往法國雷內Reynel 途中，入了迷離境界！

On the way to Reynel in France I unknowingly entered a enchanting twilight zone! 

房間裡的這幅素描便是入城前的這間大屋

The sketch in this room shows the big house outside the city

Reynel, Grand House- 是入城前的大屋

The big house outside the city

From Base in Switzerland I returned to France.   We chose Reynel our first stop.  The weather was extremely bad: the heavy downpour presented a shield of white in front of us.  Luckily in the remaining ten days two more friends joined us.  We met at Vienna.  With their company we felt relaxed and confident.  Even when faced by the boundless white fields,  the towering black clouds or the limitless pine forest, we could still plucked up our courage to go forward though a little bit frightened and puzzled.

It was getting dark.  The small town looked old and deserted.  Hardly a soul was found in the street.  Nor was there any passing traffic.  It seemed we were in a dead town!  Oh,  we had forgotten that this was a settlement with only 120 residents!

It was summer time.  France should not be so dim before ten.  But the foul weather had made the place so dark.  We seemed to have got lost---we came back to the same spot after driving round and round.  At last, I took the opposite direction and went along a highway.  Fortunately at half past eight we arrived at our destination!  My companions remain quiet all along.  Maybe they were very worried and did not dare to distract me.  Actually I depended on GSP, which did give me the needed guidance.

As long as you did not follow the route suggested by the first GSP and drove in a different direction, not too deviated, the system would offer you another new route.  We came out of the maze in this simple way!

我一個人的房間蠻不錯   My room,  no bad at all!

 由瑞士Basel回法國，我們選了Reynel為第一站。天氣非常差，大雨得面前只見白色一片，幸好在剩餘十天的行程中，由維也納開始有兩位朋友加入，有他們的陪伴，安心很多。起碼對着白濛濛的一大片田，或途經高聳入雲、連綿不絕沒有盡頭的松樹林時，即使迷離、恐懼，仍能勇敢向前。
越陰暗越覺這小鎮很古舊，孤寂的街道上一個人也沒有，連一架車也沒經過，猶如進入了死城。怪不得，這裡居民原來只有120人！

夏令時間期間、本應晚上十點後才入黑的法國，因天氣欠佳，這晚七點已很昏暗，剛行過的路繞了兩三次總是回到同一起點。我把心一橫，刻意走另一條相反路並轉行高速，結果在晚上8點半到了目的地。我的朋友一直沒有發聲，可能他們也在驚慌中，不敢打擾我駕車，我正在全速跟從GPS所示的新路線駛往目的地，沒法子，又是靠GPS。

只要你堅決不依從先前第一個GPS所示路線，行走別的路線，不久GPS會因你遠離原有路線太遠，而自行選擇另一條新路線，今次走出這迷宮便是用了這方法。

清晨路上的田野   The fields early in the morning

Chambre d'hôte 外貌

男主人特別喜愛這隻？是否珍珠雞？

The host loves this chicken particularly?

這農場養了很多家禽，法國的雞有很多活動空間。

A lot of poultry were kept in the farm.  Each chicken has a large activity area

他們同聲同氣，未知商量什麼呢？

They are exchanging views so closely.  What's up?

遍山都是牛羣   Cattle all over the hill

牛牛知道拍照，所以走上前搶鏡。

The cow knowing it's being photoed poses attentively

Rhienfall, Switzerland

In Switzerland German is the most common language.  Therefore, this famous waterfall is widely known as Rhienfall.  In French it is called Chutes du Rhin.  By its side is a town New Schaffhausen.

500,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age a great deal of water was released, which resulted in the peculiar landforms in the surroundings.  Since the 19th century the excessively large volume of flow (largest in Europe) has facilitated the generation of hydro electric power.  And this led to the industrialisation of New Schaffhagusen. 

瑞士以德語區居多，莱茵瀑布，Rhienfall 是德語，法語是Chutes du Rhin。瀑布旁有一座城鎮，稱為萊茵河畔紐豪森。

50萬年前，冰河時期結束產生的大量水流，形成了現在瀑布周邊的地形。是目前歐洲流量最大的瀑布，由於水量豐沛，自從19世紀以來這裡就設有水力發電廠，因為這些電力的供應，使得附近的沙夫豪森得以工業化。

瑞士莱茵瀑布，萊茵河畔紐豪森(圖左上)

這裡便是上落船地方，驚險嗎？

This waterfall was the berthing place of my boat.  Was that frightening?

身處其中，似災難片的海潚嗎？大吉利是！

When I was brought to this spot I was so shocked
that it seemed a tsunami was coming!

由快艇載人到中間石柱看瀑布

Thank God,  the boat succeeded in penetrating the rocky pillars
to bring us to see the waterfall so close --
it was very stunning and awe-inspiring indeed!

這個自瀑布景點也很氣勢迫人

瀑布流水滾滾，但雀鳥依然悠然自得。
The torrent is running fast but it does not frighten the bird which is so composed

Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

鴨鴨你好嗎？你應該不會是我的午餐，放心啦！

Hello, ducklings, don't worry; you won't be my lunch!

Chiemsee-Camping-Rödlgries Restaurant

Leaving Salzburg, Austria we went straight back to Switzerland.  The weather in Austria was aweful : it seemed an unprecedented heavy downpour was imminent.

Meanwhile we crossed over to Germany several times.  It was rather interesting.  The lunch at Chiemsee I can't forget.  The German sausages and pork knuckle were very delicious.  Actually pork knuckle is not a usual wish there.  It was a very special local cuisine.

由奧地利Salzburg, Austria離開後便一直往瑞士回程了，因為奧地利的天色很差，好像有前所未有的暴雨即將降臨。其間經過好幾次德國，這樣的過境很有趣，途中其間在德國境的Chiemsee基姆湖午餐。Chiemsee-Camping-Rödlgries Restaurant的德國咸猪手和德國香腸味道算不錯。

德國香腸   German sausages

 原來德國咸猪手並不是德國常見菜式，而是地區獨特美食。

德國咸猪手   German pork knuckle

St Gallen, Switzerland

 

往施泰因進發  Set off for Stein am Rhein

After staying at St Gallen, Switzerland for one night, we went to Stein am Rhein.  It was still raining dampening the entire landscape.  But this did not dampen our spirit.  We, in fact, found it particularly intriguing.

在瑞士的聖加侖(St Gallen)留了一晚，再往施泰因(Stein am Rhein)進發。天氣仍然濛濛雨，灰灰的蓋着整個風景，但不影响我們遊玩的心情，只覺有另一番情懷。

Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

Stein am Rhein, Switzerland is a city under direct jurisdiction.  In it there are well-preserved Medieval centres with ancient streets.  And many Medieval buildings are decorated with beautiful frescoes.

施泰因是沙夫豪森瑞士州一個直轄市。鎮內有保存完好的中世紀中心，保留了古街的計劃。許多中世紀建築都塗上美麗的壁畫。

Frescoes 壁畫

In fact, in 1972 Stein was awarded the prize for preserving heritage buildings.  It is the centre possessing the largest number of famous buildings among all settlements in Switzerland and even in Europe. Nowhere else can old historical buildings be so well looked after.

施泰因在1972年收到的第一個獎是保護建築遺產，幾乎是唯一在瑞士甚至全歐洲罕見地擁有多數量著名的建築物。顯現了無微不至的關懷。

 Holzbrücke Diessenhofen迪森霍芬木橋

This wooden bridge links Basadingen-Schlattingen of Switzerland with Gailinger Berg-Bolderen of Germany.  The traffic is not heavy.  It is a very quiet peaceful spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the noisy world.

這木橋是車輛用作來往德國和瑞士境。連接了瑞士的巴薩丁根 - 施拉廷根Basadingen-Schlattingen和德國的Gailinger Berg-Bölderen，車輛不多，是一個很優靜，遠離繁囂的邊界。

Deutschland Schweiz 德國瑞士河(河的右边是德國，左边是瑞士) Deutschland Schweitzer, Germany on the right and Switzerland on the left

這木橋便是車輛，行人，單車用作往來德國和瑞士。

The wooden bridge allows cars, bikes and pedestrians
to go between Germany and Switzerland

Verkehrsverein Diessenhofen旅遊迪森霍芬

由酒店房間外望景色，高高掛在屋頂上的測風雞，在童畫冊我才看過。

From my room is seen a weather cock at the steeple, which reminds me of the picture book in my childhood

德國境餐廳的沙律   The salad at the German restaurant

德國的牛扒份量是特別大的，味到都是徧咸。
The steak offered at German restaurant is rather massive and salty

Spittal an der Drau, Austria

故此每件東西都以兩個單位的設計，現今的潮流是不同傢俬放在一起。
For every item there are two units designed. Today it is common to have furniture of different kinds placed together.

It took four to five hours to travel from Innsbruck to Spittal an der Drau.  On the way we had to pass through the tunnel Mallnitz-Obervellach.  But we had to leave our car for the time being,  which we took back when arriving at our destination.

由奧地利Innsbruck因斯布魯克至Spittal an der Drau斯皮特安德勞需時約4至5個鐘。途中要經過穿山車隧道Mallnitz-Obervellach才能到達，人車分別在不同車卡，直至到步才能取回車。

酒店正面  Front of the hotel

酒店後向右轉是入停車場
At the back of the hotel the car park on the right

The hotel Erlebnis Post - Stadthotel mit EIGENART was one with peculiar features.  Every room was designed differently.  What. I cared most was effective wifi.  After changing room a couple of times I found what I looked for.

Of course, in the process I could see the design of many other rooms.  The staff luckily were very courteous otherwise choosy people like me would have been rudely stared at, at least.

酒店Erlebnis Post - Stadthotel mit EigenART是特色酒店，每個房間都不同設計，因我要求一定上wifi，所以換了幾個房間後，終於選到一間容易上网了。

所以亦參觀了別的房間設計。酒店服務員算是很友善，否則以我這麻煩人，換了兩次房，一定給以怒視了。

這房間很大，由兩間單人房改裝為一間雙人房，所以有浴室和兩個左右門口。

This room is very commodious: two single rooms are combined into one.
It is equipped with a bath room and two doors

穿過山的運車隧道  Tunnel penetrating the mountain

這票差不多歐元17，即170港幣。
This ticket costs almost 17 Euros, ie. HK$170

過完山隧，才可上車駛走。
After leaving the tunnel we got back to our car 
and continued our journey

運空車車卡  The compartments of the train

人車分別過隧道，到目的地才可取回車。
Passengers and their cars were separated 
until they reached their destination

Switzerland Grand Hotel－一個懷舊酒店，高雅而浪漫。

Switzerland Grand Hotel - a nostalgic hotel, elegant and romantic

From Bern through Interlaken along Brienzersee we went to Grand Hotel Giessbach AG.  This hotel was recommended by the host of the first guest house I stayed at in Switzerland.  I was advised to pick a relatively comfortable and classical hotel with certain speiality no matter what itinerary I followed.  He himself and his wife chose that hotel to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  For it was so decorated to convey an extraordinarily romantic atmosphere.

Definitely it lived up to its fame; I was more than satisfied!

由伯爾尼Bern經因特拉肯Interlaken沿布里恩茨湖 Brienzersee 到Grand Hotel Giessbach AG, Giessbach, Brienz, Switzerland。此酒店是我在瑞士第一間租住的民宿介紹給我，說無論怎樣的行程，總要住上一間較舒適經典而有特色的酒店。他和妻子便曾入住，慶祝結婚周年紀念，該酒店的佈置和氣氛是非一般的浪漫！

果然沒有令我失望而且很難忘！                                                                                            

沿瀑布旁而立，建於山林中的古雅酒店。  By the side of a waterfall this dignified old hotel is erected

這瀑布正是在酒店旁，亦對着餐廳。中間有木橋可行過對面。
The waterfall, which is crossed by a wooden bridge, 
is facing the dining hall of the hotel

酒店大堂的大鐘  The hotel lobby

酒店大堂

窗枱貼近湖境
The table by a big window overlooking the lake

房間佈置古雅  The elegant nostalgic design of the room

窗外望湖境  The lake viewed through the window

酒店外觀  The grand look of the hotel

沿着樓梯，由頂至地面掛有水晶燈，含蓄而不奢華。
From the ceiling to the floor along the staircase crystal lanterns are set, 
glamorous but not pretentious

樓梯於每層設有玻璃門，打開門便見到這古典琴放在往房間的走廊裡。
A glass door opens to every story; behind it is a classical piano in the corridor

由左圖：在頂層設有雜誌圖書休憩間，除了供應書本外，還有飲品和小食，讓客人閒談天說地。  中間圖： 因我的房間上wifi不太好，所以帶了手提電腦在這裡上网，又可免費飲用。  右圖： 沿樓梯間，剛好放着展覽中的插畫，是出名的"花之精靈"。
(Left: magazines and books in the rest room on top floor; snacks and drinks also provided for guests)

(Middle: in this room efficient wifi for guests like me, whose room wifi is not so functionable.  Free drinks also provided)
(Right: displayed along the stairs are some paintings, among which is the famous "Flower Genie")

瑞士這區有很多關於花精靈的禮物，包括這飾物。   There are many gifts about the "Flower Genies" including these ornaments in this districts in Switzerland.

每個客在取房同時，前枱已給你當晚餐牌，而我選了羊肩肉。

幸運地在當地感受到情人間的浪漫情節，你們猜在圖中有什麼特別！答案在裡面。

When checking in at the front desk every guest will be offered the menu for the supper.  

I have selected lamb shoulder.  Fortunately I can feel the romantic atmosphere there and then.  

Guess what's so special?   Answer is there!

I was sitting at the table near the waterfall.  Soon came an old couple, who sat on my right.  
Only on their table a few roses were placed with some petals scattered around the dishes.  
Are they enjoying their wedding anniversary?  So delicate and so romantic!
It is not at all easy to have your better half to be with you when you are advanced in age, 
not to mention to maintain the romantic atmosphere.   Maybe only in Europe can this moving scene be found.  
In China because of our tradition and cultural background such practice is not common.  
Shall the Chinese in Hong Kong and China start learning something new?

我的坐位在瀑布旁，很快便留意到右邊的一對老夫婦，只有他們的枱上插了幾枝紅玫瑰，亦放了數片花瓣在碟旁。

想信是慶祝結婚周年？真的很溫馨浪漫！

有另一半能陪伴到老已很不容易，更莫論繼續浪漫情懷。不知是否只有歐洲才找到。

以中國的文化背境並不普遍，那麼中國和香港的男士要好好學習了！

晚餐期間，有琴師伴湊。
During supper time guests are entertained by pianist

餐廳入口，每件傢俬都有其藝術特色。
Every piece of furniture and painting on the wall in the entrance of the dining hall is so artistic

酒店的浪漫氣氛，最適合情人燭光晚餐。
The atmosphere is beyond compare ; to lovers it's so romantic and unforgettable

人像燈是這酒店特色  Portrait lamps as ornaments in hotel lobby

當我正要動身去繼續我的旅程時，遇到一批早期移民到美國的香港人，
他們想邀請我共進午餐，但我不能流連忘返。真可惜！
When I was about to set off to continue my journey a group of early immigrants to America from Hong Kong invited me to have lunch with them, but I could not linger.  What a pity!

The five couples from America came to Switzerland to visit their friends.  What a small world!

They were my seniors in the Hong Kong Polytechnic.  It was most kind of them to cherish their friendship--to take a long long journey to see their friends!  Was that laudable?

I wonder how many of my friends will keep me company in my after life?

從美國到瑞士探望朋友的5對夫婦，恰巧他們也同樣是我的師兄師姐－理工的舊生。他們有很濃厚的人情味，相約來到遙遠的瑞士便是為了一份友誼，很難得啊！

不知道有多少個朋友也伴我一起到老呢！