23 July 2012 - The First Full Day

After a Sunday of arrival (and a beautiful Ruinart Champagne) my first part day was almost done.  I was in pretty good spirits from having a snooze on the jet and we had lunch with some friends of Stephan in Einsiedeln.  So happy that I was perky because as we all know, nobody likes Grumpy Rodney!  That said, I did crash about 9:00 pm on Sunday night and apparently that crash meant I snored like a chainsaw....oh dear!

So, it is now Monday and this will be my first full day in my new town and on my own.  Stephan had to head off to work, the poor love.  As I went to bed early I was able to be that bird that caught the worm (no euphemism intended) and rose (still no euphemism) at about 7:00 am.  This is unusual for me as mornings are not my friend.  I sent Stephan off to work his magic at peddling his wares in the Swiss fashion house of Charles Voegele.  I would like to say that I then went back to bed and lolled around for the day.....not this worm!

I had to unpack and generally turn Stephan's apartment upside down to suit my tastes.....just kidding, about the unpacking.  Seriously I think poor S was a little concerned to find the furniture moved, the cutlery all facing north and all the paintings on the wall replaced with some modern art.  S had kindly cleared some space for my couture and model planes and little trinkets.  I only brought about about 10% of the aircraft collection.  There are some more in transit but most have gone to storage.  All it means is that I can buy more planes!  I already have another six to buy from new planes I have been on. recently  Goodness my life is complex and full.  In case you are wondering, the glasses were my "gift" from Finnair.  So generous those Finns. I thought I would also add a little photo with my Swiss mug and the view from where I write my blog.  The town is surrounded by hills and mountains.  Brace yourself for more such photos!

Thought it was about time I left the house and go for a bit of an explore on my own and deal with a number of important matters.  Firstly buy a Milk Frother for my Nespresso machine
(that was one thing that was sacrificed in my packing to make way for, who knows, my Aesop toiletries most likely!) and some groceries for dinner.

Whilst I was wandering the streets minding my own business, who did I spy?  Had she escaped from the abbey? Did she come to see the local nuns?  Did she want to fill the hills with the sound of music?  I am not sure but that ensemble certainly has a look of curtains about it....you be the judge....

After that encounter "I had confidence in sunshine..." and was content to head home with my shopping and edelweiss. 

Memory escapes me but I think I had time for a doze...S came home early which was great and I then got all enthusiastic and suggested a bike ride.  I had the perfect ensemble, black pants, black and white striped shirt, a jaunty beret and some onions....wait, that is my Paris outfit! Well will have to resort to comfortable sportswear.  So off we tootled into the great beyond.  Of course I was "sans" camera and could not take shots of the surroundings.  Never fear, I will take it next time!

The surrounding country side is beautiful and like a postcard.  The houses look like they have just come out of a Swiss village which is lucky for them and the cows and goats all have bells on them.  If I was a cow that would drive me nuts - the constant clanging...the voices in my head are bad enough!  The other thing I had forgotten is how sensitive one's bottom is to a new bike seat.....

Anyway, after that it was time to go all Masterchef (which is the closest I have got to cooking in a long time).  So I prepared a delicious baked salmon with dill and butter and smashed potatoes and honey carrots.  The judges were kind and said that the salmon was "cooked perfectly" but possibly a little overseasoned and the potatoes were "beautiful" and the carrots needed some work.  Overall a good dish and I was through to the next round.  Phew!  As an aside it was all washed down with a Dom Perignon 2003.

Well, there ends another day in my little Swiss chalet....stay tuned for Wednesday's instalment.