We made it to the top of the world! Actually, we made it to the top of Mount Pilatus. Many of our traveling party overcame a fear of heights as we ascended the mountain via gondola car. Capricorns (a local goat) were spotted, mountain tunnels were explored, and the views became unforgettable memories.
Upon returning to the base of the mountain, we traveled to Lucerne for some local exploration, a view of the Lion Monument (or Löwendenkmal, a sandstone statue commemorating the Swiss Guards slain during the 1792 Paris storming of the Tuileries) and a gorgeous tour of Lake Lucerne. The evening was spent at a local Swiss folklore experience. Students tried cheese fondue and then found themselves playing traditional games. Traditional clothing was donned, instruments were attempted, and Swiss bowling became a quick favorite. The students have found themselves quickly enjoying Switzerland just as we prepare to say goodbye. As we pack tonight, we prepare to head toward Germany, where we will begin by paying our respects with a visit to Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp built in 1933 and liberated by the Allies in 1945 that now serves as a memorial museum.
More to come.
