Page 40

Willi is about 21 here

Andermatt Schweiz

Journey from home into Switzerland and settling into a demanding shop job at Andermatt

Diary page 40

Translated from Willi's German.

Andermatt, Switzerland I took my leave fairly painlessly, and from home the journey went by way of Singen towards beautiful Switzerland. In Schaffhausen I saw the magnificent Rhine Falls, and then came to Zurich, where I visited my relatives and was very warmly received. Zurich is a magnificent city, with its lovely lake and, all around, the mountains and a view of the Alps. On Monday morning I took the Gotthard express to Goschenen - an unforgettable journey. First came Lake Lucerne, then the first of the Alps, and finally the uniquely beautiful Schollenen railway up to Andermatt, where snow still lay on the ground. I presented myself to a young boss, who later turned out to be a very capable businessman. His wife was very nice and quiet, and his brother Ernst worked in the shop as well. I got on very well with everyone. The working hours were quite gruelling: I worked from half past seven in the morning until half past nine at night, without a break. We had a great many soldiers as customers, but also those whom I served on my own. Andermatt is a magnificently situated village. I made a great many excursions and could never admire the beauty of the Alps enough. Whitsun in the Ticino - unforgettable days. The Badus...

People: Willi Distel, Ernst

Places: Singen, Schaffhausen, Zurich, Goeschenen, Lake Lucerne, Andermatt, Ticino

Interesting facts