Locarno log (1)

As I suspected, there is no Wifi connection in our hotel in Locarno; not only that, the wireless card which I use in Israel was unable to make contact as well. So I am going to be writing these entries offline in the hope of uploading them some day (it also means that I can't connect to the computer at work in order to send my daily reports). More importantly, I won't be able to check the various local sites for each day's activities (especially train timetables).

The flight left Israel on time (5am) and arrived in Zurich just after 9am our time, or 8am Zurich time. After disembarking, we made our way to passport control (having to take a short ride on a train!); there was a nearly empty queue for EU passports so we didn't have to wait very long here. There was only a short walk from passport control to the luggage carousels; the luggage from our flight was on the nearest carousel, and our two suitcases appeared  almost immediately! It was a short walk from Zurich airport to the train station; we got our Swiss Railcards (purchased in advance) certified and then took a train from the airport to the main Zurich railway station. Once there, we found that a direct train to Locarno would be leaving in about 40 minutes; at the same time, we sorted out our mobile phone situation.

The Locarno train left on time and arrived on time, about three hours later. It was very interesting to see the Swiss countryside: very green! There were lakes during the first part of the journey and several mountains, some of them snow topped. Although we had eaten a roll or two at Ben Gurion airport and had a little to eat on the plane, we were beginning to get hungry by the time our train arrived. I had suggested to my wife that I buy something at a  nearby kiosk, but she said that we would get something to eat on the train. Shortly after departure, a man did come by, wheeling a cart, so we bought cheese sandwiches and a bottle of water each. This was our introduction to the Swiss economy: this meagre meal cost 23 SFr, at least twice what it would have cost in Israel. These prices *on the train* were scandalous.

Eventually we arrived in Locarno, found the taxi rank and got taken to our lovely Schlosshotel which seems to be situated in an old castle. This is very much an old world establishment with a largish room, a cupboard with engravings and a rather strange bathroom. The hotel also has its own garden and swimming pool. Apart from the hotel's fittings, it is only two minutes walk away from Locarno's Grand Piazza, which I have investigated slightly. Presumably we will be going there shortly to eat our first meal. More importantly, I have also found a supermarket, where supplies (especially water) can be bought at very reasonable prices.

In a few days, the Locarno music festival ("Moon and stars") will begin, so the Piazza is currenly being turned into an outdoor concert hall. Supposedly we will be able to hear the music from our room and I wonder whether we will be able to see anything without buying tickets. Sting is appearing on Saturday night and Santana on Sunday, so that should be interesting.