Day Three: Paris to Lucerne

- Elise

After a late night (and quite a large one for some) it was amazing that we managed to get everyone onto the bus at 9am. There were quite a few bleary eyes as we drove out of Paris and towards Lucerne, nestled in the mountains of Switzerland.

It was quite an uneventual day, with 9 hours of travelling and only two stops. On the road we saw deer and large birds Steve thought might be Kestrals. Megan went through all our optional activities for the tour and Justine and I signed up for every single one. We ticked the FOMO box: fear of missing out.

Megan also organised a meet and greet for everyone and we all stood at the front of the bus and spoke about what we do at home and what we're looking forward to on the trip. It was a good way to get a sense of who everyone is (and remember the names of those we have forgotten).

It was 5pm by the time we arrived in Switzerland and so already dark. We motored on for another hour before arriving in Lucerne. From what I can see so far, the town is beautiful; half up on the hill, the other half down. From our hotel room we can see the lights of the houses up on the hill, it's quite pretty. There is snow on the side of the roads, though we haven't quite had to brave the cold yet.

The hotel is clean, although devastatingly old. Every creak seems sinister and there is a painting of an owl in our room that is less than inviting. Interesting technique, but the red eyes, especially seen through the mirror with the goats head, are quite creepy. I'm glad it's in front of Justine's bed, not mine.

I managed to remember the giant blister I had from Singapore which was still as large as ever. Then it was off to the restaraunt for dinner, literally next door, where we ate vegetable soup, a chicken and pinapple curry on a sort of pastry, and then a mandarin for dessert. We then headed downstairs into the bar where a few of us had quiet drinks with Steve, as it is his driving free day tomorrow.

I've got my thermals out for tomorrow's day in the snow. I can't wait to throw some at Justine, and perhaps even make a snow man. Or an angel. Goodness I'm excited!