Lucerne with Bob, Anna, Loren and Pam

We left the Herja the morning of May 26th. Paul & Shirley headed for the Italian lakes and Loren, Pam, Ann & I were bused to Lucerne in central Switzerland. We stayed at the Radisson a block from lake Lucerne. Since we got there at 10 am and our rooms weren't ready, Viking had a walking tour arranged for us. Tucked between the lake and the Swiss Alps, it is a very picturesque city.


 

 


We had lunch on our own and then headed out for another stroll around town. There were many colorful store and restaurant fronts.

We were told there is not much crime in Switzerland. All males are required to spend one year in military service and continue with training. They all have they're military rifle at home. If they don't want to do military service, they are required to spend 2 years in community service. The murder rate is very low. But the teen suicide rate is high. This seems to be because of the system of test they must take to advance in education. If you don't score high enough in the test, you are relegated to a trade path.

Tuesday was our all day excursion. We started with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. Then a cog-train that took us to the top of Pilatus.



As you can see, we had clouds. Once we climbed the 45 degree track to the top, we were socked in. No mountain top view. We had been very lucky weather wise and it caught up with us. After lunch, we took several gondolas down the mountain and soon broke thru the clouds.



This was the high point of the cruise for me.

We boarded our bus and were taken to a working dairy farm. After our barn tour, we went to a nearby cheese manufacturing operation run by a coop.


After a cheese fondue dinner, we were brought back to the hotel to pack our bags.

Wednesday was a long travel day back home. 20 hours or so traveling and 7 time zones.

All & all, a very enjoyable trip with very enjoyable travelling companions.

 

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