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Published: February 16th 2006
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Zurich by lake
This is the first mountain we came to when we rounded the bend It has been the longest day of my life, 21 hours of constant travel with no room to really move. My arse is numb, my back hurts and I just want to sleep. The 9 hour plane flight was .. can we say JUMPY ... I just grabbed Davids hand and got through it. Love the turbulance. We finally got into Zurich at 7:30 am and it was exciting. I was frustrated right off when I proved to myself how lost I am in a different country. 4 years of German in high school didnt help at all. Trying to get directions and information was hilarious and frustrating. It took 20 minutes but we finally made it to the train 😊 The mountains are so beautiful I cant even begin to explain so I will add pictures. We were half awake/half asleep through the train ride throught the Alps so forgive me for not doing them justice. The 9 hour train ride was no better than the plane but we trucked through it. When we got to the border , it got very interesting. Three different sets of armed police guards shot through there searching peoples bags and passports. I guess
Swiss Alps
This shot does them no justice David and I looked harmless or just half dead, but the three guys next to us, hated to be them. It took 30 minutes to get through it all and we were once again on our way ... Just 4 more hours, I tried to sleep as much as possible but I think in all, I got 3 hours of sleep.
Its dark outside as we pull through into Rome. I cant be more elated just to finally be there. We arrive at the train station and I must admit I was nervous, again a foreigner and I looked the part. I was tired, frustrated and wanted nothing more than a red carpet to be thrown out for me and a bed to be at the end of it. We walked aimlessly around the train station because we had no clue how to get to the hotel. I guess I didnt do as much research as I thought I did. We just happened to walk into this hotel information center and the guy was the best help. He told us we had to get on the metro train (subway system) and then the hotel shuttle will pick us up
Im in Hell
Get me off this damn train at 8pm. He even called the hotel for us. Finally I think to myself a break. The Romans feast on people who look lost, we were great prey for them, but we pushed our way through and made it to the metro. I suggest anyone looking to travel here, CALL your hotels first and get directions !!! The metro was so New York, it was great .... We got to our destination where the shuttle was to arrive and David and I were't talking. Again I was tired and frustrated as was he and thats doesnt make a good mix. I thought GREAT way to start this vacation. Such relief when I saw the HILTON shuttle, 30 minutes later we were at the hotel (yes that would have been either and expensive taxi or a very long walk)
So remember that red carpet ... we IT WAS OUT NOW ... oh my gosh is all I can say. WOW I was instantly turned into royalty. Here David and I walk in to this remarkable hotel in jeans and travel wear. We have our travel backpacks on and look half dead .. look like maybe we have $20 bucks to
Are we there yet
David , just hanging out our name. I walk up the reservation desk and the gentleman says Mr. and Mrs. Schaffer (that got a giggle) I will take you over to the "special check-in" please take a seat.... I was a little taken back but okay ... He hands me my room keys , as well as my free spa passes and lets me know that the executive clubroom is available from 7-11pm. I am now a Executive. So to get on our floor we had to have a special key ... the doors open and we were taken back in time. Marble floors, ceilings, walls, tapestries, paintings and chandeleirs. We get to the room and alls I can say is they must have known I had a rough day. The pictures will describe it all. I had a bottle of champagne waiting for me on ice, the 46 inch plasma screen tv had my name on it, the bathroom .... It was like I was in a harem. Marble from floors to ceilings, even the counters were marble, the bath tub there was a heated closet for our jackets, raspberries and blackberries awaited our tastebuds ..Hehe I couldnt wait for the bubble bath. I
Traveler
Getting off the 1st train felt RICH and it felt great. David was in amazment and just started taking pictures .. . Its amazing how fast I woke up. David and I coulnt wait to get down to the clubroom. We had free wine, free beer, free EVERYTHING. Expresso, chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates. Pastries, Fruit ... and not just fruit but hand carved fruit. Did I mention chocolates. It was great. We sat down there and just ate and drank and watched the Olympics. Finally it came a time to sleep around 12:30 a.m. and thats where I leave you for today....
P.S. Anyone traveling to Rome ... Its a bit out of the way but I recommend staying at Rome Cavalieri Hilton especially if you are a Hilton Honers Member .. I stayed for free, just used my points.
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Cathy
non-member comment
wow
Great pictures! I really like the one David got of you- priceless! Have agreat time - very jealeous by the way!