Day 5: Brunnen to Stans

So, Yesterday my Toenail fell off. Just up and left. Which is not only uncomfortable but painful and a potential sepsis in the making. Been there, done that when I almost lost a toe in Shasta, California in 2018. NOT a fan!

Isn't that crazy? Six Month on the PCT and I never lost a single nail but four days(!) on the Via Jacobi and I only have nine left! Switzerland aint for Sissies Man!

The cool Nun told me to take it easy and go the shortest route. I took this as God himself telling me to skip again... that's why I don't trust theistic People btw. - way too often the needs and desires of their respective God(s) coincides strangely with their very own needs and desires. What a COINCIDENCE! But I digress...

In old Pilgrim tradition I took the Ship over the Vierwaldstättersee ("Lake Lucerne"). That's a thing since the medieval times as walking around adds at least one extra day. I mean just look at this weirdass shape!!:

Even back than they were lazy buggars as you can see. But since I have divine orders I took the route that leads me furthest down the Trail by Ship.

I love the scenery. It's all very swissness with its hills and snowy mountains in the background and whatnot. It's also the very heart of Switzerland, geographically and historically.

Yesterday I crossed the town "Schwyz" who gave the country its name. There's also the manufactory of Victorinox who produces the world famous swiss army knifes and the "Bundesbrief".

And today I could've visited the "Rütli" (I didn't though because AUA) which is a mountain meadow where the three first Cantons swore an oath and founded what would become todays Switzerland.

... that is, of course, historical revisionism and nationalistic propaganda as the story was embellished and changed so often that one is barely able to catch its actual roots.

Sometimes they even set Willhelm Tell in the Story because why not? Have Robin Hood sign the Magna Carta. Sounds reasonable. And didn't Davy Crockett write the declaration of Independence on Thanksgiving?

These kinds of tales were very important to ensure a unity in this very strange mix of little Cantons who have very little in common - heck, we even speak different languages! Often we were at risk to break apart and have our Cantons be taken in by their respective surrounding nations. But the myths surrounding our supposed shared past made us united enough to resist such actions.

So lets take them as the tales they are but lets not make the mistake to take them as real historical events. The lies of our fathers might have served a purpouse but lies they are nonetheless. And yes, of course that'll inevitably come back later when I will have the Bible shoved into all my orfices while on trail. But lets not get ahead of ourselves.

My foot is killing me today and now my achilles heel starts complaining too! Had to let a nice woman go who was also on the Camino because I just couldn't keep up with her pace. Instead I opted to enjoy a slow hike along the lake and visit the little Pilgrim-chapels along the way. It's getting very Pilgrim-y and oftentimes the places have a Jacob-shell in their flag

I found this interesting little sign in one of the chapels:

They promised a procession if the holy mother Maria would protect their Boys and their Village in WW2. Made me think how scary the war must've been for the common swiss citizen. Not knowing if Hitler would respect our souveregnity or would send his Wehrmacht towards Bern and Zurich. And how happy they must've been when their Country and men were spared. Things like these make me dislike religion less I must confess. If the trust and hope in divine protection gave those people hope who am I to judge?

Now I'm eating for Lunch something called "American Dog" for 13 Bucks. Look at this pretentious abomination!!!

We can be glad if the US doesn't take offence and thanks us by bombing some democracy on our heads! 13 Franks it cost me, a fact I only found out while paying!!! It would make my Toes curl but they are too hurt to move... Switzerland is so darn expensive! How can anybody live here? I mean, I live here and I have no idea!

I know, today isn't so interesting but that's also the Camino. Sometimes it's an adventure and sometimes you just boringly hobble along a lake. But at least my Pilgrim Passport is getting some stamps which is cool.

Now lets find a quack to heal my foot. Not in the mood for another Shasta-situation! Ain't nobody got time for that!!

Afterthought: I start to feel uncomfortable with the attention my Blog has. Didn't think anybody would care. Maybe I shouldn't swear that much or be a general Asshole to catholics... not the Zurich People tough, their mothers are Hamsters and their fathers smell like elderberries!