Travelog for: Shakespeare

Hi mom,
Sunday we took a trip into the history of Switzerland and walked a little on William Tell's footsteps. We visited the Central Switzerland and Lake Lucerne. On our way we saw many beautiful landscapes and of course lakes.



The first lake was the Aegerisee in Canton Zug.



From high above we could look at him. We drove along Lake Lucerne to Sisikon and hiked on the "Swiss path"











(The Swiss Path is the name given to a special national path in central Switzerland opened in 1991. It makes a loop around one arm of Lake Lucerne, starting in Rütli and passing through Bauen, Flüelen, Sisikon





and Morschach, finishing at Brunnen. The total length is around 35 km (22 mi), taking 2 or 3 days to complete.
The route recognises each of the cantons making up Switzerland, with markers announcing each canton along the route. The length of route for each canton is proportional to the population at the time of building, and the order is determined by the order in which the cantons joined the Swiss federation)

to Tell chapel,





the oldest chapel in Switzerland.



It lies on the Tellsplatte, where according to legend, William Tell have jumped from the boat of the provincial governor Gessler. Already in 1388 a chapel was built. In 1503 as a chapel Holy Hüslin is mentioned. A new or remodeling was 1590th
The present chapel was built in 1879 / in 1880. It is adorned with four frescoes by Basel artist Ernst Stückelberg shows the Rütlischwur the apple shot, the death of Gessler and Tell's Leap.

Here you see Tell's Leap



We drove on to Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri.





Altdorf is best known as the place where, according to the legend, William Tell shot the apple from his son's head. This act by tradition happened on the market-place, where in 1895, at the foot of an old tower (with rude frescoes commemorating the feat), there was set up a fine bronze statue of Tell and his son.





In 1899 a theatre was opened close to the town's center for the purpose of performing Schiller's play of Wilhelm Tell.
Here you see me before Tell's Memorial.



Continue along the lake





and through many tunnels





we drove towards Brünnigpass.



The pass is nothing special but on the way one has a view of the Lungerensee.



And that is something special.
Looks like a post card.



Hiking and driving made ​​us very tired. The way home we slept.
See you mom
Shakespeare

Hi mum
Today we were on the river Thur. We wanted to swim and fish. Jasper had much to bear: some beach towels, sun deck, fishing rod, hammock and a parasol and of course us.
Once at the river we looked for a suitable place. We found a small sand bar that had washed up the flood and made ourselves comfortable.



I immediately threw my fishing rod but nothing wanted to bite.





But the mosquitoes bite, and that us.
We tried to make a fire but everything was still damp from the storm last night.





It took some effort but we managed it.







We all had a fun day.

Love, Shakespeare

Hi mom,
Today is Sunday and we enjoy the day and the sun on the balcony. Too many people and mosquitoes at the Thur.
We lounged around all day.





We drank a lot of water but not only.
For dinner we had something special: prawns and focaccia.





We celebrated Wolley's farewell.



He travels to the French part of Switzerland and met his mother there. He is very happy.
We laughed and talked until late into the night.
Bye mum,
Shakespeare

Hi mom,
when we woke up this morning, Wolley's bed was empty.
We found a letter from him.



I read it to all.





Wolley do not like goodbyes and tears longer, so he has sneaked in the morning.
Goodbye friend, have a safe trip.
Bye mom,
your somewhat wistful
Shakespeare

Hi mom,
today it was too hot to do anything. Therefore, I was sitting on our swing and enjoyed the quiet.



Suddenly a seal climbed up on the rosemary pot and made ​​feats





- crazy.
The seal is called Sally and is a new TV from Jasper.
Is it at home as well as warm? Phff
I need a shower.
Bye mom
Shakespeare

Hi mom,
Today I said goodbye to Sally.



She started to her first trip.
I hugged her and wished her a safe journey.








Then for me there was only one thing: relax. At 35 ° in the shade you can not do much. Thank God we have a small pool to cool off.











Hugs
Shakespeare

Hi mom,
Yesterday we started at 6 in the morning to Munich.



Fairly early but we had to drive nearly 280 kilometers.



The weather was nice but the time was long.



Then finally - we saw our first destination.



The Allianz Arena. Home of FC Bayern Munich.





We marveled trophies,





soccer stars



and exhibits.



Then we took a tour of the arena.







Fan or not - it was very impressive.





With the subway we went to the City.

First stop: the famous Hofbräuhaus.





The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is a beer hall in the city center of Munich, Germany. The inn was originally built in 1598 by Bavarian Duke Maximilian I. It was built as an extension of the original Hofbräu brewery, but for Weissbier (wheat beer). The general public was admitted only in 1828 by then king Ludwig I. The building was completely remodeled in 1897 by Max Littmann, when the brewery moved to the suburbs. In the bombing of WW II, everything but the ground floor (Schwemme) was destroyed; it took until 1958 to be rebuilt.

First we drank a beer



- ooh so good - and ate a big pretzel.



Then we tried a specialty: pork shank and dumplings.



Yummy, yummy.

Stuffed full, we needed some movement. We looked at the restaurant of a famous celebrity chef



and tried his ice cream.



Not bad.

After looking at the beautiful old houses





we went further to Viktualienmarkt.



The Viktualienmarkt is a daily food market and a square in the center of Munich, Germany.

The Viktualienmarkt developed from an original farmers' market to a popular market for gourmets. In an area covering 22,000 m2 (240,000 sq ft), 140 stalls and shops offer flowers, exotic fruit, game, poultry, spices, cheese, fish, juices and so on.



The maypole at Viktualienmarkt.



The tower of St. Peter church.



The parish church of Saint Peter, whose tower is commonly known as "Alter Peter" - Old Peter - and which is emblematic of Munich, is the oldest recorded parish church in Munich and presumably the originating point for the whole city.

Then was our interest in the Marienplatz with the "New Town Hall".



It was built between 1867 and 1908 by Georg von Hauberrisser in a Gothic Revival architecture style. It covers an area of 9159 m² having 400 rooms. The 100 meters long main facade towards the Marienplatz is richly decorated. It shows the Guelph Duke Henry the Lion, and almost the entire line of the Wittelsbach dynasty in Bavaria and is the largest princely cycle in a German town hall. The central monument in the center of the main facade between the two phases at Marienplatz above the guard house, is an equestrian statue of Prince Regent Luitpold. The bay of the tower contains statues of the first four Bavarian kings.

The main facade is placed toward the plaza, while the back side is adjacent to a small park (Marienhof). The basement is almost completely occupied by a large restaurant called Ratskeller. On the ground floor, some rooms are rented for small businesses. Also located in the ground floor is the major official tourist information.

The first floor hosts a big balcony towards the Marienplatz which is used for large festivals such as football championships or for concerts during the Weihnachtsmarkt. Its main tower has a height of 85 m and is available for visitors with an elevator. On the top thrones the Münchner Kindl. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel, performed by an apparatus daily on 11am, 12pm and 5pm, is a tourist attraction

Not only we want to see this place.



It was just time for the chimes.

Next to the town hall tower you can see the towers of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), another famous church of Munich.



By Kaufingerstrasse (shopping street and pedestrian zone)



we walked to the Frauenkirche. The picture looks a little funny but the church is being renovated.



That was the only part which is not blocked by scaffolding.
Jasper did her best.

Slowly, it was time to think on the way home.
At Stachus (Karlsplatz),



we took the subway



to our car. Then drive for hours.

We still enjoyed a beautiful sunset



and then fell into bed tired but happy.

Hugs and kisses, Shakespeare

Hi mom,
Thursday, 6 clock in the morning. We packed our suitcases once again.



Our destination: Engelberg

9 am - We stopped at Lake Lucerne.



Jasper showed us the Rütli on the other side of the lake.
The Rütli, a meadow, is a historic site for the Swiss. 1291 here three brave men have made ​​a covenant by oath against the Habsburgs (the evil taskmasters). This Rütli Oath is considered the founding of Switzerland and is on 1 August celebrated as a national holiday.

Awesome we looked at the small meadow.


(The small round lakeside lawn - right above my nose)

Then we drove to Engelberg.

Engelberg is the leading mountain resort (Urner Alps) in central Switzerland. In the Middle Ages, Engelberg was known for the educational accomplishments of its Benedictine monastery, the Engelberg Abbey, whose school was well-known and regarded throughout the country. From the 19th Century, Engelberg became internationally known as a resort and spa, but is today visited as much for skiing as for its clean air. With its combination of modern sports facilities and alpine location, Engelberg is a magnet for both summer and winter tourism. The closest large cities are Lucerne and Zurich.

This was our hotel.



After checking in, we went immediately on the way to the cable car and drove to Härzlisee (little heart lake) The mountains here are a paradise for paragliders.



Because mountain air makes you hungry, we strengthened ourselves with specialties of the region and a glass of wine.







Then we enjoyed the great view and the beautiful weather.









On our way back we saw the monastery.





We also had a look at the magnificent monastery church. The monks just celebrated their evening prayers. Out of respect we did not take pictures.

Due to the National Day there was a great feast in the village. There was so much to see.



Jasper wanted to photograph everything, but the masses of people made ​​it impossible.
Here are a few pictures of the parade.







Mom, it's 9:30 pm and still as bright.

On the way to the hotel we saw far away on the mountainside a cross of torches.



Exhausted, we fell into bed.
Miss you mom,
Shakespeare

Hello all my friends,
Next day - next fun. We all awoke early in the morning. On the balcony we had a good view of Engelberg.





The wonderful fresh air and the sun awakened the thirst for action within us.



Quickly host dad thrown out of the bed and then for breakfast. Strengthened for the adventure of the day we were waiting in the lounge,



while host dad paid the bill. The angel of the hotel.



These angels sculptures standing throughout Engelberg (Engelberg - Angel Mountain) and are painted individually. And because our hotel was named "Edelweiss" , this angel is painted with Edelweiss.

So, our destination today: Mount Titlis



On this panel you can see what heights we will move today.



The first look at the summit.



The first view from the summit.





Speechless, we admired the mountains.







The transmission system.



Cooling in the snow.





And now the Cliff Walk!



The test of courage. Not for us, for Jasper.



Europe's highest suspension bridge. Only 140 meters long but 500 meter abyss below.



It swayed and wobbled and it was absolutely great.



Because Jasper thought she need to sit down, we decided to take the Ice Flyer - the glacier chairlift.
Haha, we had to stay in Jasper's pocket. Minimum size of 1:20 meters. One after another was allowed to come out of pocket for a picture.



Jasper was afraid we might fall and forever disappear into a crevasse.



Perhaps we would show up after years or decades as a TV glacier mummy again. An interesting idea.

After a short break at the glacier





we took the cable car down to our next destination.



Trübsee, a small mountain lake on a high plateau below the Titlis.
We walked around the lake and marveled again and again the mountain scenery





and the plants.







Then it was finally time for the journey home. The cable car took us back to Engelberg.





Here you can imagine how steep it is.





We had much to talk about on the way home but at some point we fell asleep and dreamed of Cliff Walk.
We had two great days.

See you soon
Shakespeare

Hi mommy,
yesterday we celebrated DottiScottis 1 Birthday.
She got a big cake with a candle.



We played music and sang Happy Birthday.



Dotti blew out the candle and cut the cake.



Then we all enjoyed a large piece. It tasted wonderful.









She also got a gift.



3 wishes.





Whatever she want - if Jasper can fulfill it, she will do it.
Love you mommy
Snakespeare

Hi mum,
do you remember the three wishes that Dotti got for her birthday?
One of them she used for a farewell pizza party for GiGi and me.
So last night we sat together one last time, talked a lot and enjoyed our pizza.







Then we packed our stuff and said goodbye.





My path leads me to Canada. ( Well stuffed with Pizza - no problem )
After a big hug and lots of good wishes,



I crawled into my envelope.



Goodbye my friends, bye bye Jasper and host dad, bye bye Switzerland.

Until then, mum - next time from Canada.
Shakespeare

Hi Mum,

Guess what, I’m in Canada ! Today, after spending quite a bit of time in a post box , I felt a lot of activity around my envelope as if many hands were trying hard to let me out...



...and when I successfully sneaked out, I found a crowd of TVs welcoming me in Calgary: I met Tatanka, ThomasHH, Mr. Blubber, Benno and sammino who will be my host here in Canada . They were very impressed with the sweets and card that I brought with me from Switzerland .



O fcourse we spent the evening chatting...and eating .

Hi Mum,

Today smaug had a day off, so, despite another flimsy weather forecast , we went out for a hike . We started from Barrier Lake...



...from where we could see our destination at the top of that ridge.



Once we got there we had a great view over the east side of Barrier Lake,...



...Mt Baldy...



...and Kananaskis Valley .



We decided to go further up and reach the fire lookout. From there we could see the Bow Valley where heavy rain was heading straight for us .



We took the hint, hastily retreated and managed to get back to the car without getting too drenched .

Hi Mum,

Today, for once, the weather was gorgeous, so we had all we needed for a good trip to the mountains. After some times in the trees the view opened up over the Elbow River valley .



Further up we could see the prairies in the distance.



On the way, we boosted our sugars with some chocolate .



Eventually we reached our destination, a gorgeous ridge, with an even more gorgeous view over the Rockies in almost every direction .

Hi Mum,

Today we went exploring a trail in Yoho National Park . After a bit of walking in the trees we emerged on a ridge with a great view of Takakkaw falls ...



...and of the peaks on the east side of Yoho Valley.



As we moved up we realized that we were surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers .






One of those glaciers was looming almost directly above our heads for most of the way .



We kept going until the view opened up over the north side of the valley .




We also noticed the clouds building up in the south, so we decided to head back and for once we made it to the car without getting drenched .