To Lucerne via lucerne

Back on the train again for a complicated trip from Geneva to Lucerne. We took 1 train along the bank of the lake to Montreaux and then changed onto the Golden Pass Panoramic. This is also one of those that can do steep climbs with the cogs and rack and pinion - and did we climb quickly up from the lake through some wonderful scenery, through lush green valleys and little Swiss villages. It was overcast but that did'n't dampen our spirits or prevent most of us with cameras from suffering digititis from shutter-bug activity. Then camed another train change, and another steep climb and descent and an arrival in Interlaken - a small but beautiful setting at the junction of 2 large lakes connected by a canal. In the background we could hear some cows by their unmistakeable bells ringing. We had lunch here and then boarded another train for another climb and descent on the way to Lucerne, but for many of us this journey was interrupted at a little village of Griswel where we left the train and continued our journey on the back of a horse and cart. (one of the optional extras we have chosen to do). The horses have their bells which rang as they trotted along and took us up hill and down dale to the very heart of Switzerland ( the centre point of Switzerland.) We journeyed over a covered in bridge, past massive piles of firewood, crossed over a river which is the most treacherous in Swizterland and finished up on a little farm village where we went into an 400 year old baroque church with marvellous paintings on the ceiling, then onto the farm property where we had afternoon tea - home-made cheese, rose ( the drink) and home made apple juice. We got close up and personal with the cows in the fields and their bells, their two dogs. A coach met us there and brought us down to Lucerne and we have settled into a 3rd floor room for our 2 night stay - the room is on the front corner with a little balcony for us to look out over the busy centre of the city. Tomorrow is our orientation of this place. We have found a little coffee shop (called Coffee Shop) which has free WIFI and so we are now able to be up to date with you all since the hotel last night and also here want an arm and a leg for their internet connections (and I still need both my arms and legs for what is still in front of us.)