Saturday, September 08, 2007

Honeymoon in Europe : Day 6

Route : Lucerne
We had a slightly late start this morning. Breakfast was supposed to end at 9.30am but we were caught by surprised when we arrived at breakfast room at 9.10am and they have began to clear away the warm food. The wait staffs insisted we just have bread and butter and we were actually quite displeased and decided to have something on our own at the Lucerne town centre.
The rain continued to drizzle much to my dismay. I thought I could enjoy MacDonald's for breakfast but they will only open at 11am. Finally after a round of walk in the surrounding, we settled for some chinese food like fried noodles, for Alvin and I just had a coffee and a popiah.
Many shops were opened yet at that hour. Many will only open at 10.30am and so we again walked around. My mood was better after having some food in my stomach and I can snap pictures now. We came across my favourite little Swiss Red House and I loved that cute mini tower sticking out of the roof.



Finally the shops are opened and I happily started my shopping. Bought quite a fair bit of things at C & A and by the time I'm done, the rain has stopped ! I'm so delighted because we are going to Mount Pilatus later. Soon, it was time to return to hotel to join the group On our way back, we stopped by to admire the clock tower and Lake Lucerne.


The first stop for today's sightseeing is the Lion's Monument. This lion was carved out from the entire rock and the significance is to commemorate the Swiss Army who fought bravely and protect the French King during the world.
After a short stop, we continued to the cable car station to ascend to Mount Pilatus. It was a different experience this time even though this is our 2nd ascend. The first time we were here was during winter and so everywhere were covered in snow. But this time, it was summer and we saw greeneries instead of thick white snow.
This is the half station where we have to change from 4-in-1 cable car to 50-in-1 cable car. This place is all covered in snow during winter where people can do toboganning. Naturally Alvin was excited to see the vast different of a same place during different time of the year. With lakes and mountains lofting in the background, it was indeed very tranquil and relaxing.

Finally we arrive at the summit and it was very foggy. I got a shock I caught notice that it was only 3 degree celsius up at the summit ! The wind was strong and I was shivering in a couple of secnds out there. Soon, I retreated indoor and stayed at the restaurant enjoying some warm food and passing time at the souvenir store until the time for descend.


We descend Mount Pilatus by the traditional cogwheel train. The terrain was steep but the train ride was enjoyable. It's like trailing down the steep slopes like a roller coaster but at a much much slower speed.

While part of the group joined an optional excursion, we asked to stopped at the Lucerne town again to continue our shopping. Hee hee..... to collect the free Rolex sliver souvenir spoon in fact ! Although the rain had stopped, but the sky is still loomed by grey skies throughout. Swans were seen happily swimming in the lake on our way back to the hotel.

Dinner was provided tonight at the restaurant and Insight held a drink get together before the dinner commences. The Tour Director also took this opportunity to give away souvenirs to returning passengers who were on a 2nd time or more on Insight tours. The view from the top floor was pictureque and we got to snap it down.

We didn't go anywhere after dinner as shops would have closed by then. We had an early night and was looking forward to Paris the next day.

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