The Dimmer Op, from Lucerne, happened to stroll into our office one day in the midst of mayhem, and went on and on about where he is from and how beautiful Switzerland is. He actually gave me the perfect itinerary. His suggested the following: Fly into Zurich Airport. Take the train to Lucerne right to the Pilatus Mountain
Railway direct to the Mountain. Take the steamboat around the mountain to enjoy the magnificent mountainous views. Next take a train to the gondola through the glaciers. En fin. Well, not actually, then get back to Zurich Airport to return to London for work Tuesday morning. I did not do this trip. Instead, my flight took me to Basle. Then, the train to Zurich switching to the Glacier Express to St. Moritz through the beautiful snowy mountains to the historical first historical worldwide ski resort.
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| St Mortiz |
Starving after my long journey [because I wrongfully booked a ticket flying into Basle [northwest corner of Switzerland near France-as one would do while multi-tasking of booking flights, hotels, and two episodic budgets and hot costs at the same time; hence the added 1-1/2 hour train previously mentioned from Basle to Zurich], I found my way to the only place that maybe serving a 'snack' prior to the normal 7p.m. dinner hour for all restaurants in the area. The place was at the outside bar of the Hauser Hotel. It's where everyone meets apres ski for drinks; albeit, whether hot or cold, alcoholic or non, still a meeting place. My first experience with the local fanfare. I stayed for 3 hours and 3 hot mulled wine's. During which I had met the national Swiss Ski champion who practices 2x 3 hours per day and drags his 'jester' friend along with him each run. I also met a fantastic couple from Ireland [#3 mulled wine].
Day 2-Morning ski followed by walk about the lake then two hour long full body massage, then nearly collapsing as I sat up from the table which ensued the altitude sickness. My new friend, Carmen, took care of me and started pouring massive amounts of water into my body. I managed to get myself back to the hotel [Hotel Soldanella ***] and continued the water intake as if I were an elephant. I was able to eat dinner in the hotel [fantastic duck] in the fine dining room overlooking the lake and mountain.
Day 3-No skiing as I was afraid of the dizziness from altitude sickness, so I thoroughly enjoyed a 3 hour facial and manicure from Carmen at the Hotel Crystal. HIGHLY recommended. If you focus on the cost for anything in St. Moritz you will vomit, so just pay and get on with enjoying the local magic. After a bit of local shopping [window mostly] and a glass of wine at Paparazzi & Friends, which can't be missed [1 glass with a pitcher of water to aid with the altitude sickness] , We were able to enjoy my Easter dinner where the locals go right outside the town at a little place call Engiadina just behind the Waldhaus Hotel [lakeside with gorgeous mountain views]. It's where the locals enjoy their fondue with champagne. Dinner reservations were from 6-8p.m. We overstayed our welcome by 5 minutes. Pressure ensued as the next couple arrived early, as most Swiss do, so we sadly had to leave the quaint little restaurant. Not too bad though, nightcaps back at the hotel bar overlooking the village, lake and mountains.
Day 4-Delicious morning breakfast followed by the train back to Zurich Airport to catch my flight back to London. Caught the Glacier Express train for my last minute tour extraordinaire of the countryside.
P.S. St. Moritz is not for everyone. $$$$$$$$$ Tres tres cher! It makes Nantucket seem like your everyday local Lakeside Resort.
