GRANDMA TRIP #6 - SWITZERLAND - PART TWO - LUCERNE and VEVEY [ July 3&4]

 July 3 had us traveling on a train again. This time to Lucerne. The scenery here is wonderful! The views from the train are so peaceful. Every thing is clean and lovely.  The mornings are filled with birdsong which I love! Switzerland exceeds my expectations

Lucerne is a beautiful town!  We had a short time to explore before we got on a boat  to cruise over Lake Lucerne. [So glad we were coming back on our own another day!]

Entry to Lucerne Train Station

This bridge once led right to the door of the church.

Original art work is displayed in the bridge.

 

This amazing 'tree' shows members of the guilds.

A beautiful church we explored at a later date.

My grandchildren of course!

A short fruit break on the steps near old town.

Just me.

                                                      On Lake Lucerne.

                                                       Still on Lake Lucerne 

                                                          Lake Lucerne

                                                             And again!

                                                          And again!

Then we disembarked at Vitznau to board the Cogwheel Railway and ride up a steep grade to 5900 feet of Mount Rigi passing through more delightful scenery. There we had a couple of hours to enjoy lunch and the scenery. There were cows in the fields with their bells constantly ringing! My grandchildren loved the cows and took many creative photos- well over 50!. I loved the sound of the bells and the amazing views.

                                          One of Europe's oldest mountain railways.

                                               Someone had a sense of humor

Amazing views in all directions!

And then there were the cows

And some beautiful wild flowers.

A ride down the mountain to Arth-Goldau and our hotel in Stansstad for a group dinner and time to wander. 

[I am finding the food to be very expensive. I had heard that Switzerland was one of the most expensive places to visit and the food prices certainly reflect that.]

                                 So nice to be on the water. It is always so peaceful!

                                        The view from my room.

Next morning [Happy Birthday America!] saw us back on the train watching the beautiful and ever changing landscape. We stopped at Interlaken for a few hours. Another beautiful place! 

After lunch we bought tickets for the funicular  and rode to the top. Just when we thought our standing room only car was full another 8-10 people were crammed in - can I say like sardines? Surprising to say the least but we made it and WOW the views were fantastic. So worth it!

There were actually seats on our way down 😉

 

 

Fun little statues alone the path!

                                                       Interlaken

Then a very quick stop at a souvenir shop [chocolate and a magnet]  and a dash for the train station and our trip to Vevey. More wonderful views!! Probably took too many photos but there were new vistas all of the time! How could we resist?

Note the beautiful glacial  blue!

Vevey is another lovely place! our hotel was great as usual and the staff was amazing in allocating us all to our rooms. Imagine dealing with a lobby full of 41 tired travelers! They handled it superbly. And our luggage was waiting for us in our rooms! 

We went to the recommended  crepe stand for our  yummy dinner followed by  some ice cream/sorbet for dessert.  I really enjoyed my mango/passion fruit. We walked along the shore viewing  many restaurants, hotels and interesting sculptures -  just enjoying the vibe of the area. I could easily spend a few days here just taking it all in.

Who knew that Charlie Chaplin spent several years of his life in this lovely area? 

My grandchildren decided they wanted a swim in the lake. An evening swim was a great diversion but I relaxed in my room.

 

 

                                                  What more can I say? Peaceful and beautiful.

A unique sculpture! Note the permanent chairs positioned for good viewing. And then my grandchildren chose to take artistic license :)

Charlie Chaplin. Funny that when Steve and I were traveling in 2019 we saw a similar sculpture honoring him in Waterville Village, County Kerry, Ireland where he and his family also spent a good deal of time.

                                                         An evening swim.