Around the World in 90 Days Issue # 20

"Be happy about your own life and you'll be amazed at just how much more beautiful you'll find it to be.” ― TemitOpe Ibrahim

I hope you haven’t become too intoxicated from drinking the Gret Tun dry?!

We also had a quick stop at the Rhine Falls, their forceful flow making a huge mist before plunging into the river below. As we looked up there was a parasailer floating above the mists as free as a bird. I always wanted to try this…it’s on my next list.

It appears that none of these houses are built the same. Despite being very old, they are all unique with lots of decorations that make them quaint and old-worldly. I had to have a photo of our Hotel in Engleberg, as it reflected these views. When it came to getting to your room on the third floor, only 1 tiny 2-person lift. So up the stairs, I climb. Grateful I only had my limited luggage compared to some others. Lots of quaint churches nestled in the hills and then all the cows had their own bells of different tones and sizes. As the saying goes – ‘the hills are alive with the sound of music’…made by the movement of the cows and their decorated bells.

As I have been constantly on the move now for 6 weeks or more, I got into the habit of writing down my room numbers for each location….a quick scan so far has indicated that I have NOT been in the same room number more than once!! I will check at the end and someone smarter than me will come up with the odds of this happening!?

Itinerary for 20th July – Mannheim – Heidelberg – Black Forest – Engleberg–

Next stop Lucerne I had a close view of the Lion Monument. LionMonument (German: Löwendenkmal), or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. It is one of the most famous. In 2006, it was placed under Swiss monument protection. American humourist and author Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) praised the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as ‘the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.’ I am happy to get my photo taken in front of the Lion, as often I have been told when I raise my voice in anger, it is a bit like a lion roar! But I feel it is more about the real me, I am always standing up for a good cause and recognising those who have fought for their rights.

We stop at Lake Lucerne. Encircled by popular excursion mountains, Lake Lucerne is the lake with the greatest scenic variety in the country. It is somewhat reminiscent of a fjord landscape yet remains characterised by a mild lake climate. We take a Lake cruise - See Mt. Pilatus, lakeside chalets, and the city of Lucerne from the water.

Next day – another first-off experience. We board the cog-wheel railway train up to Mt Pilatus. Commissioned in 1889, a gradient of up to 48 per cent, about 30 minutes travel time: that is the steepest cogwheel railway in the world in figures. Meter by meter it scales the way from Arpachshad to Pilatus Kulm, passing alpine meadows and striking rock formations. When engineer Eduard Lochner proposed building a railway on Mount Pilatus in the 19th century, many thought he had gone mad. But in 1889 the 4,618-meter-long railway opened from Arpachshad to Pilatus Kulm. Since its opening until today, that has not changed. It takes cleverly devised technology to move a train forward at such a steep gradient. The ingenious design with two horizontally rotating cogwheels made it possible. This masterpiece was exhibited at the World Fair 1889 in Paris. (I guess he proved them wrong!) It is scary, as it seems that each gradient is a huge effort (it reminded me of the little red train engine song, I Think I can, I Think I can). This nervousness is overcome by the spectacular views that we pass through, let alone the fresh invigorating air. Then we take a cable car gradually back down through the fields and forests to the foot of the majestic mountain.

The Kapellbrücke (literally, Chapel Bridge) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss diagonally in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland. Named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, the bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city’s symbol and as one of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions.

We had some free time, I had to change 100 euros to 141 Swiss francs. I make the most of it and ring my girls back in Australia. I also send some emails. I appreciate the two-night stay so I can organise washing and drying in our hotel. I visit a Jesuit church – extremely pretty lots of detail, I look around lots of shops. It is very hot and I fell sick of walking – 5 hours plus the mountain hike. Just must rest so had a drink at the bar with a couple & daughter from Tennessee, then tea. I then write up outstanding notes for the last couple of days. Today is the hottest weather I have experienced so far. The air was clean and invigorating but I was so surprised by the temperature!

Tomorrow we will have been in 3 countries on the same day. Can you guess what they might be? Switzerland is the starting point so, tick that as #1

22nd July – Engberg – Velrich – Innsbruck .

14klm tunnel through mountains took 13 minutes in coach travel time. Our coach driver expertly navigates the narrow windy roads past Zurich Lake. This is a very mountainous country and before we know it, we are in Liechtenstein Principality, with Capital Vaduz. Here we pay to get our passports stamped.

We end the day in Innsbruck which is surrounded by mountains. Another castle, this one built in 1187, with a defensive wall and four tower moats. In the 19th century construction of railway lines stamped Innsbruck as a crossroad route in Europe. With lines/roads going North/South & East/West. Innsbruck also held the Winter Olympics in 1964 & 1976. 25% of the population is estimated to be Uni Students. What a location for a university? We viewed the Olympic ski jump and were surprised to see a cemetery nestled at the bottom. Was it an incentive or for convenience for the failures? We had cakes and coffee at the top and I was definitely not tempted to strap skis on and take off!

I really liked how everything looked like a snow-themed Christmas card. I’m sure every business was trying to outdo their neighbours with the signage. All signs were ornately decorated and attached to the building with embellished hooks.

Then there is the Golden Roof. Commissioned by Maximilian for his wedding. I asked how he could afford that – and my answer was Under his leadership, the Habsburg family came to dominate in Europe in the 1500s. Maximilian added vast lands to the family holdings and used diplomacy, warfare, and marriage to make the empire more secure. The Reliefs on the balustrade depict him and look quite humorous to me.

I took advantage of the local Swarovski crystal shop and bought a bag with crystals on it, a T-shirt and keyrings for the girls, and a few other nicknacks for friends. So much to choose from. The mountain air surrounding Innsbruck is refreshingly crisp, pure, and invigorating. It carries the fragrant aroma of pine and spruce trees, accentuated by the cool breezes that sweep down from the towering peaks. The air feels energizing and rejuvenating, filling your lungs with a sense of vitality and vigour. It’s a natural elixir that invigorates both the body and the mind, leaving me feeling refreshed and revitalized.

23rd July We say goodbye to the beautiful Innsbruck, that I fell in love with it. The coach takes us over the Brenner pass to the Italian border and we drive into the Dolomites en route to the magic of Venice. We visit St Marks. St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Marco in Italian, is a grand church located in Venice, Italy. The basilica was built in the Byzantine style, with a vast domed roof and intricate carvings and mosaics on the exterior. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with gold mosaics covering the walls and ceilings, intricate marble floors, and ornate altars and statues. The basilica is home to many treasures, including the Pala d Oro, a golden altarpiece adorned with precious jewels, and several relics of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. The church has a long and fascinating history, having been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and it remains a beloved and important landmark in Venice to this day.

The Doges Palace, also known as the Palazzo Ducale in Italian, is a grand and imposing palace located in the heart of Venice, Italy. It was built in the 14th century as the residence of the Doge of Venice, who was the highest political authority of the Republic of Venice. The palace is a classic example of Venetian Gothic architecture, featuring ornate arches, intricate stonework, and towering columns. The Doge’s Palace is a sprawling complex of buildings that incorporates multiple courtyards, grand halls, and opulent chambers. Visitors can explore the magnificent state rooms, including the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Chamber), which is one of the largest rooms in Europe and was used as the meeting place of the governing councils and ministries of the republic. The palace is also home to a vast collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes, many of which depict scenes from Venice’s rich history. The most famous of these is likely Tintoretto #39; a dramatic painting of Paradise, which covers the entire ceiling of the Sala del Maggiore Consiglio. In addition to its impressive art and architecture, the Doges Palace is also notable for its role in Venetian history. It was the seat of political power in the Republic of Venice for centuries, and as such, it has a rich and fascinating history. The palace was also used as a prison, and visitors can explore the dark and eerie prison cells where some of Venice’s most famous prisoners were held. Its grandeur and beauty offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city, and it is a testament to the power and influence of the Republic of Venice.

Lots of different modes of transport today, buses, gondolas, and now a river taxi. On board is our local guide and she is so cute with her Italian accent and expressive hand gestures. Then off on a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs. To me, Gondola rides have always been associated with romance and many movies have portrayed their beauty and charm. As a hopeless romantic myself, I couldn’t resist the urge to experience this romanticized boat ride along the picturesque canals, where numerous love stories have unfolded. The sight of the gondolier rowing the boat with his strong arms and the gentle splash of water against the vessel adds to the overall feeling of being soaked in love and passion. So, if you are looking to add a touch of sweetness and romance to your life, hop on a gondola and let yourself be swept away by the magic it holds.

The Bridge of Sighs is a famous bridge located in Venice, Italy. It connects the Doges Palace to the prison on the other side of the Rio di Palazzo. The bridge was built in the 16th century and was named after the sighs of prisoners who were led across the bridge to their cells.

Did you know? The Bridge of Sighs is made of white limestone and has two separate corridors. The larger corridor was used to transport prisoners, and the smaller corridor was used by guards. The bridge is decorated with stone carvings and has small windows covered with bars, which allowed prisoners to catch a last glimpse of the beautiful city of Venice before they were locked up. Today, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and tourists flock to it to take photos and admire its beauty. It is also believed to be a romantic spot, and many couples come to Venice to take a gondola ride underneath the bridge. Despite its dark history, the Bridge of Sighs is now a symbol of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.

So much preserved history - ripe for viewing of historical tragics and romantics to enjoy and create their own memories!