Today was a very full day. I was up just after 6:15 and we didn’t seem to have many breaks from then on. The crew kindly replaced my water bottle that I had left somewhere yesterday. I also managed to process some photos while Di was getting up and about. Breakfast was at 7:30 and then we gathered for the morning’s excursion at 8:45. We made our way to the coaches where confusion reigned as the guests were split between coaches.
We set off from our mooring in Huningue (France) across the border into Germany, and across another border into Switzerland. The traffic was dreadful as we edged through the uninspiring industrial suburbs of the city but we finally arrived outside the Kunstmuseum which was our dropping off point. The earlier confusion continued as we were split into tour groups and our guides tried to herd us around them while we tuned our QuietVoice earpieces… only to find that our guide’s transmitter was out of charge and needed new batteries. Eventually we were on our way and the guide set up a running commentary as we wove our way through to the main shopping district and a square where we could all meet up later. We were then allowed to disperse and do our own thing for an hour or so.
Di and I walked back up the hill to the Cathedral (Basel Minster). The red sandstone edifice stands sentinel over the city at the edge of a huge square. One of the main landmarks and tourist attractions of Basel, it adds definition to the cityscape with its red sandstone architecture and coloured roof tiles, its two slim towers and the cross-shaped intersection of the main roof.
After taking some photos of the quaint houses at the entrance to the square, and the square itself, we made our way into the cathedral. I asked if there was a charge (there wasn’t) and if I could take photos… “As many as you like” I was told. (I asked about the photos because yesterday the cathedral in Breisach had signs everywhere saying “No Photos” and “No Video”, yet one woman from our cruise just ignored it and went around taking photos of everything- including the No Photos sign). The cathedral was lovely and simple. There was the soaring architecture you expect, but none of the vulgar gold ornamentation you see in some churches.
The stained glass was exquisite. We spent quite some time in the cathedral before slipping out into the cloisters - always a favourite of mine - to enjoy the peace and the views over the city.
We took a circuitous route across the square and down towards the main shopping district, strolling slowly in the warm sunshine as we made our way back to meeting point. Once we had all gathered we walked back to coaches for the quick trip back to the boat and some lunch. It was gone noon when we arrived back, we had to lunch, then gather for the afternoon’s excursion which left at 13:00. It was all a bit of a rush.
We climbed aboard our coach (there was only one, so it was less confusing for the hard-of-thinking) and set off for the 80 minute drive to Lucerne. Again, traffic was a nightmare and the journey took over two hours. This, of course, cut into the time we had in Lucerne, which was a shame as the city is delightful. It is the most populous city in central Switzerland and the economic, transport, and cultural centre of the region.
Our guide walked us through the streets to the see the Lion Monument which had been sculpted out of the rock face in memory of the members of the Swiss Guard who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution in defence of the King in the Tuilleries Palace in Paris. It is a very poignant monument and it is clearly a major tourist site a small park just off Löwenplatz.
From there, we headed back towards the lake with its views across to the snow covered Alps. The lake seemed to sparkle in the sunshine. The whole scene was idyllic. We then went to see various points of interest in the side streets before dispersing for an hour.
We went to see the covered wooden bridge (the oldest in Europe, apparently) which led across the lake. This gave views back to the city and along the lake. Crossing back on a modern bridge, we stopped for a comfort break and then made our way back to the lakeside walk and our rendezvous point.
We walked to the pick-up point but the bus had not arrived. In fact he was delayed in traffic and was some 15 minutes late. We climbed aboard and headed back to the boat. We would be late arriving and the Captain was not going to be a happy bunny as he had planned to sail late afternoon. As the last of the passengers climbed the gangway to the boat, the gangway was stowed and we cast off.
It had been a long day, but we both needed a shower before meeting up with Jane and Trevor in the lounge for a pre-dinner drink. Dinner was excellent, as usual. I didn’t notice what everyone else had, but I started with some tuna (barely seared), followed by some yellow sole, which was delightful. After dinner we returned to the lounge where Carole and Ian joined us and formed a team for the evening quiz. There were 30 questions and we managed to win with 27 correct answers. That was a result!
Talking of results… we heard from Kim. There was a joint project for university that had given her nightmares as she tried to herd the other participants and cajole them into giving their input. She has just got the results.. 90% and she also managed 100% on her other 2 exams. We are all very proud of her.
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