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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1969-11-13, Page 11THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1969 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS Zurich Lady Outlines Tours in Switzerland (by Mrs. Len Prang) September 30, was an event- ful day for the 187 vacationers who enjoyed the eight day visit to Zurich, Switzerland. The best wishes and "Auf Wieder Sehen" from our many Zurich friends must have been a good luck omen. The travels were safe, weather the best, Wardair hospitality was super, air travel very relaxing. Air travel averaged eight hours Two meals were served. The seven stewardesses, alert con- tinuously, offered magazines, bingo, candy, fruits, and bev- erages. The Switzerland clock had the time 10 o'clock, watches were turned ahead five hours. A two hour tour of Zurich was enjoyed by a bus load of Can- adian visitors in the afternoon. Land is expensive, apartments are in need. Zurich has an open air artificial ice skating rink year round. Vineyards are grown in Zurich up the side of the mou- ntains. The city is the largest in Switzerland, but since it is near the border it can never be the capital. The reception at the Stathaus (city hall) was thrilling; the view from the third floor with a spac- ious centre opening to the main floor and lighting were large crystal chandeliers. The welcome in English spoken from the pres- ident Dr. Sigmund Widmer and the reply from Mayor Gordon Hess were impressing to hear. Snacks and beverages were ser- ved at the hall and dinner at our hotels, complimentary of the city. On October 2, three bus loads started the four day tour of Switzerland while others travel- led by rented cars or train, or took one day tours. Everyone was pleased with their visit. The red geraniums in window boxes on house -barn combination; were a quaint sight. Petunias and many dahlias in full bloom were seen. The guide rold us chestnut trees are seen every- where, chestnuts are kept in homes or carried. They are be- lieved to be a preventive for arthritis. Small cemeteries are seen, most have cement walls as a fence. German in reading and writing is taught in schools. French and Englis% is secondary. The city of Zug was busy, the homes and narrow streets were scenic. On to Kussnacht and at Weggis two boats took passengers for a 40 minute ride on Lake Luzerne to Luzerne. Summer resorts were seen along the shore and many large hotels. Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren have beautiful mansions on the moun- tain near Luzerne. A large priv- ately owned castle couldbe seen on the mountain. Dinner in Luzerne at the Old Swiss House restaurant was a thrill. Girls in costumes willing- ly posed for pictures. Near Brienz we passed under rock which was like a bow over the road. The guide said, "lower your heads so we might pass unde: (obediently many lowered heads) then said, "good, we made it." The city of Saren also had it's narrow streets and the many flow- ers. Brienz stop was different, time was spent at a store where only woodcarving was sold. For many years every family had one or more wood carvers who made a living doing carving. Carving was taught at Brienz. The afternoon tea stop was at Interlaken, many small pur- chases of different souvenirs were made. Mountains were seen and high altitudes experienced, but the thrill or tension of mountain driving was different as we near- ed 'shun. The guide explained Mt. Niessan, said it always is to the point, just like a sharpened pen- cil. Thursday night was spent at the capital, Bern. The popul- ation is 200, 000 -- it's the third largest city in Switzerland. The symbol of Bern is the black bear, The bearit was seen but bears were inside for the night. Win- dow shopping in the evening also was a pleasure. Here we saw Heintz catsup, Green Giant peas, Canada Dry and Cocoa Cola. First stop for October 3, was at Murten, only small oars could enter the small archway to the shopping mall which had all sidewal<s under roof. Merchan- dise was on tables and racks at all stores. Sidewalk restaurants were so inviting. In this part of the country large vegetable gardens were seen, Sugar beets and corn fields were numerous but corn waa never served at a meal. At Neuchatel a Volkswagon on display had price of 599 Fra- ncs. Only small cars are seen, they are the Fiat, Simca, Austin, Opel, Citroen, Vovo, and Ren- ault. The city of Neuchatel, also was a pretty sight, again the mountain background, narrow streets, and many window boxes with geraniums and ivy. It was very clean and neat. People are dressed plain and neat, A11 men and young boys have neat short hair cuts. A coffee stop was made at Grandson, a small village. Our guide bought a newspaper and read the item of news to us about Canadian residents making a first visit in a group to Zurich, Switzerland. A number of wo- men had a special joy on their faces as they came on the buses. They agreed it was a memor- iable experience. A three hour stop was made at the French town of Yverdon. In- tersection stop lights operate only when traffic is heavy, Po- lice are ambulance drivers and first aid men. In many cities police direct traffic from a ped- estal in the centre of the inter- section. The city of Lausanne situated on a mountain side was scenic. The bus driver made many turns going up and up to the lovely Swiss Chalet for our noon dinner. The men waiters wore red loose short gowns trimmed with braid, which were very pretty. The dining room was quite dark and had Japanese type lighting. Menu was soup for the first course; the second course was fish with lemon croutons, small boiled potatoes, and bread; the third course was lettuce with plain dressing; and the fourth course was a large chicken leg with cream sauce and rice; and the last course was fruit cocktail. Beverages were always extras for noon and evening meals. The tablecloth, napkins, and full length drapes were matched of a heavy type weave cloth of red with yellow trim, The super highway to Geneve bypassed all the towns. Mt. Mont blanc was a sight to see, it was 60 miles away and borders Italy and France, It's height is 15, 800 feet. It's snow -tops were inter- mingled with clouds. The River Rhone was crossed on a six lane bridge to enter Geneve. A large double fountain amid flowers, a floral clock and flowers resemb- ling emblems in a park certainly gave visitors a hearty welcome. The guided tour of the United Nations building was interesting and also historical, The thrill of eating at the Lac de Pearle Chalet was tops in beauty and service. It was sit- uated on. the River Rhone which was illuminated on both sides, The city lights provided a color- ful view, and background, The night was spent at our favourite hotel, Du Midi (name Brasserie, in French was above the door) after the guide was given explanation fromma Can- adian, he thought it a good joke. Du Midi rooms were equipped with a five piece bathroom, a scales, large towels, clothes closet, desk table, comfortable chairs, radio, color T. V . , tele- phone,. New Testament in three languages, vibrator, plate with two pears, two chocolates, pin- cushion with needles, threads and buttons. The comfortable beds had two pillows and a fea- ther comforter, Du Midi also provided a re- frigerator in each room contain- ing ice cubes, glasses, bottle opener and six varieties of bev- erages, -- appelsaft, biere, sev- en-up, ewen-up, coca cola, Hennie Lirh- ine and champagne, A few guests realized that after enjoying the drink that, "the drinking had to be reported at the desk in the morning, "and nine francs 50 had to be paid for champagne, Mostly breakfast menus were; two kinds of bread rolls (hard crust) butter, individual plastic containers of jams (six varieties) also cheese, a pot of coffee and a large pitcher of hot light crearn Most hotels and many restaur- ants and stores have automatic glass doors. Geneve is very mod- ern, a number of balcony rest- aurants were so pretty with the red geranium and ivy decorations Many actresses are living in man- sions near Geneve, "taxes are low' On October 4, we returned to Lausanne, travelling on the highway along Lake Lacle . Many lovely mansions with floral beds and large lawns were seen. The city of Rolle is very pictur- esque, the many peach orchids had apple sized peaches. Tree branches hung to the ground and many were propped. At Morges we saw the first trailer camp, it had only small trailers, At Lausanne Mr. Hick from London and Mr. Geiser from Dashwood left our bus to go by train to Willisau to visit the brother of Mr. Hick who had not seen each other for 41 years. The Swiss Riveria was scenic with it's acres of vineyards high up the mountain sides. Many cement walls are built at inter- vals to prevent soil erosion. At Vevey the Nestles headquarters were seen. The guide told us at Montreux ski competitions are held on the mountains in the morning and on the same day ski competitions in the water in the afternoon. Not too many were thrilled with the guided tour of the pre- served Fort of Chilloh Castle. The explanation of the interior rooms and purposes in it's oper- ating days were frightening. Mountains are always in view, from Martigny to Sion many small lifts are seen, guide says, "Pa is going home for dinner." Children use the lift to go to school. Also often we could see trains going in and out of the mountains at various heights. Dinner was enjoyed at hotel Elite in Visp. At 1:45 all passengers of the three buses were on the electric cog wheel train of three cars for the one and a half hour trip up to 7, 000 feet to Zermatt. Two remained at Zermatt while others continued by train to the height of 11. 000 feet. A short distance had to be made on foot. The altitude of 11, 000 feet and the scene of a sea of snow covered mountains was a wondrous sight. This mountain is named Gorner- grat. While going on the train and at Zermatt one had the view of the nicest peak in the Alps, Mt. Matterhorn, which is on the border of Switzerland and Italy. The service and entertainment at Zermatt's Hotel Bristol, was a memoriable evening. After dinner the manager invited every one to the Keller Haus. Very fine music was provided by three men playing the accordian, flute and a small string instrument. Six young ladies and men dressed in costume danced. A number of Canadian also joined in with dancing. Norman Walper of Exeter, accompanied on the piano. Mrs. Beatrice Hess, led in a sing -song. To complete Saturday night's entertainment (continued on page 13) PAGE ELI VEN FOCUS: One Moment of Time Our camera records a child's First Smile . , makes an official report on the bride's radiance , . . Commemorates a trio posed for Dad's birthday surprise. Moments like these can never be recaptured unless they are per- fectly preserved by HADDEN'S STUDIO. Your family's .pictorial history Should be in qualified hands. Contact Hadden`s Studio GODERICH 118 St. David St. 524-8787 DO IT YOURSELF • EFFICIENT • ECONOMICAL • PERMANENT • SAFE • EASY INSTALLATION GET THE FACTS! DON OKE LTD. 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