Just got home from a wonderful 10 day trip to Switzerland. We flew in and out of Geneva because the price was so much better than Zurich. It was no problem and the train station in Geneva is one floor down from the airport. We bought 15 day Swiss passes and were so glad we did….no rushing to get into an overcrowded train station to ask questions and wait in line….and there was ALWAYS a line. Only once did we need an additional ticket in the alps for our train ride and the machine did not work and we were instructed to tell the ticket checker when they came through to scan. We also were made aware that if you had a Swiss pass and got the 25% discount that there was no way to account for it if you bought the ticket online……do not understand that at all, as smart as the Swiss are…..which forces you to wait in the long train office lines or pay full price without using your Swiss pass discount! The Delta planes were crowded…..did not think they would be in September but each one was full….every seat! Wish Schiphol airport in Amsterdam could handle international traffic as well as Atlanta does…..they have so few agents sitting at the customs desks and don’t seem to care at all if you have 30 minutes only to get to your next gate in an unfamiliar airport. We barely made it after an almost 90 minute layover. We trained to Wengen and stayed at Hotel Falken……would not do that again. It is VERY tired. It is also a steep uphill climb from the train station and was tiring after a day of hiking….we are 72 yeas old and walk 3 miles a day for years so we were ready…..and still it was a pull. Our room had a beautiful balcony view and we ate in the dining room each morning….the dining crew had to get your coffee for you (!) and you waited for the hot food to be cooked and replenished. A Rick Steves travel group was there and I was surprised. We chose to eat one morning at the Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen and its breakfast buffet was outstanding….like they were actually trying to make it special where the Falken crew had given up. You do spend more to be nestled in the alps and I get that…just be hospitable and offer extra care if you are going to run a hotel. Loved having the Coop nearby to buy hiking snacks and the main Street of Wengen was a delight. We were there for the Cow Parades and loved it….2 or 3 got frisky and ended up rushing the sidewalk and our filming had to stop for us to run. It’s always such fun to see. We also lucked up on the Chasteilet, Wengen’s yearly cheese festival with an Alphorn concert of 6 horns and a market to purchase the cheese. We brought home 2 huge blocks of raclette! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. We had gorgeous weather except for 1 day where we trained to see Murren…..not much in the mist and rain…..and spent time in Interlaken enjoying a nice early dinner at the Hotel Victoria patio. The hikes, Luzern and more news to come!
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