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Published: July 14th 2006
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Zurich Housing
Typical units in the area where I was staying I had no real expectations in relation to Zurich. I had no strong desire to visit the city, but did want to see some of Switzerland on my way through to Eastern Europe, and being the largest city (with a population of around 350,000 people), with a central location, it seemed like a logical destination.
As it turns out, while not the most attractive of cities in itself (though I don’t want it to sound like it had nothing to offer in that way………for instance the lake on which it’s situated is certainly beautiful), it did prove a suitable base to visit other destinations in Switzerland, and to that extent it’s a shame that I didn’t have more time to explore more of the country.
Zurich has it’s own charm though. The old part of the city is well worth a look, and there are a few galleries etc outside that area that are also quite impressive. Essentially though, these can be experienced in a day - and night (as the old town centre has quite a vibrant night life).
If I were a swimmer then I probably would have spent some time on the lake too. The
Lake Zurich
The lake was very clean.....and quite pretty water did look inviting, and the temperature (in the low 30’s) almost tempted me to jump in. Almost.
The countryside is the real attraction though. Even on the train on the way here from Paris the landscape changed from flat to undulating, to hilly, and then the mountains start to loom. Speaking of which……… I found myself on top of Mt. Titlis (over 3200m high) on an organised day trip outside the city. It was quite an experience. It involved three separate cable car rides to get to the top. The first was a 6 person gondola, the second an 80 person cable car (or should that be cable bus?), and the third was the Rotair. The Rotair is a revolving cable car (again for up to 80 people) that takes you right to the top. I can’t tell you how much I wanted it to stop turning. Apparently it’s part of the attraction, but at that hight the last thing I wanted was to be turned around.
At the top a further Ice Flyer (or chair lift) took us to the Glacier Park…….a recreation park where you get to slide around in a snow tube. As I
Lucerne
I liked this place was there by myself I was happy that an Irish couple were kind enough to put up with me for the day. As the female had worn things (or ‘flip-flops’) into the snow (she is Irish) she was kind enough to look after my bag while I managed to have a bit of fun in the snow/ice.
As I’m typing this (on the train to Vienna, or Wein) we’re passing through mountainsides, and along the side of Lake Zurich……..it’s extremely impressive. Until now I have been writing these blogs on the last day (generally night) of my visit, and posting them before leaving for the next city. But I had no internet connection in Zurich, and the Internet Café I found wouldn’t let me up-load files or photos, so hopefully I will find somewhere more appropriate at the end of this train trip. As it is an 8hour trip, I have a bit more time than usual to ramble on……..as I’m doing now in fact…….. so apologies for that…….but at least it’s giving me something to do.
But seriously, back to Switzerland. I also had the opportunity for a short stop in Lucerne. In my view it’s a
Lucerne II
More of the same (but nice) more picturesque city…..though significantly smaller in size (I think around 130,000 residents). It is also situated beside a lake (Lake Lucerne, strangely enough), and only an hour or so from Zurich.
Oh.....I almost forgot to mention how expensive this place was. A new record for a scotch and coke........ SFR14.50 (or around $15 Australian). Needless to say that I didn't have too many at that price.
Overall, on an enjoyment scale from 1 to 10, where 1 equates to a Swiss Army Knife, and 10 equates to a Swiss Army Officer, I would rate my experience here as a 7.
So I’m roughly half way through my journey now, both in time (one month has elapsed) and in main destinations (having been to 6 of the 11 planned). I am still enjoying myself, and am really looking forward to the stops that are ahead (after Vienna it’s Budapest, Prague, Krakow and Berlin before heading back to London for a few days). Doing so much through the days (and heading out occasionally at night) I do feel that I need to ease up the pace a little, but know that the longer stops in the forthcoming cities will
Mt. Titlis
On the way up allow this. If not…..I’ll just need a holiday when I get back to get over my holiday here (just joking Karyn).
PS…….for those that have sent me individual emails and messages, I’m sorry if I have not responded. If I have Internet access where I am staying then I’m happy to spend a bit of time doing so, but don’t really want to be spending too much time in Internet Cafes.
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Marieke
non-member comment
wow a beard!
I know you know, but wow- you're looking more like a world traveller every day! Suits you well, I think, the beard thing- I reckon you should keep it :) PS the shoes in the snow are still a bit less shocking than the bare legs at the beach...