Sunday, September 24th. Normally you would take the scenic route to the southern part of Switzerland over the mountain tops, but because it snowed overnigth below 3000 feet, they closed all passes for the next two to three days. So, we had no choice but to go underground again and take the Gotthard tunnel, one of the longest in the world, just about 12 miles long. At 55 miles an hour (speed limit) you are in the 2 lane tube with oncoming traffic for at least 15 Minutes. They control the flow of the traffic volume by letting only so many cars in on both sides of the tunnel.
Waiting for our turn to enter the tunnel
When we arrived by the entrance we got stuck in traffic for over a half hour because a car was disabled in the middle of it and had to be removed before they would let anybody else in. While waiting a lot of people got out of the car in the middle of the highway to stretch their legs or have a smoke. It was overcast and slightly raining, but I got out to and smoked me a Krumme.
Finally it was our turn and 15 minutes later we emerged from the Tunnel to 10 degree warmer weather and gorgeous sunshine with not a cloud in the sky. What a difference 12 miles make in the alps.
After this adventure we still arrived 2 hour early on our rendezvous point in Locarno.
Hungry, we had lunch in a covered outdoor "Tessin" type bistro. The ceiling and sides where covered with live grapevines, providing well needed shade in this blistering sun. Guess what, the food was outstanding.
I had a plate of local dry meats and cheese and Donna, since we are in the Italian part of Switzerland, had some spaghetti Bolonaise and she was not disappointed, it was nearly as good as the one I make. By the way, the bottle local Merlot was exquisite.
Tessin restaurant in Locarno
Walking back to our car we saw and greeted Heinz and Lilian. We drove to their house on a hill above Locarno. We were lucky their rental unit was empty and at our disposal. A very modern apartment with 3 bedrooms, living room, studio room, kitchen and a large balcony with an incredible view of the town Locarno, the lake and all the surrounding mountains, all the way to Italy. A setting like for movie stars.
On the balcony of Heinz and Lilian's mansion
Heinz and me enjoying a glass of melot
Heinz and Lilian
We had some aperitifs and wine with Heinz and Lilian on the Balcony before we went for dinner at the restaurant "Osteria Croce Federale", famous for their risotto and wild mushrooms served with any kind of meats. we opted on roast pork. Great food again and we had a good time reminiscing old memories.
Enjoying Expresso at the restaurant "Osteria Croce Federale"
Next morning we had breakfast with Heinz and Lilian, and already had to say goodby just after this short time together and we took the same route back to Grindelwald.
On the way home, we found one of our favorite restaurant from our last trip in Brienz. The restaurant "Sternen" is directly on the lake and serves the best fryed Eglis, a local fish. We enjoyed them tremendously.
Outside the restaurant Sternen in front of the Lake Brinz
We went back to our romantic flat to our normal routine: Bacardi & coke and for my sake, a Krumme.
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