Last day in Switzerland

Castle in Lucern

7/18 - So, today is our last stop in our trek before heading back to St. Gallen and reuniting with Karen and Norwin before flying out of Zurich on Monday. Luzern Switzerland holds magnificent beauty. This large mountain lake is surrounded with traditional Swiss homes, beautifully maintained farms on the hillsides and even a castle or two. It is a large city, not the size of Munich... or even Basel, but much larger than the villages we just left in the Alsace valley of France. The clouds brought in rain and great thunder on Saturday evening. However, that gave us the opportunity to find Wi-Fi and to do some sightseeing while driving around in the little Golf VW we rented for this journey (had to mention this car because it has served us well on this trip). We found an affordable zimmer in the smaller adjoining town of Meggen (no small feat as we arrived on a wknd. and this is a popular resort area for locals/expensive already on an off day). While in the city updating our blog the clocks strikes 5PM and the bells of all the churches began to ring....and it continues for at least 20+ mins. We have learned this is traditional throughout Europe and occurs on the hour and 1/2hr. throughout the day. However there are a couple of times, 5PM being one in Luzern, that they do a special performance, and because there are many churches, it is a choir of bells and it goes on and on and on. I find it charming and spiritual. Lyle tends to get annoyed after awhile. I asked the young waittress where we are working how she feels about it living here...she says its quite lovely. Later we have a wonderful Italian meal (yes we are in Switzerland) at the restaurant where we are staying. When in walks a couple of local families with their dogs... large dogs. Lyle's eyes get big. However, the dogs are so well-behaved and lay silently at their feet you'd never know they are there. The next day we explore further. Getting up to run, we investigate the small town and community of Meggen and run back to make it in time for the complimentary breakfast. The breakfasts usually consist of meat, cheese, bread and juice. It's surprising everyone is not keeling over from high cholersterol because you never see light butter, or 2% milk. It is always full cream and whole cheeses, with some coldcuts and baguettes. However, these people are most fit, trim and active I've seen in all my travels. Maybe it's in the genes (I've come away with the belief that exercise plays a much bigger role than I once thought in staying trim). One thing you don't see over here is much in the way of fast food restaurants. After checking out we find a beautiful park in Luzern and enjoy walking around the lake people watching there.