Switzerland - Aug '12

Switzerland: I'd been here before (many years ago) and Pratiwi had seen the pictures. Perhaps this was the most eagerly anticipated leg of the summer? It didn't disappoint either: Switzerland is just stunningly beautiful in the countryside and very clean and efficient in the cities. What's not to love?

We briefly caught up with old friends in Zurich before heading for the hills. Verbier & Interlaken to be precise.

The only downside to this country is the cost of living. Wow! This is why we brought the tent! After sharing a pretty cramped, but as it turned out enjoyable random time in Verbier there was an amazing five days of camping in Interlaken. Would you believe that we have stayed at hotels (really comfortable ones too) in France that are cheaper than the cost of camping here?!

This being the mountains there were also some very stormy nights, but better rain when you are sleeping, eh?

Stunning views both when cycling and hiking. Couldn't have asked for more from this all to brief stay.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Pratiwi enjoying Switzerland... somewhere near Alt St Johann.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

... and a good night was had by all! Catching up in Zurich. Plus the fantastic ribs that came earlier. Yum! tongue

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Drive & short walk up to the Hochwacht tower. Beautiful day, & view from the top was quite good as you would expect!

Wednesday 15 August 2012

These pick-your-own-leave-some-cash flower fields seem to be popular in a few European countries. Brilliant!

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Down on Jucker Farm. Enjoying huge slice of cake & apple juice, which was superb despite looking like dirty water! wink

Thursday 16 August 2012

In a rather overcast Montreux for lunch & a little messing about. Great weather if you're a... well... have a look wink

Thursday 16 August 2012

Part way up the road to Verbier... Looooove the mountains smile

Thursday 16 August 2012

Enjoying drinks in the Verbier sun while waiting for the access to the accommodation to show up... no rush wink

Thursday 16 August 2012

Despite our apprehension, @aglogan did OK on the accommodation front wink Evening view from the balcony in Verbier smile

Friday 17 August 2012

Morning views from the balcony here in Verbier. Hmmmmmm... smile

Friday 17 August 2012

From today's ride: End of the road above Verbier. Or rather where it becomes gravel a short way below Croix de Coeur.

Sunday 19 August 2012

Lac de Mauvoisin. A dam if the tunnels & wall don't give it away wink How much better would it be without those though?

Monday 20 August 2012

Another beautiful picnic spot for lunch, this time by Lake Thun.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Good morning Switzerland! Another beautiful day starts in Interlaken grin

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Just got back from cycling round Lake Brienz. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it! wink

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Great day! Morning cycle round the lake, arvo paddle on the lake. Find mobile roast chicken stand (yum!) & relax! grin

Wednesday 22 August 2012

A misty start to the morning looking down over Lake Brienz & Interlaken.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Views on the train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte... not your average morning commute! grin

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Hiking on Schynige Platte. Amazing! Just a short one today, but would love to return & continue all the way to First!

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Train ride back down to Wilderswil. Same views but different. Not that you could get bored of looking at this!

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Looking down the valley, over the roofs of Lauterbrunnen. Then a quick look at it's famous Staubbach Falls.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Dinner at Hotel Oberland. I have slab of pork wrapped in bacon on rösti, all topped with herb butter stuff. Yum! tongue

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Final destination of the day is Grindelwald. Think it's safe to say we saved the best 'til last & timing was good! grin

Thursday 23 August 2012

After some very active days this morning's ride to Grosse Scheidegg was a struggle. Lucky there were views to enjoy!

Saturday 25 August 2012

In Basel for the morning so a bit of shopping (hmmm... brot und kuchen!) & look about. Nice, clean, efficient: Swiss!