Part 5 – Switzerland and the Swiss Alps
Day 20: today we are taking the train to Zurich. We were in transit in Milan for a quick shopping. We had issues with our luggage because when we were going to leave our bags at the drop off point they had a 20k limit for the bag. Be careful when you go next time because we had issues repacking and unpacking right at the door as the guy won’t let us hold our luggage. It’s only 4euro for less than 5hrs so that was ok. I didn’t end up seeing the shopping centre in Milan, it became a useless trip and have caused an issue with me and fiance as I went shopping in the train station and have promised to meet him back at a certain hour but lost track of time and didn’t end up seeing him at the time I promised. Big big mistake , he thought I got robbed or got lost or got mugged. It was a bad day altogether and our trip went downhill from there. Arrived Zurich at almost midnight and it is a beautiful place- big city, but cold. Coming from
Summer in Spain to cold 5 degrees in Zurich I got a bit sick again.. Sudden change in temperature and not enough sleep+ alcohol is never a good combo. We just went to bed for a good night sleep.
Day 21: today is exploring Zurich day, the guys had to get up at 6.30 am to pick up the car because we will be driving from Zurich to Paris the next day. We then decided to go to bahnhofstrasse the best shopping area in Zurich , we also tried the baby macaroons . It’s so good and seriously much much better than French macaroons as it’s not too sweet and better ganache! We then went for lunch and it was awesome- we had Swiss food and it’s normally a pub food but much much better than what we have in Australia. I had a jumbo steak with cheese and their salad dressing is also so yummy.
We went on a boat cruise to the other side of Zurich to see the castles , it was a nice afternoon and very relaxing. The boat ride was great and we were able to see the picturesque scenery and see the sunset. We went to the grocery store to get some movenpick ice-cream and also some meat carpaccio.Didn’t know that it was actually horse meat until our friend Scotty told us after we have finished it all.
We were going to hit the nightclubs in Zurich because apparently they have the best nightclubs there but we didn’t end up going, although we had the nicest cocktails in town at the outdoor alfresco called “movie”. We had dinner at bahnhofstrasse again but just next door to where we had lunch. Back to the hotel for some more drinks and next day we plan to visit the alps..
Day 22: woke up early today to visit the Alps- we went for a ride at around 6.30 am and checked out, it was so cold and hazy. We had to drive up The mountains of Zurich and get up to 10,000 ft high to see the alps. It was 80 euro per person to go up the 4lifts to see the glaciers . It was spectacular; the best view in the world. Being so high up the Swiss alps we were literally on top of the world..!
We then had to drive fromZurich to Paris to get to Orly – 8 hrs of driving for the guys but it was all worth it. The experience was amazing, the views were beautiful and we sat in the car, listing to some French songs. The guys did very well to cross two countries and not get lost. Arrived at Orly airport ibis hotel to stay for one night before our flight back- and we had dinner at ibis hotel and food was horrible. My steak felt like it was microwaved from frozen. Never had a Medium rare steak that tasted very well done. So I suggest that if you can, do not eat at airport hotels. Had to repack again tonight and flying back to Perth tomorrow.
Day 23: Woke up at 6 am to get to the airport and get some tax back! It’s ok I received about 65 euro all together- claimed10% off with every purchase above 150 euro- my big purchases were my Lancel clutch, Zara and hmm clothes and Italian bags. Not the best day today.. Tired and emotionally draining. 12 hour flight to Malaysia and then to Perth- we now will lose 6 hours so we will get to Perth on Monday afternoon.. There are so many things I learned on this trip, being more aware about the people around me. The art of packing, different ways of life, different languages and cultures, importance of being organized, time management, and there is really no place like home. There are still so many things and places I want to see, maybe when I travel again next time – I will
not be so young and naive anymore; I want to be well versed, I want to be able to know my role in this life.
After standing on top of the Swiss alps- I just realized I am at the prime of my life : there really is nothing that I cannot do, nothing else missing in my life, traveling is a journey and a cultural learning experience. Today – I have come to realize that I am not an island, but an oasis yet still to be discovered.
