We agreed to meet ‘early’ to head to Lucerne. We’ve been super slow rolling the mornings since there wasn’t any big reason to get going early. It stayed daylight till almost 11.
We walked to the main train station- noting that every time we’ve gone, we’d taken a slightly different path, and every single time, the route is shorter. At this rate, the train station would be inside the Marriott by end of week.
We decided we would just get 2nd class tickets to Lucerne because it was a non-train changing, short ride. No big deal. Well. 9 million people got on the train and they also all bought 2nd class tickets. We did finally find seats. Some people stood. Luggage was all around. You could have broken a leg 12 different ways trying to walk between cars. Jason mouthed, “never again,” one we were seated. I mean, there is a reason why 1st class costs more.
But, before long, we arrived and OH were we NOT disappointed. Lucerne is picture-perfect cuteness in all the ways. We checked into taking a 1 hour boat ride around the lake and, again oddly, the ticket was almost $150 a person. For one hour? Dang. I’ll sit on the shore and look around for that price.
We meandered around the old town. Enjoyed the chapel bridge, the flowers, the little cafes and the tables lining the waterfront. We picked a spot to have lunch and really enjoyed the food, drinks, and scenery. What a delight. It’s still our favorite thing - the way Europeans linger at meals and maximize being outside. People weren’t nosed into their phones or talking to friends on FaceTime. They were connecting in real time, real life, and lingering over drinks. So dreamy.
When we got back into Zurich, we were trying to find a souvenir shop. It was Ash’s last day and we were running out of time. It was comedic how long we went in circles before finding one in the train station! Sometimes, all the maps in the world don’t help. Especially when things are underground!
We ended up walking the river again and having another drink down at the cool waterfront bar where we’d enjoyed ourselves a few days ago. When Ash and I went up to order drinks, I asked the man taking our order how he was. He stopped right in his tracks and looked at me. He said, “Did you just ask me how I was?” I said, “yes.” And then he told me. In detail. lol. So easy to forget our Americanisms sometimes. Also, it clearly made his day to be asked. Also, Ash ordered some wine that I couldn’t remember the name of and kept calling, “For the Love of God Frizzante”. That wasn’t the name but obvs, something should be named that.
And then, suddenly, just like that, our time together had run out. It was so terrific to catch up and be together again. And so fun to have accidentally created a tradition of meeting somewhere in Europe in June. It’s been a tough year for our friend but we couldn’t be more proud of her growth, her optimism, her fighting spirit, and her love for humanity. I know it’ll all work out for good, as it always does. Until next time, Ash. Cheers!
As Jason and I walked back into our lobby, we saw our Alabama friends. We were so tired and ready to head up but we sat and chatted with them for a couple of hours. We have some many funny things in common and also so much to learn from each other. Between us, we’ve darn near been everywhere (except an African safari).
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