really getting this close! I think it is now time to buy our rail passes! The second class Swiss saver pass is discounted for 2-5 people travelling together. We think the best option is to buy the 15 day pass. This pass is $335 per person. You have to order the passes together. So, the Thiel crew will all order ours together. The rest of you just need to make sure that you order in groups of at least 2. If you buy through Rick Steve's you get few "freebies" and the cost is the same as other places. The link is here http://ricksteves.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/swiss_saverpass.htm. Under the table is a link to terms and conditions. This link has information about a rail protection plan which costs $23 per person and probably is a good idea to purchase.
Also, spend a little bit of time reading about the rail passes on his site http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/usepass.htm. He has some things about "how to use" the rail pass (i.e., don't write on it, get it validated in Europe, etc.).
The rail pass gets us on trains, some boats, buses, etc. Some of the scenic routes have a discount with this pass. We think that all of our travel from place to place will be covered with this pass. Also the majority of our in city transportation will also be covered. Boat cruises are included, and 25% off the Jungfrau scenic train trip we are planning on taking up to the glacier. It also gets us into 400 museums. It covers the great looking museum in Zurich that we might go to.
So ... go buy your tickets!!! To get you in the mood - here is a link to a slide show of Swiss rail travel! http://downloads.raileurope.com/pdf/swiss_photo_tour/swiss_photo_tour.html
Love you all.
Jackie
Monday, March 30, 2009
On the Way to Lauterbrunnen
Bern to Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland is about an hour and 45 minute trip on the train. But, on the way there we think we should do some stuff around Lake Thun.
Our Swiss Rail Pass is good for cruises on Lake Thun between Thun, the lakeside towns and Interlaken West, in both directions. Choose between nine engine-powered ships and one steamer. Hot and cold seasonal meals are served on all scheduled services. The unique landscapes, picturesque parks and unspoilt nature reserves, the historical castles and churches around Lake Thun are a delight to all cruise passengers.On a sunny day you'll be rewarded with spectacular scenery: Lake Thun surrounded by rolling
hills dotted with quaint Swiss chalets, and majestic mountain panoramas. In typical Swiss tradition, ferries are timed so you can combine train and ferry travel. Lake Thun is 10 miles long. There are stops at charming little villages along the way. If you find one that suits your fancy, just get off the ship, explore the town, enjoy a drink waterside, and catch the next ferry. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and snacks. The Migros grocery store across from the train station has everything you need for a delicious picnic. Bread, cheese, chocolate, pastries, and you'll be set!
hills dotted with quaint Swiss chalets, and majestic mountain panoramas. In typical Swiss tradition, ferries are timed so you can combine train and ferry travel. Lake Thun is 10 miles long. There are stops at charming little villages along the way. If you find one that suits your fancy, just get off the ship, explore the town, enjoy a drink waterside, and catch the next ferry. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and snacks. The Migros grocery store across from the train station has everything you need for a delicious picnic. Bread, cheese, chocolate, pastries, and you'll be set! 
Thun is worth a few hours. You'll enjoy a marvelous well-preserved old town featuring cobblestone streets and buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. One of the highlights is Schloss Thun, a castle built in 1200 featuring a historical museum with five floors of exhibits. Schloss Thun is located on the lake, up a hill, with wonderful views in all directions.
Another interesting stop is Oberhofen with its 13th-century castle right next to the boat dock. Schloss Oberhofen hosts a collection of artifacts documenting life in the Bernese Oberlands from the 16th to 19th century. The medieval chapel and gorgeous gardens are definitely worth a visit.
In Spiez the castle was a midieval fortress which served as a 
residential castle for several families. Every family reconstructed the building partially, resulting in a well preserved overview of the transformations that the castle went through in history. Several rooms can be seen in their original Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style. The garden and the 1000 year old castle church can be visited as well.We would get off the boat at Interlaken and take the train the rest the way up to Lauterbrunnen. Interlaken is a small town and is the base for people going into the Bernese. The main street has tourist shops, an old grand hotel, and beautiful old buildings, but not too much more than that.
So, we could see a lot on our way and then still make it up the mountain with a lot of daylight to see the views!
Friday, March 20, 2009
10 People Confirmed for ALL Nights
Finally got confirmation from the last hotel that we can add Tami to our reservation...so that means she's not sleeping on the street her last 2 nights :)
I've updated the Cost spreadsheet with the new amounts if anyone is interested. Of course, we all know it is based on the exchange rate (which I made a bit worse than it actually is) and guesses on spending, but I think it is a pretty good estimate (or I hope so at least).
Can you believe only 80 days???
Next thing we need to do is get the rail passes. You get a better rate if you purchase it with at least another person. Will look into all the details in the next week or so and let everyone know what we need to do.
Love you all!
I've updated the Cost spreadsheet with the new amounts if anyone is interested. Of course, we all know it is based on the exchange rate (which I made a bit worse than it actually is) and guesses on spending, but I think it is a pretty good estimate (or I hope so at least).
Can you believe only 80 days???
Next thing we need to do is get the rail passes. You get a better rate if you purchase it with at least another person. Will look into all the details in the next week or so and let everyone know what we need to do.
Love you all!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland. Many people we talked to online said to skip it ... but we decided we didn't want to. It looks like a great city. It is on the River Aare. It's "old town" is a cobble stoned Medieval town. I think the whole town is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. It was built in 1191. A fire destroyed it's timber buildings in 1405 and the town was rebuilt of stone. This link will take you to one of MANY sites about Bern. Check it out for more information!! http://www.berninfo.com/en/welcome.cfm
The Old Town: It is agreed by many that this is the best-preserved historic town center in Switzerland. The layout of the streets has been largely unchanged since the 15th century. We could take a walking tour of the old town for 18CHF.
The Old Town: It is agreed by many that this is the best-preserved historic town center in Switzerland. The layout of the streets has been largely unchanged since the 15th century. We could take a walking tour of the old town for 18CHF.
There are many many things to see and do in Bern ... it'll be tough to choose what we do in our limited time!
Zytglogge -- a Medieval clock tower with moving puppets. It's chimes begin at 4 minutes before the hour.
Munstergasse -- a street which has a street market Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Französische Kirche (French Church) -- the cities oldest church. Originally a Dominican monastic church, it has been a place of worship for French-speaking Protestants since 1623. The attractive Romanesque church is especially notable for its rare frescoed rood screen behind the altar.
Fountains -- There are well over 100 fountains in Bern. 11 of them to this day feature the original statues with their beautiful allegorical figures. These fountains - Gerechtigkeit (Justice), Chindlifresser (Ogre), Zähringen and many more - dating from the 16th century bear testimony to the wealth of the bourgeoisie at that time.
Zytglogge -- a Medieval clock tower with moving puppets. It's chimes begin at 4 minutes before the hour.
Munstergasse -- a street which has a street market Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Französische Kirche (French Church) -- the cities oldest church. Originally a Dominican monastic church, it has been a place of worship for French-speaking Protestants since 1623. The attractive Romanesque church is especially notable for its rare frescoed rood screen behind the altar.Fountains -- There are well over 100 fountains in Bern. 11 of them to this day feature the original statues with their beautiful allegorical figures. These fountains - Gerechtigkeit (Justice), Chindlifresser (Ogre), Zähringen and many more - dating from the 16th century bear testimony to the wealth of the bourgeoisie at that time.
There is a botanical garden (which sounds great), a rose garden, and a zoo. I'm not sure we want to take the time to see these or focus more on the historical and one of a kind things that we could see here.
The Elfenau Estate had its heyday in the 19th century when it provided sanctuary to the Russian Grand Duchess Anna Feodorowna (1781 - 1860). In 1814 the émigré Grand Duchess acquired the Brunnadern Estate including the country house dating from 1735. In 1816 she officially registered the name Elfenau. The City of Bern acquired the Elfenau in 1918 and set up the Municipal Nurseries there. 
House of Parliament: Construction work on the House of Parliament (the west wing of today's House of Parliament) started as early as 1852. In 1884 the east wing, mirroring the west wing, was added and in 1902 the whole thing was finally extended into a building complex consisting of three parts. All in all 38 artists from throughout Switzerland are responsible for the decorations featured on the House of Parliament. The new water display with a total of 26 fountains representing the cantons located right in front of the House of Parliament.
Bern Cathedral (Muenster) is Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building. Construction started in 1421 and for generations thereafter work on this masterpiece continued under a series of different builders. It took until 1893 for the spire to be completed. The portal with its depiction of the Last Judgment is an outstanding feature. The vantage point of this masterpiece is located 344 steps above the entrance in the 100-meter-high cathedral spire. From Switzerland's highest church tower visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the city into the depths of the Bernese Mittelland and of the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland
.
On the way to Bern (which is less than an hour from Le Locle) we should (could) go to Aventicum. It was the Capitol of Roman Switzerland. It was built in the 1st Century AD. The Helveti were a Gaelic Tribe. By the 7th century it was already being mentioned as a "ruin". There is a museum there that is supposed to be great. There have been many archeological findings there: ampitheatre, theatre, temples, city wall, gate, baths.
I am sure that it is somewhere that we could spend a day and still have more to see. But, we won't be able to see everything and if we stopped off here on our way to Bern we could probably see a lot in 3 or so hours. Click on this site to see about the museum, however, it is French so you would have to put it in google intrepretter (link on front page of blog) http://www.avenches.ch/aventicum/fr/Musee/a0.htm.
Here are some pictures
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Le Locle
Some stuff about Le Locle and what is around there...but, first, we have heard back from all but one of our B & B's/Hotels/Etc. - and they have been able to update our reservation to 10 people. The one we have not heard back from is closed between October and March so we probalby won't hear from them for a while.
We are staying in Le Locle 2 nights. Public transportation from Zurich looks like it will take between 2 and 3 hours - depending on the route we take. All routes stop in La Chaux de Fonds (we have to switch from train to bus here) which is the town next to Le Locle and sounds like it might be kind of cool...I'm not sure it is a place we need to spend time in, but might be neat to see as we drive through. It burnt down in 1794 and was re-built in "the checkerboard pattern of American towns. It also is considered a major center for Jugendstil (we know it as art nouveau) style architecture.
Mom is trying to find someone to help find some family stuff...even if she doesn't in advance we can go to the city hall and places like that. So, there will be some of that to do. Le Locle does not have a ton of stuff to do, but they have a few things that seem pretty cool.
Château des Monts - Watch Museum - Not far from Le Locle, a late 18th century manor house is home to a magnificent collection of clocks and watches. The clocks, watches and miniature machines conjure up a magical world where the mixture of techniques and art, of dreams and mystery link the past to the future.
"Le Col-des-Roches" - Le Locle, situated in an upper valley of the Central Jura Mountains in Switzerland, has a special feature : its surrounding summits rise on all sides and thus form a closed-in valley. Le Locle's water was originally retained in a lake which nevertheless found its way eventually by an underground passage through the rocky shelf at the western end of the valley. The site was formely named "Portes du Locle" (Gates of Le Locle), "Roches Fendues" (Split Rocks), or "Cul-des-Roches" (End of the Rocks) is today called "Le Col-des-Roches", some two kilometres from the town of Le Locle. Modern man decided to settle at the Col-des-Roches in the middle of the 16th century in order to exploit the hydraulic power of the valley's water. Jonas Sandoz can claim the honour of developing the underground section of the water-mills as of 1660 and thus succeeded in making the underground mills at the Col-des-Roches a curiosity unique in Europe. The Doubs - A sideroad branches 3km north from the Col-des-Roches down to the small riverside village of LES BRENETS, where the Doubs broadens slightly to form a long bulge, optimistically called the Lac des Brenets. You can take boat tours on the lake which terminates in the impressive, 27m-high Saut du Doubs waterfall.
Those are the highlights we have found for Le Locle! I am sure we will find more than enough to do.
We also may want to consider doing a side trip to Neuchatel .. it is about 40 min from le Locle by train. It seems like a nice town with lots to see and do and I don't think we'd have time to do it on the way to Bern (we'll tell you about Bern in our next blog).
Things to do in Neuchatel:
Neuchatel Castle - The Château, or Castle, which was begun in the 12th Century. (Free guided tours are available from April through September.) The castle once housed the lords of Neuchatel and was the seat of authority. Nowadays it is the seat of cantonal government and the law courts. The castle was built in the 15th and 17th centuries (the west wing even dates back to the 12th century). Visit the Salle des Etats (state room) and find out who married into Neuchatel’s ruling dynasty.
The massive Neo-Classical building of Neuchatel Hotel-de-Ville – the Town Hall was erected between 1784 and 1790 under the direction of Louis XVI’s chief architect Pierre-Adrien Paris. On the east tympanum of the Town Hall, Minerva and Liberty flank a shield bearing the arms of the Town; on the west – two winged and cloud-borne figures on either side of a similar shield symbolize Trade and Abundance.The pillar hall of the Town Hall ground floor is a kind of passage open to the public. The bust of David de Pury (Davide de Purry), benefactor of Neuchatel can be seen in it. Exhibits on the ground floor include the model of hte 18th Century town and its harbor.Neuchatel is known as the city of 140 fountains -- the three most famous :
The Fontaine de la Justice (1545-1547), the Fontaine du Banneret (1581), and the Fontaine du Griffon (1664), which have been restored to their original glory.
Next to the Château, on the spacious square, you will find the Collégiale church (open daily 8am–6pm). This huge yellow building, a wonderful example of early Gothic, was begun in 1185. The Collegial Church, served by a College of Canons and dedicated to the Virgin, was consecrated in 1276. If you walk from Rue du Château, the stairs bring you up to the east end of the church, with its three Norman apses. The main entrance, from the Château side, is crowned by a giant rose window of stained glass. Within the vaulted interior, the nave brings you to the glowing transept, lit by a lantern tower, and the unique Cenotaph of the Counts of Neuchâtel on the north wall of the choir. Begun in 1372, and the only monument of its kind outside Italy, this amazing monument comprises fifteen near-lifesize painted statues of various knights and ladies from Neuchâtel’s past, framed by 15th-century arches and gables. 
The medieval Tour des Prisons, or Prison Tower, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. between April 1 and September 30.Lot's of fun options! I think we need to plan another trip to do the things we don't get done this time around!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Zurich
First, had a great time in Ovando this past weekend. Wouldn't have thought watching TWO Heidi movies in 12 hours would be enjoyable but it was.
Also, for those who don't already know - we got our seat assignments for ALL 10 for the overseas portion of the trip and the Thiel group got assignments for all the rest of our seats. We need to wait to buy the rail pass because it can only be bought up to 2 months before we leave.
I thought I would just put some information about the Zurich area. We of course can't do EVERYTHING but this gives us some ideas to choose between. We will be arriving at the Zurich airport in the morning. It will probably be around noon by the time we get to our hotel. We will be staying in Zurich 2 nights. There are many city tours we could take for less than $50 CHF. Take some time to look at these and we can decide if we want to take one. A 4.5 hour "great tour" costs $49 CHF and includes a boat tour and a stroll of the old town. There is also a "jogging tour" which I'm sure Michelle would enjoy but I don't think I would. :) This might be a nice way to start our time in Zurich and help us identify things we want to go back to.
The symbol of the city is the Grossmunster. According to legend this Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral was established by Charlemagne. Charlemagne's horse is said to have bowed at this site. Construction began in 1090 but continued up to the 14th century. 
Roman Baths -- After a journey across the Alps, an undertaking that would take many days, ancient Romans would come to Thermengasse to treat themselves to a bath. However, it was not until twenty. years ago that remains of these thermal baths were discovered, and these days they are open for public viewing.
Well -- that's A LOT of things in the city! 
Also, for those who don't already know - we got our seat assignments for ALL 10 for the overseas portion of the trip and the Thiel group got assignments for all the rest of our seats. We need to wait to buy the rail pass because it can only be bought up to 2 months before we leave.
I thought I would just put some information about the Zurich area. We of course can't do EVERYTHING but this gives us some ideas to choose between. We will be arriving at the Zurich airport in the morning. It will probably be around noon by the time we get to our hotel. We will be staying in Zurich 2 nights. There are many city tours we could take for less than $50 CHF. Take some time to look at these and we can decide if we want to take one. A 4.5 hour "great tour" costs $49 CHF and includes a boat tour and a stroll of the old town. There is also a "jogging tour" which I'm sure Michelle would enjoy but I don't think I would. :) This might be a nice way to start our time in Zurich and help us identify things we want to go back to.
There are lots of cool looking old churches in Zurich:
The Fraumunster Church is famous for 5 stained glass windows by Chagall. The small Fraumünster was built in 1250 and is recognizable by its an elegant clocktower topped with a slender blue spire. It stands on the left bank overlooking the lovely Münsterhof square, which was once a pig market. A splendid view of the church can be had from the tower of the Grossmünster across the Münsterbrücke.
The symbol of the city is the Grossmunster. According to legend this Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral was established by Charlemagne. Charlemagne's horse is said to have bowed at this site. Construction began in 1090 but continued up to the 14th century. 
There are many different history and cultural museums throughout Zurich. If we wanted to do one probably the best is the Swiss National Museum. This museum is NOT covered by our rail pass but the cost appears to be cheap (I don't know the cost for sure because there is construction going on so it is discounted to 5 CHF)
The Swiss National Museum was built by Gustav Gull in 1898, next to the Main Train Station. Here, culture and public transportation rub shoulders with each other: the National Museum houses Switzerland's most comprehensive collection of artifacts pertaining to its cultural heritage, while the Main Train Station is the largest in the country. The over 100-year old museum building is reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Surrounded by towers, the courtyard is a unique venue for superlative events such as Live on Ice in the winter and Live at Sunset in the summer. While visitors outside enjoy the arts, the past comes to life indoors: How did earlier generations live, think and feel? Their material legacy - from handicrafts to ordinary everyday objects - provide us with answers, from the prehistoric age right through to the present day. The National Museum also stages special exhibitions on topics relevant to society, thus offering a temporary change in perspective.
There are also a lot of art museums. The Kunsthaus is a world renowned art museum. Again, I'm not sure if it is covered by our rail pass or not (I guess I need to find a better list of what is covered). They have an "old masters" collection that includes works by: Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck, and many others. A Swiss collection for local artists through the ages. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collecting which includes works by: Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. A modern art collection that includes works by: Chagall, Dada, Klee, Matisse and Picasso. It looks like cost for the collections is 14.00 CHF (for special collections there is an additional cost).
The Swiss National Museum was built by Gustav Gull in 1898, next to the Main Train Station. Here, culture and public transportation rub shoulders with each other: the National Museum houses Switzerland's most comprehensive collection of artifacts pertaining to its cultural heritage, while the Main Train Station is the largest in the country. The over 100-year old museum building is reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Surrounded by towers, the courtyard is a unique venue for superlative events such as Live on Ice in the winter and Live at Sunset in the summer. While visitors outside enjoy the arts, the past comes to life indoors: How did earlier generations live, think and feel? Their material legacy - from handicrafts to ordinary everyday objects - provide us with answers, from the prehistoric age right through to the present day. The National Museum also stages special exhibitions on topics relevant to society, thus offering a temporary change in perspective.
There are also a lot of art museums. The Kunsthaus is a world renowned art museum. Again, I'm not sure if it is covered by our rail pass or not (I guess I need to find a better list of what is covered). They have an "old masters" collection that includes works by: Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck, and many others. A Swiss collection for local artists through the ages. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collecting which includes works by: Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. A modern art collection that includes works by: Chagall, Dada, Klee, Matisse and Picasso. It looks like cost for the collections is 14.00 CHF (for special collections there is an additional cost).
Some other sites in Zurich:
Bürkliplatz Flea Market -- At the end of Bahnhofstrasse, Prada meets flea market: this is the place to rummage for rarities and antiques to your heart’s content.
Bahnhofstrasse --One of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe.
Chinese Garden Zürich -- A gift from Zürich's twin town, Kunming: a traditional South China garden. The walls surround a microcosm of pavilions, open galleries and a water palace with a terrace.
Rathaus -- Zürich's baroque town hall dates back to 1694/98, built under the direction of councilman J.H. Hozhalb. Its interior remains as well preserved as its facade.
Schanzengraben -- Take a stroll somewhere with the atmosphere of a Venetian canal.
Schipfe -- Street of artisans at the river Limmat - in one of Zürich's oldest districts.
Storchengasse / Strehlgasse -- The famous shopping area Storchengasse / Strehlgasse.
Botanical Garden of the University of Zürich -- A feast for the senses.
Labyrinthplatz -- The garden labyrinth with 4 paths leads to a stone labyrinth with 7 paths.
Roman Baths -- After a journey across the Alps, an undertaking that would take many days, ancient Romans would come to Thermengasse to treat themselves to a bath. However, it was not until twenty. years ago that remains of these thermal baths were discovered, and these days they are open for public viewing.
Town Hall Park -- Zürich's most popular marketplace.
Old Town -- Zürich's historic section features cobblestone streets, a variety of small stores and restaurants and many of the city's most significant religious landmarks.
Well -- that's A LOT of things in the city!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
6 months to go!
Hello Everyone!!
It's getting closer and closer to our trip and I can't wait! Jeanie just talked to Tami and she is hoping to figure out if she can come sometime this week. Her school is not out by the time we leave and so she needs to get someone to cover for her (we'll keep our fingers crossed).
Ich spreche ein bitte deutsch und nicht zer goot. This is one of the sentences Jeanie and I are fairly confident we can say -- translated "I speak a little German and not very good". We think as long as we can ask "sprechen zie Anglish?" and keep asking until we have someone anser "ja" we're good to go! Of course, that might not work if there is only one person in the area to ask and the answer is "no". Oh well ... as long as we know how to ask for beer, wine, cheese, the bathroom and the train station we'll have a fun trip! We have a lot of confidence in Linda's ability to know French better than we do German -- and to speak it with more inflection than we do German (that dramatic flair of hers will come in handy). Of course ... none of us may have the confidence to speak to ANYONE. If only Linda and Denise hadn't gotten Jeanie and I hooked on the "Twilight" book series we'd be listening to our German CDs on the way to and from work instead of Bella and Edward and the other vampires and of course the werewolves! That being said, some of it does take place in Switzerland so maybe we can still consider it research?
Aunt Linda ... we'd like to have a night at your house sometime in the next few months to watch Heidi (or all 3? versions of the flick or just one), eat raclette (Jeanie and I are WAY in love with Swiss food), eat meringues and talk about our trip. If we could figure out how to also eat chocolate and cheese fondue we'd do that as well but there is only so much time in a day that you can devote to eat cheese or chocolate (which seems kind of unfair). So ... what Saturday would work for you? Let's figure out a time and who all is going to be there and we'll make sure we have the stuff for the food!
Talk to you all soon!
Jackie
It's getting closer and closer to our trip and I can't wait! Jeanie just talked to Tami and she is hoping to figure out if she can come sometime this week. Her school is not out by the time we leave and so she needs to get someone to cover for her (we'll keep our fingers crossed).
Ich spreche ein bitte deutsch und nicht zer goot. This is one of the sentences Jeanie and I are fairly confident we can say -- translated "I speak a little German and not very good". We think as long as we can ask "sprechen zie Anglish?" and keep asking until we have someone anser "ja" we're good to go! Of course, that might not work if there is only one person in the area to ask and the answer is "no". Oh well ... as long as we know how to ask for beer, wine, cheese, the bathroom and the train station we'll have a fun trip! We have a lot of confidence in Linda's ability to know French better than we do German -- and to speak it with more inflection than we do German (that dramatic flair of hers will come in handy). Of course ... none of us may have the confidence to speak to ANYONE. If only Linda and Denise hadn't gotten Jeanie and I hooked on the "Twilight" book series we'd be listening to our German CDs on the way to and from work instead of Bella and Edward and the other vampires and of course the werewolves! That being said, some of it does take place in Switzerland so maybe we can still consider it research?
Aunt Linda ... we'd like to have a night at your house sometime in the next few months to watch Heidi (or all 3? versions of the flick or just one), eat raclette (Jeanie and I are WAY in love with Swiss food), eat meringues and talk about our trip. If we could figure out how to also eat chocolate and cheese fondue we'd do that as well but there is only so much time in a day that you can devote to eat cheese or chocolate (which seems kind of unfair). So ... what Saturday would work for you? Let's figure out a time and who all is going to be there and we'll make sure we have the stuff for the food!
Talk to you all soon!
Jackie
Monday, November 10, 2008
Some general stuff to know...
Electricity - "The Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet. " Jackie and I bought a converter kit from WalMart that has several different types of plugs. I see you can get them on Amazon, also. It may say that you can use blow dryers and curling irons, but you also have to pay attention to how powerful they are and we found that we didn't own a blow dryer or curling iron that was low enough to not blow their circuits. So, we just didn't use either in the UK. A friend suggested we bring a butane curling iron.
Currency - They take Euros or Swiss Francs in a lot of places, however, they prefer Swiss Francs so when we get there we will want to convert to that (banks offer the best rates). We will want to bring traveler's checks or the traveler's check card. But, the card our bank gave us could not be used as an ATM to actually pull out money - it could only be used as a credit card. Because we are going to be in rural areas some will not take traveler's checks and/or credit cards. A couple of our hotels will take cash only. But, your regular ATM will also work (again, limited in rural areas). If you are interested in checking out the rates, here is a good site: Converter. By the way, about a month ago it took $44.50 US dollars to get 50 Francs - it is now at $42.44 - so we are going in the right direction there!
Medical - you will want to check your health insurance and see what they cover for out of the country. Most will cover emergencies, but you may want more - if you got strep throat while traveling it isn't an emergency but it could ruin your vacation. You can buy health insurance online - or you can buy it at the airport (I think). Or, you can figure you would pay cash for non-emergencies. Just FYI - we did nothing when we went to UK - figured we would pay for non-emergencies if they came up.
Tipping - A service charge is built into the price at restaurants. Tipping is not expected, however, many people leave an extra Franc or so. For hotels if they carry your bags you should tip 1-2 francs per bag. It is also included in the taxis so you can tip a little but it is not expected.
Documents - They suggest you have a photo-copy of your passport that you keep somewhere different than you keep your actual passport. Same with your birth certificate. Jackie and I scanned ours and emailed to ourselves as a third precaution.
Currency - They take Euros or Swiss Francs in a lot of places, however, they prefer Swiss Francs so when we get there we will want to convert to that (banks offer the best rates). We will want to bring traveler's checks or the traveler's check card. But, the card our bank gave us could not be used as an ATM to actually pull out money - it could only be used as a credit card. Because we are going to be in rural areas some will not take traveler's checks and/or credit cards. A couple of our hotels will take cash only. But, your regular ATM will also work (again, limited in rural areas). If you are interested in checking out the rates, here is a good site: Converter. By the way, about a month ago it took $44.50 US dollars to get 50 Francs - it is now at $42.44 - so we are going in the right direction there!
Medical - you will want to check your health insurance and see what they cover for out of the country. Most will cover emergencies, but you may want more - if you got strep throat while traveling it isn't an emergency but it could ruin your vacation. You can buy health insurance online - or you can buy it at the airport (I think). Or, you can figure you would pay cash for non-emergencies. Just FYI - we did nothing when we went to UK - figured we would pay for non-emergencies if they came up.
Tipping - A service charge is built into the price at restaurants. Tipping is not expected, however, many people leave an extra Franc or so. For hotels if they carry your bags you should tip 1-2 francs per bag. It is also included in the taxis so you can tip a little but it is not expected.
Documents - They suggest you have a photo-copy of your passport that you keep somewhere different than you keep your actual passport. Same with your birth certificate. Jackie and I scanned ours and emailed to ourselves as a third precaution.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can't back out now!!
Well, we did it....got the plane tickets for the Thiel group! Below are some of the details:
June 8
Leave Billings on US Air Flight 5870 at 7:40 a.m. - arrive in Denver at 9:08 a.m.
Leave Denver on US Air Flight 6124 at 10:45 a.m. arrive in Philadelphia at 4:17 p.m.
Leave Philadelphia on US Air Flight 710 arrive in ZURICH at 8:25 a.m. (June 9)
June 21
Leave Zurich on US Air Flight 711 at 10:25 a.m. arrive in Philadelphia at 1:30 p.m.
Leave Philadelphia on US Air Flight 707 at 6:10 p.m. arrive in Denver at 8:28 p.m.
Leave Denver on US Air Flight 5871 at 9:25 p.m. arrive in Billings at 10:50 p.m.
I hope it works out for everyone to meet up in Philadelphia and do the international part together. If you want me to get your tickets, let me know. Once we all have tickets we can probably use our confirmations to get seats together or at least relatively close.
WOO HOO :)
June 8
Leave Billings on US Air Flight 5870 at 7:40 a.m. - arrive in Denver at 9:08 a.m.
Leave Denver on US Air Flight 6124 at 10:45 a.m. arrive in Philadelphia at 4:17 p.m.
Leave Philadelphia on US Air Flight 710 arrive in ZURICH at 8:25 a.m. (June 9)
June 21
Leave Zurich on US Air Flight 711 at 10:25 a.m. arrive in Philadelphia at 1:30 p.m.
Leave Philadelphia on US Air Flight 707 at 6:10 p.m. arrive in Denver at 8:28 p.m.
Leave Denver on US Air Flight 5871 at 9:25 p.m. arrive in Billings at 10:50 p.m.
I hope it works out for everyone to meet up in Philadelphia and do the international part together. If you want me to get your tickets, let me know. Once we all have tickets we can probably use our confirmations to get seats together or at least relatively close.
WOO HOO :)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Accomodations
We got reservations for all our accomodations for the trip...we did make sure they could be cancelled in case when we finally go to get the plane tickets something has to change...but, that is doubtful, so here is where we are staying:
1st and 2nd night - in Zurich. We are staying at the Hotel St. Joseph. We couldn't get rooms in Basel because of some art thing going on, so we are staying in Zurich instead. On Trip Advisor this hotel is #9 in popularity (based mostly on location and price). Nothing fancy, but should be OK. Rooms have own bathrooms and breakfast is included. We are in three triple rooms.
3rd and 4th night - in Le Locle. This looks great...it is an old watchmakers house called Mason Dubois. Their web-site is in French, so you can translate it by copying and pasting the address to this page. If you click on the rooms, we have all but the first one reserved for us. They don't have private baths, but we have most the house, so that should be fine. Breakfast is included.
5th night - in Bern. This is a hostel (or pension) and is probably the most sparse place we are staying. It is the Pension Martahaus. We have a shared bath. It gets good reviews on TripAdvisor also - again for location and price. Breakfast is included. We are in two quadruple rooms with an extra bed added to one.
6th, 7th, 8th nights - in Lauterbrunnen (the Bernese Oberland area). It is the Hotel Staubbach and looks great. Each room has a balcony - either facing the waterfall or the village. Each has bathroom. Includes breakfast. We have a double with connecting single, a triple, and a double with an extra bed. This gets #1 on TripAdvisor. This is a valley with 73 waterfalls and was the inspiration for JR Tokien's Rivendell Valley.
9th and 10th nights - in Maienfeld (Heidiland). Victor's Bed and Breakfast - sleeps 9, so since there are 9 of us we have the whole house. Shared bath, but again, we have the whole house. Breakfast is included. This is the center of Heidiland. Close to Bad Ragaz which has natural hotsprings that look reasonably priced.
11th and 12th nights - in Lucerne. The Bed and Breakfast in Lucerne. It is not as centrally located as the other places, but looks really nice. Shared bathrooms, breakfast is included. We have a double room, a triple room, and a quadruple room. I think we have about half of the rooms. People on TripAdvisor say it is nice, though basic.
Will keep you all posted on everything else!
J & J
1st and 2nd night - in Zurich. We are staying at the Hotel St. Joseph. We couldn't get rooms in Basel because of some art thing going on, so we are staying in Zurich instead. On Trip Advisor this hotel is #9 in popularity (based mostly on location and price). Nothing fancy, but should be OK. Rooms have own bathrooms and breakfast is included. We are in three triple rooms.
3rd and 4th night - in Le Locle. This looks great...it is an old watchmakers house called Mason Dubois. Their web-site is in French, so you can translate it by copying and pasting the address to this page. If you click on the rooms, we have all but the first one reserved for us. They don't have private baths, but we have most the house, so that should be fine. Breakfast is included.
5th night - in Bern. This is a hostel (or pension) and is probably the most sparse place we are staying. It is the Pension Martahaus. We have a shared bath. It gets good reviews on TripAdvisor also - again for location and price. Breakfast is included. We are in two quadruple rooms with an extra bed added to one.
6th, 7th, 8th nights - in Lauterbrunnen (the Bernese Oberland area). It is the Hotel Staubbach and looks great. Each room has a balcony - either facing the waterfall or the village. Each has bathroom. Includes breakfast. We have a double with connecting single, a triple, and a double with an extra bed. This gets #1 on TripAdvisor. This is a valley with 73 waterfalls and was the inspiration for JR Tokien's Rivendell Valley.
9th and 10th nights - in Maienfeld (Heidiland). Victor's Bed and Breakfast - sleeps 9, so since there are 9 of us we have the whole house. Shared bath, but again, we have the whole house. Breakfast is included. This is the center of Heidiland. Close to Bad Ragaz which has natural hotsprings that look reasonably priced.
11th and 12th nights - in Lucerne. The Bed and Breakfast in Lucerne. It is not as centrally located as the other places, but looks really nice. Shared bathrooms, breakfast is included. We have a double room, a triple room, and a quadruple room. I think we have about half of the rooms. People on TripAdvisor say it is nice, though basic.
Will keep you all posted on everything else!
J & J
Getting Ready...
Hi everyone....don't forget to get your Passports - they say they are taking 3 weeks now, but why take the chance? You should apply NOW just in case there are issues. You can go in person if you want...but, why would you want to? You can get the online application by clicking here. You can get your picture taken at most KMarts, Walgreens, Kinkos...I don't know where else, but your local post-office might? When it is filled out and you have your pictures (you need 2) you bring the application, pictures, driver's lisence and birth certificate to the a local office - pay 2 fees (around $90 total), and eventually get your Passport (you don't want the Passport Card - that is for Canada/Mexico only).
Also, as it gets close, we will want to keep our eyes on the rules and regs for the airlines...you can get the latest by clicking here.
And, if you want to obsess about the exchange rate and how far our money will go - this is the site we use - we will be converting to Swiss Francs as not all of Switzerland uses the Euro...and just FYI, it has been getting a little better the last week or so.
Most airlines are now charging for even your first checked bag - we will find that out when we actually get the flights, so will want to keep that in mind. Also, we will be taking the train and staying in B & Bs so you will want to bring as little luggage as possible - when we went to England/Scotland for 3 weeks we each brought one bag and then a bag to share...aboiut 1/3 of the way through we sent the extra bag home. It is a pain to drag around. And, we are staying at a place where we can do laundry every few days.
Also, when we went to England/Scotland you could only bring one carry on and your purse counted as a carry on...so, will need to plan accordingly.
We plan on bringing our laptop - only so we have someplace to download our pictures so we don't have to worry about losing our camara and losing all our pics...will upload onto a web site every night so worst case scenario is you lose one days worth. We use Picasa - very easy, free, but I'm sure some or all of you already have a place you put them (we don't just put them on the computer cuz if the computer gets lost then so do the pictures). And, you may want to bring an adapter for Switzerland to charge your camera battery and anything else (though they say our curling irons, blow dryers, etc can blow the circuits).
That's it for now!
Also, as it gets close, we will want to keep our eyes on the rules and regs for the airlines...you can get the latest by clicking here.
And, if you want to obsess about the exchange rate and how far our money will go - this is the site we use - we will be converting to Swiss Francs as not all of Switzerland uses the Euro...and just FYI, it has been getting a little better the last week or so.
Most airlines are now charging for even your first checked bag - we will find that out when we actually get the flights, so will want to keep that in mind. Also, we will be taking the train and staying in B & Bs so you will want to bring as little luggage as possible - when we went to England/Scotland for 3 weeks we each brought one bag and then a bag to share...aboiut 1/3 of the way through we sent the extra bag home. It is a pain to drag around. And, we are staying at a place where we can do laundry every few days.
Also, when we went to England/Scotland you could only bring one carry on and your purse counted as a carry on...so, will need to plan accordingly.
We plan on bringing our laptop - only so we have someplace to download our pictures so we don't have to worry about losing our camara and losing all our pics...will upload onto a web site every night so worst case scenario is you lose one days worth. We use Picasa - very easy, free, but I'm sure some or all of you already have a place you put them (we don't just put them on the computer cuz if the computer gets lost then so do the pictures). And, you may want to bring an adapter for Switzerland to charge your camera battery and anything else (though they say our curling irons, blow dryers, etc can blow the circuits).
That's it for now!
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