This past weekend we drove to Neuchatel with our friends, Jamie and Charlene, visiting us from the UK. It was our first visit to the French part of Switzerland and it really was VERY French. We were surprised at how few people were able to speak English. Here in the German part you can get by without knowing much German as most people here are able to speak English. It was also quite difficult for us not knowing ANY French, while we at least know some German to help us this side of the country.
But we were able to eat, drink, sleep and shop well! We stayed at the Beaulac Hotel which is right on the water with stunning views over the lake.
It is also very close to the old town where we spent most of our time wandering around.
On Saturday there was a market with lovely fresh fruit and veg, heaps of mushrooms and very long breads.
We met another South African couple there too. Andre just happened to hear them speak Afrikaans when they passed us and we started chatting. They recommended a good place for crepes called Bach & Buck (look out for the green sign above the door on the main street) where we then went for lunch. The most delicious crepes! And interesting beer mugs...
They also told us where to go for the best chocolate in town where Jamie did some shopping.
And cheese fondue for dinner at Brasserie le Cardinal.
Neuchatel is a great little city, I had the same issues with the language there. I tried to buy a map, and the shopkeeper didn't speak anything but French. Typical of a French speaker, I guess.
ReplyDeleteONGELOOFLIK!!!! Al die kossies lyk soooo lekker.
ReplyDeleteHet jy gesien hulle het vir Nemo in hulle vistenk ;(
Chantal, very frustrating! How do they go through life without English?!
ReplyDeleteHi Isolet, Ja ons eet hopeloos te lekker hier!! Ek is nou juis besig om deur chocolates te werk wat hier in die huis rond le! Die vistenk was te mooi, selfs lewendige seesterre en groot clams (Afr?) ook daarin.