Reflection Through The Seasons

I have been asked by dear friend Amy to participate in a Photo Meme. I have to select the 6th picture in my 6th photo folder and post it with a description .

I am supposed to tag 6 friends to do the same, but as I don't usually get involved with tags and awards I am leaving it for anyone who would like to participate to consider themselves tagged.

It was 24 December 2003, John and I had spent a few wonderful days in Zermatt, Switzerland and this picture was taken on the Glacier Express, just as it was about to pull out of Zermatt Station....... we were making our way back to Zurich where we were to spend Christmas with our son and his wife. This fabulous trip was a Christmas gift from them.

The Glacier Express is a magnificent train, and offers what I’m sure must be Switzerland’s most scenic train journey..... and contrary to its name, it is Europe’s slowest express train..... but that’s all part of the enjoyment, for it allows the traveller to take in the spectacular mountain scenery as it unfolds along the way. However, there were times on that journey when we encountered dense snow blizzards that completely took our views..... nevertheless, it was exciting...... as we sat in the warmth of the first class luxury of this spectacular red train, with its large panoramic windows and glass roof...... winding our way through a magnificent winter wonderland, passing pretty Swiss villages, high mountains, through deep valleys, over high viaducts and even a tunnel through a mountain.

The ski resort of Zermatt is wonderful, situated high in the Alps and is only reached by means of the Swiss Federal railway system. On reaching the village, the only mode of transport is by way of horse-drawn carriages, sleighs and electric taxis. It is a world renowned health resort, offers superb skiing facilities and a paradise for hikers.

The exquisite village of Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, not the highest mountain in Switzerland, but I’m sure is one of the worlds most famous and surely recognisable. You will all be familiar with Toblerone, that delicious chocolate bar I’m sure.... well, it actually takes its unique shape from Zermatt’s famous mountain, the Matterhorn.

You may be interested in something I discovered the last time I was in Switzerland..... if you look carefully at the Matterhorn logo on the Toblerone package, you will see hidden, the symbol of the Swiss town of Bern.... A bear! I think this is where Toblerone was first manufactured.