Barbara's retirement year: Zuoz to Saas Fee

I am always so excited to get into the little red Rhaetian train in Landquart and to start the beautiful journey to Zuoz, my summer home for the past twelve years, with the train winding its way up the mountains, through meadows brimming with colourful spring flowers, then through tinnels, over viaducts, and along crystal clear rivers and streams. I left fog and rain in Zurich and arrived to clear skies and sunshine in the Engadine, as so often happens. Fantastic!

I was there to work, and after a rather frenetic few hours at the Lyceum, I could enjoy the warm, yet still pleasantly mild temperatures of this truly lovely 1700 m high village. Nothing seems to change here thankfully! The fantastic school, the Lyceum, despite its newbuilding hidden behind this one,

The view from the school with the marvelous Steinbock in the foreground

And the little pink building where David used to live on the top floor. Wish he were still there this summer!

The village is quiet now and so it is easy to choose a restaurant. Only one was open, the Pizzeria, but that was fine. Such a wonderful evening to sit outside and admire the old tower, once a prison, and the elegant church spire with those bells which wake us every morning at 6!

Even the moon put in an appearance.

I didn't actually sleep so well for two reasons. Firstly, the dear mosquitoes which I thought I had dealt with, but seemed to keep reappearing, and secondly the bed, which was so high, I really worried that I would turn in the night and fall out. Not the best bed for someone who does not like heights 😧 it was not the easiest to get in and out of, unless you are two metres tall!

Luckily, I got through the night without falling!

What a sensational trip it has been today from Zuoz to Saas Fee (7 hours and 40 minutes)and how glad am I that I didnot take the Glacier Express, instead choosing to change trains 6 times in order to travel slowly on one of the most spectacular train journeys I have ever experienced. Once again the weather has played its part, with unbelievably blue skies with occasional single clouds providing stark contrast. I sat outside where the bikes go so I could open the window without angry stares! It was also heavenly to have the fresh mountain air! And. Of course, the uninterrupted views.

The Rhine Valley is otherwise known as Switzerland's Grand Canyon. It is certainly stunning, but the marvelous rock formations and steep limestone cliffs are only for a relatively short time, but nonetheless awesome.

I might have to come back in the autumn when I imagine the larches would be a blaze of colour.

The valley leading up to the Oberalpsee and Pass was probably one of my favourite parts of the trip with its verdant pastures, farmers busy making the most of the incredible westher, and surrounding mountains, massive dams, strange town names and lovely wild flowers carpeting the unmown fields.

As we travelled up the pass we passed a packed Glacier Express train coming down. They were crammed in, not a free seat, and with food being served it looked like my worst nightmare with the neighbour's elbows in your face! My train at this point had 4 people in a very long carriage, and we even chatted about the spectacular scenery.

Themore I travel, the longer my bucket list becomes! I have to return to the Oberalp Pass one day. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Of course I need to order the same weather! I felt a bit sad I had to leave there, but I will return hopefully.

The sides of the mountains and all around the lake were covered with Alpenrose, some in full bloom, some in bud. Absolutely gorgeous.

I even saw my first marmot sunning himself on a flat stone. They are so well camouflaged.

The reflections in both directions were amazing. I love this one!

Then as the train started its slow descent through many tunnels and with brakes screeching, the landscape became more dramatic and Andermatt came into view.

This was the last change till Visp where I took a bus. It was hot in the train. In the distance the snow- capped peaks came into view.

What a bitch, I thought! The fantastic journey is almost over!

Last leg of the journey was rather warm. It. Was about 30 degrees in the sun, so it was a real pleasure to climb aboard the Postbus for the final trip from Visp to Saas Fee. Fabulous scenery and extensive views, whilst happy not to be looking over the side of the road.