Monday, we headed to the airport and flew to Basel. On the train ride from Basel to Neuchatel, we saw plenty of snow on the tops of the taller hills, but fall colors still dominated the lower slopes. Note 1: there was no snow 10 days ago when we left for Florence. Note 2: it’s still October; that seems much too soon for snow. Note 3: for those still keeping count from the last post, we’re now at train, train, train, bus, train, plane, train.
We arrived home and immediately put our cats on a diet.
Tuesday, we explored the canton of Neuchatel with M’s parents. We visited Creux du Van (higher elevation= snow + wind + cold cold cold) and went on an unintended death march through the snow. Although it was crazy cold, it was quite beautiful, and we did spot some mountain goats, which had eluded us when we were there in the crowded summer. After the wintry hike, we drove back to town and visited the Chateau and church in Neuchatel proper, and wandered around town.
Wednesday, we drove to the Alpine foothills to visit Gruyères and to see some “very Swiss scenery”. We watched some guys make Gruyère cheese. We visited Gruyères castle. We looked up and up (but not at art this time) at the Alps; ski season is definitely close. And, of course, we ate fondue and Gruyère double-crème.
Thursday, we got up early to see M’s parents off for their train to the Zurich airport to start their travel to be with M’s brother as he gets married. By the time they get home, I think they will have traveled via: car, plane, car, plane, train, car, train, plane, plane, car, plane, car.
And then, we basically relaxed (and did some catching up on work).
Standard time (or “winter hours”) starts this weekend. It will be nice to drive to work with more light, but a total pain in the evenings. Back in June, K was really enjoying the long days (the sun was up by 5 am), but that same Northerly latitude is going to mean very short days soon.
One of our friends lived in Northern England for a while and referred to the winter as “The Long Dark”. We aren’t that far North (though we are further North than Michigan, where K has spent considerable time), but we can completely understand the expression.
Lessons learned:
1. Despite the green hills, it can be bitterly cold at higher elevations in the canton in October.
2. There appears to be a Thursday morning market in Neuchâtel.
3. The eye exam at the local optometrist for the Swiss driver's license is free. (We both read the letters in the viewer in French.)
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