The real journey of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes (Marcel Proust)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Can You Shower With Tiffany
Maratea ... Switzerland
The real journey of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes (Marcel Proust)
The real journey of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes (Marcel Proust)
Who Is The Jack In The Box Voice
yet! SWITZERLAND 2009
Why you wonder if all the traveling you are bored? Taking you behind yourself you're finished with your travel with that person from whom you wanted to escape (Socrates)
Why you wonder if all the traveling you are bored? Taking you behind yourself you're finished with your travel with that person from whom you wanted to escape (Socrates)
Silver Jelly Bracelet Meanings
A Crack in the country of kids who are "hello" dealing with a hot climate, the Toblerone that melts and inexorably a horde of arrogant "Mafalda" ribs ...'ll make our heroes?
YES, WE CAN!
Switzerland (13-16 August 2009)
August 13, 2009: In the land of chocolate ...
Everything is ready for the tour that will lead us in a few elegant Swiss German cities, going to Montreux with its mountain and lake scenery, not forgetting to taste the cheese praised the area. The bus breaks the minutes from Milan and falls away to the tunnel of San Bernardo. Has it all, no. Only ... Paola! The appointment with my traveling companion is set at Novara, but even her shadow. Where is it? The mystery deepens as I am informed, by telephone, to be nearby (but where?). It is on this occasion that I meet the highly efficient assistant, the Romagna Arrigo, who descends from the bus on the highway and managed to get on the trail of the fugitive, actually not too far away, the bus met with an ovation. Now
not really miss anything, that the journey begin! The fearless driver driving past the border soon: on the way we discover that his name is Milko, just as the lilac that invites ... What better premise for a trip to the land of chocolate? Thus begins the hit (more like a torment for our driver) the purple cow and other funny jokes, so much so that the first day the poor man is not enough of us.
In the afternoon we arrive in Montreux, where you will stay at the hotel. The arrangement is not bad, but some members of the group, quickly dubbed "Mafalda", removing the whim of the minutiae of protest: the university Mafalda-manager lashes out against Henry swollen with arrogance because it lacks air conditioning in the room; the two-mafaldesse medichesse complain as they could not explain why. Fortunately the world there are only Mafalda, and therefore we enjoy the walk on the lake in the company of some new friends, Enzo, Gabriella and the young Henry, and a nice pair of Tuscan Lords.
Actually Montreux is "a city that if the rolls" and nothing more. Not a few pretensions of aristocracy and elegance, maybe for the casinos, maybe for the jet set and things like that, maybe for the Montreux Palace has hosted some well-known artists such as Michael Jackson, but apart from the monument in honor of Freddy Mercury and the wonderful panorama of the lake, there is not much to see.
Toh, Swiss custom is to bring children into the fountains when the heat is rampant, and in fact the climate is hot, even sultry. I almost envy them, I think, returning to the hotel for dinner ... in the course of cauliflower cream and a luscious chocolate cake, and the care of our companion: "You want to make you remove mustard from pork?" Arrigo shamelessly claim to the whole group , turning on, always in the Romagna region, the zealous waiters: Obama's abbronzantissimi-boys! All their responses are encouraging and enthusiastic: "We have more water?" Yes you can! ";" We would also like bread and a pint of beer "yes you can!", "One more piece of cake ? ... well, now I do not exaggerate!
August 14, 2009: Beware the psycho - marmot!
The morning begins with the first real excursion tour: destination Roches de Naye, the Marmot Paradise! We reach our destination after un'impervia climbing the mountains with the rack railway: going to make or not make it? Personally I am a bit 'puzzled, but while I contemplate the immense panorama of Lake Geneva and the coast, framed by mountain peaks (including Mont Blanc peeps!). Finally, the forests give way to a more rocky landscape and arrive at an altitude of 2000 meters. In addition to the promenade, the friendly encounters with native animals (indifferent to the reindeer of Santa Claus, the permalosissime goats that blocked our passage and hawks), the visit allows us to to observe numerous species of mountain plants in the botanical gardens, a museum of stuffed creatures, some Mongolian tent here and there ... and above all the marmots, the true master of the place. Fortunately, closed by a fence (to protect our physical safety), the fierce animals are determined to take possession of our crackers, which are crying out, climbing the fence, showing his teeth menacingly and particularly biting with unprecedented ferocity the metal that separates them from us.
At lunch we take the train again to return to Montreux, following the road down and listening to the precise geographical indications for Arrigo: "Now we enter the tunnel to come out here in the valley beyond. " Just as we are immersed in the contemplation of these landscapes so dear to our darling Heidi, complete with a crescent-shaped Lake Geneva, the train inexplicably stopped on his way. It is broken, although the Swiss are extremely proud not want to admit it, but we Italians are accustomed to these things and we sense immediately that the wait will not be short ... in fact, after an hour under the burning sun, transshipments to the right and misses, here that reveals another train unpromising (ironically nicknamed TGV), which brings us back, not without uncertainties and difficulties, at the town. The disappointment is painted on our faces, but Swiss punctuality, this delay is worthy of our own means of transport!
We would comfort us with a hearty lunch at the hotel, but unfortunately captain in the same table and Mafalda mafaldesse, we stun boasting of their exploits. We remain at the mercy of them think they know until we start talking for the first afternoon visit, planned in the town of Vevey. Our guide, Arrigo, shows happy the statue of Charlie Chaplin and casino in the background of the inevitable lakefront. Vevey is less "frivolous" in Montreux, as the lanes and streets within it, but the main attraction of the afternoon is the castle of Chillon, of great historical and cultural interest. Built
strategically on a rocky islet, this "fucking castle" (exact words of the local guide) dates from the twelfth century, but is the result of many renovations. It was used as a fortress, arsenal and even a prison, made famous by the English poet Lord Byron. Are worth a visit especially the wooden hall, dating back to the Savoy, the dining room of the castle, decorated and strategically laid, so as to arouse in Paola peckish, and I delight at the old double lavatories, complete with drawings. To say the least brilliant!
August 15: Up and down through the capital ... slurp ... Gruyères!
Wake up! While for breakfast I have to fight him against the dreaded group of Bari for a handful of cereal, Paola none of it to leave the realm of Morpheus, and so is forced to prepare so fantozzi few minutes before departure to Gruyères.
The landscape changes gently from the harshness of Montreux goes for green soft valleys and foothills of the Fribourg, Gruyères where there is a picturesque village dominated by the castle. The name of this place comes from the image of arms of the crane, but it refers to many other suggestions, culinary character ... as in the mouth of Gruyères [1] first visit to the castle, dating from the XI century. Very beautiful courtyards Affairs and the Italian garden, not to mention the inside, the show Corot painted by the famous French painter.
Back in the old town, of course not fail to participate in the tasting of local cheese, in its variety, and then leave for Bern, after a lunch of pretzels and spaetzle.
remember the "Bear City" to the scorching heat and a local guide very sports that forced us to run at breakneck speed across the capital, so that the lady in Tuscany has repeatedly raised the white flag, threatening to stop. But Bern is not only this: we visit the cathedral of San Francesco, a Protestant, and in fact our fellow travelers complain that is too bare. Then we head towards the Government House, in the central square and end up straight in the heart of the feast of Toblerone, which today is now one hundred years: happy birthday! A great opportunity to taste the chocolate typical of this area, which is offered in generous amounts to all passers-by? So here is beginning to repeated assaults valleys full of Toblerone, every two to three trays and replenish supplies are intended, in seconds, to be emptied again. A hundred years, but does not show at all ... too many compliments. Therefore, the Toblerone is dissolved, not emotion, but in the true sense of the word, thanks to the temperature well over thirty degrees (it is good all the same).
The tour continues along the Aare river until we reach the Clock Tower, which offers us every hour his show with characters that move, a little 'as in Prague and Monaco. We welcome
Bern to get back on bus: destination Lucerne. After settling in the new hotel, stroll amiably with our friends in the elegant old town. Lucerne by night is very impressive and promising. The elegant Art Nouveau buildings and swans paddling in the lake that surround our night tour.
August 16: Mafalda, please silence them!
Lucerne ... a city full of sights by belle époque, elegant and sophisticated in its historical and cultural references, enriched by museums and monuments of great interest. The first attraction we encounter is the covered bridge, not to be confused with the bridge of death, the macabre tone, a few yards away. The walk in the old town is very nice here too, as in Bern, there are many fountains, real works of art ... and here we meet with yet another bunch of Mafalda, no other than our own fellow teacher! The elderly professor. chemistry, former guru of the rankings, a former trade unionist, former know-it-all, broods on something and Sixty-eight days when he was young and beautiful, before returning by his "partners" mafaldaggine brimming from every pore. Patience! Comfort us with the hilarious group of Bari, who, after raids at the breakfast buffet, try to incite a swan against Paola! Meanwhile
Arrigo leads us to the church of the Jesuits, in its sumptuous gold decorations, the Cathedral and the Franciscan church, before coming to City Hall. Very nice also decorated several buildings, like the one that represents the entire family tree of a noble family.
In late morning we separate from the rest of the group with a visit to the main museum with Enzo, Gabriella and Henry. It is the triumph of Paul Klee: the great Swiss painter has devoted an entire collection ... but not only! The upper floors can admire masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne, Modigliani, Seurat, Signac and many others. Paola Gabriella and pursue interests of my ramblings in front of the works, but Henry can no longer ... perhaps linger too long in the rich museum, unfortunately it is only right to hurry do not delay the appointment with the rest of the party, we must still go home !
Before crossing the Italian border, we stopped in Bellinzona to spend in the last bars of chocolate coins ... Swiss francs to euro here to there ... what a mess!
During this trip we bought munch while watching a movie, always with the usual Mafalda, who have made common cause in the meantime, the ribs are ready to reaffirm their superiority over the rest of the world and crop comments unedifying, to say the truth even a little 'offensive. Too bad that there are people in such fear, but we have to do? The important thing is to have fully enjoyed these four days, so intense, welcoming places, people and customs of Switzerland and bonding with new friends, do not hesitate to say hello when you get to Milan, with the hope of finding themselves at the next trip ... we will be punctual as a cuckoo clock!
[1] Tribute to Betrothed. Maybe someone will remember Renzo's adventure, as the Gorgonzola in the mouth ...
YES, WE CAN!
Switzerland (13-16 August 2009)
August 13, 2009: In the land of chocolate ...
Everything is ready for the tour that will lead us in a few elegant Swiss German cities, going to Montreux with its mountain and lake scenery, not forgetting to taste the cheese praised the area. The bus breaks the minutes from Milan and falls away to the tunnel of San Bernardo. Has it all, no. Only ... Paola! The appointment with my traveling companion is set at Novara, but even her shadow. Where is it? The mystery deepens as I am informed, by telephone, to be nearby (but where?). It is on this occasion that I meet the highly efficient assistant, the Romagna Arrigo, who descends from the bus on the highway and managed to get on the trail of the fugitive, actually not too far away, the bus met with an ovation. Now
not really miss anything, that the journey begin! The fearless driver driving past the border soon: on the way we discover that his name is Milko, just as the lilac that invites ... What better premise for a trip to the land of chocolate? Thus begins the hit (more like a torment for our driver) the purple cow and other funny jokes, so much so that the first day the poor man is not enough of us.
In the afternoon we arrive in Montreux, where you will stay at the hotel. The arrangement is not bad, but some members of the group, quickly dubbed "Mafalda", removing the whim of the minutiae of protest: the university Mafalda-manager lashes out against Henry swollen with arrogance because it lacks air conditioning in the room; the two-mafaldesse medichesse complain as they could not explain why. Fortunately the world there are only Mafalda, and therefore we enjoy the walk on the lake in the company of some new friends, Enzo, Gabriella and the young Henry, and a nice pair of Tuscan Lords.
Actually Montreux is "a city that if the rolls" and nothing more. Not a few pretensions of aristocracy and elegance, maybe for the casinos, maybe for the jet set and things like that, maybe for the Montreux Palace has hosted some well-known artists such as Michael Jackson, but apart from the monument in honor of Freddy Mercury and the wonderful panorama of the lake, there is not much to see.
Toh, Swiss custom is to bring children into the fountains when the heat is rampant, and in fact the climate is hot, even sultry. I almost envy them, I think, returning to the hotel for dinner ... in the course of cauliflower cream and a luscious chocolate cake, and the care of our companion: "You want to make you remove mustard from pork?" Arrigo shamelessly claim to the whole group , turning on, always in the Romagna region, the zealous waiters: Obama's abbronzantissimi-boys! All their responses are encouraging and enthusiastic: "We have more water?" Yes you can! ";" We would also like bread and a pint of beer "yes you can!", "One more piece of cake ? ... well, now I do not exaggerate!
August 14, 2009: Beware the psycho - marmot!
The morning begins with the first real excursion tour: destination Roches de Naye, the Marmot Paradise! We reach our destination after un'impervia climbing the mountains with the rack railway: going to make or not make it? Personally I am a bit 'puzzled, but while I contemplate the immense panorama of Lake Geneva and the coast, framed by mountain peaks (including Mont Blanc peeps!). Finally, the forests give way to a more rocky landscape and arrive at an altitude of 2000 meters. In addition to the promenade, the friendly encounters with native animals (indifferent to the reindeer of Santa Claus, the permalosissime goats that blocked our passage and hawks), the visit allows us to to observe numerous species of mountain plants in the botanical gardens, a museum of stuffed creatures, some Mongolian tent here and there ... and above all the marmots, the true master of the place. Fortunately, closed by a fence (to protect our physical safety), the fierce animals are determined to take possession of our crackers, which are crying out, climbing the fence, showing his teeth menacingly and particularly biting with unprecedented ferocity the metal that separates them from us.
At lunch we take the train again to return to Montreux, following the road down and listening to the precise geographical indications for Arrigo: "Now we enter the tunnel to come out here in the valley beyond. " Just as we are immersed in the contemplation of these landscapes so dear to our darling Heidi, complete with a crescent-shaped Lake Geneva, the train inexplicably stopped on his way. It is broken, although the Swiss are extremely proud not want to admit it, but we Italians are accustomed to these things and we sense immediately that the wait will not be short ... in fact, after an hour under the burning sun, transshipments to the right and misses, here that reveals another train unpromising (ironically nicknamed TGV), which brings us back, not without uncertainties and difficulties, at the town. The disappointment is painted on our faces, but Swiss punctuality, this delay is worthy of our own means of transport!
We would comfort us with a hearty lunch at the hotel, but unfortunately captain in the same table and Mafalda mafaldesse, we stun boasting of their exploits. We remain at the mercy of them think they know until we start talking for the first afternoon visit, planned in the town of Vevey. Our guide, Arrigo, shows happy the statue of Charlie Chaplin and casino in the background of the inevitable lakefront. Vevey is less "frivolous" in Montreux, as the lanes and streets within it, but the main attraction of the afternoon is the castle of Chillon, of great historical and cultural interest. Built
strategically on a rocky islet, this "fucking castle" (exact words of the local guide) dates from the twelfth century, but is the result of many renovations. It was used as a fortress, arsenal and even a prison, made famous by the English poet Lord Byron. Are worth a visit especially the wooden hall, dating back to the Savoy, the dining room of the castle, decorated and strategically laid, so as to arouse in Paola peckish, and I delight at the old double lavatories, complete with drawings. To say the least brilliant!
August 15: Up and down through the capital ... slurp ... Gruyères!
Wake up! While for breakfast I have to fight him against the dreaded group of Bari for a handful of cereal, Paola none of it to leave the realm of Morpheus, and so is forced to prepare so fantozzi few minutes before departure to Gruyères.
The landscape changes gently from the harshness of Montreux goes for green soft valleys and foothills of the Fribourg, Gruyères where there is a picturesque village dominated by the castle. The name of this place comes from the image of arms of the crane, but it refers to many other suggestions, culinary character ... as in the mouth of Gruyères [1] first visit to the castle, dating from the XI century. Very beautiful courtyards Affairs and the Italian garden, not to mention the inside, the show Corot painted by the famous French painter.
Back in the old town, of course not fail to participate in the tasting of local cheese, in its variety, and then leave for Bern, after a lunch of pretzels and spaetzle.
remember the "Bear City" to the scorching heat and a local guide very sports that forced us to run at breakneck speed across the capital, so that the lady in Tuscany has repeatedly raised the white flag, threatening to stop. But Bern is not only this: we visit the cathedral of San Francesco, a Protestant, and in fact our fellow travelers complain that is too bare. Then we head towards the Government House, in the central square and end up straight in the heart of the feast of Toblerone, which today is now one hundred years: happy birthday! A great opportunity to taste the chocolate typical of this area, which is offered in generous amounts to all passers-by? So here is beginning to repeated assaults valleys full of Toblerone, every two to three trays and replenish supplies are intended, in seconds, to be emptied again. A hundred years, but does not show at all ... too many compliments. Therefore, the Toblerone is dissolved, not emotion, but in the true sense of the word, thanks to the temperature well over thirty degrees (it is good all the same).
The tour continues along the Aare river until we reach the Clock Tower, which offers us every hour his show with characters that move, a little 'as in Prague and Monaco. We welcome
Bern to get back on bus: destination Lucerne. After settling in the new hotel, stroll amiably with our friends in the elegant old town. Lucerne by night is very impressive and promising. The elegant Art Nouveau buildings and swans paddling in the lake that surround our night tour.
August 16: Mafalda, please silence them!
Lucerne ... a city full of sights by belle époque, elegant and sophisticated in its historical and cultural references, enriched by museums and monuments of great interest. The first attraction we encounter is the covered bridge, not to be confused with the bridge of death, the macabre tone, a few yards away. The walk in the old town is very nice here too, as in Bern, there are many fountains, real works of art ... and here we meet with yet another bunch of Mafalda, no other than our own fellow teacher! The elderly professor. chemistry, former guru of the rankings, a former trade unionist, former know-it-all, broods on something and Sixty-eight days when he was young and beautiful, before returning by his "partners" mafaldaggine brimming from every pore. Patience! Comfort us with the hilarious group of Bari, who, after raids at the breakfast buffet, try to incite a swan against Paola! Meanwhile
Arrigo leads us to the church of the Jesuits, in its sumptuous gold decorations, the Cathedral and the Franciscan church, before coming to City Hall. Very nice also decorated several buildings, like the one that represents the entire family tree of a noble family.
In late morning we separate from the rest of the group with a visit to the main museum with Enzo, Gabriella and Henry. It is the triumph of Paul Klee: the great Swiss painter has devoted an entire collection ... but not only! The upper floors can admire masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne, Modigliani, Seurat, Signac and many others. Paola Gabriella and pursue interests of my ramblings in front of the works, but Henry can no longer ... perhaps linger too long in the rich museum, unfortunately it is only right to hurry do not delay the appointment with the rest of the party, we must still go home !
Before crossing the Italian border, we stopped in Bellinzona to spend in the last bars of chocolate coins ... Swiss francs to euro here to there ... what a mess!
During this trip we bought munch while watching a movie, always with the usual Mafalda, who have made common cause in the meantime, the ribs are ready to reaffirm their superiority over the rest of the world and crop comments unedifying, to say the truth even a little 'offensive. Too bad that there are people in such fear, but we have to do? The important thing is to have fully enjoyed these four days, so intense, welcoming places, people and customs of Switzerland and bonding with new friends, do not hesitate to say hello when you get to Milan, with the hope of finding themselves at the next trip ... we will be punctual as a cuckoo clock!
[1] Tribute to Betrothed. Maybe someone will remember Renzo's adventure, as the Gorgonzola in the mouth ...
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