I had always known the Swiss preferred to remain neutral and were quite paranoid, but I had no idea of how intense this country is. Switzerland's government boasts that it can be prepared for war in 30 minutes - every male citizen over the age of 18 has an automatic weapon in his home. There is a reserved nuclear shelter place for every single Swiss citizen, and every hospital has at least 1 floor underground that can be kept in operation during nuclear war. Mike was so knowledgeable of the customs and history because he lived in Lucerne a few years ago, and he had made us quite excited to see it in all of its insane paranoia.
But first, we had a stop scheduled at Rhine Falls. Seated on the Swiss-German border, the Rhine Falls are the largest in Europe and were incredibly beautiful. We took the chance to get some pictures of our Texas group, as well as some "extended family" photos with our friends from Connecticut. They are 4 recent college graduates (including a newly engaged couple after our stay in Paris) and we have really enjoyed getting to hang out with them.
Following another 2 hour bus ride, we finally arrived in the beautiful Lucerne. The town straddles a lake and sits at the base of the Swiss Alps, more specifically at the foot of Mount Pilatus. Our first stop was at the Lion Monument in the middle of town. This massive figure of a dying male lion was created to honor the fallen guards who were slaughtered while protecting the king of France during the revolution. We all took in the somber moment and finally headed to drop off our bags at the hotel.
Speaking of our hotel, it is quite a contrast to the beauty of Lucerne. The building used to serve as the city jail and has since been converted into rooms for tourists. The "cell" three of us stayed in was about 8'x12, with bunk beds and make shift bathroom included. The quaint room was still very expensive - about $270 US a night. It costs to be surrounded by such great scenery.
A few of us cleaned up and went out for Thai food and beers at a local brewhouse. While we were having these beers on the lake, two ducks happened to stumble into the bar next to us. For those who don't know the story behind the blog's name, it comes from a horribly cheesy joke that happens to be one of my favorites ( that involves a duck walking into bar). Needless to say, I lost it when the ducks wandered in. Maybe I'll post the joke on here before too long, but for now it's time for sleep.
Until then,
Russell
Rhine Falls near the German/Swiss Border, the largest waterfall in Europe
The Lion Monument in Lucerne, sculpted in remembrance of the Swiss Guards who were massacred by the French during the French Revolution guarding King Louis XVI
our jail hotel in Lucerne, real jail cells
pretty spacious for 3 people
view down the Reuss River, that drains Lake Lucerne and flows through town
one of the original wooden bridges over the river that was built in the 1300s
some beers in a brewhouse, where the 2 ducks waddled into the pub
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