Lovely Lucurne and Sensational Switzerland

The Chapel Bridge gives the Lucerne waterfront a distinctive look.

After the game against the Blue Devils, my family & I headed south to the town of Lucerne, Switzerland.  While not the most famous, biggest, or well-known of Swiss cities, it is perhaps the most scenic, with a well preserved old town sitting on the banks of the Lake Lucerne.  The Alps tower over this town of 60,000, providing a stunning backdrop to this perfect tourist destination.

Trendy riverfront cafes and high-end shopping cast perfect reflections in the twighlight.

We arrived in the evening, just in time for some twighlight riverfront dining.  The first thing any visitor to Switzerland notices are the prices - SHOCKINGLY HIGH.  The basic rule of thumb is multiply the normal value (in Euros) by two and add 10%.  We had a simple lasagna plate ($22), because the Margarita pizza - usually between 5 and 7 euro elsewhere - was listed for $19.  Outrageous!  (But with the view we didn't really mind.)

The Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century.  The swans came later.

The Johnsons enjoying every minute of it.

A very Swiss waterfront.

We spent the following morning walking through the old town, taking pictures on bridges, and sipping $8 Starbucks.  (As a commentary on the prices, the McDonald's dollar menu starts at $2.50.)  We then decided to rent a boat and head out on the lake -- which was surprisingly only 37 euro for an hour!  It brought to light one of my most important travel tips I have learned since being in Europe: DO THE THINGS YOU ENJOY.  Don't just go to a museum because the guidebook says... instead feel totally at peace with just sitting on a patio, going shopping, or in our case, Renting a BOAT!  

EUROPEAN VACATION TIP: Do the things you enjoy in America, but with a European twist. 

A good ol' $8 Starbucks.  Grande Hazelnut Mochas have never been such a luxury...

Captain Johnny

The Ladies loving the Lake

Lake Lucerne with the Alps in the background

In the afternoon, we headed an hour south to the area surrounding Interlaken.  This is an outdoor playground, serving as the best place to enjoy the Alps.  Here you can skydive, hike, swim, bike, mountain climb, or any combination of the above.  We were a little tight on time and didn't bring our parachutes, so we just cruised through the country and caught some terrific scenery around the town of Lauderburn.  And yes, the cows here do where cowbells.

Rugged Alps mix with green fields

Some of the freshest water on the planet (not bottled)

Are those the biggest SCHNEEBALLS you've ever seen?  Guess we're not in Rothenburg anymore...

~ J. Twice