There he is, the weathered Swiss farmer with his cotton pants and suspenders, taking a break at the side of the road, using his sickle handle as a resting prop. He is daydreaming as he watches a tour bus full of foreigners pressed up against the tour bus windows, marveling at the natural beauty of the Alps. After his chores, he shuffles in to his little farm house, wiping the sweat from his brow. His wife is cooking fried polenta and lentils. He leans over and softly tells her, "Some day I'm going to take you to see America."
Maybe the farmer has not explored the beauty in his own backyard, like fun-loving Munich and the jewels of the Bavarian Alps. From a glorious cruise through the Wachau Valley to the enthralling Glacier Express, there is an Alpine world of enchantment and unrivaled beauty like no other. Lucerne, Switzerland is one of Europe's most popular cities. There you can see the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, hewn out of a limestone cliff to commemorate those Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries. The flavor of the 14th century is all around you with covered wooden bridges, painted gables, and old walls and watch towers of medieval fortifications. A stroll across the Chapel Bridge takes you to the Jesuit Church.
Oberammergau, Bavaria, has been home since 1634 of the Passion Play, which involves over 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all residents of the village. Perhaps a scenic cruise along the River Danube through stately Vienna, or a delightful drive through 'undiscovered' Austria -- through the pine forests and sleepy towns of Styria and Carinthia -- might rekindle some romance. If all else fails, a two-night getaway in the chic Alpine resort of St. Moritz and a horse-drawn carriage ride to the foot of a nearby glacier might stir up some magic. If not, a trip to the wine country in California, and a ride on the Napa Valley wine train might be in order!
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