Arriving two days ago in Luzern, a single object summoned a memory of visiting Switzerland as a child with my Dad. The trigger was the Kapellbrucke, a wooded bridge that spans the Reuss River.
Originally constructed in the middle ages, what makes this bridge so special are the hundreds of original period paintings that hang in the eves. Unfortunately, a fire in 1993 consumed 83 of the 111 original works.
The reconstruction of the bridge houses the remaining original works, with a large noticeable gap of missing art.
The cloud cover is relentless this morning, so I head to the old part of town to the Picasso Museum. The permanent exhibit is home to many original drawing and prints, but what is most impressive is the photo diary, of sorts, taken at his home in the last years of his life. The photographer captures the creativity and playfulness of Picasso, especially with his children, and the loving care given by his younger wife. The black and white photographs captured so much detailed expression that these impromptu exposures seemed to reveal Picasso’s true hidden life.
Just to the left of the Picasso Museum is the city hall for Luzern, with the royal family tree painted on the side. This is worth a moment to trace the lineage roots.
There is a carnival today along the banks of the Reuss. The common event is a roulette game of chance, where tickets are purchased in advance and the wheel is spun until a winner is found. The various venders use all sorts of costumes and gimmickry to try to lure in customers.
Walking the riverbanks, I notice something only previously seen in amusement parks. There were swans paddling along the water’s surface with their wings arched upwards, just like in the paddleboats. Until now, I’ve only witnessed swans with sleek long necks and smooth backs. I don’t know what makes these swans elevate their wings, but now the attractive to paddleboat designers is clear.
Given the dreary morning, the rest of the pre-noon hours were spent reading and sipping green tea at a local Starbucks. The patience has paid off, because the sun has finally reappeared. Everything takes on new energy. Children jump up and down to point out the carrousel.
The Old Town is beginning to show its colors…
… and the Kapellbrucke is now showing why it is the icon of Luzern.
The other noticeable city monument, the twin spires of the Hofkirche, look so much better against a blueing sky.
Switzerland seems to have taken their previous America’s Cup victory to heart, as a slightly over zealous, and over engineered, catamaran tries desperately to utilize any puff for forward propulsion. The funny thing to watch was a paddleboat fluttering past the obviously frustrated skipper.
Luzern is a city of public squares, …
… river views, …
… and bridges.
Fall is gaining momentum here, as the previously rain soaked leaves stain the sidewalk with their lingering impressions.
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