Zermatt, June 17

The Matterhorn!

Left Bellinzona right on time, heading back north up the same initial valley I took the bus in,mbut at the head of the valley, he train took the north-western route. Pretty views, few people on the train, an an enjotable ride. First exchange in Göttenshen went exactly as defined- off one train on to the other and 3 minutes later off we went towards Brig, where the switch to the Zermatt train was to take place. Then we hit the last stop before Brig. And waited. The normal little message comes on to say the train is waiting for the train coming to clear the track. Then we wait some more. Then a message saying there is a problem and say they'll get back with more details soon. The other train finally goes by, and we wait some more. Then we start, and I look look at the clock- I had an 18 minute window in Birg- nope, missed it by 3. Therefore, when I got off the train, it was a 53 minute wait. So, I decided to use my time wisely. Popped over to the bahnhoff and picked up a curry chicken sandwich, then over to the Post to mail my postcards, when I came back out, there was the next train waiting in the station. Hopped on it, and completed the trip into Zermatt.

One point about the trip - this is the same track the "Glacier Express" runs on, and I could have waited and opted for that train, but it would have cost me a additional CHF 33 - instead of rolling by each station, we stopped. Instead of having a panorama car, I had a fairly empty car and the ability to choose my seat. I think I made the right choice, even if it meant I had an unexpected stop!

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, into Zermatt at 4ish, headed up to the hotel - Le Petit Hotel- a triangular shaped place that really has used ever nook and cranny. Got things dropped off, loaded yesterday's blog, looked up a laundry place, had my map from the reception and went for a wander. From the train station here, was more concerned with directions so wasn't looking up, but as soon as I did, I couldn't miss it. As it is quite warm (today said 28), and sunny, the mountain was showing off. I made it to the grocery store to pick up sausage and cheese for tomorrow's lunch before it closed.

Signpost about hikes and signage

After wandering back towards the hotel, I heard Swiss horns - I knew what they sounded like from the conference beer garden- and following the sound, found they were in the school plaza just next to the hotel! Listened to the last gentleman finish his song, and how the horns were disassembled before wandering to where the gondola is to orient myself for tomorrow morning, and then headed back to the Kirchplatz and decided to have dinner there.

I don't have any photos, but I would call it the first Swiss meal I've had. Didn't quite understand all the items on the menu, so whenI asked the waitress what one was, and she explained by pointing to something that a guy was having off in the corner, I went with that. Turns out it was called a Kaeseschnitte - think open-faced grilled ham and raclette sandwich, with pearl onions, a gherkin, tomato slices and an egg baked into the cheese. Quite good. Then, as the whole time I was eating I was staring at the sign so I had to try it, an 'Afpel strudel mit rhum aund vanila sauc' - warm, custard like sauce with chocolate, cinnamon and a flaky strudel. As i've eaten from the store and at the conference, I've not spent a huge amount on food, it was still under $40, what you'd pay elsewhere for a good meal - this included a beer and a coffee.

Noted it stayed light until 9, so I've got the timing for tomorrow. Headed in, wrote this and will hit the sack so I can see the sights tomorrow!