December 21, 2018
This day was one the longest driving days so far as needed to travel from Italy to Switzerland. On our way out of Italy, we stopped in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There wasn’t much else to do there, as this world-famous bell tower was in the middle of a small residential area. The bus drop off was about 15 minutes away, so we walked past schools and small corner stores to get there. Once we got close, you started to see all the souvenir vendors lining the street to the entrance of the piazza.
After a short visit, we headed back to the bus and continued on our way to Switzerland. We arrived just in time for dinner at our hostel, Barabas Hotel Luzern. The hostel was converted from an 1862 prison with each room being a former jail cell. It was unique, but also a little freaky at night with the heavy doors and metal bars on the window.
After dinner, Priscilla, Issac, Ava and I joined the tour group to see the famous Lion Monument carved in a rock face. We then headed off to check out the Chapel Bridge, walk through the almost empty streets and admired the Christmas lights reflected off Lake Lucerne.
December 22, 2018
Our tour guide, Loz, told us the day before that there was a chance it was going to be really windy and it might affect our plans to head up a Mount Pilatus to see some incredible views. Unfortunately, the weather got worse and the trolley cars would not be running. Instead, Loz called around to find a place that could accommodate our group and was running trains. Luckily for us, she got us tickets to go up Mount Rigi to the tallest peak – Rigi Klum. The drive through Switzerland and the ride up Mount Rigi were incredible. Beautiful lakes, unique homes and breathtaking views made up for the bitter cold.
Within 15 minutes of departing the train at the top, a snowstorm came blowing through. The incredible views vanished behind dark clouds, the wind picked up and it started hailing. While everyone ran to the only shelter nearby, I clung to the railing and held on for dear life. Within 10 minutes, the storm cleared out and the beautiful views returned.
My bravery – or stupidity – of staying out in the storm backfired. Once we came down from the mountain and headed back to the hostel, I could feel myself getting sick. While everyone else went out exploring, I stayed back and had a nap. When I woke up, my voice was gone. Before heading out on our scheduled boat cruise, I stopped by the Lion Monument for a better look.
The boat cruise took us around Lake Lucerne, showing off the incredible homes, hotels and landscapes that surround the body of water. The tour guide shared some interesting information about the area and before we knew it, we were back on land. We rushed to get some shopping in, stopping by Bachmann for some chocolate souvenirs.
Our last night was an early one for us, as we were headed off to another country in the morning.
Stephanie Fraser 