Crossing borders!

Today was an early start and one which took us back out of France, into Monaco again, back into France, then over the Italian border and then finally into Switzerland.

We were in Italy for two of the compulsory rest stops and loved the fact that we could really have a crack at ordering in Italiano. We asked the cassiera (female cashier) in Italian how to say take away and she ended up writing it down for us! How friendly!

We travelled passed Lake Como which was just another amazingly beautiful spot on this side of the world. We know that George Clooney and several other stars have summer houses in this area, but alas our hopes for a quick glimpse out the bus window were thwarted by high protective fences on the side of the steep cliff drive. No matter...it's better to be safe than star struck!

After surprisingly nice risotto and spaghetti marinara for lunch, it was drive into Switzerland time. We stopped another time for the driver's regulations in Switzerland and wow it was gorgeous! Standing in summer clothes with snow on the alps behind us. Pretty cool, as in the view but not temperature wise!

We arrived at Mt Rigi (a small mountain that overlooks Lake Lucerne) and embarked on a very hairy cable car ride to the top! Again there were spectacular views and also a few nervous sighs expelled.

Our hotel was more like a little old ski chalet, but this was so perfect for the area. When you sat on the balcony, you could hear the bells of the cows ringing nearby.

It was pretty much straight into our room and then back out to have some drinks with the others out on the decking. Dinner wasn't too far after that and we started with a traditional cheese fondue, chicken with mushrooms, mash and gravy combo, then some fruit salad to top it off.

Tan: I was a bit unlucky. The waiter put the plate down so hard on the table in front of me, that the gravy splashed on my jacket, my jeans (which had just been washed) and also my hair! It was quite crispy on the ends and smelt like gravy. Feral!

We really underestimated the Swiss Franc situation. The drinks were big here but they were 6 or 7 each. Oh well it will be off to find another bancomat (ATM) tomorrow! Another brilliant day with scenery to die for.