Arrival in Zurich and Lucerne

Our Delta flight was uneventful, after a long day of waiting in New York. Lots of laughs, catching up, hoping nothing was left behind.  

Arrived in Zurich, collected our baggage. Well, at least most of us did. Carolyn didn't, Madison didn't, Michael didn't.  Not the best way to start off the morning.  Zurich baggage officials have given a 99% chance that bags would arrive this afternoon.  

We met out guide, Barbara in the arrivals court and headed for our bus. Well, all but one headed for our bus.  She wasn't noticed missing for quite a while, perhaps an hour even. She'd been stopped by a policeman directing pedestrians outside the exit and lost sight of the group.  Finally after several messages and emails she was found, took a taxi to the old part of Zurich and was reunited with the group.  Bob Kerr has been designated as her minder from now on!  Linda received news also this morning that Linda and Lynn Morris have been delayed leaving Venice this morning.  Hopefully they will arrive with luggage late this afternoon! After a typical Swiss lunch, we made our way to the bus and began our hour trip to Lucerne.

The rest of the group did a quick walking tour on the outskirts of the old town.  Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and has been permanently settled for more than 2000 years.  The Old Town stretches on both sides of the Limmat River, and is lined by many of the old guild houses.  Lindenhof, the site of an old roman castle whose wall we saw from the bus, became the Imperial Palace.  

Old Town and the Limmat River

The Great Minster Church, a wonderfully beautiful church, was declared by Charlemagne to be Carolingian Imperial Church, the Fraumunster Abbey,  built in 853 for wealthy young women, is known for its magnificent stained glass windows by Giacometti and Chagall,  and Peterskirche (Peter's Church) which has the largest clock face in Europe.  Unfortunately there wasn't enough time to see them all;  that will wait for another trip! We all checked into our hotel centrally located in charming Lucerne.  Hopefully we will all have a good night's rest. 

Great Minister Church


Below:  Lunch in Zurich