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Published: June 13th 2010
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City Center it is....
I ventured off early in the morning for my first Zurich experience. A short but stressful train-ride landed me in the center of Zurich's main train station - almost a city in itself! I navigated my way to the exit, but en route found the train to Uetliberg... a highly recommended trip to the highest point of Zurich city with a spanning 360 degree views of the city with the Alps in the backdrop. I jumped directly on the bright orange train, and soon found myself chugging along an ever-steepening track leading up the hills to a high perch. As soon as the train stopped at the top of the hill, I could see the bright yellow 'wanderweg' signs directing me up to the top. The heat was unrelenting, and I was soon regretting my choice of runners and jeans, but I veered towards the shade cast by the trees, and aimed for a steady, slow pace. Reaching the top was like a breath of fresh air with the complete view of the city and my first glimpses of the Alps. One range was hidden a low lying haze, but over the lake of Zurich, one
rage lay behind the lake, jutting up into the sky.
I circles the small plateau, shooting my camera from the various angles, and then began ascending the massive angular spiral of stairs leading to the main lookout. Smiling the whole way and pausing not to catch my breath, but rather in a desperate attempt not to hit the level of dripping perspiration. At the top, a local by the name of Patrick started pointing out the mountain peaks and naming them for me. He asked where I was from, and then I had him take a picture of me. On our way back down he was asking if I was taking the train down, I declined, having opted to take local advise and buy one ridiculously expensive white sparkling wine at the "top of Zurich" restaurant. I went into the outdoor seating at the restaurant and to my surprise sat down with this new friend. Patrick didn't say much. In fact, I kept trying to start small-talk since he was there, and I was feeling awkward, but after numerous failed attempts, I decided just to imagine I was there on my own, and look out over the view, enjoying
my glass of wine. Patrick ordered a glass of bubbly water and sat with me. When I said that I was going down and paid, Patrick asked if I would take the train with him... since I had had such an awkward feeling with his presence over the glass of wine, I politely declined and said that I had planned on walking down. I said goodbye and set off for the clearly marked 'wanderweg'. To my surprise, Patrick was at my side, when I questioned him he simply said "yeah, walking". So, we walked on in awkward silence again, and by this time I was bemused that I was feeling too polite to simply say: "well, you're making me feel pretty awkward, can you go now?" So, instead, I saw the first train station, and just as we were passing it, I looked at my watch and said "oh no! Is that the time, I don't have time to go with you... sorry - nice to meet you!" I shook his hand and ran back to the train station, jumping on just in time to head back into Zurich.
Of course, on my way back, I got nervous on
the train, and as soon as I saw the underground stop that looked familiar, I suddenly thought: 'oh, this is it? That was so fast?! Oops, no time, the doors are open, if this is it, I have to get off, if it is not, I can catch the next one....' Of course the moment I popped out of my seat and sprung onto the platform I realized (as the doors shut) that it was not, in fact, the right station. I watched as my train started up and wondered how long it would be until the next train.... after a failed attempt at reading the posted schedule, I took out my map for inspection, and I immediately decided that it was walkable. Not only was it walkable, but starting from this station would put me in the famous "red-light/multi-cultural" district... so I scanned the map well, tucked it away and set off. I was happy enough to have my map and camera tucked away as it was not the ideal place for tourists, but I felt safe the whole time, and was consciously walking in a confident manner. This was a great idea, and allowed me to see lots
of interesting places, but after what seemed like an endless walk, I realized perhaps I was not on the road I thought I was. I enlisted some help when I felt it was a safe enough place, and was surprised at the reaction the man gave me. He almost grabbed me when he was saying that I was safe and I just had to follow the street out and that I would be fine... maybe my eyes and face betrayed my confident air in that moment that I lunged out to ask for help! But, I did feel very reassured, and once turned around (completely) and heading in the right direction, I felt much more at ease. Back through the district, but this time feeling as confident as I looked, I made my way back to the old part of the city.
I managed to find the famous Banhofstrausse with the most expensive and high class stores around. I wandered through the old cobble-stone streets and cafes and past churches and historical buildings. The river was beautiful, and I followed it down until it flowed into the river, and I sat at the water, looking out over the immense
lake. Back on my path through the old city, I headed back into the center of the old city, and as I was snapping away with my camera, the skies clouded over and soon I found myself perched under a coffee-shop umbrella to keep my map and camera from the sudden rain-drops. The man who sat under the umbrella I had darted under soon bought me a coffee and was happily gesturing away. We tried to communicate the best we could, but he had only Italian and German and both of those languages I only know the most basic words and rehearsed phrases... but it was fun nonetheless. We weren't able to out-wait the rain, so instead we found a nice pub near-by and soon we were having dinner at a local restaurant. We finally saw the last of the rain, and resumed my tour of the city, but with our long dinner it was nearing midnight and I had to catch my last train to Niederglatt... and so concluded my day in Zurich, knowing that I will be back soon for the 'city' life that just doesn't exist in my little Swiss-town.
Until the next time,
Trish
xx
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