September 29 – Zermatt and Interlaken

September 29, 2016 – Stresa to Zermatt to Interlaken
Today was a long travel day. Our bags had to be out by 6:45am and we were to be on the bus by 7:45am. One couple was a little late but we were still on the road by 8am. Our first stop was at 9:30am at the Swiss border to exchange money into Swiss francs. At 10 am we stopped at Simplon Pass for our first pictures of the Alps. It was 46° F so we finally got to put on coats.
We arrived in Tasch a little before noon and caught a train to Zermatt. In Zermatt we walked across town until we had a good view of the Matterhorn. We were given an hour to wander and get lunch. Since everything is so expensive, Carol and I decided to split a sandwich. Zermatt was a beautiful little town.
On the road again, we headed toward Interlaken. To get to Interlaken we went up a road with a series of switchbacks and hairpin turns. We had a stop at the top for photos. We arrived at our hotel at 6:30pm. We were greeted at the hotel with a glass of prosecco. Each of our rooms looks out at the Jungfrau and Eiger. There is a large grassy area across the street where parasailers land. It is the best view from a hotel room that I have ever had.
Tomorrow is a discussion about Switzerland and a walk around Interlaken. In the afternoon we’ll go to the woodcarving museum and then split into groups to have a home-hosted dinner.