June 5th- Lucerne, Switzerland

How refreshing to be in the most beautiful place we have been so far. I woke up to beautiful villages and scenery along the country side of Switzerland and it hasn't changed at all my whole visit. This area is gorgeous; its clean; its blooming- literally, there are flowers in full bloom everywhere you look. We jumped on a train to Lucerne so that we could take a ferry ride around the lake there at the base of the Swiss Alps (surreal to say that). 

It is just gorgeous here. And whats more, all of the water in Switzerland, including the water under that boat and the water that comes out of the decorative fountains is clean enough to drink. People just fill their water bottles as they pass. So refreshing! (Did you catch the pun?) The boat ride was FREEEEEEE with our Eurail Pass. So nice because guess how much lunch afterwards cost? 27 Swiss Francs. Thats about 32 dollars. For me. One person. What the hey?? It also burned my mouth damnit. So that makes it less acceptible. We walked around the old town a little and found a sweet covered bridge and a chocolatier! 

Such a beautiful place. We wanted to catch a fairly early train to Basel so that we could spend time with Jason and Donna. 

We are all so glad to be at a home. And such a beautiful home at that! Their place is the last street of the old city. It is a traditional Swiss house and has a rooftop patio. SWOON. It is so peaceful and restful. I love it here. I am so at home already. Look at this view!!

I want to brag on these cousins for a second. Not only did Donna meet us on our platform and escorted us HOME, but she had our beds made up, offered food and drink and comfort and clean showers, towels, and did I mention actual FOOD. We are going to be so spoiled when we leave here. Their hospitality is unparalleled. Apparently they like visitors so if you haven't partaken, I would recommend it :-) ! Basel is a beautiful town and is only 10 minutes from Germany and France! It is expensive here but you can cook and cut that down substantially I have heard (from Jason). It is really nice to be with family. This is welcome familiarity in a place where nothing has been familiar or recognizable in a good long while.