Day Tripping

So, after the meeting of the Swiss family was checked off the list, (see part 1) OH decided to take me on a tour of the area. They live in a small village, situated roughly between Luzern and Engelberg.

OH's family live on a farm in the little dip between these two mountains.

We walked to the local bakery (Bäckerei) to have breakfast. On the way, we saw around five teenagers approaching. I steeled myself for the usual intimidating stares and posturing that would normally occur back in England. But no!! Nodding politely, they all smiled and said "Grüezi!" on their way past. 'Grüezi' I learnt, is the common greeting around here, not 'Guten Morgen', or 'Guten Tag' as I had been taught back home in German Class.

Of course, as any proud Swiss will tell you, they are not related in any way to the Germans, (not convinced of the validity of this!) but here in Central Switzerland they speak their own, much more diverse, Swisserized version of German. What they call Schweizerdeutsch, Schwyzerdütsch, Schwiizertüütsch, or even Schwizertitsch. Which basically all sounds like an Aussie version of UK English. It's very guttural, so you get a sore throat trying to pronounce words like:

1. Chuchichäschtli (Kitchen cupboard) and

2. Chäs-Chüechli (Quiche or Cheesecake)

I must just say that OH's family had great fun watching me try to pronounce these two words. Apparently a ritual that all foreigners must go through, for the amusement of the hosts, and to be accepted as an honorary Swiss. I think I passed!

Anyway, back to the Backerei. Here we found a tempting array of breads and pastries. The smell was amazing, and there were little tables and chairs set on the terrace. Although it was only 9am, there were lots of customers taking their time over strong coffee and Gipfeli, which are what we call Croissants! This, OH explained to me was 'Znüni' time, which applies to the snack/drink taken anywhere between 8:45 and 9:30am, when the workers come for their mid-morning break. (Nine is Neun in German, thus it becomes Zneuni ) Children at school also have Znüni time. It's called the 'Pause' - which rhymes with browser. Later I learnt that they were expected to take a small healthy snack to school, which is also known as a 'Znüni.'

The staff in the Bakery were extremely polite, and very smiley. I was pleased to find that you get table service in most cafés/bakeries here, and that you don't have to fight your way to a table with a heavy trays, and hot spilley drinks. Relaxing into a comfortable cream sofa, I ordered a schale, which is a milky coffee, and a weggli, a soft breakfast roll, (a big favourite with my kids!) My youngest always likens it to 'a little bummy bum' - but then she has my low-level sense of humour!

After that, we drove to Lucerne, which is actually spelt Luzern by the locals. I was captivated by the many beautiful sights there, the river, the large boats, the stunning architecture, and one of the main attractions in Luzern; the two medieval covered bridges across the Reuss River.

The largest and closest to the centre is the Kapellbrücke, which means Chapel Bridge in English. The Kapellbrücke was nearly destroyed by a 1993 fire, and much of what stands today has been lovingly restored, with many of the original artworks inside retaining their original beauty.

 Downriver, between the Kasernenplatz and the Mühlenplatz, sits the Spreuerbrücke, meaning Mill Bridge. Rickety and old, it steadfastly refuses to crumble; and proudly stands upon the Reuss. This bridge was constructed in 1408, and features a series of medieval-style 17th Century plague paintings by Kaspar Meglinger titled "Dance of Death." It has a small chapel in the middle that was added in 1568.

 After all the walking around and taking in of the many Swiss sights, it was time for another food break, (an essential part of any trip!) and we stopped at one of the many Italian eateries along the promenade. Again, table service, and without any visible resentment from waiting staff! OH told me that service workers get paid very well in Switzerland, and even have to go to school to learn the job. Apparently, no job vacancy is filled without proper training of some kind. The Swiss equivalent of apprenticeships, I suppose. I was impressed. No wonder they are happy-ish in their jobs!

Well, that was my first full day in Switzerland. I hope you enjoyed hearing about it as much as I enjoyed being there! 

Later, I will talk about the many weird and wonderful customs and traditions of the Swiss!

Thanks for popping in.

... and Tschüss!

Angela x