June 14, 2008
Chocolate, cheese and castles – today was our day to experience the best of Switzerland (or at least the typical American vision of Switzerland). We went for a day trip to the area around Gruyere; yes, that’s right the very same city where they make the world famous cheese. We took a tour of the factory where we saw a worker making 35 kilo rounds of gruyere cheese, and we got to smell all of the aromas associated with the cows and the cheese process.
From there, we hopped a short distance over to the town of Broc where the Calliers Chocolate factory is found. Yes, Broc, we did get you a postcard of the town that we’ll send soon. For anyone who doesn’t know, Calliers Branches are my favorite kind of chocolate, and they’re something that I have never found outside of Switzerland. The factory was cool, but the end was the best. They put you in a room with every kind of chocolate they make and let you try everything. You can stay and eat all you want, but you can’t take anything with you. WE ATE A LOT OF CHOCOLATE!!! And then a little man with a goatie offered the whole factory to Zac, but Alex stole fizzy lifting drink so he kicked us out on derrieres. I think he still would have caved in, but Katie had already finished off the everlasting gobstopper. Oh well, maybe next time.
After that we visited the Chateau de Gruyere, and the kids loved the idea of running around where knights used to fight. We also saw men in traditional outfits blowing on the long mountain horns. ( Think REE-CO-LA) Our friends said that was real treat because that’s not something you get to see every time you go. It was a lot of fun.
For dinner this evening we were invited over to Noemi and Ivan’s home. The last time I had been to Europe before now was for their wedding so it was nice to get a chance to visit with them. The kids all played together well, and we had a good time.
*** Obviously, I’m way behind because we’ve been traveling in France and haven’t had Internet access for a few days. We’ve been to the Normandy region and Mt. Saint Michel so far, but I’ll catch up with all the details once we get back to Switzerland if I don’t get a chance sooner.
Also, more pics to follow for this fun day, but I gotta go now.
5 comments:
Did the little man with the "goatie" have a "horsie" or a "piggy?". Grandma and Dee send their calorie-free love!!!
Hi, Pete and Becky! I am enjoying travelling vicariously through you guys! Tell Zac and Alex "Hi!" Did you save some chocolate for me???
Debbie
Cailler branches are the best! The chocolate factory sounds like heaven!!! And actually, so did the cheese factory.
Hi Pete and Becky,
Wow, what a great vacation! The sights, the chocolate, the people, the chocolate--yea, I'm all over the chocolate. Ha! I know you are having a wonderful time. I will look forward to more of your DETAILED stories.
Linda
PS In case you haven't heard, Lakers lost!
hee, are you sure it's not 'Bracque's' chocolates?
The pictures are adorable, and you guys look like you're having a great time!
Kaye
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