Zurich

Zurich

I arrived in Zurich, Switzerland last weekend, to my first “hotel” of the trip. It was nice and quit and mostly populated by older women, but there was a good free breakfast with about 5 different types of jams and cheeses. Anyway, my first night I randomly saw a flyer for a free open air concert which was happening all day/night. At about 8 that would have this band whose music is reminiscent of hip-hop and reggae. So I figured out how to get there (thanks google directions) and was on my way. That’s after of course I had to figure out the train system so I could grab me some dinner and get the women on my floor who had spuing her angel some ice. Quite the adventure. No ice, but I don’t have two degrees for nothing, so I got her some frozen peas.

The concert ended up being nice. It was not touristy and had family friendly vibe with a great view of the city. The band really good actually. It was nice to be in another country and have people waving their hands in the air and bobing their heads to hip-hop like music . The funny thing is, it almost sounded like English….haha.

I don’t exactly remember the sequence of things, but while I was in Zurich, I walked their famous mile long shopping area, visited some historic churches (one of which had some bomb stain glass windows made of slices of colored stones), went up to what is called the “Top of Zurich” to a lookout, fed the swans, took a 2 hour cruise down lake Zurich, ate sausages and let me not forget, I went to the Lindt chocolate factory. This was awesome. When I got off the bus, I the sweet smell of chocolate literally engulfed me and then followed me down the street. It was all so good, I think I got chocolate drunk, if there is such a thing.

Overall, I liked Zurich, its a very clean, efficient city and easy to get around. Except for trying to cross the street, there is so much transport (tram, bus, cars and bikes) it gets confusing when and where to cross. Switzerland is really really expensive. I have paid up to $3.4 for a bus ride, $4.5 for some water and I don’t you can eat in a real restaurant for under $25 or $30. Strangely enough the boat ride was only $8 and I only paid 4 because I had an all day transportation pass (which only cost $8). Dollars and Swiss Francs are almost equivalent in value.

Random Insights

All of the street names end in Platz or Strass (Because of the German influence)

Walking down the street you will see people with a sausage in one hand (wrapped in white paper) and a piece of hard bread in the other, chomping away. If at a sausage stand they will be dipping the sausage in mustard. I tried curry wurst and bratwurst.

Meat and potatoes are big here and so is cheese and chocolate fondue (it originated here).

Cows ( I guess because the swiss are known for chocolate and cheese) are everywhere and there are all kinds of strange souvenirs. Red Crosses (their flag) are also on everything.

Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is a small town in the middle of the country. Its at the foot of the Alps (on a clear day you have a wonderful view) and is the most poplar spot in the country for adventure sports. I came here to paraglide specifically. I must say its the most peaceful place I have ever been, the wind whisper calm. Its completely surrounded by mountains, greenery and there are two river running through the center with lakes on each side of the city. The water in both of them is teal green might I add. It’s been cloudy and rainy, so the clouds are ghostly and make the mountains look haunted. Its a place that no matter what the weather is, you want to be outside. There are plenty of trails so I rented a bike today and spent 4 hours on bike trails going from one side of the two lakes, Thunersee & Brienzersee. This was probably the most tranquil day of my entire trip. Hopefully tomorrow morning there will be clear skies so that I can para-glide before I head over to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Tonight, there is a free jazz concert that I will check out.

Randomness

Have any of your every heard of zorbing? You go down a hill in a big plastic ball. Actually, I think I saw it on a reality TV show now that I think of it. Its pretty big here, as is canoe jumping (still no sure what that is).

Today is the first day in 3 months that I have cooked for myself. Its too expensive to eat our here. I made a seafood pasta medley which was actually good.

They have this bomb espresso machine at the hostel – yo put in your free token and it makes cappuccino, macchiato and a bunch of other stuff in like 10 seconds. You get two free drinks a day.

Swiss Life

So what can I tell you about Swiss life?

Is it just about cheese, chocolate, watches and army knives?

Yeah that’s right, but its only a slice

I will give some insight into the other sounds and sights

Its one of the most green, peaceful places I have been in life

From every city you can catch a glimpse of the Alpines

Lakes and rivers traverse

freely flowing and dispersed

you’ll want time to reverse

but just be prepared cause this land will empty your purse

For what it is worth

red crosses are on everything from flags to shirts

cows come second but you will see the crosses first

Now I’ll take you to school

Here are some lessons for you

Did you know that this is where the world gets fondue

and yodeling too

The cheese and chocolate are outstanding, but that you already knew

While you here you will must eat a sausage or two

And if you get blue

go to The Top of Europe for the view

Sky dive or paraglide to give your adrenaline a brew

Yeah, but are the people cool?

Their neither snoody or really nice

This place has an overall chill vibe with a good amount of spice

So many natural highlights

That the Swiss like to sky, hike and ride bikes

These are just a few impressions from what I’ve seen with my eyes

that was free

but for the real deal you will pay hefty price

To sum it all up,

Switzerland lives up to all the hype