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Published: December 14th 2006
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Water on other side1
Water was in the opposite direction of the hills and on the other side of the lake was Italy. Wow, Switzerland is a beautiful country and I am glad I am going back to spend some more time there and ski. They, like Moscow, have been having warm weather so not a lot of snow in Lugano. They usually do not get much as they are very close to Italy and we actually went to Italy to see one of the plants. No time for pictures and we really did not see much, but we sure did eat well. Wow, all of the stories about wine and pasta are very true. But the best part was trying several very new and different dishes. We had several local favorites that were very good.
I think the best part was the next day back in Lugano. We ate at a very nice restaurant where the owner is a big game hunter so we had many unique dishes to chose from and I selected colt. Yes, colt as in a very young horse. They had some other regional selection, but I did not know if I would ever have the chance to eat horse so I decided to try it. I like beef better, but it was good and would choose it
Hotel
Cute hotel along a walking street. again if given the opportunity. Of course cheese was also a big part of the meal. We had rice and mushrooms looked in a cheese type sauce, with of course some wine in it as well, and they served it in a crock of cheese. It was also very nice, the one sales person had us over to his house on the last night to enjoy some home cooked fondue.
I have not downloaded the pictures yet so I will just save this entry until tomorrow when I post the pictures for everyone to see. The hotel was really cute and in the middle of a "no car" zone, but that did not mean it was quiet when the markets opened. And yes, you could find watches everywhere! but they were not cheap. I still want to get one when I go back just to say I bought a Swiss watch. The other thing that I wanted to do is open a Swiss bank account so yes, I stopped by one bank on Tuesday afternoon and you will not believe how much money they wanted to open the account. Just guess...$50,000, YES $50,000! It was sort of funny, of
Our Hotel
This was our hotel, which was really cute along a walking street. course I am thinking I could open one for $100 or so. After "making an appointment" to speak to someone in foreign accounts who spoke English, I am rattling off all of my questions, how much do I need to open, how much do I need to maintain, is there an inactivation fee, how do I deposit/withdrawl money, etc. and then she stops me, "Wait, I need to ask you some questions first." I was sort of surprised, but was having fun so I sat back and listen. I am sure it is not too different than they hear from others opening accounts in Switzerland, but here are the list of her questions with my responses:
"Your citizenship?" United States of American
"Where do you current reside?" Russia
"What do you do for a living?" Contractor
"How much are you planning on depositing?" Depends on your min. requirements
Maybe it is not funny, but I thought to myself as I answered these questions, she must think I a shady person with those kind of answers, but after I fell out of my chair when she said $50,000, it really did not matter to me what she thought.
Room
Like most European hotels, we had a very small room, but it was plenty big for one person and the real flowers added a nice touch! Back in Russia again and I hope to be off to St. Petersburg this coming weekend. I will let you know and hopefully get the pictures posted as well.
I forgot to post about the Christmas concert put on by the Moscow Oratorio Society. The first half, The Messiah by George Hndel, was a little "too opera" for us, but it was done very nicely and the church was perfect for it. The second half was traditional Christmas Carols and a lot of fun to sing along to, not that you were suppose to, but I could not help myself and at least hummed to them. Dasha had never been to anything like it so it was a new and neat experience for her. It was different for her, but I think she really liked it. Now on the last song, she sang along to it as it was an old Russian song called "V lesu rodilas' yelovhka."
Of course that evening, I stayed with Alan at his apartment which is very nice. I can see why it is so expensive as it is two stories with three bedrooms and dining room with a great view of the
View from Door
This was my view as I opened my door. It was really pretty and there was a fountain at the bottom that you could hear all the way up stairs that was very relaxing. city. Now is it worth the amount he has to pay, I have no idea, but I know it is nice and a lot better than what he will get in Obninsk when he moves there. The other thing I noticed when we were walking down the hall to his door, I am not the only one in Russia with a door hanging. My niece and nephew made me a door hanger with my name on it for my outside door welcoming people. I know I am the only one in Obninsk with anything like it and thought even Russia, but a few people in Alan's complex also had a door decoration. This evening Michael helped carry up some of my groceries from the car and he said, "I like your door decoration; it looks nice, but I am surprised that is still there." People will just take things and a few of the dragon flies and pompoms have disappeared, but the decoration is still there.
Last before I sign off and head to bed, I am heading to St. Petersburg tomorrow with Alex and a few of his friends from the theatre group. I think they want to
Clocks and BellTowers
I do not know what it is, but I love clocks and bell towers. This was up the hill overlooking part of the city. see a play/performance there and asked if I wanted to come along so I thought what better way to see a new city so I gladly accepted. We are taking the overnight train from Moscow tomorrow evening and coming back on Monday morning. It worked out well that I am working second shift with Sanitation. I am not sure how soon I will get the pictures posted and stories told, but will try to get that done next week.
I hope everyone has a great and wonderful Christmas!
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Gale
non-member comment
These are really nice pictures and it sounds like your adventures are continuing to be exciting. I'm glad you're not getting bored and sitting, not that grass could ever grow under your feet by no means! lol Have a great trip and even greater Holiday!