32 — Sunday, October 17, 1999 — North Shore News T Caroline M. Jackson Contributing Writer SWITZERLAND: a country where everything runs with the precision of an expensive watch. neighbouring Compared to s, Switzerland is Mediterranean count devoid of oceanfront property but it has been compensated with a proliferation of lovely lakes such as Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, The Swiss have transformed their inl seas into places of beauty enjoyed by both itors and locals alike. Lakeshores and riv banks are lined with cool leafy walkway bright cafes and fairytale castle which traverses the country spider web. A rail pass will also enable vou to travel on the lake steamers and give you a dis- count on the gondolas and funiculars. In most. stations, train arrivals are announced in German, French, Italian and English. Set your watch according to the train station clock — it’s bound to be accurate — and always allow yourself a few extra minutes to change platforms at busy centres such as Basel or Zurich. Driving is on the right hand side and while highway driving is a great w countryside, it is not the best choice for city sightseeing as parking is at a premium in many town centres. One of the most scenic areas is the Bernese Oberland which is a mecca for skiers in winter and hikers in the spring, summer and fall. A good centre trom which to explore this area is the Victorian resort town of Interlaken which straddles Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. When the sun’s rays filtered through the farmhouse shuttefs on our first morning, the ice-blue and white tapestry of the Alps beck- oned us heavenwards. A local hiker pointed us in the direction of Stockhorn. Mountain (2,190 metres) and minutes Jater we were headed for Erlenbach, a picturesque riverside village with deep-cav ed ‘chalets and. window boxes awash with cascad- _ing scarlet geraniums. At the gondola base, we joined a contingent of young men toting north shore news > TRAVEL huge nylons bags which contained hang glid- ers. Later from the wrap-around balcony, we {each glider run to the edge of the and soar like an eagle into the hazy blue Simmenzal valley below. At the ridge J gingerly looked south towards Mr. Blane and the Matterhorn and felt the same refreshing thermals which carried the hang gliders. Through binoculars | watched intrepid hikers threading their way along the mountain trails which meander between roaming goat herds. One of our favourite city visits was to Switzerland's capital, Bern. On arrival at the station tourist office we mer up with a multi- lingual guided tour, We were shepherded through the Old Town between green and beige trams, past the colourful flower market and towards the famous old clock tower. Our charming guide produced a big key from her classy leather brietcase and we were ushered out of the midday sun into the cool wer and up the stairs, The outside traffic : became muted and the loud rhythmic ng of the clock now dominated the shaft. n the top platform, we watched with fas- cination as the astronomical clock went through the machinations of striking owelve noon. The Biblical golden rooster flapped his wings and crowed three times while Father Time moved his fips and swung his sceptre. Once back at street level, we strolled along the covered two-ticred arcades ogling the deep interiors of exatic shops — perfumeries, confectioners, patisscries, tobacconists and wine cellars trom which emanated the most delectable aromas. Aside from the medieval fountains and the architeczure, this is a town where you can people-watch for hours. Musicians decked out in ruxes played ceflos and violins with strains of Brahms and Schubert innocuously compet- ing with the squeal of passing trams. Cobbled streets were in no way a deterrent to fashion-conscious focal businesswomen decked out in stylish platform shoes and chic designer outfits. The final stop on our tour was outside the 15th-century Gothic cathe- deal. The main portal boasts an elaborate ty panum depicting the Last Judgement. In days See Medieval page B ‘Join Tom ‘and Irene Rose for an overnight i in fabulous NEW, ORLEANS on the “Crystal Harmony” then cruise to Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, transit of ., the Panama.Canal, Caldera in Costa Rica, Acapulco, =: Cabo San Lueas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Victoria, and home io VANCOUVER April 20 - May 12, 2000. From $4460 U.S. plus port taxes Savi ge for Canadian residants #Br,rFraF ss nd Crystal Society members. tH | wo Division of Roseway Travel itd. . =MASTERS 926-4344 In these exotic Southeast Asian destinations, your Canadian dollars go a long way towards feasting on satay, or picking up a trove of treasures in the markets. YOUR BCAA PACKAGE INCLUDES: « round trip airfare ¢ 12 nights in iali «3 nights in Singapore ©'S sightseeing tours © breakfast daily « transfers imeless Switzer land si A bridge over the Aare River in Bern. Aside from the medieval fountains and architecture the Swiss capital is a place where you can people-watch for hours. - BCAA-EXCLUSIVE OFFER: FREE Hote! upgrade Valid for selected hotels & subject to availability.