By: Michael
After a cab ride to the Antwerp train station, a train to the Brussels airport, a flight to Geneva, two trains to Zermatt and a shuttle to our hotel we arrived to the stunning natural beauty of Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn. Unfortunately, it was raining and our first sighting of her had to wait until the next morning. The entire city of Zermatt is automobile free, the only modes of transportation being walking and biking. The hotels use electric vehicles (think oversized golf carts) to transport their guests so the air is pure and the streets free of vehicles.
Talking with the locals we learned that it’s been a cool and overcast summer this year. We counted our many blessings this morning when we woke up to stunning views of the Matterhorn right outside our large window! We managed to get a short hike in but we are both facing some health issues. Elizabeth got slammed into a railing inside a tram and has badly bruised ribs. Very uncomfortable for hauling our luggage and possessions all over Europe. And I’m suffering from an outbreak of Shingles. I’m tough but there is no denying how terribly painful it is and how ‘ugly’ the blisters are on the left side of my chest and back. Elizabeth took photos of the outbreak but we won’t be sharing. Fortunately, the easy European health care system allowed us to go to a pharmacy, show the rash to the pharmacist, and walk out with prescription drugs to help treat the disease and the pain. Total cost: $25 for the consult and about $50 for drugs and wound dressing. Total time: about 20 minutes. If your physician advises you to get the Shingles vaccination, please do it. This is no party.
Tomorrow we have another full day in Zermatt to enjoy this beautiful city before heading to Italy where we will be spending most of the next five weeks. We are both excited and looking forward to shopping for our own food and preparing our own food and eating in. Eating out has its delights but after 17 days of it, we are ready to get back into our healthy diets and daily routines. Hopefully we both will be on the mend and ready to settle in for a while.
And yes, we are both practicing our Italian. So far I like the word ‘prego,’ seems to cover just about everything. Arrivederci per ora!
<CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS BELOW, CLICK AND ENLAGE THEN SCROLL RIGHT WITH ARROW>
Oh, the Matterhorn and surrounding area is so beautiful! And, so sorry you are both dealing with painful health issues. Sending lots of Love and healing ❤️🩹 your way! Can’t wait to see food pix from Italy 😋🇮🇹🍕
Pobre Miguel,
Sorry to hear about your shingles. But glad to hear about Euro Health Care. Guess we both had bad Euro luck. Beautiful pics
Love
Guillermo
I hope you’re both feeling better now!! Xoxo ❤️
Hello Gosselins,
I’m the woman you met on the train after leaving Zermatt. We chatted a lot about travel and shared our passions for doing just that. I am home in Colorado and I know you are on the go. Happy traveling and perhaps I will see you in Italy or Cortina. We arrive on the 14th so who knows!
I have 2 sets of hiking poles (both black diamond) but was curious what poles you have that break down very small AND you can take them in carry on luggage? Curious!