RESTAURANTS IN CHAPALA AND MORE part I

There are hundreds of restaurants around the Ribera of Chapala; finding good restaurants with great deals is not hard, but if you are pressed for time, you might want to visit my Top five list in Chapala.

Restaurant Delicias is located on the right-hand side of the Chapala-Ajijic Highway, just a few minutes away from the town square. Delicias specializes in delicious breakfasts, energy smoothies, natural juices, and healthy meals. The place is usually packed from 8:00 AM until closing time, which is around 1:00 PM.

Restaurant Quetzalcoatl (not to be confused with the hotel of the same name) is a gorgeous new restaurant located in Chapala’s promenade. This is an outdoor restaurant with a beautiful infinity pool and an excellent breakfast buffet containing the traditional American pancakes and scrambled eggs, to Mexican appetizers like quesadillas and pozole. The amazing view and the excellent service make this a must go restaurant.

Cenaduría El Zapote specializes in traditional Mexican dinners; meat quesadillas, enchiladas, pozole, sopes, if you have heard about it, they probably have it. What is great about this restaurant is the “at home” feeling the space provides; small, but not overly so, El Zapote makes you feel like a house guest rather than a customer.

For anything seafood, Acapulquito is the place to go to. Acapulquito is not a restaurant, but a series of restaurants right next to each other located to the far left of Chapala’s lighthouse. All the restaurants are very spacious and located right above the lake. What makes these restaurants popular amongst tourists is the live music provided by the mariachi and banda who make their living by playing their music to customers.

The main square in Chapala also provides many spots to enjoy a good meal; most of the restaurants around the plaza are similar in nature, traditional Mexican with slight variations. Inside the market there are many booths that specialize in 100% natural juices and smoothies, cakes and gelatins. At night, food–trucks take over the main plaza: tacos, tortas (sandwiches), sweet bread, hot dogs, and hamburgers can all be found from around 9:00PM until 2:00AM.

HOTELS AT THE RIBERA part II

As the biggest hotel in Ajijic, Hotel Real de Chapala is similar in nature to Hotel Montecarlo, introduced to you on the last post; the gardens are immense, the pools and outdoor Jacuzzi are located right next to the lake shore, and the 80 rooms plus five suites are inviting and family friendly. The hotel is beautiful, but just like Hotel Montecarlo, its location is somewhat far from the town center and the beach promenade. Prices are very reasonable with rates starting at $1,300 pesos per night for two adults and two children under the age of 12 while a suite only admits two adults for $2,500 pesos per night.

Right on Ajijic’s center, there is La Nueva Posada, a hotel with Mexican colonial charm just a few steps away from Ajijic’s lake promenade. Committed to excellence, La Nueva Posada makes guests feel right at home by offering excellent customer service and cozy rooms that can be bright and energetic or pastel and soothing; 19 suites and 4 villas make up the hotel along with a beautiful roof garden, a refreshing garden right next to the shore, and a private pool. This hotel is a favorite for American/Canadian visitors who want to escape their native weather without worrying about getting a place of their own; aside from their nightly rates, La Nueva Posada offers monthly rates with a 35% discount if paid full in cash. The monthly rate includes a full breakfast, daily maid service, wireless, cable, and local phone calls. Nightly rates at this hotel are probably the most affordable in the Ribera considering the elegance of the rooms; single rates can go from $65 to $85 dollars while double rates can range from $75 to $95 dollars and just like monthly rates, a good discount is applied if paid in full with cash.

The most luxurious yet least know hotel in the Ribera is SPA MonteCoxala; tucked in the mountains inside the so called Racket Club, Monte Coxala displays all the elements of a 5-star hotel with an economical tag. The location of Coxala is the key of its success; the mountains provide breathless views of the lake while San Juan Cosalá, the town were both the club and the hotel are located, is known for its natural thermal waters. There is not much I can say about this hotel that will make justice to the beauty of Monte Coxala; to believe it you have to see it. Its 11 rooms are luxurious without going overboard; white is the main color of the rooms with rattan furniture, and balconies, chimneys, and Jacuzzis are features of some of the rooms. The outside has many thermal pools and special baths, enormous gardens, fountains, pyramids, and restaurants. Being a SPA, Monte Coxala also offers many treatments for the skin, mind, and body, going from the traditional Swedish massage and aromatherapy, to more exotic treatments such as exfoliations with Mezcal-Lima crystals and a Xocotequila body wrap. Prices per room range from $2,200 to $2,800 pesos during weekdays while the weekends can go from $2,500 to $3,200 pesos. Since Monte Coxala is considered to be a place of relaxation and meditation, no children are allowed inside the premises.     

“[El Chante] Spa Hotel has the exact combination between pure air, herbs, flowers, thermal waters, stones, minerals, magic and mysticism, which makes an authentic experience of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.” That is how El Chante Spa Hotel describes itself and guests cannot do anything but agree; mysticism is definitely in the air, magic and comfort combine in harmony in every room, and world renowned therapies treat the mind, the body, and the soul. 19 charming suites with a mountain or lake view will make you feel pampered and loved; as a plus for all of you music lovers, the suites are equipped with a Bosse surround system that speaks for itself. However, what makes this SPA hotel stand-out is the range of world treatments. Oxygen, Ayurvedic, Obsidian, Polynesia Massage, and Kunda vi are some of the 25 therapies offered by this exclusive Spa. 28 treatments complete the Spa services offered by El Chante and this include exfoliations, facials, body wraps, and thermal baths. Aside from that, the hotel also has a built-in beauty salon for manicures, pedicures, hair-cuts, and make-up. For nightly rates and Spa information call 01 (800) 821 9757.

Make sure to choose carefully from the hotels I have given you today; while El Chante and Monte Coxala are amazing, their exclusiveness makes them hard to reach and far from town centers, so if you are thinking about exploring without a car, perhaps Real the Chapala and La Nueva Posada are the best options; the same can be said about families with small children.

HOTELS AT THE RIBERA part I

As the newest hotel in Chapala, Hotel Villa San Francisco has the tough job of finding a new customer base or does it? The fact is that the owners of this hotel did an amazing job in creating an elegant yet cozy hotel just a few steps from the lake; the hotel counts with only ten rooms into which the  interior designers really poured their hearts into, creating a space that feels like home. A musical theme can be seen throughout the hotel; each of the rooms is named and decorated after a musical instrument or theme such as Spanish Guitar and Tango. Like previously mentioned, the rooms and the hotel in general are extremely luxurious, but this is not reflected in the price: depending on the season, the most affordable room can range from$967 to $1,673 pesos per night for two people while the grand suite can range from $1,997 to $2,862 pesos per night for up to five adults. This hotel is great for families and private parties and an excellent getaway for romance.

Not far from Villa San Francisco you can find the exclusive B&B Quinta Quetzalcoatl, a personal favorite of foreign visitors who year after year come to this beautiful B&B. Hotel Quinta is like no other hotel or B&B; the one-acre property seems mystic and mysterious, like a jungle or forest, but with lots of sunshine and an excellent taste in landscape architecture and gardening. Adding to the mysteriousness of the place is also the fact that the hotel stands behind a rock wall over three meters high and its giant wood doors only open to let guest in and out. This hotel counts with five rooms and two casitas, all extremely inviting and with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and pool. Rates can go from $85.00 dollars for the smaller rooms for two people a night to $160.00 dollars for the casita for four people per night. This hotel is great for relaxation and romanticism because of its adult's only policy.

For the perfect family vacation there is no better suited hotel than Hotel Montecarlo. Located to the left of the Chapala-Ajijic highway, Hotel Montecarlo is one of the oldest hotels in the Rivera de Chapala. Known for its thermal pools, luscious gardens, and the many peacocks that roam the hotel, Montecarlo is the perfect playground for children and the ideal site for family reunions and events. 45 rooms and 2 suites make this hotel one of the biggest in the Ribera; many of the rooms overlook the lake while the gardens and main pool are right next to it. Prices vary from season to season so for the best prices and packages call 01 (376) 7652120.

The previous three hotels are my personal favorites in the town of Chapala; whether you are looking for relaxation, romanticism, or a family vacation, these hotels will cover all of your needs, but also take into account that there are a couple more hotels in Chapala where you can choose from. In the next blog I will introduce you to some hotels in the town of Ajijic and some very luxurious SPA hotels that will make you believe you are in heaven.

* The hotels I have mentioned today include breakfast and taxes in the nightly rate.

AJIJIC; FOR THE OLD AND THE YOUNG

Ajijic is another beloved city by Lake Chapala; the town is less than 15 minutes away from Chapala by bus and around 1 hour and 15 minutes walking distance. The direct bus leaves Chapala every 30 minutes and costs around 12 pesos. A smaller bus leaves town every 15 minutes and although it is a little cheaper it takes longer to get to Ajijic.

Ajijic is known mainly for its American-Canadian population who come to this town in search of the perfect weather; during the winter the town is full of the so called “snow-birds” who get away from the harsh weather conditions in their native land. The summer also brings travelers who are trying to escape the intense temperatures of places like Florida and Texas. Many of these seasonal travelers have made of Ajijic their new home thanks to the beauty of this town.

Although very similar to Chapala in nature—cobblestone streets, specialized stores, a lake promenade, and a charming atmosphere—the American-Canadian population has definitely altered the character of this town. The main street, leading directly into the lake promenade, is full of American-owned boutiques, real estate offices, art studios, restaurants, hotels, and bazaars (this street is where the action is). The bazaars in Ajijic are very “yard-sale” like without the yard-sale prices; from linens, to coffee makers, to plasma TV’s, and antique furniture in the thousands of dollars, you can find anything you can think of at a bazaar.

The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) is another addition done to the town of Ajijic; an oasis for American-Canadian expatriates this is the place to go for those who want to socialize with other retirees. LCS organizes hundred of activities for the foreign population of Ajijic; afternoons in the Opera, tours, music events, and fundraisers, are some of the activities organized by LCS. The LCS building also counts with a restaurant, an English library, English movie rentals, and a main office where people can renew their passports, send letters, apply for volunteer work, and much more.

Because of its foreign population, it is at Ajijic where people can find restaurants from around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Argentinean, German, Italian, and Indian food restaurants can be found throughout the town. This is also one of the few towns in the Rivera with a movie theater.

Next to Ajijic you can find the towns of San Antonio and La Floresta; La Floresta is a luxury house complex and aside from expensive houses there is little more. San Antonio on the other hand is more similar in nature to Chapala, however, because of it closeness to Ajijic, a mall, a casino, a modern movie theater, and a Walmart have been built right next to the main highway.

Ajijic is definitely the perfect place for retirees; the weather, the “walk-able” surroundings, the low-priced lifestyle, the economical real-estate, and the English-speaking population offer and facilitate a high-end lifestyle compared to the Mediterranean but without spending the big bucks.

There are dozens of accommodations in both Chapala and Ajijic for those who want to travel to these beautiful towns. In the next blog I will tell you about the types of accommodations available, their prices, locations and ratings so make sure to check back next week.

CHAPALA; FUN, CULTURE & TRADITION

Chapala is a magical town; it is one of those towns where everybody knows each other, a town where “ghosts” still walk its cobblestone streets. Chapala is old and modern at the same time and this is perhaps Chapala’s greatest charm.

It seems to me the town has not changed at all from my childhood days; of course there are new buildings here and there, and as any other city succumbing to the claws of globalization, a Walmart and some other giant corporations have been taking hold of the town’s outskirts (thankfully, the town has not yet yielded to the McDonald’s and Starbucks craze.) However, tradition is still hanging strong; this is a place where specialized stores—places long lost in most of America’s metropolitan areas—still cater to villagers particular needs: A “papeleria” sells school supplies only, ranging from a single map of the Mexican territory to pieces of carton and wrapping paper. A “ferreteria” specializes in anything metal: outlets, cables, sandpaper, pipes… A “perscaderia” sells anything seafood, a “carniceria” supplies customers with pork and cow’s meat, while a “polleria” specializes in poultry. Like these types of business there are many others that specialize in leather, fruits, fresh juices, dairy… The old, and the young, still prefer these places over the Walmarts and Office Depots, a fact that is especially charming for foreigners. These places also close during siesta time which usually goes from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM depending on the store.

Another advantage for the lack of Starbucks and McDonalds is the abundance of privately owned  restaurants and coffee shops; lining Chapala’s main street, Francisco I. Madero, there are many restaurants that specialize in Mexican Food, restaurants that sell breakfast packages, ice cream shops, and coffee shops. By the promenade overlooking the lake many other bars and restaurants, usually specialized in seafood, become completely packed during the weekends with local and international tourists.

In that same promenade, many concerts, art expositions, health clinics, and political presentations are given throughout the year by the district of Chapala; these events are usually free so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to save good seats. On the second side of the promenade, to the left of the lighthouse, many street vendors sell food, “garrafa” ice cream, toys, traditional candy, and many hand-made products: earrings, weaved handbags, ceramics and talavera, “manta” clothing… These vendors are allowed to sell their products in this little outdoor market seven days a week; their prices are cheaper than privately owned stores and the quality of their products is just as good.

In the last paragraph I gave you some terms that are not exactly “translatable” into the English language so let me introduce you to some of this terms. “Garrafa” ice cream is made in a very traditional, hand-made method, very similar to the way ice cream used to be made hundreds of year ago; in a wooden container with ice, water and salt, a smaller metal jug is introduced where the ice cream mix is added; after hours of hand-mixing, a very traditional, crystallized ice cream can be served. One of the most popular versions of this ice cream is the “diablito” which consists of lemon or mango garrafa ice cream, lemon juice, salt, and chili powder: simply to die for! “Manta” is a fabric similar to linen although a little rougher in texture. Manta clothing is usually completely white or cream colored with hand-made patterns sewn into it. Although original of Spain, “Talavera” ceramic has become a staple of Mexican art. This ceramic is cooked at a higher temperature than traditional ceramic giving it strength and a polished shine; from giant vases to lamps and tableware, talavera ceramics can be found in the traditional white and blue colors or multicolored.

Chapala’s cobblestone streets are still roamed by men on horseback, its lake still sailed by one-man boats. Just by sundown the elderly go out to the main square to gossip about their fellow villagers while the young go to coffee shops to find out the latest rumors. On Sundays the main church is completely crowded with locals while at night the main square fills up with children and their families who come listen to live music. And sometimes, once in a while, people still speak about “La Llorona,” a ghost who still wanders the streets, crying in pain for drowning her children in Lake Chapala.  

A Mexican Town for Everyone

Mexico has many beautiful towns; cobblestone streets, towns built on hills, historical, next to the sea, multiethnic, traditional, cultural, there is a town for everyone, but no other town can be compared with the Chapala Rivera. Built along the coast of Mexico’s biggest lake, Chapala and Ajijic are just two of the dozens of towns built along Lake Chapala’s coast, yet the beauty of these two settlements stand out in the eyes of tourists and locals.

Lake Chapala is a miniscule body of water when compared to North America’s Great Lakes; its surface area is just 1,100 Km² (420 sq. miles) with a maximum depth of only 10.5 meters (34 ft.) But it is this size what gives the temperature very little variation year round; during January, daytime highs average 24˚C (75˚F) while the month of July averages temperatures of 27˚C (80˚F) to 32˚C (90˚F). Because of its beautiful weather, Lake Chapala, especially the town of Ajijic, has become a safe haven for American and Canadian retirees.

Although summer and winter differ very little in temperature, rain gives these two seasons a marked distinction; during summer the tropical nature of this region asserts itself in the 36” of rain during the months of June through September. At this time, the mountains of Chapala are covered in green and the lake tends to increase its level by around two meters. During the winter, the lack of rain transforms the lush landscape to dry and dessert like.

Lake Chapala is located just 25 minutes away from Guadalajara’s International Airport. As I mentioned before many towns surround the Lake, but some of the most prominent ones, aside from the two previously mentioned are Mezcala, San Antonio, La Floresta, San Juan Cosalá, Jocotopec, and Tizapán el Alto. Within the lake there are two islands worth seeing as well: La Isla de los Alacranes and La Isla del Presidio.

Because Chapala is my hometown and I know it like the back of my hand, I will be spending the next couple of blogs describing the beauties of Lake Chapala, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and I will dedicate one blog as well for those who are on the verge of retiring and need a little help in choosing the perfect place.

4 DELICIOUS SWISS RECIPES

Although Swiss food is perhaps less known worldwide than its Italian and Chinese counterparts, some elements of its cuisine are internationally known. Cheese and chocolate are two staples of Swiss cuisine and their use in recipes is widely spread. Today I will give you the recipes of the internationally acclaimed fondue, the mouthwatering chocolate cake, the healthy birchermuesli, and my special favorite Swiss bread pudding.

FONDUE (serves 4-5 people)

Ingredients:
1 garlic clove
600 grams of grated Gruyere/Emmental cheese*
10 oz. dry white wine
2 ½  tbsp. Kirsch
2 tsp. cornstarch
Pepper and nutmeg to taste
1 large loaf of bread

*NOTES
~For this recipe you will need special equipment, a heat-proof pot (a caquelon is highly recommended), a small burner, and fondue forks.
~For the strongest and most traditional fondue use Gruyere cheese only. For a mild fondue use Emmental cheese (recommended specially for those not familiar with fondue). As you start getting used to the Emmental cheese fondue you can start combining both cheeses according to your tastes.
~Always start with less wine rather than more and adjust the quantities depending on how the chosen cheese absorbs the wine.

Directions:
1. Cut the clove of garlic in half and rub the entire heat-proof pot with it. Pour the white wine inside the pot and warm it over medium heat without boiling.
2. Incorporate your choice of grated cheese gradually while you stir.
3. In a small plastic container mix the Kirsch and the cornstarch until dissolved.
4. After all the cheese has melted but before the mixture boils, add the Kirsch mix to the cheese pot stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture overheat or else it will spill from the pot.
5. Add the pepper and nutmeg to the fondue and move the pot to the burner set on your table. Make sure to adjust the flame so that the fondue keeps bubbling while it’s eaten.
6. Attach bite-size pieces of bread to the forks and dip into the fondue. Enjoy.

SCHOKOLADE KUCHEN/chocolate cake (serves 15 people)

Ingredients:
200 grams of semi-sweet chocolate (I like Lindt or Godiva)
150 grams of unsalted butter
230 grams of granulated sugar (I like to use 115 grams of splenda and the other 115 grams of regular sugar)
125 grams of crushed graham crackers
125 grams of ground almonds
6 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
1 tsp. vanilla sugar
Pinch of salt

Ingredients for frosting:
½ cup of sugar
3 tbsp water
6 oz. semisweet chocolate
1-2 drops olive oil

Directions for the Cake:
~Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C)
1. Melt the butter over medium-low heat until completely dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add to the butter and once the mix is smooth, incorporate the yolks one by one until smooth.
3. Heat 3 tbsp. of water in a separate bowl and once the water starts bubbling, add the chocolate and stir until melted. Add the melted chocolate to the sugar mix.
4. Mix the crushed graham crackers with the ground almonds and add this to the chocolate/sugar mix.
5. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks and fold them into the main mix.
6. Grease a spring-form pan and pour the mix into it. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

Directions for Frosting:

1. In pan, dissolve the sugar and the water over moderate heat; bring to a boil and reduce heat until the sugar syrup turns a light yellow color.
2. While the syrup cools down, melt the chocolate in a separate pan. Stir the syrup into the chocolate and add the olive oil while you continue stirring until the frosting has reached the desired consistency.
3. Spread the frosting on the cake and leave to set until cold.

BIRCHERMUESLI (4 people)

Ingredients:
4 tbsp. of rolled oats
8 tbsp. of water
4 tbsp of sweet condensed milk
Juice of 2 small lemons
4 apples
6-8 tbsp. of chopped nuts

*NOTES

~You can substitute the water and condensed milk with your favorite yogurt or add regular milk, half and half, or cream.
~Instead or in addition to the apples you can use berries or any other type of fruit.

Directions:
1. In a bowl mix oats, water, condensed milk, and lemon juice.
2. Remove core from apples and cut into bite sizes without removing skin.
3. Grind apples into the bowl of oats. Add the nuts and serve immediately.

BROTAUFLAUF/Swiss bread pudding (serves 4)

Ingredients:
200 grams of French bread
¾ cups of milk
50 grams melted butter
200 grams sugar
1 tsp. of cinnamon
1 lemon (juice and zest)
2 tbsp. rum
4 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 375˚F
1. Slice the bread into thin pieces. Arrange them into a saucepan and pour the milk on top. Heat over low heat and as the bread softens break it into smaller pieces.
2. In a separate bowl combine the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, rum, and egg yolks. Beat until incorporated and add to the bread mix.
3. Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they form stiff peaks and fold very carefully into the bread mixture. Turn heat off and pour mix into a Pyrex or soufflé dish.
4. Bake for about 1 hour. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream

These four recipes are delicious and rather easy to make; try them for a taste of Switzerland.
*Pictures are courtesy of compfight.com

TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY

Once again comes the question of where to stay while in Switzerland.  The answer to this question is all up to your budget and preferences, but let me introduce you to a couple of options that will save you some bucks.

Courtesy of Hostelworld.com

Campsites are quite popular in Switzerland because of its particular landscape and Interlaken, with its mountains, lakes, and many waterfalls is the perfect setting for these resting options. Campsites are rather cheap yet comfortable; although they do not offer all the commodities of a five star hotel, they allow you to be closer to nature. A perfect example of a campsite is the Jungfrau Campsite; for 18 to 30 Euros per night you can have comfortable accommodations ranging from caravans to huts. Bathrooms are separate from the lodging space, but they are clean and numerous so showers are always available for guests. This campsite also has tennis courts, a children’s pool, a restaurant, and the river running through the campsite has deep pools for swimming and many of open spaces for picnicking. Many activities are provided at this campsite as well such as hiking, horse-riding, biking, golf, and paragliding.



Courtesy of Myswitzerland.com

If you want to be even closer to nature then try the so called “agrotourism;” lately, this form of tourism has become quite popular, especially amongst eco-tourists. Agrotourism allows tourists to experience agricultural life first hand; working with real farmers and fishermen allows both parties to benefit from this kind of tourism. There are many types of accommodations in agrotourism; cottages, tipis, even straw mats, are all places where you can spend the night by yourself or with your family, and again, prices range according to the type of accommodation.

Courtesy of Hostelworld.com

Switzerland is not the exception for budget-friendly hostels; at hostelbookers.com and hostelworld.com you can find hostels from around the world at affordable prices. Youth Hostel Bern is a great hostel in the heart of Bern and a great example of this type of accommodation. Although a little more expensive than the typical European hostels (around $41.00 p/night) the price includes breakfast, and internet access. The hostel is clean, the staff friendly and the location is perfect. Now, before you book into this hostel take into account that if you want to save a couple of bucks, you will end up sharing your room with 20 other people; if you are the type of person who cannot sleep with noise, light, afraid of strangers, or someone who likes to wake up late, then I recommend you one of the pricier yet smaller rooms for two, four, or six people.



Courtesy of Hostelworld.com

At Lucerne you can find another great hostel, the Lion Lodge Lucerne. This hostel is right next to the Lion Monument, hence its name. The historical town is very close to this hostel as well, making its location perfect for sightseeing. The bedrooms are smaller and cheaper compared to the rooms in Bern ($37.00 p/night for a 6 bedroom room), however, breakfast and internet access are not included in the price. This hostel is clean and secure, but if you like to party until early morning, then skip this hostel.

At hostelworld, and hostelbookers you can find thousand of hostels and their reviews, prices, what is included, and the location and contact information for each and every hostel. Make sure you do your research way in advance, you do not want to find unwelcome surprises along the way. Also, if you are planning to travel during high season or on popular dates, such as San Fermin, Oktober Fest , or Carnival season, make sure to book you accommodations way in advance, even years in advance; hostels in Munich for example, were completely booked during Oktober Fest a year in advance, so if you do not want to end up sleeping in tents or in extremely expensive hotels, then start looking at these hostel-booking pages.

LETS KEEP TALKING OF CHEESE

Switzerland has a couple of internationally acclaimed cheeses along with dozens of other equally delicious options. The book I am using as a reference is the 1983 edition of “Cheese: A Guide to the World of Cheesemaking” by Bruno Battistotti amongst many other authors.

EMMENTAL

Perhaps Emmental is the most known of Swiss cheeses worldwide. This whole cow’s milk cheese is made in central Switzerland and has a firm texture with irregular holes in it. Rich, fruity, and nutty are the three words that best describe the taste of Emmental cheese. Because of its fame, many companies try to emulate  this Swiss cheese, but the genuine product will have the word “Switzerland” stamped in red around the rind. Great for melting and accompanied with fruits and nuts.

GRUYÉRE

After Emmental, this cheese is the second most known Swiss cheese in the world. Although gruyére has a sweeter natural taste to it than it famous counterpart, both cheeses share a similar nutty aroma. Made with whole cow’s milk, this cheese is both delicate and exquisite. Just like Emmental, this cheese is great for fondue.

APPENZELLER

Made from full-fat whole cow’s milk, appenzeller has a semi-hard consistency with sparse holes in it. The rind is washed with salt, white wine, pepper, and spices giving this cheese a pronounced aroma. Because of its slightly bitter yet delectable taste, this cheese was highly prized by emperor Charlemagne. With the last two cheeses given on this list, appenzeller completes the classic Swiss fondue trio.

SBRINZ

As the father of hard cheeses this cheese grates extremely well. Made with whole cow’s milk sbrinz is now made in other European countries like Italy and Germany. This cheese is aromatic and extremely flavorsome making it a great dessert cheese.

SAANENKASE

Because saanenkäse is produced in very small quantities and aged for long periods of time, this cheese is rare and highly-prized. As a hard whole cow’s milk cheese, saanenkäse can easily be used for grating as well as a delicious dessert cheese. This cheese has a scaly texture and a fragrant mellow taste.

BRUSCION

Bruscion is one of the few goat’s milk cheeses manufactured in Switzerland. This cheese is eaten after a short ripening period and it flavor can be described as strong, acidulated, and slightly piquant.

CHABICHOU

Another goat’s milk cheese from Switzerland. Although this cheese is similar in flavor and texture to its French counterpart, the rind of chabichou has a snowy bloom in it. This cheese is very smooth with a tangy taste to it.  

There are two websites that are great for those who are new to the world of cheese. The first website, artisanalcheese.com, is a great place where you can learn about unique cheeses and their wine pairings, you can also purchase a great selection of cheeses from around the world. The second website is thinkcompass.com, a page that has a great cheese dictionary that separates cheeses not by country, but by texture.

LAUTERBRUNNEN AND LUCERNE

As you know from a previous post, this last weekend was the Los Angeles Times Travel Show; I had a great time with so many stations dedicated to travel and getaways around the world. I learned a lot about saving money strategies and the lecture by Rick Steves was so fun I wish he had been one of my college professors. But I will talk about all I learned a little later this week. For now I will continue with Switzerland and two of its’ beautiful cities: Lauterbrunnen and Lucerne.

Located in the Interlaken and Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen has one of the most spectacular landscapes in Switzerland and it is no wonder since the Valley of Lauterbrunnen is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland. The Valley counts with over 70 waterfalls, many peaks, and dozens of amazing trails which make Lauterbrunnen an ideal escape throughout the year.

I visited this town during the summer, an ideal time for outdoor activities like mountain biking, sightseeing, hiking, and paragliding. It is also here where you can find another UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trail; the Junggfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorh trail is perfect for sightseeing thanks to its many waterfalls and alpine farming.  Since Lauterbrunnen is a town especially popular for winter sports, you might find some great deals for hotels, hostels, and campsites during the summer season.

A town such as Lauterbrunnen is gold for people who love nature or for those who want a respite from technology and civilization; many high-end hotels and spas are located throughout Switzerland, but because of its extraordinary location, Interlaken and Jungfrau  have  some of the best spas in the nation; if you have the bucks to spare, a spa is a great remedy for the “side-effects” of traveling.

Not far from Lauterbrunnen you can find the very Swiss town of Lucerne; containing all those stereotypical ingredients that make Switzerland a coveted destination—crystal-clear waters from Lake Lucerne, snow-capped mountains, emerald green grass, plus a beautiful historic center—Lucerne is the perfect gateway for those who want to visit Switzerland for the first time.

The Reuss River, filled with swans and ducks, runs through the historic center of Lucerne; many restaurants and coffee shops are located throughout the river bank making this a favorite spot for locals and tourists. The most famous symbol of Lucerne is located in this part of the city as well; Kapellbrücke, a bridge build in 1333, signals Lucerne’s original boundary, and although the bridge was severely damaged in a fire in 1993, Kapellbrücke was renovated and its paintings restored. The ancient city wall with its watchtowers can also be seen from the old town and this attraction has the particular advantage of having few tourists walking around its grounds.

One of my favorite monuments in Europe is “The Dying Lion of Lucerne;” built from a natural rock to commemorate the heroic deaths of Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792, the famous writer Mark Twain wrote that the Lion is “the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.” Lucerne also counts with many museums; the Picasso Museum, the Rosengart Collection, and the Richard Wagner Museum have some of the most impressive art collections in Europe.

The great thing about Lucerne is that if you tire of the city, the mountains around the city are easily accessible; the Pilatus and Rigi mountains have cable cars and rail lines constructed in them so the summit can be easily reached for those who are too tired of hiking and walking. From the mountain tops you get breathtaking views of the area and Lake Lucerne.

Is hard to decide which city to visit in Switzerland; there are so many beautiful towns and natural reserves in the country that picking just one can be a hard decision. In my opinion, Bern is one of the most beautiful towns in the world; I instantly fell in love with this city so I recommend it to those who just have a couple of days to visit Switzerland. Lucerne would be my second option because, like I mentioned before, this city has it all, mountains, a lake, a river, and a beautiful historical town. On the other hand, Lauterbrunnen is all about nature and outdoor activities so if this is your thing, then mark this town on your itinerary.

The next blog will help you in your selection of Swiss cheeses and I will give you a few recipes of Swiss food. I hope you come back next week for more about this beautiful country, its gastronomy, and where to stay.

THE BEAUTY OF THE BEAR

There is something about Switzerland, something different that few other European countries have. Switzerland is charming and picturesque; nature is one with the country for it blends harmoniously with the industrial side of the nation. It is in Bern when this fusion of the modern and the old, nature and civilization is most apparent.

When someone thinks of the capital of a country the first things that come in mind are skyscrapers, technology, giant stadiums and shopping malls, freeways, long bridges, and thousands of buses and cabs. Unlike the big capitals of the world like London, Tokyo, and Paris, Bern is rather small—Switzerland is one of the smallest countries in Western Europe, and perhaps it is Bern’s size what makes this capital so charming.

The countries surrounding Switzerland have influenced the language and culture of this small country; although German is the dominant language, French, Italian, and Romansch are also spoken in some regions of Switzerland. The country is perhaps most known for its traditional crafts and specialties like luxurious watches, useful pocketknives, mouth-watering chocolates, and famous cheeses.  

Bern has been the capital of Switzerland since 1848; its name can be translated as Bear (legend has it a bear was the first animal killed in the forests of the area back in the 12^th century) and until a couple of years ago, bears could be found inside the bear pits just at the end of the old town. Bern has a fortunate location that provides marvelous views for tourists and locals; the beautiful River Aare runs through the city while the Alps provide an amazing background for any picture. The River was one of the first things that called my attention; the water had a bluish-green color that I had never seen before and although the water was freezing many people were swimming down its current.

The Old Town of Bern was the second thing that caught my attention; designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Bern has many well-preserved houses and arcades that date back to the 16^th and 17^th centuries; its clock tower dates back to the 1530’s and many fountains and sculptures fill the streets of this town. One of the most famous of these fountains is the Kindlifresser Fountain which depicts an ogre swallowing the head of a child (many parents take their children to this place to illustrate the “outcome of a transgression”).

As the capital of the country, Bern is the home of the Swiss Parliament; during a hot day, many children (and some adult/children or in other words, me) can be found running around the splashing fountains outside the parliament. The square right outside this building also serves as the spot for food markets and concerts. I was lucky enough to visit Bern during the international music festival week on August which offered food from around the world as well as free concerts throughout the old town.

For me Bern was a welcomed surprise from the giant cities I was used to like Mexico City, Los Angeles, Madrid, and Tokyo. In Bern it seems that time runs at a calmer pace to which I adapted in no time at all; just like the locals I took a dip inside the Aare River and tanned by the free outside pool next to the Aare. Since the river is so close to the town and the Alps are a short drive away, the water from the fountains is fresh, very cold, and extremely delicious! You will never taste better water. The zoo is right next to the river as well, so close they actually blend; the otters and some other fresh water animals swim in an enclosed part of the Aare while the “cages” are made in the mountains surrounding the river.

Bern is indeed a beautiful city that lends itself to outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming; although I was vacationing I did not mind waking up at 7:00 AM to go running by the paths next to the river, a good dip in its frozen waters was always refreshing, and a night concert was a must during the days of pure bliss in Bern.

Before I talk about the gastronomy of Switzerland and where to stay when you travel to this country, I would like to write about spectacular Interlaken and the gorgeous Luzern. The next blog will be dedicated to these two cities in Switzerland so make sure to come back to get to know more about this amazing country.  

BACK IN THE STATES

Once again I would like to apologize for the few posts I have made in the last couple of months, but now, I can happily say I am back from Mexico! I had an amazing time preparing a musical concert in my beautiful hometown of Chapala, Jalisco; at times the job became hectic and I had little time to write on the blog , but I promise I will get back on track in the next week.

Like I promised in my last blog, the next city I will write about is Berne in Switzerland; for those of you who like the outdoors and cities with a historical feel to it, then Berne is your city.

After Berne I will take a break from Europe to write about Lake Chapala; since I just came back from my hometown, I am loaded with pictures and videos from this wonderful town loved by American and Canadian expatriates. Believe me, you will want to learn about Lake Chapala, a town considered to have the best weather in the world and the highest quality of life for retirees.

There are many great posts coming out in the next couple of days, but before I forget, if you live in the Los Angeles area or are passing by this city in the coming week, the LA Times will be presenting a Travel Show in the Los Angeles Convention Center this Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29. There will be great speakers at this convention like Rick Stevens, Arthur Frommer, and Lisa Ling, as well as many representatives from Tourism boards from around the world. Tickets are $8.00 per person and you can make your reservations at the Los Angeles Times-Travel Show website.