Pfoderie: SWITZERLAND 2010 - TRIP TO GRINDELWALD

First of all we are so lucky, because my brother Toni and Andrea are the owner of a beautiful vacation home directly below the impressive mountain Eiger in the middle of the alps.

Toni and Andreas vacation home, top floor of this chalet

                        So on Monday Sept. 20st, Toni handed me the key to the house and we departed for Grindelwald about  11 am. Last time, 5 year ago, we made this trip and it took us about 3 to 4 hours, but a lot has changed since then and if you are in a hurry you could make it in less tan 2 hours, even respecting Speed limits.

                       They opened the highway from Zurich to Interlaken, with just a little strip of 15 minutes mountain road over the pass of Brunig. Actually you lose all the great scenic view of the lakes and valleys driving through Switzerland. There are tunnel after tunnel most of the way and you feel like a mole, being underground a lot. Not so good for tourists.

                         Thank god, I grew up in Switzerland and still know most of the scenic routes so we do not have to miss out on the beautiful scenery. We exited the highway in Luzern and had a good view of the lake of Vierwaldstatter and the mountain of Rigi and Pilatus, specially on this clear, sunny day. I also found one of my favorite restaurant on the lake of Lungern, famous for their local fish Egli..We opted not
to eat there and save it for a later trip, but on top of the Brunig we where both ready for some good Swiss food.

                        We stoped at the Brunig-Kulm Restaurant and indulged in a cervelat- cheese plate, dry meat plater, served with fresh baked farmers bread and two large bottle of Gurtenbrau beer. It was delicious
and we also got our first good view of the north side of the alps from the sunny deck of the restaurant.

                         At 3 pm we arrived at our destination, our home for the next 10 days. First we opened all the wooden shutters on the windows, plugged in the appliances, organised the sitting area on the balcony and took care of the bed room. Then we jumped back in the car and visited Landi, a new store in Grindelwald to purchase groceries and lots of beverages. Back at the home, siting on the balcony enjoying the view, drinking some Bacardi and coke, smoking my krumme, the relaxation time really began.