Switzerland Trip
33 ladies from all over Scotland headed out to Adelboden on the 12th September – 17th September for a trip of a lifetime for some. We all met at Edinburgh airport on the Tuesday morning wearing red so we could recognise everyone. After a slight delay at passport control in Geneva airport, we arrived at our destination in Adelboden, the Hotel Alpina.
Our first day was a visit to Our Chalet where we enjoyed a pinning ceremony around the flagpole, the main reason for our trip. Unfortunately the rain decided to start just as we were having the ceremony but it didn’t dampen spirits. We had a guided tour around the Chalet by two of the volunteers who gave us lots of information. We had time to have a wander around and have lots of photo shoots before a visit to the Woodcarvers. There was plenty time to shop and enjoy the scenery before we were on our way back to the hotel. Some of the ladies decided to walk back and enjoy the hike and some stopped in the town centre for shopping, coffee and cake.
Our second full day took us to the top of the Shilthorn. Four cable cars later after some of us stopped off to see the small villages on the hillside, we experienced the magnificent views from the viewing platform. It felt like the top of the world. The weather was lovely and it was great to spend time taking in all the surrounding mountains. We enjoyed lunch on the rotating Piz Gloria restaurant. We then had time to visit the James Bond exhibition and Walk of Fame. Another great experience.
Day 3 was a visit to Interlaken in the morning where we had time to see the sights, travel up the Harder Kulm Funicular, shopping or just sit and enjoy a coffee and pastry. This is a stunning lakeside town. Everyone did their own thing during this time. We then went on to visit the Trummelback Falls. They were spectacular falls inside the caves but not if you have a fear of heights. It was worth all the climbing up and then back down the outside of the cave. Again a beautiful day.
Day 4 was a free day and people made the most of it. Some managed to fit in just about everything that was around the area we were staying. They went to Lake Blausse, enjoyed toboganning down the hillside, visited the International Scout centre at Kandersteg, took a boat ride, went up the local cable cars and hiked back down, had fun swinging on the mountain top, visited an animal farm and just spent time shopping. Lots of tired people trying to fit it all in as we were coming to the end of our full days.
Our hotel was lovely with good food, accommodation and staff. We enjoyed two quizzes put together by some of the ladies and finished of with a Swiss evening enjoying fondue and alphorn music.
It was a truly memorable trip and for some it was something they had hoped to do for over 60 years.
Thank you everyone for making it a great trip. What do they say Trefoil members enjoy - Adventure, Friendship, Food and this time Photographs. Where to next? Ideas please.
Helen Jackson
International adviser
