Yesterday afternoon we hiked to a nearby resort town called Murren. We sat down at a restaurant and ordered an appetizer of a "variety of local cheese and meat." The two plates came and the four of us shared a few pieces of thinly sliced meat, two olives, two half-inch long pieces of carrot, and two slices of cheese cut so thin you could see through them, for the cost of 25 Swiss Franks (close to $25).
Earlier that day back in Gimmelwald we met a friendly woman who took us to her 200 year old cheese hut, answered all of our questions on aging cheese, gave us samples, let us take pictures, and gave us enough of her very own aged cheese and cured sausage for a good lunch for half the price of the previously mentioned plates. We also had some fresh homade soup from a small restaurant where the waitress sat and told us about the area for most of the time, as we were her only guests.
This is an example of why we enjoy "backdoor" travel. You can experience local life, tradition, and culture without as much expence and frustration as the crowded tourist towns. The big cities are must- sees and full of excitement, but it is nice to take in some of the fresh air of the smaller, less traveled places too.
I don't blame Heidi for never wanting to leave the simple life up on the alm with the many waterfalls, wildflowers, and lush green hills. The cow bells are ringing, the goats are grazing, and Now I believe why here they say, "If heaven isn't what it's made out to be, take me back to Gimmelwald."
photo posted from my iPhone
