Ruth Leaves Switzerland

I returned to the US two days ago. Ruth start her journey home today. We hope you enjoyed our blog, and we hope our stay in Switzerland helped relationships between the two countries in some small way. We will never forget our new friends and countless adventures we had in Switzerland. Thank you for all the made it possible.

PS. We will continue to post pictures until the end of the month and Ruth will share some of her own stories and thoughts....

Last Train Ride

Today was my last train ride on Switzerland's fine network of trains. Ruth and I invested in a General Pass that allowed us to hope on all public trains, buses, and boats. Over that last 11 months, I took approximately 160 trips to 70 different locations within Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and Austria. When we did rent a car for a vacation, I realized how nice it was not to be at the driver's wheel. It is funny how much a form of transport can change a person. Because of the trains, I was much more punctual. I traveled, saw and experienced more of Switzerland because of the pass. And I learned more than I would have if I owned a car. Train rides meant I could study German, read the local papers, see the landscape in a way I would not have in a car. Most important of all because we traveled with literally hundreds of others we meet many interesting and engaging people. For example, Peter and Marianne (shown here) will be a lasting friendship.

I will forever support public transportation systems.

Bernina Pass Ride

Bernina Pass Railroad and Autoroad head south and west from the Engadine Valley. On a nice summer day, my friend Peter and I road the train over the pass into Italy. After fueling up on some pasta, we returned, but this time I was on my bike. Going over the pass twice allowed us to see the glaciers, valleys and cows from different perspectives and lighting.

Hard to sit still.

Cousin Jen and Ruth, were enjoying the views from the Gongerat Alpen Train above Zermatt.

The windows were open and everyone was snapping pictures.

Fun Train

All of the SBB's (Swiss train company) intercity trains are outfitted with a kinder spielplatz.  This one got a face-lift and it was pretty cool.  Parents know that the spielplatz are always in the back of the train so they know where to go to make the whole family happy.

Trains Old and New

I love taking the trains here. I have ridden on at least a dozen different types (new double deckers like the Siemens RABe 514 on the right. Or the old-timey one on the right with comfy seats and a strong heater by your seat.

Some Wiki Facts...

Switzerland has a very high density of railway network, with an average of 122 km of track for every 1000 square km (average is 46 km in Europe)^[1]. In 2008, each Swiss citizen rode on average 2,422 km by rail, which makes them the highest rail users.^[2]

^{I figured out that the USA has only 0.244 km of track for every 1000 square km.}