31 Days in December #19: Mountain time

We have the day off. No rehearsals and meetings. So we head to the big mountains. "They're only called mountains if they have snow on them year round," says D. "Otherwise, no matter how tall, the Swiss consider them hills."

These are mountains.

Walking in Wengen

L drives us up to Lauterbrunnen (pure water-well) where we catch the first train up to Wengen. We have a half hour before the second train leaves for Kleine Scheidegg, nestled under three huge mountains: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After we walk through the town, we pop into a cafe, where I enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Three tall mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau

The tops of the mountains almost touch the high clouds. Today is overcast, a change from the sunshine we've enjoyed until now.

The Kleine Scheidegg ski resort

By the time we arrive at Kleine Scheidegg, it's time for lunch. 

At the Banhof Restaurant

The soup with sausage is SOOOO salty that I can't finish. It disappears into a hungry husband!

Creamy tomato soup with sausage

The red train up the Jungfrau or "top of Europe" takes people further up the mountain to its peak. We stay put in KS: D says she has trouble breathing at that altitude and we're not about to spend another $100 for that ticket.

The Jungfrau Express

On the way down, L and I sit in the same carriage. We strike up a conversation with two Chinese students, studying economics in Birmingham UK. They've flown to Italy to travel through Switzerland and Austria. They'll fly from Vienna to Birmingham this weekend to study for finals. What a nice break! In Europe, distance between countries is less than North Americans might imagine.

Bleak but beautiful view from the train

In the evening, D and L prepare a Swiss raclette of potatoes and cheese ... with a bunch of additives: olives, onions, bacon, sausage, prawns, pineapple, apple, peppers, pickles, etc. We eat in the winter garden (enclosed porch) to keep the smell of melted (stinky and fabulous) cheese outside the main house.

On my plate:
potatoes and cheese

The raclette grill

It's the 12th anniversary of the death of W's dad. We talk about memories, coming and going.

Read more:

*My word shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 ESV

*A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart. Acts 16:14 ESV

Moravian Prayer: Let us have confidence in your purpose, Lord. Your will can open hearts and minds in ways we cannot imagine. May we be given the strength to be patient and prepared in our service to you. Amen.