Switzerland

This is going to be a relatively short blog, as our time in the wonderful country was way too short (and also this is the second time writing this, as I accidentally deleted my first draft...). So, arrived in Basel with minor delays, with my uncle Dirk ready and waiting for us. It was blazing hot there too, around 35 degrees... Mahh I am not coping well, the humidity feels like far north queensland and leaves you sticky only seconds after a shower. And the Europeans are not well equipped for heat, no houses have air con or even a fan... However, on the up side I am getting browner and browner! Boo yah! Spent the evening out on his terrace drinking and eating ice cream, enjoying the balmy weather in shorts and a singlet :)

First day we decided to play it easy after the rush that was Paris, slept in and had a leisurely breakfast. Drove into Rheinfelden (where my uncle lives, on the German/Swiss border) to organise our train to Venice (despite the Eurail pass we still got slugged €40 for the seat reservations!- Ouch!) we then had a walk around the beautiful old town and around the river. The Rhein is so blue it's almost a joke, I'm so used to the muddy browns of the Yarra, Murray and Barwon... But this is pure water from the Alps in a rocky bed, so pristine. Was so tempted to jump in, it doesn't feel right to be so hot and not go swimming... Spent the rest of the day lazing around the house, eating and nibbling and eating some more (Dirk says this whole overeating thing is a definite Braus trait, so I blame you, Mum!). Went for a post-dinner walk to burn off some excess calories, to a small castle down the road for Harry's pleasure (number 17 and counting, Haz). Had great fun playing with my little cousin Annika in the evening, so cute and adorable she mildly satiated my longing for my boys (born on exactly the same day! Miss you Cooper-bear and Mr. Hayden). Heat sapped it out of us so to bed at a decent hour, early start for Friday.

MOUNTAIN DAY! We were off to Mt. Titlis (tehehe) in Switzerland to see some proper mountains, 3000m up. The lift up was amazing, what a view. But at the top, on the glacier there was still snow-- bam, stunning sight! Harry was beside himself with excitement, these mountains are the real deal and make Hotham and Bulla look like hills. See pics below. A flurried snowball fight later (which I like to think I won) and some awkward walking on snow later (that shit is slippery! Unfortunately I think my uncle got video footage of my embarrassing gait) it was time to head back down those 3000m and head off to stop 2: Lucerne! It is known as the prettiest city in Switzerland, and certainly lives up to its reputation. Situated next to a big lake, it is full of cobbled streets, ancient architecture and art. Again, stinking hot so we did little other than slowly wander around (and eat döner, Nat and Dad) and soak up the sights. A must-visit, and definitely could see myself spending a couple of days there! Trundled home for more drinks on the terrace, watching an incoming storm and enjoying life in general. To bed early now, for an early train from Basel to Milan. Too short a time in this gorgeous, picturesque country, next time definitely putting aside a week or more to see this place properly.

Will hear from us soon,
Love Liss & Harry xox