Switzerland Day 2

16/5/16

Monday

Today was one heck of a day! We we hopping on and off of trains all day long!

We left the hotel after breakfast. We didn't really have a variety but it was okay. We then took a bus to the train station. We got on a bus heading to Broc, where we visited the chocolate factory.

The Chocolate Factory (Cailler):

First we got our tickets, free with our Swiss Pass. We had a departure at 11:15 so we had to wait for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, we watched a short film and had a chocoquiz. There were 20 questions but we had to leave after 11 as it was our turn to go.

First the history of chocolate was told to us. In the beginning, the cacao bean was first used to make a bitter drink. Then sugar was added to make it desirable and so on...

We were then introduced to the ingredients used. Also there was a small demonstration of the making of a chocolate, which we got to eat.

Later, we were asked  to sample chocolates of all kinds - White chocolate, dark coffee chocolate, Nut chocolate and many many more. 

Unfortunately, after the sampling, it was done. But I enjoyed it thouroughly. It was the best so far.

So after the factory we caught a train going to Gruyères, for the cheese factory.

The Cheese Factory:

Not as good as the chocolate factory, but we saw the production of gruyère cheese. Gruyère is a famous cheese in France. We also got to sample some cheese. We got three varieties of gruyère: one aged for 6 months, one for 8 montes and the last for 10 months. The more time cheese is aged, the more saltier it gets.

After the cheese factory we decided to see south-west Switzerland. We took the train to Montreux and then one to Geneva. In Geneva, we saw the UN headquarters. It was a picturesque sight. It had 4 rows of flags with a pathway in between two rows. 

We also went to see a fountain which rose up to about 5 meters. Idk the significance of it but it was nice.

Then we took a train to Bern. We then did some shopping in the station before heading hoe.

I'm really thrilled for tomorrow! We are going to The top of Europe, to the Swiss mountains. We also get to play with snow! The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the long 4 hour journey to Jungfraujoch...