Castlecrashing
Trip Start
Oct 22, 2010
1
15
30
Trip End
Dec 06, 2010
Where I stayed
Rebecca's Apartment
Rapperswil, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I left the school around 1 pm to take the boat to Rapperswil. I took the tram to the Banhof Enge station, which apparently was no where near the dock! Because it is winter, there is only one boat that travels out to Rapperswil from Zurich, and it leaves at 1:30 pm. So, I took off running towards the dock as fast as my feet would carry me! By the time I reached the dock, I had shin splints and was heavily out of breath, but I made it just in time! The boat took off right after I got there and I was on my way! The view across Lake Zurich was quite beautiful and very similar to Lucern- terraced villages and houses with mountains in the distance. I rode inside the boat most of the way and then went out on the deck towards the scenic end. We docked at Rapperswil and I immediately stumbled upon its famous castle. I walked around the grapevine garden and the very old castle walls. There was so much to see! At the top of the wall, I heard a very strange bleating noise from over the edge. A large family of deer were living at the base of the wall, and the large male was bleating quite loudly! It was strange to hear, but I moved on to find more brilliant architecture and a beautiful view of the lake. I found the town to be quite small, as I could see right across the street where large roads and modern buildings dominated the landscape. Walking back toward the town, I found a cute and fast orange cat on the wall looking at me. I pet him and he rolled his head into my hand. He was so sweet and reminded me of one of my dad's cats. I walked along the path that led you around the castle, and caught a beautiful view of the sunset over the lake. Such a wonderful, peaceful evening! The S7 train took me back home, where I enjoyed a delicious dinner. After dinner, Rebecca and I carved turnips for the festival tomorrow. I had never carved a turnip before and found it much harder than a pumpkin! Once they are finished, we will put a candle in them and carry them at the Rabeliechtliumzuge at Rebecca's school tomorrow. I am very excited to take part in this Swiss tradition!
