Rescued - 19th June

By now, seeing the time I was

discussing about hitch hiking to the next big town which was ruled out

by Santanu as it seems not safe. Even I was suggesting him how about

getting into a car of people who does not look that young and suddenly

one car stopped and they asked if we need any lift… looking at their

face we did not take a second to decide and say “YES” in unison (which

came out as if instinct) with big smiling face. They really looked

apostil to us. I & Santanu got squeezed at back of the small car along

with our stuffs as the small trunk was already filled up.

See…my wish really came out true….taking lift from nice people with grey

hairs. They were really so gentle which I can’t express by my words. The

lady (Heidi) was more loquacious than her husband. They knew about India

well and been there few times so we had lot to talk about. It really

made it a more of a wonderful trip. But their first question was “what

two Indians are doing at that bus station?” As per initial plan we were

supposed to go to the next town on the road Domodossola in Italy and

continue from there to Locarno. But soon we came to know that they are

also going to Locarno so all the way to Locarno we had nice lively

conversation.

With few minutes halt at Vigezzo where we had coffee –break at nearby

bistro. The main attraction of the village is the church of “Santuario

della Madonna del Sangue”. The original church was build around 14th

century but then it was expanded later on. Its structure is more like

Byzantine one then the gothic which are more common in this part of

Europe.

On reaching at Locarno they were so much worried for us that they even

helped us in looking for a hotel by asking there local friends & dropped

us to the same. Really so kind of them to take care of us - a great

Swiss hospitality and welcome to strangers.