Switzerland Day Nine - Lucerne

I am sick. I woke up with a sore throat and as the day has gone on it progressed to a full blown cold. This may be a short post because I think I have a fever now as well.

We were very efficient last night and this morning with our packing and it wasn't long before we were on our way. I was a little sad to leave Lauterbrunnen but very happy with all the things we were able to see and do. We didn't have to be in Zurich until the evening so we had planned to stop in Lucerne for lunch and a little shopping.

Last morning in Lucerne

Lucerne is another lakeside city surrounded by beautiful mountains. Switzerland has so many of those! Not that I'm complaining, it would be hard to get tired of such scenery. 

The river in the middle of Lucerne

A sailboat on Lake Lucerne

Lucerne swans

We parked near the water and the first thing that we did was rent a little pontoon boat. Of course as soon as we left the shore the boys were clamoring to drive it. The boat goes very slowly which they found a little frustrating but it was still a lot of fun. Jon drove first and did donuts in the water. Christian was a crazy driver, going erratically from side to side and honking the horn. I'm glad there are many years before he starts to drive a car!

Starting out on the boat

Christian drives while Will relaxes

Christian driving

Jon behind the wheel

Grandma drives the boat

James enjoys the ride

We all took turns driving the boat and we all had fun going out. Even creeping along we managed to get pretty far out before we had to turn back. The ride back to the dock was a bit more bumpy since we were heading into the wind. Camille was worried about some of the spray that came into the boat so James went to the front and jumped at the right moment causing a wave of water to come in. It drained quickly out the back but the screams of Camille and Christian were only an encouragement to James.

Will drives the boat

Don't let Daddy drive the boat!

Jon wants another turn to steer

Shadows and sun on the hill

Crazy Christian

"Look, Mom! No hands!"

We were rather windblown and a little damp when we arrived back at the dock and by this time we were all hungry. We walked the cobblestones streets until we found a cute little restaurant which turned out to have excellent food. Will and I shared a tender steak and Christian ordered spaghetti napoli for the millionth time.

Jon isn't sure about the flowers they decorated his plate with

After lunch we took a walk around the city. There are many buildings here with colorful scenes painted on them and many statues. We took a walk across a wooden covered bridge and peered into a stunning cathedral before stopping at a cafe for dessert. This is where I started to feel really awful. But the cake and ice cream were excellent, the best I've had here. 

Covered bridge

Grandma and the boys

A Jesuit church in Lucerne

The inside of the church

We still had more time before we were due in Zurich so we wandered the streets some more and did a little shopping. James bought a book for the boys about how to take care of their Swiss Army knives and what kind of things you can make with them. Jon is very excited to try some of them out.

A totem fountain

The town had colorful buildings

Finally we arrived at our flat in Zurich. It is cute although a little difficult. But I will have to say more about it tomorrow since I need to go to bed and get some rest.
Goodnight!