Lucerne, Switzerland: Day 2, part 3
Back from a short rest after visiting Mt. Rigi, we were ready for the last planned independent adventure in Lucerne - a sunset Lake Lucerne cruise. A couple from the tour group joined us. We took the bus from the hotel and stopped in Chapel Bridge. Seeing the Chapel Bridge in daylight was quite rewarding.
Post office
Train station in daylight
Despite the initial confusion with the cruise ticket machine, we successfully got tickets for the 4 pm cruise, which meant we had an hour to kill. By a happy stroke of serendipity, a Christmas market stood right beside the port. What a great way to pass the time.
Before the trip, I researched Christmas Markets and Lucerne did not say it was opening the market early.
Unfamiliar treats were the first things we sought out.
These are what my husband bought from that stall - magenbrot which is a Swiss and German type of gingerbread cookie.
Friend went to line up for Swiss potato pancake, rosti.
A variety of toppings can be added to the rosti.
The other couple went with churros and pistacchio cream.
A makeshift skating rink that was very popular with the kids.
After the cruise shot.
From the port, this is the view from across the lake.
At 4 pm, the boat arrived and we happily got in. What was supposed to be a sightseeing to the max cruise didn't fully materialize. One, the weather was uncooperative - drizzle, windy, chilly and two - it was mid-November, cloudy and dark. Those that were brave went out outside this area to see the sights, the ladies chose to sit inside and enjoy the sights through the floor-length glass window.
After the hour cruise, the three of us decided to stay behind for some last-minute shopping. The TM directed us to Casagrande, a souvenir shop in Old Town Lucerne. Imagine a ABC store in Hawaii but a 3-storey building full of every little thing your money can buy from Swiss watches to Swiss knives (engraving services for personalization offered) to the usual souvenir items.
We spent a lot of time here. I was enamored with all the Christmas ornaments they have. I had a good haul. At the check-out counter, the clerk noticed by tour group lanyard and applied the the discount to my purchases. My friend who purchased expensive items did not get the discount because she didn't bring her lanyard, sigh.
One more thing to get before we leave this beautiful city is a Lucerne Starbucks mug which my friend collects.
Starbucks treats.
Beautiful facades in Old Town.
And one of my favorite places here is Confiserie Bachmann (two stores inside the train station) and another by the Old Town. We went there two nights in a row. This chocolate waterfall wall was something else.
"Hello Weekend" is a line of specialty cakes made by Confiserie Bachmann, produced and sold fresh from Thursday through Sunday.
Short time, big memories! We loved every second of sightseeing and eating our way through Lucerne.
Post office
Train station in daylight
Despite the initial confusion with the cruise ticket machine, we successfully got tickets for the 4 pm cruise, which meant we had an hour to kill. By a happy stroke of serendipity, a Christmas market stood right beside the port. What a great way to pass the time.
Before the trip, I researched Christmas Markets and Lucerne did not say it was opening the market early.
Unfamiliar treats were the first things we sought out.
These are what my husband bought from that stall - magenbrot which is a Swiss and German type of gingerbread cookie.
Friend went to line up for Swiss potato pancake, rosti.
A variety of toppings can be added to the rosti.
The other couple went with churros and pistacchio cream.
A makeshift skating rink that was very popular with the kids.
After the cruise shot.
From the port, this is the view from across the lake.
At 4 pm, the boat arrived and we happily got in. What was supposed to be a sightseeing to the max cruise didn't fully materialize. One, the weather was uncooperative - drizzle, windy, chilly and two - it was mid-November, cloudy and dark. Those that were brave went out outside this area to see the sights, the ladies chose to sit inside and enjoy the sights through the floor-length glass window.
After the hour cruise, the three of us decided to stay behind for some last-minute shopping. The TM directed us to Casagrande, a souvenir shop in Old Town Lucerne. Imagine a ABC store in Hawaii but a 3-storey building full of every little thing your money can buy from Swiss watches to Swiss knives (engraving services for personalization offered) to the usual souvenir items.
We spent a lot of time here. I was enamored with all the Christmas ornaments they have. I had a good haul. At the check-out counter, the clerk noticed by tour group lanyard and applied the the discount to my purchases. My friend who purchased expensive items did not get the discount because she didn't bring her lanyard, sigh.
One more thing to get before we leave this beautiful city is a Lucerne Starbucks mug which my friend collects.
Starbucks treats.
Beautiful facades in Old Town.
And one of my favorite places here is Confiserie Bachmann (two stores inside the train station) and another by the Old Town. We went there two nights in a row. This chocolate waterfall wall was something else.
"Hello Weekend" is a line of specialty cakes made by Confiserie Bachmann, produced and sold fresh from Thursday through Sunday.
Short time, big memories! We loved every second of sightseeing and eating our way through Lucerne.
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