Aug 20

In the news.


We have a number of important news items to share this morning.

First, Mr. Walker kindly mentioned that I made a mistake in my recent post. I wrote about a hotel in Switzerland that charges 50 Swiss francs per room, or about $55 U.S. Actually, 50 Swiss Francs costs around $45.50 U.S, or ten Dollars less. I knew this, and I blame my mistake on the excessive amounts of Fontina cheese and Belgian ale that I consumed the night before. I was simply thinking about the Dollar’s poor performance against the Euro, and I forgot to change the math for the Swiss Franc. Thank you Peter, for reminding us that Switzerland is an even better bargain when I’m not writing about it.

Second, if you’re thinking about organizing a private tour for 2009, then now is the time to call the office. We regularly tailor our calendar and schedule our guides around client requests. If you contact us now, then we’ll have plenty of opportunity to guarantee guide availability for your private tour. Call now to reserve your spot.

This brings me to the third news item.

The 2009 schedule is now available. Keep in mind that it’s not entirely set in stone, but it’s pretty darn close. We’re still working on the prices for next year so we’ll continue to charge the 2008 prices until September 30th. This also offers a little incentive to book early and to save a little cash for things like Fontina cheese and Belgian Ale. Please call the office to ask about the new schedule. I’ll also post the sneak peak online shortly.

Finally, the Italian High Route departs today. It’s around 9:00 A.M. in the Rocky Mountains as write this entry, which means that it’s 5:00 P.M. in Italy. In two hours, Ken Fuhrer and Mike Thurk will greet our eager travelers with cocktails and a brief orientation before settling down for a cozy little Italian dinner in the heart of Cormayeur, Italy. Tomorrow they’ll feast on warm foccia bread topped with luscious olive oil, sweet basil and succulent tomatoes . I’m drooling on the keyboard.

Looking back, I remember that it rained all evening when Daniel and I started the High Route last year, but we welcomed every drop. There’s something special about the sound of raindrops falling gently on Italian cobblestone that always makes a dinner atmosphere feel cozy and warm.

Let’s wish our friends the best of luck as they venture off the beaten path to explore the Valle D’Aosta of northern Italy, to hike beneath the mighty Matterhorn, and to cross into Switzerland beneath the shadows of the mighty alps that lie beyond. Bonne journée et bonne chance!

Photo: Very typical stone architecture of the Valle D’Aosta-shot in St.Rhemy, Italy. Copyright Ryder-Walker.

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