Swish

EUROPEAN CAMPING TOUR 35 DAYS 12 COUNTRIES

DAY 29 MUNICH TO LAUTERBRUNNEN THU 4-AUG-05

Via Leichenstein - passport stamp, chocolate and postcard.
Lion in the Rock - tribute to the Swiss Guards (world known for their neutral stance) killed whilst trying to protect French King Louis XVI and wife Marie Antoinette (both of whom had already escaped so the soldiers died for no reason). Very sad.
In Switzerland to the Swiss Watch and pocketknife shop. Owing to my need since losing my previous timepiece in Corfu, I spoiled myself with a beautifully fab Swiss watch. I love it and it's hard not to be impressed by it. It's the same as worn by Angelina Jolie in Mr & Mrs Smith.
Wandered through the town and over the old bridge. Then driving to our campsite in the area known as the 'Valley of Waterfalls'. It was breathtaking in the way that only huge beautiful green mountain scenes can be.

DAY 30 SWISS ALPS FRI 5-AUG-05

Rode the longest cog railway in the world to the 'top of the world' of Jungfrau mountain. Saw rip off rides including huskies which I almost did but couldn't be bothered waiting in line that long for a 7€, 200m oval circuit going around once. Hiked 45 minutes to cliff restuarant, didn't want anything so came back.
Heard a snow cliff cracking which was real cool. Checked out the Ice Palace - walls, ceiling, floors and scupltures entirley made of ice. Very beautiful. Peaceful apart from the people. Definately a lot more people than I thought there would be considered the price of the rail ticket.
Train back down, takes about 1.5-2 hours.
It was planned for use to see some traditional Swiss dancers tonight but straight after dinner I was whacked with a ferocious headache so I went to laydown. As soon as I did, you wouldn't believe it, a bloody brass Swiss marching band strikes up and walks straight beside my tent. Seriously, how many times does that happen??
I heard the dancing and band was good. I had falenl asleep and woke up as soon as it was over and everyone was going to the bar. Now this bar, is very well named. It's called the 'Bombshelter' and that's exactly what it is. The Swiss, expecially for a neutral country, are a very paranoid lot. It's alleged that all the bridges into the country are wired with explosives (to cut off easy access from all the surrounding countries if need be), all males are to serve in the military and all have machine guns and gas maskes in their homes.
I tried out this bombshelter bar and found it a packed, sweaty box of people, cigarette ash and bugger-all ventilation. Also have to walk through the laundry to get to it...

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