Interlaken and Grindelwald, Switzerland

After arriving in Interlaken Switzerland and checking into our hotel (a very quaint place), we rode the funicular railway to the top of Interlaken (Harder Kulm).  We bought our tickets and waited in line - the line actually moved fairly fast.  The grade is fairly steep.  At the top it is 4,337 feet above sea level.  The view was speculator.  While on top of the mountain, we met people from Turkey, India, Nepal and all over Europe.  

We rode the train back down the mountain and had dinner at a local restaurant our hotel recommended.  After dinner we purchased a few groceries for the next day, Sunday and went back to our hotel.   
Sunday morning we arose and attended church at the local branch.  The meeting was in German, but they provided a translator for us.  The young lady who translated was a returned missionary.  She served her mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake City and made us all happy.  

After church we returned to our hotel, checked out and drove to another place nearby called Grindelwald.  This alpine community was very beautiful.  After visiting Grindelwald we drove to Baden Baden, Germany and checked into our hotel (a Holiday Inn).  We went for a walk to explore and plan our Monday. 

"When it comes right down to it, people are quite similar.  We may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and economic circumstances, and our attitudes and perspectives may vary.  But in the heart -where it really counts-we're a lot alike".  M. Russell Ballard. Our Search for Happiness 

A Visit from Flat Coco

On Wednesday, April 17th,  Flat Coco (The girl version of Flat Stanley) arrived in Germany.  The note that came with her saying she was a friend of Coco (our granddaughter).  She used to be normal girl until a bulletin board fell on top of her and left her flat.  One good thing about being flat; she can travel inexpensively.  She can fit easily inside an envelope and travel through the regular postal service.  That is why she decided to come and visit us.

Flat Coco arrived the day before we were to depart for Easter weekend.  The Europe Area Office, where we serve was closed on Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.  Lucky for Coco, she was able to travel with us on our temple trip to Switzerland.  We left Thursday and returned Monday night. Flat Coco then went back to her Sandy, Utah school class in the mail.  We hope her class enjoyed all the pictures and postcards we sent home with her.  We had a great weekend.  The next few posts will be of our adventure.

Flat Coco helping Papa with the Bulletin Board.  (She told him to be careful)

Flat Coco helping Grandma with the Finances

Flat Coco helping Papa make an Easter Chick in German Culture Class

Grandma made Flat Coco a bed

Flat Coco and Papa at Heidelberg Castle Park

Crepes for breakfast in France

The Hansel and Gretel Shop

She had to have her picture taken by this shirt

Flat Coco at the Strasbourg Cathedral on Good Friday

Flat Coco with Grandma and Papa at the Bern Switzerland Temple

Flat Coco being silly in the alpenhorn in Interlaken, Switzerland

Flat Coco going on a funicular railway to Harder Kulm-Interlaken 

Flat Coco at the Top

Flat Coco and Papa in Grindelwald (reminds of us of home)

Papa sharing his ice cream with Flat Coco

Flat Coco and Grandma outside the Opera House in Baden Baden, Germany

Flat Coco at the top of Mount Merkur

Climb the Mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.