ST. MORITZ-A MAGICAL FAIRYTALE

Last minute planning just before Easter weekend, I booked a trip to St. Moritz.  I had been agonizing over the 4 day weekend for 3-4 weeks prior to the Easter weekend.  In searching the database for cheap airline tickets to Marrakech, Agadir, Tenerife, Allicante, Paris, Ibiza or Malta, I ended up quickly booking my flight and hotel, to St. Moritz, Switzerland.

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. 

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.  

SHOE SHINE BOY!

OH, SHOE SHINE BOY! SHOE SHINE, BOY!  A small bit of cartoon trivia for everyone who has a bank of useless cartoon information lodged in their brain for my 'search engine' purposes.  "UNDERDOG" - Shoe Shine Boy's heroic alter ego - and, mine now, too!

On a recent trip to Chicago I had the pleasure of experiencing, for the first time, a shoe shine.  Actually, a boot shine.  Shoe shines are not just for men anymore.  Move over!  Not only are we moving up the corporate ladder, but we are now pushing you aside on the shine chairs!  

With the cost of living over the past few decades burrowing holes deep into our purses [at least, mine] we, as women, find ways to ensure our luxuries and necessities have a longer survival rate.  Personally, this affects my shoes and boots lifelines.  I may scrimp on certain commodities, but I have a problem when it comes to passing on a gorgeous shoe or boot; boots, preferably.  I definitely have a boot problem.  I absolutely LOVE my boots.  It doesn't matter if I find a pair on sale for $50 or a fine Luchese for $1200. It is not uncommon to see me with holes in my leggings or jeans offset with a pair of very expensive boots. I take care of them until they fall apart and off my feet.  It's always a tragic and sad moment to send them off to a new home; or even worse, the trash.

Adjacent to the Starbucks coffee shop at the airport was a set of fine leather chairs and a shoe shine stand.  I sat in one of the cushy leather chairs while waiting for the tall soy no whip light foam mocha I had just ordered from the airport barista.  During this moment, I met Tom.  He said good morning to me and asked me if I wanted a, 'shine.'  He went on to explain that over the past few years he has had a growing number of women as customers.  He explained that women, as well, are wanting to protect their 'investment.'  Apparently, I am not alone in wanting to prolong the expense of quality leather footwear.  

              

Tom - My Boot Hero

Coincidentally, the day before I noticed my boots, of five years, were scuffed at the toe and needed a buff. Observing the time [because of my pending flight] which allowed for me to get a quick shine I hopped up onto the chair.  Tom, whose wife and mother own the business, have 180 shine chairs around the country, proceeded to discuss the process and needs of my boots. The process was similar to sitting with my hair stylist and discussing the needs of my hair.  A. What would look best?  Does the boot need a dye? Just a wax? How much of a shine?  Ectera.  



Timing did not permit for the 'works'  so, my boots received a good wax, buff and protective sheen against the pending snow in Chicago.  




Tom was awesome.  I recommend a him and a shine anytime. He's at Greene Airport in Rhode Island.  And, don't be afraid of the price.  It's not expensive as one may initially think.  He's my new Shoe Shine Boy and makes SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE!