Train or car? By
Switzerland or France?
You would have done anything for me to join the Savoy?
These questions will probably seem insignificant but if one considers the number of contingencies that have happened to me in the past during my various trips, I preferred to study carefully all the opportunities and minimize risks.
the first question, I did not hesitate for long: traveling with a large suitcase and especially a snowboard, I had great difficulty in designing the six changes of train waiting for me.
So I decided to analyze the various routes offered by Michelin.
Already, Michelin, it does not quite understand why you, woman, thou art on its website so that you do not, by definition, "the sense of direction" and you hardly know read a map. But hey, Michelin is nice and understanding, he wants to leave you a chance, then it offers you three choices.
The first, from Switzerland, said 593 kilometers for a duration of 6:11. The second, by France, and the third by Italy, are longer in distance and time.
He's smart and that Michelin still good with the ladies: even when there is only one road reasonably possible, it gives you the impression you choose to leave. This site was designed by guys, there is no other rational explanation!
To push through irony, the little Smart'll explain in detail the way forward through a highly simplified language and even shows you the signs you'll meet on your way . And if with all that, you can not destination, it can not do anything for you. It only remains for you take a taxi.
So I printed the famous route of six pages - black and white, the egg '- to the return as well. Because, well, I will not see the same signs!
The problem for Switzerland is that borrowing for highways, must pay an annual subscription.
Again, I conducted my investigation and I discovered that I could buy the sticker on the website of Deutsche Post. As I was not sure to receive before the day of departure, I made directly at the counter:
- "Hello, is it possible to buy the sticker for the motorways in Switzerland, please?
- Sorry, we do not.
- Really?! But still, I saw that I could buy it on your website ...
- Yes, you can actually get you online but not at the counter. "
Like the German logic!
So I made from ADAC - pronounced "adéatsé" and not "adak" not to pass for an idiot - and asked "the map for driving on motorways in Switzerland" not knowing that "stamp" in German:
- "Thumbnail Die?" I do we responded.
- "heuuu, yeah, yeah, die Vignette."
How to be ridiculous in a foreign country, lesson No. 2.
short, Saturday, Feb. 19, here I am very proud, on the road vacation, the Michelin road map in the glove box and "die Vignette" stuck to the windshield.
Only 50 miles later, I arrive at the customs. Generally, they like me customs. And of course, between a Porsche and an Audi Swiss German, they preferred the blue Peugeot sclerosis:
- "Hallo. You go where?
- In France, the Alps.
- What you carry?
- A suitcase and a snowboard.
- Driver's license please. Pull over here. "
He left with my license and I realized at that moment that I forgot to mention my fellow travelers Jack Daniel's and Philip Morris property wedged between my pairs of socks.
He came back and asked me to open the safe. It reminded me of this time on a highway rest area where his French counterparts had returned all my stuff before a bench of suspicious tourists and delighted not to be in my place.
I do not know if it's the size of my suitcase was discouraged but it does not bother me more and I hit the road with my speed limiter stuck at 120 km / h .
God that I regretted the German motorways from that time!
Michelin, in addition to any other benefits, had even anticipated the desire to pee, then say: "You ride for about two hours, remember to take a break."
I've got arrested and executed in the first area. I enter the building and found: right, a small supermarket, facing me, a staircase leading to a restaurant and left, a sex shop. What could be more normal? " They really think about everything and know how to spend their free time those Swiss! Except me, I came to one particular thing that I could not do because the toilets were naturally paid and I had not a single franc in his pocket.
I think I've never been so anxious to arrive in France ...
Do not get me wrong, these pictures reflect not the time nor the quality very relative snow we had during the stay . Fortunately this is not the only factors that guarantee a good holiday. Another? My brother, grumpy but good-natured, filming one of my runs even if not able to follow me:) No hard feelings ... Titi
