Switzerland Part 1: Zurich - Interlaken

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Long days & sporadic to non-existent wi-fi & here we are 18 days after leaving home. I am going to attempt to play catch-up on our adventures. We have spent time in 4 countries (Switzerland, Italy, France, & Spain). We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing sights that pictures cannot do justice to. Hopefully, I can give U a condensed re-cap of the highlights. We left LAX on a non-stop flight the evening of October 1st (sorry! Portia, that we never met up in the Swiss Air terminal), & arrived in Zurich the afternoon of Oct. 3rd (5925 miles & 11 hrs. 15 mins.). We were met at the airport by our Princess land tour guide, DeDe, who took us to the Moevenpick Hotel in Zurich. We relaxed for a few hrs. & then met the rest of the people on our tour at the Welcome Dinner. The group numbered about 36 - mostly Americans (many from CA & FL & pts. in between) + a few Canadians. The following morning was a walking/bus tour of Zurich & then a scenic drive from Zurich to Interlaken across Brunig Pass. We got our 1st glimpse of 3 famous peaks in the Swiss Alps---the Jungfrau, the Monch, & the Elger. We arrived at our hotel in Interlaken (Lindner Grand Hotel Beaurivage), located amidst the imposing Swiss mtns. Awe inspiring to say the least - however, the best was yet to come. In the morning (Oct. 4th), we took the cog-rail train to Jungfrau. At a ht. of 11,333ft., it is Europe's highest railway station. Jungfrau's summit (13,642 ft.) was 1st ascended in 1811, &, in 1912, the rack-railway was opened. The "Top of Europe" & the ascent up the steep mtn. offered unforgettable views & was an "E ticket" ride that occupied the entire day. Dad was able to cross the ice caves off his "bucket list" - one of the few remaining things, after many yrs. of world travel. Pictures to follow!

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Photos

Zurich
Walking tour of the old town

Zurich
The universal language