We arrived at Lucerne (Luzern) in good time, and wandered the short distance over the river to the Tourist Hotel Lucerne, one of the nicest places we have stayed yet. It is comfortable, convenient, with many conveniences and friendly staff (I mean information on the city, cheap chocolate, cheap beer and in house laundry). Moreover, it's cheap.

With the rest of our afternoon, John and I explored Lucerne, especially its beautiful Catholic churches and impressive wooden bridges. The wooden bridges date from 1330 or so, and feature paintings. One bridge is creepily painted with skeletons, the other features Lucerne's former torture chamber. I thought they were soooo charming!

John also located, adeptly of course, two English pubs and we went for a pint and a burger to escape the midsummer's heat and discuss the rest of our trip to Lucerne.

We then tucked in early with some chocolates and did some laundry. Pretty boring evening, except our room features a balcony with a beautiful view of the mountains. As I got snap happy with the setting sun (my favourite time to take photographs), John went to have a shower. He emerged to greet a horrified Japanese traveller. John reassured her that he was finished and that she could go in now. She pointed at the door.

John was in the ladies' washroom.

And so we go on!