Unexpected Consequences of Remaining Home

With the pandemic in full swing and lockdowns almost universal, plans change.  We try to schedule international travel during the shoulder seasons which typically means either May or September.  Having traveled to Switzerland in both May 2017 and May 2018, a return trip was on the travel schedule for May 2020.  Given the current situation, this year's planned return trip to Switzerland in May was cancelled.  Really, no other option was possible.  Our flights into and out from Zurich were cancelled by the airline.

Primarily confined to quarters over the last two months, we enjoyed one unexpected pleasure.  Frequently traveling in May, the flowering of the trees is often missed.  Not this year.  At present, we are enjoying the vibrant cascade of pink blossoms adorning the two flowering crabapple trees in the back yard.  Also in full bloom are the two lilacs that are slowly taking over two corners of the yard.  The downside of enjoying the colorful backyard besides the obvious loss of a trip to Europe?  Nancy discovered that she may be allergic to all of the pollen.  

Flowering crabapples in bloom

As a reminder of what the pandemic has taken from us, below are a few photos from the 2017 trip onboard the GoldenPass rail line.  We made the journey following a two night's stay in Lausanne on the shore of Lake Geneva to Zurich winding our way through the Alps.  Once this virus runs its course, perhaps we can return?

To add in a little military and wargaming content, a quick stop at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich brought forth the following highlights:

Pikeman with grounded pike

Although the Battle of Murten diorama is huge and quite impressive in person, the glare given off by photographing through the protective case prevents a quality shot.  The pike block in the photo below is HUGE! 

Battle of Murten, 1476

Battle of Murten, 1476

Switzerland: Chateau de Grandson

Charles the Bold's hat captured
 following Battle of Grandson

When we visited Switzerland in May 2017, one of our planned day trips from Lausanne was a visit to Chateau de Grandson on the banks of Lake Neuchatel.  The visit to Chateau de Grandson was prompted by a recommendation from Oli from Camisado blog.  A good tip it was too!  Since Grandson was within an hour of Lausanne and it was a drizzly morning, wandering around a chateau seemed a good way to spend half a day.

From Lausanne, we took a train to Yverdon les Bain and then a quick fifteen minute bus to the chateau, itself.  When we arrived it was still raining and cold.  A drizzle not uncommon to someone accustomed to rain in the Pacific Northwest.  The rain did not dampen our spirits...much.  After being dropped off in front of the Chateau, we showed our pass and entered the chateau.  Before entering the building, we took a quick stroll around the ramparts.

After entering the chateau, we wandered into the armory with its many displays.  Included in the displays was a wall of toy soldiers,

a large camp scene diorama,

and a diorama depicting the Battle of Grandson in 1476. 

After scrutinizing the dioramas, I moved on to the arms portion of the museum laid out on display along the walls of a Great Hall.  All manner of Medieval weapon was on display but the assortment of crossbows was most impressive.

The exhibit even included a more modern weapon: a Swiss cannon from the time of the Seven Years War.

In addition to case after case of arms lining the walls of the Great Hall, a fine display of armor was present as well. The armor display I will save for another installment of Swiss travels.

Switzerland: Chateau de Chillon and Montreux

Chateau de Chillon Looking South

An easy half-day excursion from Lausanne (our home base for two nights), is the Chateau de Chillon.  About a 20 minute train ride from Lausanne's central station, the rail line traverses the hilly countryside overlooking Lake Geneva as the train winds its way to the eastern end of the lake and towards Chillon Castle.  Detraining at Veytaux-Chillon, one must cross under the train tracks and walk along the lake to reach the Chateau.  The castle is built upon a rocky island on the eastern end of Lake Geneva.  Beautiful setting.

Chillon with Lake Geneva in background

Inside the Chateau's Gift Shop are models of the Chateau.  A series of models shows the development of the Chateau from Roman fort to Medieval castle.  Impressive models.

Chateau de Chillon Model South Face

Chateau de Chillon Model North Face

Chillon was first established as a Roman outpost to guard the Alpine passes.  Later, under control of the House of Savoy, the Chateau was used as a prison.

Charcoal sketch showing the Crucifixion of Christ

The Cell

Chillon's most famous prisoner was François de Bonivard.  Bonivard, a monk in the prior of St. Victor in Geneva, was imprisoned in 1530 for running afoul of the dukes of Savoy.  Attached to a pillar, the path Bonivard's chain wore as he paced out to the extent of his tether is visible today.

François de Bonivard

Lord Byron spent time at the chateau leaving behind some graffiti; his name carved into a wall.  De Bonivard's story inspired Byron to write, The Prisoner of Chillon.

Chillon Prison 

Armor display

Courtyard

Main Entrance

 On the train back to Lausanne, we hopped off at Montreux for a brief stroll along the Promenade before returning to Lausanne.  Of course, a stop in Montreux is not complete without a visit to the Freddie Mercury memorial.

Montreux Promenade

Freddie Mercury Memorial