Each time I'm in a foreign city, one of the things I enjoy doing most is to leisurely walk around and explore the place - slow as an old, overweight sloth - with little in the way of an agenda; basically just taking things easy. When I'm back home, the madness, the ups and, in particular, the downs that come with running a coffee shop is enough to keep me constantly strung out like a guitar. So, no, no making lattes and definitely no rushing around when I travel - only having coffee served to me for a change and taking my own sweet time to soak up all before me.
April 12, 2008 was one such day in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oi Len and I had just arrived by train the evening prior from the enchanting alpine village of Zermatt. Enviably, we had the luxury of spending the next three and a half days in Lucerne and, hence, weren't intent on giving the city a mere skim-over as do tourists following the inevitable we're-running-late-everyone! pennant-touting guide. We're travellers; rushing through one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe would do her (and ourselves) a flagrant injustice.
It was a Saturday which meant the weekly farmers' market was on. The weather was rapturously glorious (spring is always the best time to visit Europe) - a perfect day for these shutter-happy fingers and plenty of time for photos around this most photogenic Swiss city.
 |
18 months in the planning; we're finally here |
 |
Lucerne's iconic landmarks, The Chapel Bridge and Water Tower mark the upper end of the medieval bridgehead city of Lucerne where the waters of Lake Lucerne flow into the River Reuss |
 |
Feeling proud as a peacock crossing Chapel Bridge |
 |
Lovely spring flowers for sale at the Saturday farmers' market |
 |
Beautiful, fresh yellow roses at the farmers' market |
 |
Oi Len (right) with her sis; second breakfast |
 |
Lovely centuries-old buildings and structures in the Old Town, Lucerne |
 |
Old Town, a pedestrian-only zone, is home to many cafes, tea houses, hotels and quaint shops; great for a lazy day out |
 |
We love the architecture |
 |
Cafes and restaurants line the banks of River Reuss in Old Town, Lucerne |
 |
At the jetty for Lake Lucerne cruises |
 |
Fairy tale-like architecture; how can one not fall in love with this place? |
 |
Snow-capped mountains everywhere you look |
 |
The marina on beautiful Lake Lucerne |
 |
The shores of Lake Lucerne; the perfect place for a family picnic |
 |
A street in New Town, Lucerne; rain in the afternoon added to the mood |
 |
Hotel Waldstaetterhof, our accommodation in Lucerne |
 |
The view from our room; simply jaw-dropping |
 |
Evening stroll in Old Town before dinner |
 |
The River Reuss which runs between the Old and New Towns of Lucerne |
 |
Restaurants on the banks of River Reuss come alive after sundown |
 |
Cheese fondue! My first time |
 |
Beautiful Lucerne; photogenic by day, more so by dusk. I'll be back. |
Did you enjoy reading this? Have you visited Lucerne before? If so, please share with us your experience.
Wonderful post. I haven't been lucky enough to visit Lucerne but your beautiful photos have made me want to take a trip out there.
ReplyDeleteAli xx
Thank you, Ali. Indeed Lucerne is a beautiful city. I love your blog and haven't missed a post from you.
DeleteNice
ReplyDelete