Thursday 8 June 2006 Highlights: Nothing (Travel Day)
Today has a travel day to Venice. Nothing very special except the campsite is great (I have a room to myself when I should be sharing) and I had my first Italian lasagne at the campsite (not that good actually).
Wednesday 7 June 2006 Highlights: Travel day watching the landscape change
Today was a travel day only going back to Munich for the last time before I return for the World Cup on 24 June 2006. Saw a good movie on the bus ‘The Transporter’ and luckily got to call my sister Kara and nephew Andrew (before his big tennis match).
Having been given a warning about how expensive Venice can be I did a supply run at a local cheap supermarket and I’m now set for the Italian leg of the trip (15 days!) which should be great.
Tuesday 6 June 2006 Highlights: Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, Buying an iconic Swiss Army Knife
Today was a lazy relaxing day which started with a very big breakfast which was free with accommodation. This was followed with a idyllic boat cruise around Lake Lucerne with Jess and Shannon. The Swiss sure have some of the most scenic sites in Europe.
Cruising on Lake Lucerne
When Luke joined us later in the day we went shopping now that things were open and I found a great Swiss Army knife place which was on my must do while in Switzerland. The four of us then went to the Supermarket and we made a great dinner (rolls, chicken, salad, wine, soft drink and even a desert). Great people once again.
I also got a chance to speak to a few USA citizens while they are in Lucerne. Most USA backpackers only get 3-4 weeks maximum to see Europe which is a real shame.
Monday 5 June 2006 Highlights: Walking tour of Lucerne, The Lion of Lucerne
Early in the morning I had my last chance to take in the fresh air and amazing sights of Lauterbrunnen for the last time before the short bus ride to Lucerne.
The view from my campsite in Lauterbrunnen
During the bus trip to Lucerne I decided with Luke, Jess, and Shannon that we would explore together over the next 2 days. Unfortunately the hotel didn’t let us check into 3 pm so we all went down to the Central Train station to check out tourist information for inspiration.
With today being a public holiday so most things were closed however we did get to do a very good walking tour of Lucerne. The most moving monument here was the Lion of Lucerne with is to remember over 600 Swiss who died defending a castle. The lion is also dying which is unusual for a national monument.
The Lion of Lucerne
As all 4 of us were very short on money we spent the night searching for a cheap eat, and finally found a very dark alley which sold kebabs, at one stage we asked about whether free water was included (I’m not kidding), yes real Aussie the backpackers were in town 🙂
Sunday 4 June 2006 Highlights: Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
Today I headed off for a long hike around the Swiss mountains. The waterfalls were magnificent I even visited some inside a mountain. The weather wasn’t as good and the people going up to Jungfrajoch unfortunately missed out today.