TALES OF THE HEART

Chapter 31

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Lucerne, Switzerland 🇨🇭

The soft buzz of the checkout counter at the hotel in Malta echoed in my ears, but I felt a sense of reluctance as I stood there, staring out the large windows at the Mediterranean landscape. The golden glow of the setting sun over the horizon made everything feel surreal. I could hardly believe we were leaving this beautiful island behind. My husband, Sayyid, was busy at the concierge desk taking care of all the formalities, while I sat in one of the plush armchairs near the lobby, feeling useless. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to do, but when you're about to embark on a journey to Switzerland with the love of your life, even the small things like checking out of a hotel feel like an afterthought.

Sayyid, always the efficient one, was swiftly handling our checkout and all the little things we needed to sort out before heading to the airport. I loved how he took charge, though I secretly enjoyed being the "tag-along" on this trip. The anticipation of Switzerland—Lucerne, to be specific—was bubbling inside me. It was my first time there, and I couldn't wait to explore the stunning landscapes I had only ever seen in pictures. Switzerland had always been a dream destination for me, and now, here I was, embarking on this new adventure with Sayyid by my side.

When he finally finished, we made our way to the airport. It wasn't a straightforward journey; we had to make a quick stop at a local clinic to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A. I couldn't help but feel a little useless as we made our way to the pharmacy—he was the one getting the vaccines, while I picked up snacks and gum. As we waited, he teased me about my fear of needles, knowing full well how much I dreaded them. He always found ways to make me laugh, even in moments like this.

Soon enough, we were on our flight to Switzerland, and the excitement kept me awake despite the fatigue from the long day. When the plane touched down in Lucerne, I could hardly believe it. The air was crisp, and everything seemed to gleam in the golden sunlight. It felt like stepping into a postcard, a world so different from the one we had just left behind in Malta. The lush green mountains surrounding the city stood proudly, a perfect contrast to the quaint streets and charming architecture.

We were quickly whisked away to our hotel, the Hotel Schweizerhof, where we were greeted with warmth and efficiency. The building was more than just a hotel; it was an experience. The grand lobby, the luxurious decor, and the breathtaking views from our suite made it clear that we had arrived in a place of comfort and elegance. Sayyid handled the check-in process while I marveled at the room we would be staying in. The suite was spacious, with large windows that framed the city and the mountains perfectly. It was exactly what I had hoped for—a romantic escape in the heart of Switzerland.

After freshening up with a quick shower, we got into our pajamas and spent a few quiet moments together, praying all the prayers we had missed during our travels. By the time we were done, it was already 10 PM. The jet lag was creeping up on us, and we were both exhausted from the long day. We climbed into bed, knowing that tomorrow would be another packed day of sightseeing. Inshallah, we would make the most of it.

The next morning, we woke up later than usual—around 9 AM. We had overslept a little, but the exhaustion from the journey had caught up with us. After a quick breakfast and shower, we dressed up and headed out for our first day of exploring. Lucerne was waiting for us, and we were ready to dive into its beauty and history. Our first adventure was a one-hour cruise on a panoramic yacht, which was the perfect introduction to this picturesque city.

The port was bustling with tourists, all eager to start their own adventures. Sayyid and I boarded the Saphir, the yacht that would take us on our scenic tour of Lake Lucerne. The crew greeted us with a warm welcome, and we were given audio guides in various languages. As we set sail from the bridge across from our hotel, we found a comfortable spot on the upper deck. I suggested we sit on the water terrace at the back of the boat, where we could be closer to the water. Sayyid, ever the brave one, agreed, though he seemed a little hesitant about the sea.