The journey to Interlaken from Lucerne by train was unforgettable. The route was ranked as one of the most scenic routes in the world. The views were marvellous. The lakes were crystal green and mountains came in all shapes and sizes. Interlaken itself was not bad. It was very tranquil and clean (just like any other cities in Swiss). That night was my final night of traveling with Ana and As. We were wishing goodbyes at the train station. After reaching back at the Backpackers Lucerne, I started planning my journey for the next two weeks before my Inter Rail pass expired. I decided to spend time in Swiss for another 5 days. To avoid boredom, I chitchat and played cards with other backpackers. Some of them were from Australia, Brazil, Israel, USA, South Africa, England and India. (P/S: To Donna and Danny Cohn from Australia, good luck with your travel plan next year. I wish I could follow you guys.)

While in Lucerne, I took an excursion to Mt. Pilatus together with Ana (Brazilian) and Rafi (Israelian). Our excursion was also called a �round-trip� �coz it started off with a bus trip (Lucerne-Kriens). Then we took a gondola ride half way up to Fr�kmuntegg, continued with taking an aerial tramway to reach the top. For hikers, you could choose to walk on the safely prepared mountain paths.

We spent about 2 hours up there. It was a bit cloudy that day. But when the sky was clear I could enjoy spectacular sceneries of some of the most striking examples of Swiss landscape down below (the city, the lakes, the mountain farms clung dizzily to sheer slopes and the slopes covered with lush Alpine trees). While on top, you can also see a panoramic view over the snow-capped Alps. To go down, we took a cogwheel train. It descended slowly on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (48% gradient). After reaching Alpnachstad, we took a normal train to go back to Lucerne. We have an option to go by boat but the journey might take longer.

I had two more days to spend in Swiss. It was sad to have to leave such a beautiful place. I decided to wander around Lucerne until there was nothing left to cover. Fist, I visited the famous Hergiswil Glass factory, then continued to Alphornbau Stocker to see how the alphorn was made. I also got the chance play the instrument. It was quite easy. I wish I knew how to read music notes. Other interesting sites; the Chapel Bridge, Old City Square, Musegg Wall and Lowendenkmal monument(Dying Lion of Lucerne); one of those monuments known all around the world. I also went shopping for some souvenirs, including buying a Swiss Army Knife. That night, reluctantly I started packing my bags.
I took a night train to Brussels from Z�rich the next day. Thus, in the morning, after saying goodbye to everybody, I went off to visit the biggest waterfall in Europe, situated to the north of Z�rich, near the German border. It was called Rheinfall and really impressive (see pic).


Arriving in Belgium early in the morning. I took a tour to The Atomium and Mini Europe located next to each other. Mini Europe was where most of the major tourist attractions in Europe were displayed in miniatures. The replicas are on a scale of 1/25. The models are accurate to the smallest details and weather resistance too (because they are displayed in an open ground).
Later in the afternoon, I went to Brugge, in the north of Brussels. It was a heaven for chocolate lovers. There were a lot of stalls selling many types of very tasty chocolates and I was spoilt for choice.
Brugge is also known as �Venice of the North�. This is because of the canals that snake around the city. There is no gondola though, but you can take a boat trip instead.