I hope all of you knew I was pulling your leg with my story about throwing my laptop off the balcony. I seriously considered it when I lost my post. I wanted to have a little fun with my computer frustration fantasy.
The weather cast for today at the Augsburg Pass was terrible. It was raining in Gruben, which is in a high valley. It was snowing up at the pass. I learned a long time ago if the weather is bad when you start, it will be 10 X worse at the top of the mountain. I never even considered attempting to climb the pass, a gain of about 3,000 feet.
There are not many options for public transportation out of Gruben. A taxi cost around $400 to take me to a gondola. The information in my guide book said taxi was the best option. I discovered there was a private bus at 10:30 which took me right to the gondola. It was less than $10.00. Obviously a well-kept secret.
The tiny gondola, only holding 4 people ended in Oberems, a beautiful little village with a bus station. God always sends me an angel. This time in the form of two Canadians. It was a 15-20 unmarked walk
to the train station, where the busses left from. I would have never found it without their assistance.
It was a crazy, winding road over a mountain. Zermatt is a car free town so the last 15 minutes was by train. My room is gorgeous and quite large. Usually, if I am traveling alone, they stick me in the broom closet.
The view of the Matterhorn from my balcony.
I was starving by the time I got checked in. It was 2:00 and all I had eaten was a piece of toast for breakfast. This guy was grilling brats and I can’t remember a better one.
I had a little time before dinner so I visited the Eglise St. Mauritius which dates back to 1285.
It was totally remodeled in 1980 and my favorite part was the ceiling fresco of Noah’s Ark painted by Italian Artist Paola Parente. My first impression was it looked l like the cover of a children’s book. The idea was to bring the parish church into this century. I think Pope Francis is trying to do the same thing.
The main altar, built centuries ago but beautiful just the same, in its baroque style.
I have 5 course included dinner all 3 nights here in Zermatt. My first course made me swoon. It was a
Truffled Burrata with leeks and mangoes. It was the most unusual and magnificent combination I have had in many moons.
Next came a tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes and a shot of gin. I sat wondering if I added a shot of gin to some Campbells if it would taste the same. NAH! The next course was a very large, beautiful salad bar.
My main course was fresh Red Snapper with spinach risotto. I think it also had fresh green peas. The risotto was so fresh and flavorful, the chef must have cooked it in the garden. It was accompanied by pearl mushrooms and tiny baby squash. I couldn’t decide which of the three things on my plate was my favorite.
The dessert was plum compote with cinnamon-chocolate ice cream this chef really knows his flavor profiles.
Such a great day! I love Zermatt but I am getting antsy so see Dennis, our four legged babies, and my friends. Good night and God bless.
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