Lucern Switzerland- The land of much Beauty... - Luzern, Switzerland
Luzern, Switzerland
We arrived late evening yesterday and following supper it was rest. I had extra time for the first time in our trip thus far to do some housekeeping chores and was glad to have the time to finish them. We had a late start to the day which was refreshing after the early mornings. The breakfast is a good start to meet the group members who are now jellying and are familiar. There are two families with young children who add a sense of youth, levity and cheer. There are two young couples, I am guessing on their honeymoon and it overt, young puppy love written in all their gestures and behaviour. Then there is a family of two siblings with their spouses and two mid 40's and me... Most people are friendly. The members are from Australia, New Zealand, Chicago, and me from Canada. Our tour guide is from Netherlands and driver from Italy. So the world is represented in a way. Today I am in the room writing this journal feels weird as I usually do this in transit. There was an evening activity I opted to rest and recharge. The only thing on my agenda is doing this entry, post it, get ready for tomorrow and relax. There was no lobby and no tea or hot water kettle in the room which I discovered after I decided to stay in the room. It does not matter as I am full. My room is a cute small room for tiny people fur shied with all things IKEA. The shower entrance was so small that I wondered if I would fit in. They sure use space effectively. Like a bunk bed overlooking the street with windows jetting into the street. Today was an absolutely wonderful day and I am glad to have time to savour it. The day started by a nice brisk walk into the centre of beautiful Lucerne. I will run out of words to describe this place... The weather was absolutely amazing. I took more 200 pictures today and shut the camera to soak the surroundings. Our first stop was the Lion Monument in the middle of midst of the town square to depict the bravery and loyalty of the Swiss guards/ heroes who gave their lives in Tuileries in Paris made in 1821. The lion is hurt and is lying on a shield with the Swiss symbol. The sculpture who were asked to do the sculpture did not get paid due to change of government officials as a result they curved a pig in the outer edge of the lion. A eternal proof of unkept promises Then we walked though the town among people rushing to work. Saw countless buses, trains and bicyclists scurrying to work. The air was very clean and not a lot of loud noise. The scenic beauty of surroundings was similar to Banff- on a wider manner. The majestic snow capped Swiss Alps were too beautiful for words.. The lake that surrounded it was pristine, clear mountain water. You could look down and see the bottom and the reflection of the mountains and sky. A mirror reflection- pure natural beauty. We walked to the Chapel Bridge a vital landmark which was seriously damaged by fire and was rebuilt. The wooden bridge consisted of paintings depicting stories in the overhanging inside the bridge which led to the church as an message to church goers All the streets were lined by ornate patrician houses lined with cobble stone streets. Found out that Tennis Player Roger Fadrera plays for the Swiss team. Then we went on a boat cruise on the Lucern Lake and saw Lucerne which is nestled amid the lofty snow capped Alps. I was soaking in the scenery that was so pure, beautiful and natural that it was calming and nourishing to the senses. The captain had a calm voice and explained the scenery in an informational manner. The forty-five minute ride was over before it started. My mind is still picturing it. Then we walked some more around the town. Noticed the four watch towers the city walls the stores selling watches, cuckoo clocks, Swiss knives and more watches. I am proud to say that buying souvenirs has not interested me at all thus far. Then we boarded our bus for a life time experience of going to the top of Swiss Alps in a place called Mount Titlis which is 10, 000 foot summit and or 3, 020 meters above sea level. Our drive was interesting as the landscape was changing quite quickly from green to white. Houses all around were built with cement blocks to keep the moisture of constant rain and snow, even the cows are kept above so they do not freeze and get sick. They are kept in the winter indoors and let out in the summer. We did not see any cattle on the green hills. I am not a math person but I just know it was taller than any tall height I have been and I just copied the numbers so I can be accurate about the height for future research. We took three sets of 8 seater cable car and then took the Titlis Rotair which provided a panoramic view of rock faces, crevices and mountain peaks. It took more than 45 minutes to go to the top. And the incline was quite exhilarating. There were skiers and I was reminded of our trips to the ski hills with Aman and Sufia. They look like bunny hills in comparison. Once on the summit of the mountain we went to the Glacier Cave a 150 meter long walkway in the cave with ice around - so cool, dark and almost blue hue. Slippery everywhere and so fantastic... Then we walked up to the Summit station for another panoramic terrace which was stunning but I could not believe who I saw there- Shahruk Khan- Indian actor like Brad Pitt from Indian actress Kajool like Angelina. See pictures if you do not believe me. I could not believe it. I had some hot tomato soup and tea for lunch and headed down. As we headed down we saw the train station in Lucerne which is an important mode of transportation which is highly modern and efficient. The day was fantastic and this maybe the best experience in my trip so far. The surrounding natural beauty is amazing and surpasses everything else I have seen so far. I was thinking of the Niagara Falls, the Maritime Provinces in Canada and other places I have had the privilege to see and enjoy. I pray and pledge that we can nurture this natural beauty present everywhere so my darling grandchildren Wesley and Nicolas and Aman's future kids can come and enjoy this here and else where. There is so much beauty and it is never ending and I am fortunate to be bear witness to its beauty. I feel humbled and so grateful for this opportunity...enjoy the pictures