Our jet-set-fast trip which started in Zürich took us through the Engadin of eastern Switzerland in the Canton of Graubünden. As I mentioned several days back, you simply have to google it, map it, and go.
On the way back from South Tyrol, we crossed the border into Switzerland after a tiny stretch through Austria and took a route through a very narrow and deep canyon-like road that “hair-pinned” downward from up high. We were in the Romansch-speaking part of the Engadin. It is still spoken in this part in many of villages. It is one of the descendants of Latin. I think about 40,000 still speak it; the smallest of the four official languages of Switzerland.
Anyway we stopped off in Vnà and Guarda, two lovely Romansch-speaking villages. The houses and culture is most unique to itself, yet has influences from Italian, but is certainly not “Italian”. Anyway, we just drove and drove and worshipped the scenery around us, taking in the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and the cozy autumn color on the fir trees, the trim pastures, and the solid houses peculiar to this part of the world.
Near Vnà.
If anyone can identify this famous little boy of Guarda in the Engadin, I will be absolutely impressed! I mean REALLY impressed.
Firry snow. In winter, all the golden tags fall from the fir trees. I never thought firs lost 100% of their needles anywhere. Learn something new all the time.
In the village of Guarda. Either welcoming or protecting. We decided that it was in our best interest not to find out.
Hiking up the mountain above Guarda. The path the “little boy of Guarda” took in search of the biggest cow bell.
Looks like a great hike!