There is nothing like having second or even first breakfast in Switzerland, especially when the morning headlines feature a merrier world.
The long awaited day had come; the opening ceremony of the Greisinger Museum. After my journey with the wolfish dog, and a fine breakfast, it was time to don my viking tunic and get to Bag-end. Another exceptionally hot sunny day saw many guests joining the hustle and bustle of the Greisinger grounds. A good majority of the guests arrived in costume which added to the festive flair and charm of the event. Once Gandalf arrived, we knew it had to a be a special party.
The party began with a wonderful performance of the alphorn; the traditional instrument of the region.
Goblins, warriors, shire-folk, minstrels and even an Ent-wife all mingled in the garden with anticipation of the ribbon cutting and their first tour of Bag-end and the museum.
After a speech by Baseli Werth (president of Jenins), Bernd spoke and cut the red ribbon; thus opening the museum for small groups of guided tours. Amid the feasting, fun and museum tours, various media outlets were there interviewing folks about the grand opening. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to a couple TV stations – you can watch those segments here.
As the sun set behind the green dragon and the mountains of the west, the party continued with food, music and endless Tolkien talks.
After darkness settled in, the party moved inside where Bernd gave some thank you speeches as well as receiving some heart warming gifts from friends. I kept hearing talk of Gandalf’s fireworks all night and then everyone swarmed outside as it turned out the rumours were true. I’m fairly sure the residents of Jenin and Landquart considered that a dragon might indeed be attacking when they saw this display of fireworks exploding up the mountain!
As if Gandalf’s whizpoppers weren’t enough, Goblins and Dunlendings starting breathing fire!
Finally things calmed down a bit and all was quiet outside Bag-end.
The party carried on long into the night. I’m not quite sure what time I finally wandered up the hill to the gasthaus, but when my head hit the pillow I soon met dreams of a summer night I spent at a party at Bag-end.
Thus ends part 3 in my tales of visiting the Greisinger Museum grand opening ceremony. There was so much to cover, I could hardly relay it all. Parts one and two are here. At the final part of my tale there will be a video montage of the entire weekend.
I’m sure they know how to eat well over there – none of that egg-white omelet nonsense! Seriously though, that looked like a lot of fun 😀
It was awesome Victoria! I do hope many of us can visit one day!
Thanks for the mention, and for your wonderful reports – it really was an amazing event. It was a great privilege to have been there – and to meet you!