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Published: October 4th 2011
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Feeling a bit rushed this morning, we had a quick breakfast before boarding our bus for a much anticipated trip to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Once again, the weather was perfect. There is a forecast for snow by Friday, but today was ideal for viewing the Swiss Alps atop Mt. Pilatus. Once at the base of the mountain, we boarded a cog-wheel train that we would be on for 30 minutes. I couldn’t believe it. Apparently we were going up higher than I thought. But that wasn’t the end, then we boarded a cable car to take us to the top. Once there, we had about 45 minutes to take photos or climb the steps to the cross. From there the view was spectacular. The mountains were veiled in mist which gave them a mysterious appearance, but they were absolutely breathtaking. Photos don’t do them justice. We spent the time just “ooing and awing” the whole time. We saw some Ibek (looks like mountain goats) near the top. There were also people hiking which was unbelievable to me. On the ride up in the cog-wheel train at some points we were at a 48% grade. That is pretty steep. We
were enjoying the scenery when it was time to meet Sara for the trip down. We were waiting for her when some of our group began to gather around the window. I thought they were still admiring the mountains, but when I approached, we noticed two hang gliders getting ready to jump. They were just standing there waiting for the right time to take a flying leap so to speak. We were lucky enough to see them take off before we boarded our cable cars to go down the other side of the mountain. I had never seen anything like it up that close. It was John’s highlight of the day thus far.
Once down on the other side, we once again boarded our coach and headed for town to see the Lion Monument. The Dying Lion of Lucerne carved into natural rock was created in 1820/1821 in memory of the Swiss heroes who gave their lives at Tuileries in Paris in 1792. It has been said that this is the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.
After spending some time there, Sara took each of our cameras and took group pictures of us.
It was a bit chaotic.
From there we walked to our next stop which was an optional excursion of a Swiss Alpine Show with lunch. This was a typical Swiss lunch including cheese fondue while being entertained by a lively show featuring song, dance, Alpenhorn blowing and traditional Swiss flag throwing. Now, I had heard this could be an audience participation experience and that sitting in back was no protection against being called up on the stage. I was telling this to a woman in our group and she asked me where the stage was and I turned around and pointed to it. We were in the 1st row. She and I immediately switched seats with our husbands so we wouldn’t be sitting ducks. So we settled back enjoying our lunch and listening to music played on a saw, accordion, hammer dulcimer, cow bells and other instruments. Finally, they brought out the Alpenhorn and 4 gentlemen came out and played beautiful music with these giant horns. After they were finished, this woman started pointing to people, 4 in total, to come up on stage. Well, it turns out that John was one of the first to be called up
to try to play this monstrous horn. The 1st two people gave it a try and when it was John’s turn he nailed it. He got a rousing round of applause from everyone present. He then told everyone that he used to play the cornet—slight advantage there.
Next, the only woman in the show sang a yodeling song and said that some of the audience would come up and yodel. Oh great, I thought. This woman didn’t ask for volunteers. She just gave you this look and pointed at you and you felt like you must obey. Before I knew it, I was up on stage with John and about 8 other people and she taught us a verse we all sang together and then we had to go up next to her with the microphone and sing a solo. OMG, my worst nightmare. If that wasn’t bad enough, a cart was rolled out with several mugs of beer and everyone had to go up and drink a beer while she sang a song that was reminiscent from where that person was from. When it was John’s turn, he slammed the beer down pretty fast.
We finally were
able to take our seats. Shortly after, the show was over and we retreated to the street where we had some free time. We strolled around, sat by the lake, did some shopping and walked back to the hotel to get ready for our farewell drink in the coffee shop. This is always an emotional time because we have spent every waking moment with these people and have gotten to know many of them very well and while most of us are going home and ready to do so, it is still sad to say good-bye. It was a good group of people—from a family of 4 to a couple celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
Our tour director and driver were excellent and made the tour what it was.
We had spent quite a bit of time with a young woman from Singapore, Ye, and since she had been traveling alone, we asked her to join us for dinner. She is quite amazing and did quite a bit of shopping and taking pictures for most of the day and told us about her escapades. It was fun listening to her escapades. After saying goodnight we returned to our
room to pack and get ready for our flight home tomorrow. Our amazing adventure has come to an end and it was everything and more than what we hoped it would be. We are exhausted but happy and looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing some of our stories.
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Deborah
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Thank you for sharing your holiday with us
I am going to miss my morning ritual, reading your blogs with a cuppa in hand. What a wonderful holiday you have had, and friends you have made :) I have loved every minute. I know you will enjoy seeing your beautiful family when you get home. Safe travels xo