SWITZERLAND HERE WE COME

 

 

We arrived at the Swiss border after a short thirty minute drive. We knew from our research we had to buy a vignette which enables you to drive on the toll roads for twelve months and must be displayed on the windscreen. We crossed the border and with more luck than good management we ended up in the correct lane and were stopped by two female French speaking border guards.

One slapped the sticky vignette on my hand and and I think asked for money.  I handed over 40 euros with the other woman waving me on. They were both scary women with boots and a uniform, so we exited with vignette in hand , and guessing there was no change.

Already we had learned several things:

1. Do not to take a car to a city in Switzerland
2.Observe the road rules, particularly speeds as this is not France, fifty means fifty, not seventy ! 

 

We passed the World Trade Centre with Lake Geneva and the French Alps on the other side. We bypassed Geneva as we had been warned that parking is near impossible there and we may go there by train later in the week. Heading for Lausanne instead seemed to be a good idea but the same parking problem arose.




Heading for Thun the snow covered mountains were looming closer and closer as we drove through a valley with grapes growing on the slopes and apple trees on the flatter ground. Beautiful vistas were all around us, as we both comment positively on our first foray into Switzerland.

Soon we were in Thun and managed to find a five story car park.

 

It was sunny and quite warm and hundreds of people were all seated out doors enjoying their lunches and refreshments at the many cafes lining the streets.

 

 It really is a beautiful setting with a number of very fast running streams with a series of locks making the water cascade through the city.

 

 Add some classic buildings, snow covered mountains and beautiful trees and gardens and Thun was looking to be a standout beautiful place.

Next we headed for Faulensee about a 15 kilometre drive. This is where we will be spending our week in Switzerland.
We turned off into a narrow street that wound its way up the side of the hill. All the houses here are of the chalet type design and have lovely gardens giving the impression of a wealthy area.  

 

After a little trouble we found our chalet and can't believe the view. We are on the side of hill looking straight down a lake with green hills and huge snow covered mountains as the backdrop.

Our unit is under the house but has been beautifully finished and is well equipped.

 

 

 

 

 What a great place to finish our holiday!