KIASER, You are so right, truly a country of contrasts, we visited the Mosel Valley and the views into the Gorge are quite staggering, then on to an Alpine regiment in Smitheim for 3 weeks Skiing, unfortunately it was mostly Langlauf, but at the weekends I was able to stay with my sister in Geneva where she was/is living,
And FOOD!!! Deep fried chicken, chips and mayonaisse, And Sausage in any size and filling, to this day I only eat my chips with a decent mayo, and my lady still snorts in disgust,
Fond memories of a fine country and many friends.
The downside, Parachuting onto Sennelager exercise area in the Winter, a real ankle breaker for some of us, I have in my Military career broken an arm, both legs, a wrist and a collar bone (twice) but never an ankle, still there 's time yet

shaun