Up and out, shuttle to the airport, check in, flights…all go off without a hitch, although we are late into Zurich. Then it’s the long, long wait for baggage, and the even longer walk to the rental car desk, but finally we are on the road to Bonaduz. Yay!
It’s a gorgeous day, and we successfully navigate our way through the city of Zurich (there must be another way to get to the autobahn, but the GPS sends us where she sends us….), and out onto the autobahn heading south toward Bonaduz. It’s an easy drive, only a little over an hour long, and the scenery is so beautiful this time of year – all the green capped with white snow still hugging the peaks of the mountains.
A couple of pit stops later, and we arrive at the Alte Post hotel in Bonaduz – a lovely hotel perched on a corner across from the town square. The desk clerk (we find out later he is the son of the owner) greets us like we are long lost family or something. He really goes overboard making us feel welcome – which is really sweet. He escorts us up to our room, shows us all the millions of light switches, how to open and shut the heavy metal blinds that block the sun (and automatically draw up in the wind) then leaves us alone to unpack and oh and ah over this incredibly well equipped top floor suite with balcony. This place is gorgeous with all the traditional swiss touches, like the beautiful wood beamed ceiling, yet totally modern with Euro-modern toilets shaped like eggs with an automatic night light in the toilet stall, a stand alone tub facing windows that look over the mountains, fully equipped kitchen and a great sitting area plus desk area. We couldn’t ask for more!
Fantastic! It isn’t long before Gaby and Sigis ring us to tell us they are here – and our joyful reunion begins! We invite them up to inspect the room, then after a welcome drink on the hotel patio, we struck off on our first hike of the trip – to Rhazuns, a neighboring town about 2 km away.
It is so wonderful to spend time with Gaby and Sigis again – it is like we have never been apart. So wonderful to just hang out and chat, and walk through the villages and out into the open fields in between. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and the mountains rise majestically around us as we catch up while walking in the fresh air.
Arriving in Rhazuns, we approach the Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is so beautiful how the plain, almost austere white exterior contrasts with the lush forest rising up along the mountains….
…while inside we find a gorgeous gold encrusted altar and huge steel pipe organ soaring above us against the alabaster ceiling dome – and of course our 2 altar boys up on the pulpit!
After so much activity, it is of course, time for another beverage. Perfectly located across the street is the Cafe Clavau, a lovely little cafe complete with a picturesque deck where we relax with our wine and beer, and a cool bunny motif to boot!
It’s getting on past 5, and we have a schedule to keep! We are circling back to Bonaduz on a series of paths through the fields and farmland for a quick visit with Iris and the kids before dinner at Gaby and Sigis’ flat. We walk through the lush fields, past Schloss Rhazuns, one of the oldest castles in Switzerland, then follow the trail back around, watching Bonaduz come closer as we approach from a distance.
As we near the end of the trail, we can see the back of Iris and Gianni’s house…and also Dominic who has run out into the field to greet us. He is too cute for words!
We spend a delightful hour or so catching up with Iris, watching the twins try to crawl and teaching Dominic a few English words. Their home is wonderful, bright and open, with a wall of windows looking out over the fields and the mountains in the distance.
The walk back to the hotel is quick, we’re just on the other side of the village, and freshening up after a brief rest, we proceed to Gaby and Sigis’ flat for a wonderful home cooked dinner of beef with herbs and the most delicious spiced carrots – plus other assorted Swiss delicacies, including a fabulous local wine – and of course Calanda, the best local beer! It is a lovely way to end a very special first day, just relaxing and spending time with Gaby and Sigis in their lovely flat overlooking the mountain peaks.
Back in our pseudo apartment/hotel room, we spend some time on the balcony, staring out across the deep, dark mountains. We finally tear ourselves away from the heavenly cool temps, repair to the inside to close the automatic blinds and drift off to a deep sleep underneath the fluffy Swiss style comforter.
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