Actually I have probably climbed higher mountains than this during one of my random escapades in Utah or Montana, but let the record stand that at approximately 16:00 GMT+1, 7 June 2004, one Dan Frommer summited Mt. Rigi, just outside Lucerne, Switzerland.

Atop Mt. Rigi

Okay, it’s really no big deal, but the hike was awesome. I also had a little help — a cable car brought me up halfway, as it was already rather late in the day — but the rest of the way it was just me and my trusty Vasques. If I had a little more time and a set of trekking poles, I would have definitely done the whole thing, but that will just have to be for next time.

The view was majestic with dozens of whitecaps in the distance. And the only sounds from below: echoes from hundreds of cowbells. Priceless.

That was two days ago, though. Yesterday was a relaxation day spent walking around Lucerne, partly with a retired British accountant (the self-proclaimed Golden Backpacker) who now spends his free time on the golf course and backpacking around the world. Not a bad life, if I say so myself.

We talked at length about rating hostels and he shared a few of his theories with me, including one about an unwritten rule stating that half of the Japanese citizenry must be outside of Japan at all times, in case of a massive earthquake that might threaten their civilization. The rest are for another day. Interesting guy, though, who coincidentally roomed with me a few days ago in Zürich as well.

Strasbourg, France

Today I’m in Strasbourg, France. This was the first European city I ever visited, way back in 1992. Making my third trip to Strasbourg is nostalgic, though this time, without my parents in charge of the itinerary, the sights are a bit different: the prized destinations are no longer cathedrals or Mephisto shoe stores. Strasbourg sits right on the French/German border, part of the Alsace region. This actually mashes well: German efficiency and half-timbered architecture, and French character — all the way down to a maze of canal locks and dams in the Petit France old town.

Frankly, there isn’t much to do here but relax, and because the only private hostel in town is full, I have a small single room at the Hotel Le Grillon in a rattier part of town near the main train station. Tomorrow I plan to visit Colmar, another prototypical Alsacian town. Then Friday I am hoping to tour the Kronenbourg brewery, a quick tram ride outside of Strasbourg.

One last thing: today could have been my cheapest day of eating yet! A modest five Euros for a few rolls, brie cheese, a tomato, a peach, three liters of water and a cheap can of Salade Niçoise, something I probably wrote about earlier: tuna, potatoes, green beans, black olives, onions, carrots and tomatoes in a delicious olive oil sauce. The big yum, decently healthy and super cheap!