Tag Archives: Chaput foot prints

The Sausage tree

October 16, 2023 chaput@live.com

We noticed a tree in Tanzania that was quite different. It had a large looking fruit which hung from the branches.

We asked our guide Omare about the tree and he stated “oh that is a sausage tree” Really? He explained that the tree is quite common and has a large fruit that looks like a sausage hence the name Sausage tree.

The actual name of the tree is Kigelia africana known locally as the sausage tree. When we were driving through the Serengeti we would come across these trees. We had our guide Omare stop and we were able to take a closer look at this “Sausage tree”

Kigelia africana, known as the sausage tree

The fruit of the tree which looks like a giant sausage casing

The “sausage” fruit on the tree is quite big and it can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) long and weighs 7 to 10 kg (15 – 22 pounds). They definitely look like the casing of a huge sausage. It hangs down on long rope-like stalk and the fruit pulp is fibrous, containing many seeds.

The fresh fruit sausage is poisonous to humans but some large animals like elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses and monkeys eat them. However when the fruit is dried it is used several different ways. The skin which is a hard shell of the fruit is hollowed out, cleaned, and made into containers. In parts of Kenya the fruit is dried and used to make an alcoholic beverage known as Muratina. This drink is used during cultural events in central Kenya.

This is just one of the many unique and interesting things we saw during our time in Tanzania.

“Moja ya mambo ya kuvutia”

Switzerland

A Sweet day in Zurich

September 30, 2023 chaput@live.com

We went to experience the Lindt Home of Chocolate tour located in Kilchberg which is just outside of Zurich.

We arrived and checked in for our self directed tours. The facility is impressive with a large foyer with a giant chocolate fountain.

Chocolate fountain in the foyer of the Lindt home of chocolate.

After we checked in we were given individual audio guides which scanned areas along the tour. We then proceed along the tour at our own pace. The multimedia tour explained the history of Chocolate from the discovery to the cultivation and other interesting facts.

Display case of one area of the chocolate tour

Did you know that you used to be able to pay with cocoa beans? It was a currency at one point.

After going through the early history of chocolate we came to the making of chocolate and how it has been enhanced over the years.

Lindt first system of chocolate making process

We came to the section of the tour where chocolate tasting was available.

The three chocolate fountains for sampling the different chocolates, Dark, Milk and white chocolates.

We could not resist trying the different chocolate flavours. It was a dangerous thing if you were a chocolate adict because you could sample as much as you wanted.

After trying the liquid chocolate we went to the next section which dispensed at your discretion, different types of chocolate chucks.

Chocolate dispensing machines with different chocolates.

You simply put your hand under the machine and a piece of chocolate would pop out. Once again you could indulge as much as you wanted. It was interesting to watch some people as they binged on so much chocolate.

The section that followed had a large Lindt Chocolate wrap on display with a camera imbedded into it. People were able to take a selfie and email the photo to yourself. Of course we had to do it.

The tour ended in an area where a large display table with all the flavours of Lindt chocolate could be seen.

People lined up to get free Lindt chocolate

Each person was given chocolates of each flavour. After that we exited into the Lindt chocolate gift shop. It was huge (500 m2) and there were every imaginable type of chocolate available. They even had Lindt clothing and bags.

Shelley looking at all the flavours of chocolates

A chocolatier displaying different types of chocolate bars

We had immerse ourselves in the world of chocolate and the experience was fun and educational. Not to mention a little bit of an indulgence.

Shelley and Ray with some of their chocolate samples.

“Glück kommt manchmal durch Schokolade.” -Ibousto

Switzerland

A day in Lucerne Switzerland

September 25, 2023 chaput@live.com

We went to explore Lucerne which is a beautiful city on the shore of Lake Lucerne. It is located in central Switzerland and has a population of approximately 82,000 people. We arrived at the main train station which is located in the heart of the city. From there we were able to easily walk and explore the city.

Lucerne Train Station in central Lucerne.

The Reuss River flows through the city and provides for beautiful views along the shoreline.

Buildings along the Reuss River in Lucerne

View of the Reuss River along the pathway in Lucerne

One of the unique features in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke which literally means “Chapel Bridge”. It is a covered wooden footbridge that spans 204 meters across the Reuss River. Originally built in 1365 and later rebuilt after a fire in 1993.

The Reuss river with. the wooden footbridge in the distance.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the wooden footbridge in Lucerne

We walked the entire footbridge and noticed the many unique paintings that are painted on the interior triangular frames.

The Kapellbrücke wooden footbridge in Lucerne

The paintings, dating back to the 17th century created by local painter Hans Heinrich Wägmann, depict events from Lucerne’s history.

It was interesting to note that no other wooden footbridges in Europe has this feature. After walking the bridge we headed into the old town area. The narrow streets and interesting architectural features were impressive.

One of the plaza areas in the old town centre of Lucerne

Shelley in front unique building in Lucerne

Shelley in front of a water fountain in the old centre of Lucerne

We explored the area for a while then decided to stop and have lunch. We sat down at an outside table in a local restaurant called Fritschi.

Shelley at our table in Fritschi Restaurant.

We sat enjoying our meal but noticed that people would stop and take pictures of the building. After our meal we looked up and noticed the front of the building which was not visible because of the umbrellas.

Front facade of Fritschi Restaurant building.

The inside of Fritschi restaurant had a great ambiance with rustic charm.

After our lunch we continued walking around the city. Along the way we came across some interesting stores. Some were selling Swiss Army Knives and one particular store was selling mantle and cuckoo clocks. Some of the clocks were pieces of art in itself.

Store selling Mantel clocks with cuckoo clocks in background. The Cinderela Lladro porcelain piece is selling for 39,900 Swiss Francs.

Marilyn Munroe mantle piece was for sale for 1,535 Swiss Francs.

We had a great day in Lucerne. The city is full on interesting architecture and beautiful scenery. There are lots of great restaurants and things to do. We are glad we took the time to visit this city.

“Jeder Tag sollte ein guter Tag sein. Die Leute machen sich selbst vor, dass sie für immer hier sein werden.“ -Stephen A. Schwarzman

Switzerland

Day trip to Titlis Mountain

September 20, 2023 chaput@live.com

While in Zurich we decided to take one day and explore the Titlis mountain. So we took the train to the beautiful and rustic village of Engelberg.

Ray and Shelley on the train heading to Engelberg Switzerland.

Engelberg is known for its skying in winter and hiking, mountaineering and cycling in summer. One of the other features in Engelberg is that it is also an access point to reach the summit of Titlis mountain. We arrived in the morning and walked the small distance to the cable car system. We took a cable car and rode up to the first stage of the cable car system. It is known as the middle station. We then continued to the next level where we switched to the revolving cable car and proceeded to the summit.

Cable car for the first level of the system to Titlis mountain top.

The next stage of the cable car system is the world’s first revolving cable car. It transports you from the middle station to the summit station located 3,020 metres above sea-level.

RotAir rotating cable car Titlis mountain

We got into the cable car which allows for standing only.

Shelley in the Cable car to Titlis summit

During the five minutes or so it takes to reach the summit the car slowly rotates giving us beautiful panoramic views of steep rock faces, deep crevasses and distant snow-covered mountain peaks.

At the summit we were able explore the area. There were several interesting features and attractions. One was the glacier cave which is lit in a turquoise-blue light. We went into the cave and walked the 150-metre-long walkway which descends ten metres below the surface of the glacier. The walls are smooth and solid ice. It was an amazing to think we were inside an ice glacier that is over 5,000 years old.

We went to check out the cliff walk which is a suspension bridge that stretches over 100 meters long. The walkway is just one meter wide and the views into the abyss below are breathtaking.

View of the cliff walk on Titlis mountain.

The suspension bridge swayed when we were walking on it and hangs 500 meters above the ground. The views from the middle of the bridge are spectacular and worth the walk out.

Ray in the middle of the suspension bridge at Titlis mountain.

View from the suspended bridge at Titlis mountain

We then walked along the glacier itself and slowly made out way to the glacier park. There it was possible to slide on the snow of the glacier. We decided to skip this activity, as Canadians we have done our share of sliding on the snow.

Shelley and Ray on the glacier area of Titlis summit.

The last part of our time at Titlis mountain we went into the restaurant and enjoyed a meal while looking out over the alps and the glacier. It was a spectacular way to end our time at the summit.

“Die Welt ist ein Buch und wer nicht reist, liest nur eine Seite.” -St. Augustine

Switzerland

A few days in Zurich

September 18, 2023 chaput@live.com

We went to Zurich for a few days before heading on to Tanzania. We wanted to check out this beautiful city and explore the area. Today we decided to explore downtown and the old centre of the city.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. The lake provides a beautiful backdrop to the city and the Alps in the distance.

We walked through the old town centre exploring the narrow streets. There were plenty of shops, restaurants and unique stores.

We did some window shopping but did not go into this particular store.

Ray looking at the Rolex watches in Zurich

The old town is quite quaint and we enjoyed exploring the area. There were lots of beautiful views along the way.

Section of the old centre of Zurich where a band was playing traditional music.

There are some nice park areas along the Limmat river which flows through the city. We walk along the river and explored some of that area.

One of the walkway areas near Limmat River in Zurich

Shelley and Ray in the park near Limmat River Zurich.

View of the building all along the river.

What we found interesting was the large number of cyclist and bike lanes in the city. It reminded us of Amsterdam, in a way. Lots of people on bikes and bike lanes on almost every street. The city is very green focused and the public transit system is awesome. There is a great bus, tram and boat system that connects the city as well as surrounding towns. You can buy a ticket for 24 hours for a little over 8 Francs and use all the systems as many times as you want within the 24 hours.

One of the parking areas designated for cyclist. It is located next to a major Tram section in. Zurich city centre.

One of the trams that run throughout the city of Zurich.

We took the tram to some of the areas of the city. We also enjoyed a boat ride across lake Zurich admiring the views. It was a great way to spend time seeing the city.