I tend to just dive in and try things. So what if I goof it up? Do it another way. So the joke of the whole trip was a quote made by me on the first day. "Just follow me." We were in Zurich, and Lucerne was a place recommended that we should visit with a short time table. So I get the skeptical rancher to the train station, and he is looking all around like a tourist. I prefer the head down, pretend-that-you-know-exactly-what-you-are-doing method of figuring things out. That's when I say, "Follow me." And I head straight for the information booth. Makes perfect sense to me. When you don't have a clue where to start, head for the people that do. Apparently, not what he would have done. He assured me he knew where to go and what to do. You gotta be quick with me, either move toward the ticket line, or "follow me." I get the guy to tell us where to buy the train tickets to Lucerne (Luzern), and we get it done. Within a few minutes, we are on the train, headed that way. My point is that there is more than one way to skin a cat. 
I had to post this picture, because it is one of about 3 out of the entire 3 weeks that I wasn't wearing a hat.
I had to post this picture, because it is one of about 3 out of the entire 3 weeks that I wasn't wearing a hat.
We scoped out the major sightseeing spots, including this wooden covered walking bridge behind me, one of the oldest in Europe. Built in 1333, it was yet another reminder that we live in a baby of a country. Europe is so full of history and many, many years of truly old things like this that don't exist anywhere else.
It was easy to find a cozy place to eat. We tried to find something authentic to the country, and we had our first authentic fondue. I've had it before, but I have not had it in Switzerland.
Delicious, creamy fondue cheese, with fresh bread cubes of several types, and look at those potatoes. Don't forget, we are clueless. And there is somewhat of a language barrier. Apparently, we ordered potatoes with little bowls of vodka. You cut and dip the potatoes in the vodka before dipping in the fondue. It was really great, but in my wildest dreams, I would have never developed that combination. Crazy.
It was easy to find a cozy place to eat. We tried to find something authentic to the country, and we had our first authentic fondue. I've had it before, but I have not had it in Switzerland.
Delicious, creamy fondue cheese, with fresh bread cubes of several types, and look at those potatoes. Don't forget, we are clueless. And there is somewhat of a language barrier. Apparently, we ordered potatoes with little bowls of vodka. You cut and dip the potatoes in the vodka before dipping in the fondue. It was really great, but in my wildest dreams, I would have never developed that combination. Crazy.
Then we hit the local Christmas market. Mandatory in every village, town, or city. Many more pictures of those to come. I expected to see snow in Switzerland. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
