Neuchâtel: Below the Clouds

For the most part, my parents and I visited places that I had already been to at some point, albeit during a very different time of year. We did however, visit one city that was new to me: Neuchâtel. I was originally drawn to Neuchâtel based on its Wikitravel Page. The Swiss city featured an old castle, a historic downtown, and several exciting museums (watch-making museum, anyone?)

What really seemed exciting, however, was this: the Neuchâtel Tourism page. Hiking Trails! Snowshoeing! Mountain Biking! And the largest lake fully within Switzerland borders! At only an hour from Lausanne, it seemed like a city we shouldn't pass up.

typical train ride: ben's playing on his phone, and I'm
daydreaming. 

Unfortunately, when we arrived in Neuchâtel,  the weather wasn't really cooperating. Rain had washed all the snow away, meaning snow shoeing was out, yet the air was still cold, drizzly, and windy making a hike or bicycle ride seem rather unappealing. Rather than pursue outdoor activities, we decided to walk around the city, playing in a lakeside park and enjoying the historic and festive downtown. 

skipping stones on lake neuchatel. 

the lake could have been an ocean- due to the clouds,
we couldn't see across. 

dad and ben, playing on a unique seesaw. 

weee!

jump, jump!

after a few hours of play, we were all pretty thirsty.
fortunately, all of the region's beautiful fountains have
potable water! 

care for a drink? 

historic downtown neuchatel. I love the traditional red
and white shutters! they remind me of peppermints.

there was a brass band playing christmas carols
downtown! even though they were pretty out of tune,
they still offered a festive feel. 

live nativity.

this might be the first time I've seen a cow in switzerland
without an enormous cowbell. 

enjoying a hot gaufre, or belgian waffle, by
town square. 

wonderful waffles, messy messy eaters.