More cowbell? Nailed it.

We set off early the next morning, for a new town, Appenzell.  We were originally scheduled to travel to Chur, but after some additional research and hectic hotel reservations, we were on our way to Appenzell.  Couple things to note here, when using Booking.com (which my family and I have for years) make sure there is NO cancellation fee when you make a reservation.  Sometimes they’ve worked in fees and charges for cancellation at any point, and that always screws the consumer.  Do your reading.  Second, When in doubt about a pending cost for canceling at the last minute, contact the establishment and fill them in that one in your traveling group has fallen ill and they need to get to Zurich to get to the doctor.  (this did not actually happen, but we were facing a 200 CHF fine for canceling).  We were assured that we would not be charged, and continued to plan for Appenzell.  

When reading about this particular city, the opening phrase was something to the effect of “the heart of cowbell country” which in fact it was.  I know there is some movie that promotes the line “more cowbell” but I don’t remember what it was for.  I guarantee you, no one in this region is searching for more cowbell - there are plenty to be found.  It’s a pleasant background tune to match the manure smell of the area.  I’m used to the manure smell, and usually it’s a bother, but this was different.  I was leaning my head out of the window of the train soaking it in - fresh Apline air, the bells, the scenery.  It was almost majestic.  There was a mix of lush green lands, rolling hills that bled into mountains, scenic Swiss cottages dotting the landscape, and cows.  Lots and lots of grazing cows.  You’d be surprised to note that they were perfectly normal cows - with some superpower that allowed them to graze peacefully at what seemed like a 45 degree slope.  Really, it seemed as if they should have two short legs and two long legs so as to balance comfortably on these hills.  It was really incredible to see.  I have over 200 pictures of the countryside - all of the same thing... cows, fields and cottages.  Enjoy.