Visit of La Gruyere and Region

[auntieannie]

On 31st December 2009, we met a friend in Montreux, where we had lunch at the casino. Montreux is by Lake Leman

Here's a view of the lake towards the Valais



And towards Lausanne/Geneva


Across, towards France

[auntieannie]

Our friend then drove us to La Gruyere, a stunning medieval village, with a little something else.

You might want to refer to ilbonito's thread on the Alien bar.
Here: anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=helvetia&thread=3739&page=1#70453

[auntieannie]

A fountain:

[auntieannie]

A traditional sign:

[auntieannie]

La Gruyere's coat of arms:

[auntieannie]

Somewhat less traditional decorations:

[Deleted]

I often think that Switzerland is the most photogenic country in the world. I think that 2009 was the first year in maybe 10 years that I did not make a point of going to Switzerland at some point. I will certainly go this year. My friends in Zürich keep begging me to come (but Zürich does not fascinate me, damn it, even though it is lovely!), and they even put a whole apartment at my disposal.

[auntieannie]

K2, fortunately, once in Switzerland, you are never far from another place in Switzerland.
I think the most time it would take you to drive/ride a train between two opposite points in the country would be 5 hours.

[auntieannie]

La Gruyere, thanks to its position, was a stronghold/a fortified village:



The lake in the distance is "Lac de la Gruyere"

[auntieannie]

The castle:


In the courtyard:




The coat of arms on the window:


Interesting decorations:




Part of the kitchens:

[auntieannie]

The next day, before hopping onto another train, we took the time to walk around Fribourg's old town:



You can see the medieval Fribourg immediately by the river. We didn't have enough time to go visit it. Shame!

[bixaorellana]

Annie, this is SO beautiful. That first photo almost knocked me backwards -- it's probably what the first sight of heaven is like.

The valley is so perfectly flat. Is that the angle of the photograph, or just how it was geologically formed?

What is the story on the "interesting decorations" with the snail theme? They look contemporary.

Sorry for all the questions, but this is so fascinating. A final one: do people live in the medieval Fribourg, or is it maintained as a museum?

[Jazz]

This is a beautiful glimpse of Switzerland, this and your ' Train ride to Zermatt'. Your mountain shots are exquisite. I like the details of the inner courtyard, the kitchen and the snail. I have spent only a week in Switerland, years ago. My memories are of silencing beauty, there seemed to be no garbage, and all drivers turned off their car engines when they stopped at a traffic light. We were hitchhiking and picked up by a middleaged man driving a mercedes...he floored the gas peddle and as we soared through the mountains, he proudly put on the soundtrack of Hair...I will never forget the mountains and 'The Age of Aquarius'.

[auntieannie]

Bixabella, if you are talking about the glimpse of the valley in the first pic, it is where the river Rhone flows into the Lake Leman. so there's been quite a lot of sediment moved there over a few million years to make it really flat. Or that's how I understand it. most of these valleys have been sculpted by glaciers. ... and don't forget that it was the bottom of the sea before then!

And yes, to me it is the door to heaven as when I see it, I know I am nearly home.

About the "interesting decorations": I should try and find info about it. They may have been paid for by the last owner of the castle, who gave it to the council to turn into a museum.

About medieval Fribourg: I will have to check with my friends. The houses look lived-in to me, though.

Thanks for the nice memory, Jazz! Although you may have a shock if and when you visit again. It's a bit less clean and tidy than that these days.

[ilbonito]

It is interesting to see Gruyere with all the green fields, it was knee-deep in snow when I went. Lovely pictures. What did you think of the Giger museum? Did you go in? It was so creepy in there, I felt quite unnerved.

I didn't make it to Fribourg though, (although did you know there is a village called Novo Friburgo just outside Rio de Janeiro in the mountains, settled by Swiss immigrants to Brazil?)

[auntieannie]

I do, Ilbonito! it is partly thanks to these people that the "Organisation of the Swiss Abroad" was created. Together with their Argentinian "compatriots".

I did make it into the Giger museum and thought that HR Giger has visibly studied a lot about death rituals and other such practices.

[Deleted]

Wow Annie,everything Bixa said and then some...that opening shot! Spectacular. Is indeed everything I've imagined,so pristine and crisp feeling.
One day I'll make it over there to visit my friend Happy T. and get the grand tour.
(The snail is my fav too of the decorations).
Thanks for this Annie.

[auntieannie]

Thank you everyone!

You have encouraged me to post more now.
I'll have to force Maffoo to take more pictures all the time. It is mostly his work.

[Deleted]

Well,please be sure and thank Maffoo for me. Maybe he will teach you how to photograph Annie. It can be quite a romantic endeavor. I positively loved learning how to use our old 35mm Nikon when my husband taught me. There is a special closeness I never experienced before seeing things with a loved one,it's hard to explain,but,lovely.

[spindrift]

How well Annie and Mafoo have done together....this is a most interesting thread.

[auntieannie]

All pics out of a crappy digital camera. I know how to take pics but Maffoo tends to hide the camera in his pockets. ;D

[Deleted]

Shouldn't he have some reason to give you a gift soon? hint hint

[BigIain]

He likely just wants you to go rummaging.