This morning we woke up in Lucerne. Yesterday was a very very very long travel day. With thanks to Christine for getting us to the airport.
Things went pretty seamlessly, which was nice. We went from SJ to Denver, wandered around, got a bit of food (they don't serve anything on planes these days on trips less than 3 hrs), and made it to the next gate. In Washington, there was an hour on the ground, but boarding was pretty soon after we walked to the next gate. I was confused why I got different boarding groups than Jeremy and Daniel. Turns out it is because they do aisles later. Lots of dozing on and off. There was dinner and breakfast snack on the leg from Washington to Frankfurt. Passports examined and stamped, luggage was there on the conveyor when we got there, no customs check and we were out the door. Then we crossed the street, literally, and were in the train station.
I had double booked us for Tuesday and Wednesday nights but successfully got us traded so that we are in Lucerne first and then Basel. Phew. The train from Frankfurt to Lucerne required 2 changes of train, but that is often just walking across the platform. My suitcase is bigger and heavier and it was nice that the boys could just grab it, sling it up the train stairs. On the first half-hour from Frankfurt to Mannheim, there were no seats, so we just stood with our suitcases in the area by the door. Now we are using Swiss francs which are even more like funny money than euros. Colorful, different colors for different amounts. I still have not clue what the exchange rate is.
So with excellent directions and one short bus ride from the train station, here we are at The Bed and Breakfast Hotel on Taubenhaustrasse. We got up here, unloaded bags and got directions from Evelyne to the old town area and the bridges. Dinner was at a brauerie, complete with beer. Daniel had sausages and a pretzel with mustard. I had a salad with avocado, shrimp and mango (!) and Jeremy had a traditional Swiss dish that included macaroni, potatoes, cheese and a side of applesauce. Yum! There was no room for gelato.
So we are now all up. I was going to type this while the guys were out for espresso, but breakfast is almost ready here and there is coffee.
It is cold here...well, we are in the Swiss mountains after all. Today will include a ride on Lake Lucerne and perhaps a tramride up into the mountains. Yikes. OK..time for breakfast.c
