"Guten Morgen!" Mr C barked on the morning of Day 8. Perceiving that it sounded different this morning, we looked up at him.
"That's Good Morning in Swiss German, by the way. No more Bon Jono ya? This morning, we will drive 40 km to Engelberg and take a series of revolving cable cars to the top. We will return to this hotel tonight and check-out only tomorrow. However, I must remind everyone to bring along your passports. Do not leave them behind."
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| more rolling hills and green pasture |
Flocks of sheep complete with shepherds roamed the green pasture near Engelberg. Suddenly, we came upon a curious sight.
THE COW PARADE
MOUNT TITLIS
As was customary, I checked with TripAdvisor before embarking on this part of the journey.
As was customary, I checked with TripAdvisor before embarking on this part of the journey.
"The weather at Mt Titlis is unpredictable so dress in layers," offered Ms Whats-Her-Name.
Mt Titlis is 10000 feet above sea level, so do expect some altitude sickness. (Symptoms-headache/vomiting) Come prepared." Mr Whatchamacallhim wrote.
"Oh de-de-dear-dear," I lamented. "The highest point I've ever been to was about 5000 feet and I did remember having a modest headache. I'm sure I'll get altitude sickness up there. I'm sure of it. Whatever should I do?"
"We don't have to go up to the top, you know? We can always choose to stay behind at the foot of the mountain, walk around for a bit, or have some tea." My Significant Other (bless his soul) assured me.
"Oh, don't worry about that. You'll be fine. Just keep yourself warm," said Hui (not her real name) who had been up Mt Titlis some years before.
"Pills for altitude sickness?" Mr GP blurted out looking a tad gobsmacked. "Flu jab? Why do you need those? Just relax. Go up there and enjoy yourself. Yes, yes. 10000 feet is nothing you can't handle. Don't worry."
Now Mr GP is well traveled and had been to so many places that you don't ask him where he's been to but where he hadn't, so I relaxed a notch or two and began to look forward to the trip.
But Mr C must have his two cents on the matter.
"We will stop at Engelberg shortly to take the cable car up to the top. Now, remember this. We are going to be about 10000 feet above sea level where the oxygen level is low. So when you see the snow, don't go "Oh wow! Snow!" and go into an epiphany of sorts. Stay calm and you'll be fine."
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| Engelberg (from cable car) |
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So I stayed calm, remembering to take deep breaths. I did not gasp for want of oxygen and I most certainly did not vomit, or consider embarking on one.
The Glacier Cave was a 150 m long walkway which progressively descended some 20 m below the surface of the glacier. I took about 10 steps into its interior and feeling a little intimidated by the intrusive walls, backtracked, took some pictures and was completely satisfied by the experience.
It was time for lunch. We had our Cheese Fondue, which is really cheese melted in alcohol, a dipping for the bread.
As far as taste goes, it's just an alcoholic cheesy sauce which did not impress me.
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Oh, by the by ..... While waiting for the food to be served, I had the luxury of time to sense or imagine (who could tell the difference?) some mild dizziness. The tables and chairs at the restaurant were floating buoyantly. Unfortunately, this did not have any dramatic effect.
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| Embroidery work |
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| going down |
We were back on the road and heading for Lucerne. (aka City of Lights) It was raining cats and dogs, hippopotamuses too.
LUCERNE
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| The dying Lion of Lucerne - carved into natural rock in memory of the 400 Swiss heroes who gave their lives at the Tuileries in Paris 1792. (The French Revolution) |
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