Time for a short trip to Madrid, the highest capital in Europe - and for once it showed since it was unseasonally cold in the evenings. There is always some special event taking place. First, the Saint Isidore celebration, the patron of the city. A group of young men carry these huge figures through the city, stopping on main squares and doing traditional dances.
The next day, the capital was almost completely white and red, the colours of Atletico de Madrid, the second - and as a fan of Real Madrid, I emphasize this - football club of the capital. The team had just won the European Cup (against Fuhlam ... I mean: is that really an achievement??). They flew back, paraded through Madrid on a big open bus and hosted a party on one of the main square.
The Masters tennis tournament hosted the best players, even though only two mattered. The last big preparation before Roland Garros. I must say that the vibe was not as passionate as in Paris - maybe it was because of the cold. At one stage, the whole public was shouting "Manolo, es frio. Cierra la ventana" (Manolo, it's cold. Close the window - in reference to the open rooftop. Manolo Santana is a famous ex Spanish tennis champion now the organiser of the event). Still we got to see Nadal demolish Monfils and Federer take revenge on his earlier loss against Gulbis. Some spectacular shots - these two are ready for Roland Garros. I think there is no need to organise the earlier rounds there, we all want to see Federer and Nadal in the final. Well, especially me since I have tickets.
Madrid and Spain are also famous for their great food. I mean sportspeople need to eat well. So besides the tapas and the paella, there is no best way to start a day than with "chocolate con churros".
Lastly, Spain would not be Spain and Madrid would not be Madrid without the Plaza Major. So nice, lively and colourful. Viva Espana!
We sailed on the lake of the four cantons and stepped out at Rütli. This is where quite a few "real" Swiss believe the founding moment of Switzerland took place. The representatives of three small swiss cantons would have met there to conspire against the Austrian rulers and promote the independance of Switzerland. But this is just a legend. In any case, this small meadow plays a big part in the imaginery of many swiss patriots. And it probably plays in the mind of these people that the symbol of the country should be a small meadow.
After these nice moments on the lake and on the land, it was good to be back in the town of Lucerne. Especially for my friend who is allergic to pollens! Lucerne is world famous for its wooden Chapel bridge, which was built in the 14th century. Unfortunately it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1993. Apparently smoking cigarette can not only cause lung cancer, it can also destroy historic landmarks! It was restored but the wood used looked so clear and brand new. Fortunately, I think the wood aged well. Now it looks almost like in the good old days. 
After such a day filled with tradition, it is time to eat some local dish as well. Here a nice plate of "macaroni of the Alps", a mixture of pasta, potatoes, onion, cheese and cream. Quite filling I must say.
