Geo: 20.767, -86.952Today we slept in and relaxed by the pool. We explored the resort, the beaches and the boutiques.... read more

Geo: 20.8215, -86.891Today we left Houston and headed to The Mayan Riviera resort specifically The Grand Lux near Puerto Moralos. Cancun is about 30 miles away. Once we cleared customs we were greeted by a multitude of drivers claiming to be our shuttle ride. We finally found the correct shuttle and eventually we were on our way. Al and his daughter picked up our rental car and me, Betty and Bob took the suitcases and went in the shuttle. Time is very different here in Mexico. A mexican minute is much longer than a swiss minute. When they say we will be leaving in a few minutes...figure 30. We were greated by Mimosos at check in. Al and Barbara finally arrived....checking out a car took longer than anticipated; but, they made it.Our room is beautiful. This ... read more

Geo: 46.4947, 7.67442We can't believe this is our last day! This morning we hiked to the Gondola here in Kandersteg and rode up to the trail that leads to Lake Oeschinensee. Everywhere you look, it's a feast for the eyes. Never have I seen a more beautiful country. I could live here. I was able to make it to the Lake with Bob's help, pain pills and a crutch. We had a cup of hot chocolate and enjoyed the views. One of our group even plunged in the freezing water. I cheated and took a cart ride back to the Gondola and headed back to our hotel. Bob hiked back. His pictures are much better than mine. After a short rest, we met our group at the train station and headed for the next little village ... read more

Geo: 46.547, 7.89267Today we took a series of trains and cable cars up to Murren and hiked down to Gimmelwald. The scenery was beautiful. I've included some photos. We even hiked by a hotel we had stayed in while traveling with a Rick Steves group in 2007. Of course we had to stop in and have a hot chocolate to reminisce.... read more

Geo: 46.7541, 8.03187After picking up a picnic lunch from the Bakery this morning, we caught the 8:13am train from Kandersteg to Interlaken where we changed trains to Brienz. We walked up to the wood carving museum and explored all the intricate (and very expensive) wood carvings.We then caught a bus to the Swiss Open-Air Folk Museum at Ballenberg. Across Lake Brienz from Interlaken, the Swiss Open-Air Museum of Vernacular Architecture, Ccountry Life, and Crafts in the Berner Oberland is a rich collection of more than 100 traditional and historic buildings brought here from every region of the country. The 50 acre park, laid out roughly as a huge Swiss map (Italian Swiss in the south, Appenzell in the east, and so on) is a natural preserve providing a wonderful setting for this cultural look at Switzerland. ... read more