Page 56 of Finding Love in the Clouds

Chapter Fifty-Five

“Next, we will explore one of Lucerne’s most significant historical landmarks, the Musegg Wall,” Johann announced, guiding the group along a scenic route that wound through the heart of the city.

The walk from the Lion Monument to the Musegg Wall took about fifteen minutes, leading them through picturesque streets and charming alleys. The path gently sloped upward, offering occasional glimpses of the cityscape below. Sunlight filtered through the leaves of ancient trees, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the cobblestones.

As they approached the wall, its imposing structure came into view. The Musegg Wall, a remnant of Lucerne’s medieval fortifications, stretched across the hillside, its sturdy stone towers standing as silent sentinels over the city.

Johann paused at the base of the wall, turning to the group. “The Musegg Wall is one of the best-preserved city walls in Switzerland, dating back to the 14th century. It stands about 870 meters or half a mile long and features nine towers, each with its own unique characterand purpose. The tallest tower, Schirmer, rises about 52 meters above ground, roughly the height of a 15-story building. Another of the towers, the Zyt Tower, houses the oldest clock in Lucerne, dating back to 1535. Its clock face is over six meters in diameter and still chimes every hour. It’s quite a marvel of medieval engineering and craftsmanship.”

Sophie nodded, intrigued. “Is it as impressive as the Great Wall of China?”

Johann smiled warmly. “While not comparable in size to the Great Wall, the Musegg Wall served a vital defensive function for Lucerne. It was never as extensive or grandiose but played a crucial role in protecting the city and its inhabitants. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Lucerne’s medieval past.”

After exploring the wall and taking in the breathtaking views, Johann gathered them once more. “I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through Lucerne’s history,” he said warmly. “Our next stop will be Schwanenplatz. Before I let you explore all the shops, we will take the bus to the hotel and get everyone checked in. Then, the rest of the evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure.”

Johann led the group back through the winding streets of old town Lucerne. Passing by St. Peter’s Chapel, a small gem of Romanesque architecture tucked away from the main thoroughfare, Johann shared tales of its origins dating back to the 12th century, a testament to Lucerne’s spiritual heritage. The sound of church bells mingled with laughter from nearby cafes. He also pointed out the medieval Water Tower with its conical roof, once part of the city’s fortifications; the elegant Jesuit Church with its Baroque architecture, standing as a testament to Lucerne’s religious history; and the modern KKL Luzernconcert hall, a striking juxtaposition against the city’s medieval charm, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.

“And here we are, the Schwanenplatz, or Swan Square, which is named after the swans that gracefully glide on Lake Lucerne’s waters. From here, you can see the majestic lake and the mountains that embrace our city. This square is a convergence of tradition and contemporary life,” he explained. “It’s a bustling hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy lakeside views, shop for luxury goods, and indulge in Swiss delicacies at outdoor cafes.”

Boarding the bus, Johann continued his narration. “Tonight, you will be staying at The Grand Hotel National, which stands proudly at the edge of Lake Lucerne. Its Belle Époque façade reflects the city’s grandeur and hospitality. The hotel itself dates back to 1870 and has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries over the years, offering unparalleled views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.”

As the bus glided along the lakeside promenade, the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne stretched out before them, reflecting the fading colors of the sunset. Excitement buzzed among the group as they anticipated the comfort and luxury awaiting them at the Grand Hotel National.

After checking into their rooms and freshening up, Sophie and Fernando headed back to the Schwanenplatz, where Fernando had grand plans for the evening.

The square was alive with activity. Fernando and Sophie strolled past high-end boutiques like Bucherer, Gübelin, and Louis Vuitton. The store windows displayed elegant watches, fine jewelry, and luxurious fashion items.

Fernando led Sophie into the Louis Vuitton store. “I think it’s time we replace that broken luggage,” he said with a smile. Sophie would have loved to argue but knew she couldn’t continue with her largestsuitcase missing a wheel for the rest of the trip, so she smiled her gratitude and looked around, awed by the elegant displays of leather goods. They selected a stylish, durable set of luggage, perfect for their continued travels.

Next, Fernando took her to Bucherer. Sophie turned and started walking in the opposite direction as soon as she noticed where they were, but Fernando intercepted her gently, taking her arms in his hands and gazing into her mesmerizing eyes. “Hear me out. I’ve wanted to buy you a Rolex for years now, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it without it being inappropriate. Now you’ve agreed to be my lady. I can’t imagine a more appropriate gift to celebrate our relationship or remind us of this trip and how our love first began than buying you this watch. We can do it here or back at the store where it all really got started. I personally thought this would be more memorable.”

“Andy, spending over ten grand on luggage was a lot to swallow just now. Yes, I needed a new suitcase, but I didn’t need one… like that. Now you want to spend an outrageous sum of money on a watch! No, thank you. I like my smartwatch, actually. It helps me stay up to date on things, monitors my heart rate, makes sure I never miss a text message, and accepts calls when I walk away from my phone. It even has a GPS tracker, which comes in really handy sometimes. I don’t need a new watch and I definitely don’t need a Rolex. Can we please go eat? I’m famished.”

“Yes, we can, but first we compromise. Here are the facts, Sophie. You can go into that store and choose your watch, or I can get you the one I want you to wear. You can put it on today or receive it at a later date of my choosing. It can be our first disagreement or family heirloom that celebrates our love. Pick your poison because you are getting a Rolex one way or another.” Fernando tried to soften hiswords with his most charming smile, but he knew inside that Sophie was steaming over his stubbornness. He was also counting on the fact that she knew him well enough to know that he would get her the watch either way, and the one he purchased without her supervision and input was going to really make her mad. In the end, this gift was too important to both of them to let go. She didn’t have to wear it every day, but on special days, he wanted his lady to wear her Rolex.

Stomping her foot, she growled, “Fine,” through gritted teeth.

Fernando fist pumped the air and did a little happy dance his heart soaring that she was going to do thiswithhim.

“But, I’m warning you, don’t you even think about asking to see the most expensive diamond paved Day-Date in there. I willnotwear a hundred-thousand-dollar watch on my wrist.Ever!No matterwhomy husband is or how much money he has. Do you hear me, Fernando Knight?” Her hands were balled into tiny fists at her sides, her voice slightly raised, and she was glaring daggers at him.

He was pretty sure they were having their first fight. A chuckle escaped his lips before he could stop it, making things so much worse. If looks could kill, he’d be dead.

Chapter Fifty-Six

Fernando smiled. “Sophie, I love you. As long as you go in there with me and pick out what you want or will wear, I will be happy with whatever you choose. Can I kiss you now?” he chuckled when her eyes narrowed even further. He had never seen her this upset with him before. “You are adorable when you’re angry. Can we please kiss and make up? I want this to be a good experience for us. Right now, it feels a little like emotional blackmail.”

Rubbing his hands up and down her arms to help loosen her muscles, he pleaded, “Please, Sophie? You know how important these watches were to my brothers, and our shopping trip brought us together. Rolex played a huge part in why we’re standing here today. I know you think they are an extravagance, which is why I’m asking you to go in and help me pick one you will feel comfortable wearing. If I had my way, you would be wearing the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in platinum, with a diamond-paved dial, diamond-set bezel, rainbow-colored gem hour markers, and a Presidentbracelet.”

“Are you out of your mind, Andy? That watch is every bit of a hundred and ten thousand dollars,not on your life. Let’s go before I change my mind. If I find my good humor by the time this shopping spree is over, then I’ll consider letting you kiss me to makeup.”

By the time she made it to the double glass doors hung on brass hinges, she had composed herself and entered the store with a smile gracing her lips. Only Fernando knew it wasn’t genuine; every male in the room melted before her radiance.

It didn’t take long, and she was impressing the salesmen with her vast knowledge of Rolex watches. They picked up on her hesitancy to spend a great deal of money on a timepiece even though she understood the quality of what was in front of her, so they pulled out all the stops to show her watches she was willing to look at in hopes of making a sale. The Swiss salesmen weren’t like the piranhas that worked in US stores, but they still knew their job was to make sure this stunning woman left their store with a Rolex on her wrist.

Soon, Sophie was asking Fernando’s opinion about three watches. All of them were pretty. None belonged on her wrist, though. He gave his opinion and then walked to the other side of the store with a gangly young man who watched the efforts of his peers from a safe distance. He and Fernando put their heads together, and before long, Fernando was approaching Sophie with a couple watches he hoped she would like.

“Hey, Soph, I know you’re looking at those, and they’re nice, but will you look at what Christian and I found and tell me what you think? I promise it isn’t the outrageous Day-Date 36 I wanted to get.”

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