I Can Barely Afford to Breathe Here!

We spent some time wandering and looking at the different architecture of the area - it was the Switzerland I had been hoping for.  Chalet like cottages, rustic outdoor decorations, flowers blooming from balconies- in my mind quintessential Swiss culture.  In this town however, there was an air of tourist trap about it.  It was expensive to stay this time of year, when only 10% of the slopes are open for skiing, and many of the hiking trails have been closed to prepare for winter.  There were “mid season” sales throughout the town, but we weren’t quite sure which season we were in the ‘mid’ of.  There were plenty of people in the town, but I can only imagine the wealth that pours through the streets during the busy ski season.  Seriously, the train station opened to a North Face store, which was bookended by a Patagonia and Cartier stores.  Really?  Where’s the tourist gift shop?  I can’t afford any of this stuff...