Right on time, the train pulled into the Leysin station (actually, one of four in this mountain hamlet). We boarded and found seats. Since the train would, at times, be on a slope in excess of 20 degrees (my estimate), the seats had near-vertical backs and seats that were canted to keep you from sliding off. Not really comfortable, but quite serviceable for the 20 minute or so ride. Most people chose to sit on the downhill side of the train.

Once aboard, off we went. Normal trains have very little traction, which is why railroad lines have little slope to them. To gain traction, and prevent us from hurtling down the mountain at bobsled speeds, this train had a cog (gear) wheel that engaged with a rack (set of teeth arrayed in a linear fashion) set between the tracks. It's noisy, but comforting. The ride itself was very picturesque. The first part is through the woods, then opens up as the train traverses several vinyards on its way to Aigle. The descent is about 1000 meters in 5 KM. When the tram reaches the town, it lifts the cog wheel and acts like a normal streetcar. After a few stops it arrives at the Aigle station.

Switzerland has three official languages – French, German, and Italian – so many official documents and signs are in multiple languages. For instance, the national railroad uses this logo: You get extra credit if you can tell me what each of those stands for in the native tongues and what they all translate to in English.

As expected, the train to Geneva arrived and left from the station on time. The route took us past the Castle of Chillon (more on that tomorrow) and cities of Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne, and utlimately Geneva. The Geneva train station is close to the heart of town.

We had no particular agenda for our visit. More ambitious tourist will find a lot of information at Geneva Tourism and the Geneva Official Site. Some of you might want to visit CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). Without one of their inventions, you wouldn't be here today. Do you know what was invented at CERN? Answer.

Geneva is on the western end of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman to the locals). The Rhone river flows into the lake near Aigle and out of the lake at Geneva. We walked from the train station to the lake, pausing at a few shops on the way. Across the lake, we could see the Jet d'eau. Originally designed to relieve pressure on municipal waterworks, this fountain has become a symbol of the city. You see a stylized version of it in the tourism logo of the city.

We meandered through the city, crossing the Rhone and walking into the oldest part (after a detour through a very modern downtown shopping mall). Near the Hotel d'Ville (city hall) we found Rue Calvin. My mother (and my daughters and I) are direct descendents of the father and brother of John Calvin, who did most of his famous theological work while he lived in Geneva.

Eventually, our wandering path through town lead us to a sidewalk cafe, where we had lunch, and later in the day, to another where we found liquid refreshment. We walked back to the train station and made the return trip to Aigle and Leysin without incident, and, of course, on schedule. Tomorrow, we had an ambitious drive planned.