Bill&Theresa: "You were right!" Day

Red sofa once used by Charlie Chaplin (purportedly).

Editors Note -- First, Bill is feeling much better than we thought he would yesterday. Hopefully it continues that way! Thank you for the continued prayers!

We hit the rails at the crack of midday, catching our 11AM train to Zermatt. Actually, it was a series of trains and connections. As the first train came up, we noticed the throng of people trying to get on the train…as we headed to the First Class car. We saw several Second Class cars with people standing. A week ago, we were debating on buying the First Class pass or the Second Class, and Bill made the case that it would be less crowded, less chance of standing for 2-3 hours, a place for bags, and some space for us. Eventually Theresa conceded. Today, I heard those 3 little words! 😊

Look! A MOUNTAIN!!!

The deep gorge we followed in the valley.

St. Nicolas

St. Nicolas Station

Check out that slate roof!!

There are no private motor vehicles in Zermatt, so...?

We arrived in Zermatt about 1PM, and hiked up to the hotel. Zermatt is a big ski resort surrounded by little ski resorts and about 14 peaks over 4000 meters (13,000 feet) tall, and also sits in the shadow of the Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic peak in in Europe, if not the world. Our hotel was tucked away at the high end of town, so we saw much of the main street on our hike. Our room wasn’t ready, so the purveyor gave us the key and told us we could drop our bags in the “Ski room” in the next building. Uh, ok. We locked up our roller bags and kissed our backpacks goodbye, hoping for the best.

The walk toward our hotel.

Here we are!!

Actually, this is our "Petit" Hotel.

Matterhorn!!!

A little way further up the hill, we caught the gondola partway up the first mountain before switching to one going up to Gornergrat, the “best” viewing point for the Matterhorn, at 10,132 feet. We explored a little and were just amazed at the scenery! They had a little exhibit area, so we went in. First there was a wide screen movie that showed the peak at all different seasons and weather. While we enjoyed the show, a child regaled us with an unremitting wail of discontent.

Then there was a spot where you could enjoy a “virtual reality” experience, that simulated hang gliding around and over the peak. There was quite a line when we walked in, but by the time the child’s howls and our movie ended, the line was only two deep, so worth checking out.

Zermatt from on the mountains.

We hoped to catch a bite up at the top, but as we headed up the stairs to the cafeteria at 3:25, we noticed the sign that they closed at 3:00. So, we did a last pass outside and headed for the train down. We were getting hungry, so looked forward to something maybe on the way down. First stop was at 4PM, and the café there closed at 4:15. Next place maybe 5? But we stopped for a while due to some rail issues.

The observation level at Gornergrat.

Is it just me, or does this make anyone else want to watch a
"Paramount" movie?

Look!!! GREY!!!

Finally, we made it all the way back down to Zermatt and found a bratwurst food “stand”. They looked GOOD!!! We also got a “raclette”, which is basically a slice of bread with cheese (underwhelming bread…). They take a wheel of Gruyere (we think) cheese, and broil it until the surface is bubbling, then scrape the molten cheese off onto the bread and serve it. That was SO good!! While waiting for our raclette, Theresa was swayed to try the Gluhwein (a hot spiced wine). She was NOT disappointed!

One big brat!!! :-)

Cheeeeeeeeze!!!

A "petit" room in Le Petit Hotel

Back to our hotel, we found our bags (unmolested) and checked into the room. You know those big spacious wonderful hotel rooms?? Neither did they! But it suits the primary purpose. Except, there was really nowhere to work, so Theresa suggested we head to the bar and for the price of a beer, we might work there. Great idea!! I grabbed a booth under the TV (playing MTV, with actual music videos! I KNOW!!!!) While Theresa ran upstairs to take care of a thing or two, the bar tender became sort of chatty. Now, I’m not saying the conversation wasn’t interesting (talking about the rise and fall of civilizations from Egypt to modern day, but it was NOT helping me get this blog written! Well, as you might notice, I think I did finish.