Appenzell

SWITZERLAND!  We spent the last two days of 2018 in the Appenzell Region of northeast corner of Switzerland. It's the land of cows, cowbells and rolling hills.  This picture looking up at the village of Schlatt is where our guest house was.

However, here's the view from our room on that first full day in the Appenzell Region.

The picture shows the view we should have, but the fog and rain was our reality.

The highlight of our stay in Appenzell was coming across a crazy celebration called "Silvester." December 31st is the day of Saint Silvester.  In the small town of Teuben, we spent a couple hours wandering the streets.

Men, in groups of five, form a circle and sing.  Why they are dressed like trees, I'm still a bit uncertain.

One of the group of five is the leader and has the big cowbell.

The pre-teens get into the act, but have the straw hats.

Even the little tykes get into the spirit.

Got to check out the real estate listings!

Enjoying some orange syrup drink and gluhwine.....when's the last time we used styrofoam cups?

The WURST!  So good.

Another group of five, this time without the tree branches, but dressed up in traditional clothing?

After the festival, we wanted to see the scenery and drove up to Lake Constanz.......fog.

Hiking in the rain....not so appealing.

We called it an early night on New Year's Eve.

Then New Year's Day.....we woke up to THIS glorious view.  That's what I'm talking about.

German breakfast with a view!

The town church!

For those of you who want to visit...Gasthaus Baren in Schlatt.

One last morning photo, before heading driving to Central Switzerland and the Interlaken area.