post by Anne

Thank goodness John had the homing device installed the last time One Fell Swoop was over. It enabled him to get the rental car and drive us from the Zurich airport to the Hotel Sternen in Obstalden in his sleep. This was a perfect spot to recuperate and nap a bit, walk around in the Heidiland rainy afternoon, and eat the wonderful offerings of hotel proprietor and chef Marcel. Obstalden is a tiny town that is nestled above the tiny town in which our agent Paul Rostetter lives of Brambus Records — Mulehorn — which sits on the Wallensee, the deepest lake in in the country. That pic is a view from the hotel room; note the huge waterfall. We are in the alps, yo.

Paul and Alice had us down for dinner: just like home, pasta and wine and espresso and a little grappa. Many thanks for the great hospitality. We got back to the hotel, and the locals were hanging out with some beers (right where we left them) and Marcel made us some ice creams, showed us where the lights and beer were and left us to our traditional first night political tirade. It wasn’t just the jet lag talkin’…

And in the morning, the traditional rolls with meat and cheese breakfast (see pic). The smoked ham was from the local butcher and the cheese is also from around here and very yummy. All set to the oddest “American” radio station soundtrack featuring everything from “Do the Hustle” to some cheesy new country. I had Celine Dion with my coffee. Did I mention the coffee? I shouldn’t, as it would make you jealous. Suffice it to say, the coffee IS better here.

OK, off we go for our first show …. tchuss!