Museum, museum and Mountian

We had a relaxed start to to the day, 

with a stroll in to the centre of town after breakfast. We were yet to visit the local museum or see inside any of the shops, as they keep some interesting hours. See video below...

 

After learning a little of the history of Appenzell, we headed to Urnasch to visit the Museum of Appenzell customs. We arrived and decided to have some lunch first. There was a small restaurant close by to the museum so we decided to go there. We encountered very friendly people, who didn't speak a word of English, but bent over backwards to make us feel comfortable. While they did have an English version of their menu, I think it had been some time since English speaking folk had walked through the door. Everyone wanted to pitch in to help communicate. It became quite comical. We both ordered the local speciality Cordon Bleu and it was delicious. Very simple, home cooked food done very well. Apparently I've become a beer drinker, as I enjoyed my second beer in two days. (It was called "Lady Beer" on the menu - Shannon)

After lunch, we made a quick pit-stop to the local ATM and headed to the museum. 

We were again greeted by staff who spoke no English, but were very keen to show us a film in English about their customs. This went for about 20 minutes and was quite interesting. The Appenzell people are very proud of their traditions, that are still alive and well today. Shannon and I were in awe of the elaborate festivals and celebrations they hold annually, that involves everyone in town. One of the most interesting and perhaps a little strange, was the cutting of the log. One giant tree is chopped down every two years, decorated and paraded through town by men dressed as traditional herdsmen. This all starts at 5 in the morning and they walk with the log through the streets for hours, stopping at points to receive drinks from the locals. When they reach their end point in town, the tree is then auctioned off, with money raised going to a local charity. Most people bidding on the log are builders or renovators, but sometimes town folk. Where on earth you would put a giant log I have no idea.

Convinced we had a new and quite good understanding of the rich culture of Appenzell, we left heading for the last cable car and mountain top of our visit to Switzerland. This cable car would take us to the top of Hoher Kasten, not quite as high as Santis, but being a beautiful day, we were rewarded with amazing views of the Alps and the valley below. The photos speak for themselves. Tomorrow we leave this quaint little town for the city of Zurich.

A morning in Appenzellerland

A short video of some local scenes in Appenzell.

Cheese, Church and Cable Car

Today it was time to learn about the making of Appenzeller cheese at the "Appenzeller Demonstration Cheese Dairy in Stein.  This was a real working dairy that allowed us to

get up close (well behind glass at least) to smell and taste the specialty the locals are so proud of.

One distinct feature of the Appenzeller cheese is its smell. Katie said is has a pungent aroma of dirty socks, I on the other hand think it smells like the abattoir on the Melbourne ring road close to Altona. It is however a smell that one does get used to and does in fact become likable.

We were able to get a loan of an iPad each from the center which guided us through the dairy and the process of the cheese production.  This iPad tour was included with the Appenzeller card and was well prepared and in English.

After having the tour of the dairy and a break outside in the beer garden, we were off to our next stop Ebenalp. This is the place where we saw around thirty para-gliders, learnt we aren't all that great at hiking, got to meet some of the hard working ladies of the region and saw some pretty impressive scenery.

Firstly the mountain top is accessed by cable car, and once again the cost was included in the Appenzell Card.

Within 8 minutes or so we were at the top and ready for the 12 minute walk down through a cave and then to the cliffside Guest house.

The walk down was on a goat track and actually took us more like 20 minutes, but there were many stops to look at the exceptional scenes.

Half way down is where we come across the hard working local ladies (as Katie calls them).  I do too see them as hard working, these beasts climb up mountains, where we take cable cars, they walk around on cliff faces and never fall, all in aid of making the prescious milk. They are very pretty too.

Further along the trail we went through some caves and then a cliff top church, before reaching the guesthouse attached to the side of the cliff.

The journey back up the mountain was to take 20 minutes according to the signs, but we knew it would take longer. How much longer, long enough for a well earned beer.

Ebenalp is one of the most natural, picturesque places I have ever been to and would highly recommend.

Tonight's dinner was at our apartment, and after seeing all the cows thought it best to have steak and salad.

Tomorrow, culture at the museum.

We are now living in a postcard

Appenzell, it is more Swiss than Switzerland. How can that be? well other areas have the mountains, glaciers, lakes, but this area has the iconic postcards.  It is like around every corner there are cows, green grass, a mountain range in the background and someone playing
an alphorn.

We started the morning at Schwellbrunn and were able to catch the start of the small and very local bi-annual festival.  It had all the Swiss draw cards, flowers from window ledges, pork sausage and a mini beer hall with brass band. 

We stayed and listened to the band, had a Caffe Crema (white coffee) and felt a little out of place.  All others were drinking the local beer and it was only just after 10am.  After ordering one of the wait staff come over and introduced her self, we were able to have a welcoming conversation with her about the festival. She had many (polite) questions for us too, where we were from, where we were staying where we are going. I think we made her day and will be her point of conversation to others for some time.

Next was a ride up to Mount Santis, the highest mountain in the area at 2502 meters.

We picked one of the worst days for this adventure but the brunch booking we had was only available on a Sunday.  Once we arrived at the top it was sure a disappointment, The view had been enclosed by cloud.

The brunch was ok, but again slightly disappointing. not a recommendation.

Next stop was the Jakobsbad Toboggan run at the base of Jakobsbad-Kronberg Cableway. This is included in the Appenzell Card, a card with many offers that is given to people staying in the area three nights or more. 

This is 450 meters up, and 1000 meters down with a max speed of 41km/h, we both went on it and, it is best to see the video.

After the ride we boarded the Jakobsbad-Kronberg Cableway another free ticket thanks to the card and headed for Mt Kronberg.

This was much more interesting, from the top we could see many cows grazing and doing what they do best, make milk.  From the top we could see over Bodensee (lake) and beyond into Germany.

 Up at the top of the mountain it was only 11 degrees, and with bursts of sun difficulty was had taking a selfie.

The afternoon was taken up with an attempt to find an open supermarket, fail, no supermarkets are open on Sundays in Switzerland. These are the interesting things we learn on our travels. In the end it forced to go to the BP Petrol station to buy things, like butter (4.99 swiss francs for 50 grams), bread, milk, soft drink, cheese, ham, and Italian red wine. We asked the lovely girl about the shops being closed and she replied"'everything is closed on Sundays in Switzerland". She was amused when we told her about how the Australian consumer now expects 24hr a day, everything.

Tomorrow, let's make some cheese.

Driving on the "right" side of the road

When we started planning this trip it was decided to include driving. Public transport in Europe is fantastic and in Switzerland runs like clock work, but driving a car around a place makes you feel a little more like a local, than just another tourist. It also allows us to see more of the places away from the main tourist routes. When we landed in Zurich yesterday, we

collected our hire car and headed to our first destination, Appenzell. I was pleased Shannon volunteered to drive the first leg, because to be honest, I was feeling quite anxious about the whole driving on the right side of the road thing.

There was no avoiding it. There had previously been a deal made that we would share the driving in Switzerland and Italy. This morning before we left for Santis (highest mountain on this side of Switzerland) Shannon sent me out for a little practice. 

Driving a car is something that I just take for granted. Because it is done daily, you just go through the motions. However, when you sit on the left instead of the right side of the car, change gears with the gear stick from the right instead of the left and drive on the right side of the road instead of the left....you need to be quite alert! 

Driving up and down the street of our apartment was relatively easy because there was no traffic, however every muscle was tense, my heart was in my throat because I was so nervous and I kept forgetting to breathe. 

Other challenges then faced including remembering to stay in the right lane after during left hand turn, going around the round about to the right not the left and being able to judge the distance from the right side of the car and the gutter. Oh, and to make it more challenging we got caught in some heavy rain at one point. So Shannon helped operate the windscreen wipers while I focused on the windy road, car in front and remaining calm(ish). Currently we are only driving about 20 minutes at a time as the attractions are close and we take it in turns. On my second drive I started to feel more comfortable and confident. 

We will return this car on Wednesday when we head to Zurich and then pick up another car after our stay in Milan.

First welcome suprise

After checking in we decided to stretch the legs and go for a wander and look see in Appenzell town.  Nothing specific was planned but we were in for a treat when we come across these Alphorn players.

Play the video to hear mesmerising sound.

Morning stroll

I always find after flying from Australia to Europe I wake very early after the first full nights sleep. this trip was no exception.

Here is a little video whilst I was out walking on the first morning.

A close encounter with Dubai Airport security

Going through customs and security checks at airports is just part of the process you have to go through when traveling. Time consuming and annoying, yes, but obviously very necessary. 

Having traveled overseas a few times, I've never faced an issue and breezed through without any hassles. Melbourne airport have streamlined security making passport and bag checks so quick and
easy. The new scanners allow you to put your passport in and after 15 seconds and some type of body scan you are through, no human interaction and lots of flashing lights. I was impressed.

All transiting passengers at Dubai are required to go to security screening on arrival and in the past this has not been an issue for me.

Being a goody two shoes I always have the liquid bag out ready and everything loaded on to the belt to be checked.

When I walked through the body scanner, the alarm went off. An intimidating young man sent me back with the order "shoes and watch, off".   I head through for a second time with the same result. He glares at me, yells something in Arabic and points to a tiny room. 

I have no idea what is going on, but like a good girl follow orders and go to the tiny room. I am met by a female officer who shuts the door behind us. She didn't utter a single word to me but proceeded to pat me down.

Let's just say she was extremely thorough and when she was confident I wasn't attempting to smuggle contraband, gave me an approving nod and let me out of the room.

Clearly they were just following protocol and doing their job but the experience was completely unexpected.

Emirates EK407 and Business Class

As some may already know by our personal Facebook posts we did splurge a little and upgraded to Business Class.

Being our 4th international trip together and never seeing the possibility of a free upgrade happening it was decided to take the plunge and upgrade.  Initially we only upgraded the return flight to avoid the Europe to Australia jet lag we had on prior trips.
 Then as the date of our adventure came closer
and closer we managed to get a great deal for upgrade of the entire journey.

There are many reviews of Business class, so this ins't going to be another just what we found to be highlights.

Was it worth it... 

Financially? probably not. This has been one of the lest sensible decisions we have ever made and it wasn't made lightly.  Thankfully many people and family supported us in the decision.  

Emotionally? Yes. I'm not saying that flying is a emotional experience, but it was sure an uplifting and positive emotion changing experience. It proved to us both that the hard work we have been doing, the saving we do and penny pinching has been all worth it. 

Physically? Yes. we were able to lay flat on the semi hard surface of the seat and get a number of hours sleep. Exiting the plane we both agreed we had a feeling of being more alert and awake. Passing through all the security checks was much more enjoyable too, well for me at least. Katie is going to write a separate piece about her check in, in Dubai.

What else do you get? 

We got a man in a cool black car to collect us from home and drive us to the airport, we did need to provide a supplement as we live outside the included range but this will still work out cheaper than paying for parking.

We got to access the business class lounge in Melbourne before flight where the food was delicious and there was free flowing Moet Champagne, and other globally selected wines. 

Priority access to the plane, First and Business class get to access the flight before economy class, this gave us time to receive a hot towel and have a glass of Moet together. We did stop counting the glasses at this point!

The hostesses were amazing, and just about anything we wanted was available. 

Another amazing feature was the rear bar area which we could access any time we liked to have a refreshing water, soft or hard drink. The bar was continuously staffed and had room to seat about 6 and stand about 10. It was a great place to go to when we needed to get up and stretch our legs.

The toilets aren't much different than Economy class, and really how can a toilet be any different? Little inclusions were fresh flowers, perfumes for both male and female, free combs, toothbrush.

So for us after the first leg of over 13 hours we feel we deserve the treat and it was worth it to us. However, we can understand if people think otherwise, I too was once an economy only flyer.

Leg Room

Winner winner, chicken dinner.

Coffee and Chocolate mouse, Macadamia tart

Waffles for breakfast

Shannon's breakfast

 Next Emirates flight EK87 to Zurich, Switzerland.

Bags packed time to go

It is hard to believe that the time has come and we are about to leave on our latest journey, this time through Switzerland and Italy. As you may know it has been over 18 months in the planning and promises many differing experiences.

Travelling be it locally, nationally or even globally is something Australians do well, it is practically in our genes. We come from a nation of explorers and
the explorers have come from the world over. Whilst traveling we try not to judge or impose our personal views, but we do learn others views and opinions.

Some may think that different cultures have vastly different opinions from us but when this is broken down to the base elements all cultures have the same basic views and opinions.  I have found no matter where a person is from we all,

• Have a need to be loved
• Want to give love to another
• Be part of a family
• Live in a violence and war free environment
• Have access to fresh food and water
• Have accommodation, a place to call home, 
• Have time to be free, 
• Have access to education
• Have access to work.

These are basic things that all people need and should be able to have.

Quite often people forget what they need in life or confuse it with what they want. While not having what they want they think their lives are incomplete, worthless or even worse. Some times if the needs are met then the wants disappear, I find that giving myself a gentle reminder of my needs and that they are met, does quite often alleviate the bad feelings.

Whilst only travelling to Switzerland and Italy this time we still expect to see vast differences in cultures and customs than those we are accustomed to in Australia.  I will be reporting on these in coming posts. 

Finally, the bags have been in the lounge room packed for the last 5 nights, totally un aware of the journey they also are about to endure.

Only, future blogs will tell.

Were off again

Mid August 2016 were heading back to Europe, this time flying into Zurich and leaving from Rome at the end of September.
Outline of stops (nights)

• Switzerland - Appenzell (4)

• Mountain tops
• Cable cars

• Switzerland - Zurich (3)

• Rhine Falls
• Lake Zurich cruise

• Italy - Milan (3)

• Milan Duomo
• Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper

• Italy - Modena (5)

• Day trip to Ravenna
• Parma ham, Balsamic Vinegars, Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan)
• Ferrari, Pavarotti

• Italy - Italian Riveria (6)

• Cinque Terre
• Carrarra Marble tour

• Italy - Tuscany (7)

• La Maesta
• Siena
• Monte Amiata

• Italy - Naples (3)

• Herculaneum
• Nat. Arch. Museum (Secret Cabinet)

• Italy - Rome (7)

• Borghese Gallery
• Tivoli Gardens