Appenzell... the most traditional Swiss village.

The next morning, I was offered another fabulous egg breakfast. All I had to do was lifted my coffee cup to drink and my folk to eat. I so can get used to this... Then we set out for one of my most favorites villages in all of Europe. Appenzell!

Rick Steves said Appenzell had none of the famous Swiss mountains, but it had the best cow culture and the most traditional Swiss region. Men proudly wore the Appenzell cow belts. The town had many festivals where all the local people showed up in their traditional garbs, with the cows and their cow bells, and smoking pipes and dancing to old music. Even their dialect is a little different than the rest of Switzerland.

Appenzell was also the canton where my MIL grew up, and a place I had visited many times and couldn't wait to go back. We drove there with Susan's brother's family in 2 cars, quickly found parking spots, then set out to walk through town.

I've always loved, loved this village.  Going back to it again was so gratifying, even as "progress" and modernization have reached it too. One of my favorite traditional stores is now a water store. Yep. It sold various flavored and infused waters. I mean high end, snooty waters. Really? In the middle of Appenzell? But guess what? It was thriving when we came in to check it out. Ugghh!!!

We went for a walk (hike) in the mountains after visiting the town. Let's be clear about the Swiss people... Many years ago I'd come to visit Susan's family at her Dad's family home. Supper was cooking in the oven so everyone said let's go for a "walk". Some of her aunts and uncles were only wearing house shoes... 90 minutes later and having ascended 1500+ feet and back, they were ready for the meal. Don't let the innocent, off-the-cuff remarks fool you, a "walk" to a native Swiss person is a strenuous MOUNTAIN CLIMB to most of us.

So during this "Walk" when I saw the wall in front of me that was basically vertical, I told them to go ahead and I would see them back at the restaurant in the base. I had a great time to myself, wifi was working, beer AND wine were good, the house dog was my pet by now... Then they came back and we had a nice lunch.

Then the bill came, and we did not have enough cash. Uh oh... I was not ready to drive 20+ minutes to find an ATM... The MIL jumped in and talked to the proprietor. We took an IOU note. I mean... who tf does that anymore? Yet! In this great country, old tradition and your word still carry. Amazing...

Later that evening we had an amazing family reunion with most of Susan's side of the family, at the restaurant where her mother worked and grew up it. Food was great. Everyone was happy and jovial. Let's hope the next time we have an event like this, we wouldn't be missing anyone.

The view from the restaurant was great too.