This morning, we pulled out of our hotel parking lot at 8:00 am sharp. Oh, we have to get up at 6:30 everyday. Breakfast is at 7:00. Today, we drove through some more breathtaking Alpine scenery as we headed towards the Principality of Lichtenstein. On the way, we drove though the longest tunnel in Europe called the Arlberg Tunnel which is 14 km long. Actually, we drove through tunnels all day long. It was truly amazing how many tunnels they have around here. The mountains towered ways up above our heads. I always thought the Rockies were high, but I think the Alps would dwarf them. Most of the time, the top of the mountain was hidden by the clouds; or the mountain would go up and disappear only to reaper ontop of the clouds.

Lichtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world. In many regards, it is very similar to Switzerland. It’s famous for its banks and chocolate. Lichtenstein still has a monarch system to this day and they live in a castle overlooking the town of Lichtenstein.

Another thing that made Lichtenstein interesting were the connects we could make with our past. For instance, the Alm Bruderhof was located near the capital of Lichtenstein, Vaduz. Secondly, we were fairly close to Maienfeld where Conrad Grabel served as a priest before he became an Anabaptist. This was also the area in which Conrad Grabel later died when he became sick with the plague. Finally, we past signs directing us towards Chur which was were Jorg Blaurock served as a priest before he became an Anabaptist. Of course, our Chronicle tells quite a few stories about Blaurock. For a long time, we also drove along the Wallensee.

What struck me the most was how rugged and forbidding the landscape was. Our ancestors must have been a lot tougher then we are today. To think of them traveling for days though this mountainous landscape definitely helps to foster new feelings of respect. Also, the country is full of little valleys, hamlets, or hidden corners, that one can well imagine how the Anabaptist were able be sneak away into the forest to have secret church meetings.

After visiting Lichtenstein, we drove onwards towards Lake Lucerne. Fairly rapidly, you could see how the climate was changing. The high tree covered peaks disapeared to be replaced by rolling fields and grape arbours.

Finally we reached our main destination for that day, the lovely city of Lucerne. The city was a wonder just to walk through. The streets were all cobblestone and narrow. Looking down the street, you were never sure if it was a alleyway or a street. But, every-so-often, a small European car would come cruising along. The first place our guide took us to, was a Swiss clock and knife store. However, the prices were steep enough to send you running back out the door. The clocks did look great (some of them), but there was nothing wonderful about the price tag!!

The second place we went to see was the monument of the Lion. This is a large lion carved into the side of a cliff’s face. The lion was was commissioned by the Swiss government to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died in France while trying to save the life of the King Louis the 16th and his Queen when the Revolutionary army stormed the castle. The Swiss, have, for many years, developed an excellent reputation as superb soldiers and bodyguards. In fact, the first Swiss banks came into existence because the soldiers who were going off to fight as mercenaries were sending home so much money and plunder, that they needed some way of protecting it. Hence, Swiss banking was born!

The lion is a masterful piece of artistic work. It definitely captures the sadness of the moment . Underneath the lion are carved all the names of the soldiers who died in this battle.

Two other wonderful things to see were the old city wall and a long covered wooden bridge . The city wall was about six feet wide at the base and about four feet wide near the top. Every so often, there was a high watch tower. We climbed up the winding staircase of one of these towers and walked a little while along the wall.

The bridge was also a very beautiful addition to the city of Lucerne. Build many, many years ago, the bridge still looks firm today. However, it was partly burned a couple of years ago, and cost the city millions to repair. Apparently there bridge must also posses some romantic properties, because you had to continually walk around couples who were “really” enjoying each others company! lol

After a short stop to buy bread and cheese (our supper), and a nice refreshing beer, we decided to go tour the Church of the Franciscans. The church steeples could be seen from almost any part of Lucerne. The artistic ; however, they did not compare to what the church looked like inside . From the huge domed roof to the gilded murals and railings, the interior was exquisitely designed. While we were there, the priest was putting out stuff for the next service. At the back of the church, was a HUGE pipe organ. The size of the pipes was unbelievable.

The architectural on the inside was absolutely stunning! The floor, walls and pillars were of white marble. Anything metal was gold. I’m not sure if it was real gold or not. Probably not as it was open to the public.

The marble statutes were also wonderfully done. They looked as if they were gilded with gold. I must admit, I thought that monks lived in more “humble” abodes. No wonder our ancestors were so upset with the Church. One only wonders at the cost in human lives as most of the money must have come largely from the poor people.

Most of the woodwork was done in dark walnut and beautifully contrasted with the white marble. The door were huge oak slabs that were masterfully carved on one side. Really, I don’t think I can adequately describe what it looked like. One really needs to see it oneself!