Lucerne to Zurich Final Day

 Here are a few last photos from Lucerne. 

It was definitely a sleepless night. Besides the heat of the cell, the kids and others came in at all hours. About 2:20 am we both jolted awake to a loud whistle and then loud conversation. Seriously? Were they so inebriated they didn’t know what time it was? 

We were up, packed up and checked out a little after 7, walked down to the train station, visited the Bäckerei, purchased our half price tickets to Zurich airport (CHF 15.50) and boarded the train before 8 am.

Jo Anne’s trash left in the cell. 

A STRANGE FIND: THE GUILLOTINE 

At the time of the prison's closing, an old and dusty guillotine was discovered in the attic. Used for the last time in 1940 in the Canton of Obwalden for the execution of a triple murderer, it was then brought up to the prison's attic, where it slumbered for many years. This historically interesting piece can now be seen in the Historic Museum of Lucerne. 

The guillotine was invented during the French Revolution. Its creator was Joseph Ignace Guillotin, a doctor and a member of the National Assembly, who demanded a more human death penalty. He wanted to put an end to the bloody and cruel executions by the sword. The motto was short and sweet, so to say. 

What was actually well-intended, switched completely very soon. With the guillotine, the procedure of killing people got very easy and thousands of people were killed within a short period of time. This was absolutely contrary to the inventor's intention. Guillotin was a strict opponent of the death sentence.

More cells 

If only 

Swiss porta johns

Walking to the train station

Jo Anne had a vanilla cream and a raspberry berliner (a filled pastry). I bought a chocolate filled croissant. I know, I know, gluten and dairy, but that was about the best thing I’ve eaten since I was in Paris. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of it and neglected to take a photo in my gluttony. 

Zurich train station 

The train to Zurich is full. It sprinkled on us a bit walking to the train station but there’s no rain in the forecast for Zurich, although the sky is heavy with clouds. If the weather holds, we plan to take a self-guided walking tour of Old Town Zürich. I downloaded the info last night and it starts from the train station. How convenient is that?

We started our walk straight ahead, outside the train station, along Bahnhofstrasse. This is Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues.

Loads of pigeons 

Everything you can imagine, and then some, on a pretzel. 

Augustinergasse, one of the most beautiful, historical streets in Zurich.

This is supposed to be one of the most beautiful floral fountains. Sadly, he was cleaning it. 

Augustinerkirche church

Rennweg was the widest street in Zurich in the Middle Ages and was especially distinguished from other streets and alleyways in Zurich due to its straightness.

Lindenhof hill

Lindenhof was once home to a roman castle but today provides an open green space to relax in. After quite a hike up the hill, we enjoyed gorgeous views over the city.

Very unusual door 

Narrow street

St. Peter’s Church

They were working on the church so we couldn’t go in. 

Watched them moving this piano down the stairs with the best dolly ever. Fascinating!

If you can’t find Swiss chocolate here, you’re not looking. 

The Fraumünster Church

People feed the swans and ducks here so they gather. 

Zurich Opera House

The Wasserkirche (Water Church) of Zürich, first mentioned as ecclesia Aquatica Turicensi around 1250 and as wazzirkilcha in 1256, is a church built on a small island in the Limmat, situated between the two main churches of medieval Zürich, the Grossmünster (below) and the Fraumünster (above).

Grossmunster church.

They were fishing but mostly talking 😁

At the top of the street, we walked through the cobbled street called Niederdorfstrasse full of shops, bars and restaurants, where we found a place for lunch. 

Once again, I chose the bratwurst. 

Jo Anne went for ham, mushroom and cheese fondue.

We returned to the train station and took the train to Zurich airport, where we took a taxi to the Jet Hotel Zurich. It’s a quick shuttle back to the airport tomorrow morning for our long trip back to Texas. 

Saying goodbye to my “no longer waterproof” shoes. They served me well. Can’t even imagine how many miles they have on them. 

We are both showered, mostly packed and ready to head for home tomorrow. See you soon!

Stats

Steps - 17,911

Miles - 8.3

My total trip stats

Steps - 684,860

Miles - 297.1

Elev gain - 26,765

Floors - 1,021

Days walking - 26

Looks like I will hit 300 miles tomorrow (in airports)

Update: 302.3 miles, 694,286 steps, 1,030 floors, 27,686’ elev gain

He is my dwelling place, my refuge, my protection. My home is in Him. 

From Psalm 91