We had a minor logistical dilemma with our travel plans. We could have flown straight from Amsterdam to Zurich, but that would mean stopping somewhere in Germany and spending precious hours in the airport plus paying more airfare. So to both save time and money (although the way we planned it will sound more costly and time-consuming) we took a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris (and a bonus stop-over in Belgium yay!) and flew from Paris to Zurich instead. This presented a lot of advantages -- we left our bigger luggage with our dear cousin in Paris and only brought 4 days worth of clothes and necessities to Zurich. Also, we get to spend a night in Paris (and this city is definitely more romantic and more lovely and more magnificent after the sun sets). Problem solved, and yes everything was masterminded by the well-traveled hubbsters himself! Well done my love!
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| Our first photo in Bahnhofstrasse |
Welcome to the land where everything is really expensive! So what makes Switzerland this costly?
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| Welcome! |
I've read some articles about Switzerland which explain why it's so expensive to live in this country. I've learned that that minimum wage is much higher and labor/services cost more. So the actual prices of the products need to be increased to be able to sustain the salaries of the employees. I've also found out that they practice lower taxes and higher salaries. Other European countries may have cheaper goods because overall their salaries are much lower and their taxes are much higher and they cannot afford to pay more. Hmmm... Interesting!
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| Ginto sa mahal kamo! |
A quick lunch here will cost you almost 25SGD and a proper dinner from 80 to 150SGD. Wow!
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| It was already late in the evening when we realized that we haven't had our dinner yet, McDonalds was the answer! And you wouldn't believe it, Andrew and I ordered 2 cheeseburger meals which cost us 50SGD! Pricey much! |
Talk about meals. We limit ourselves to 2 meals per day for the entire stay. That's because we get ready by 10 and finish breakfast before 11 so we are technically "brunch-ing" (breakfast-lunch). The next meal will be taken later in the afternoon around 4 or 5. And that will sustain us for the rest of the night! We normally splurge for food but not here (haha) because it's absurdly expensive! Imagine paying 70SGD per meal. Totally shocking for me.
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| Weeeee!!! |
We've explored Zurich in the evening where most shops are already closed. Shops in the city center like Bahnohfstrasse are usually open from 9:00 A.M until 8:00 P.M. only. There are also some smaller shops outside the center that operate until 6:30 P.M. only.
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| Lake Zurich by night |
My most favorite part of Zurich is the Old Town (Altstadt). This is the historic part of the town. Oh how I love the cobblestone streets, the old buildings, picturesque shops and the weathered trees. The setting looks authentic and positively medieval!
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| Old Town |
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This monumental bridge, which was constructed in 1838, has a commemorative statue of Burgomaster Waldmann. Waldmann was executed during the late 1400's when his political foes gained favor. The bridge is a crossing point from Fraumünster to Grossmünster. (source: www.10best.com)
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| Mesmerized by the beautiful Old Town |
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| Lakad and picture pa more! |
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| Playful lovebirds! |
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| Smile lovey! :) |
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| Zurich Hauptbahnof |
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and according to statistics, the Germans make up the largest group living in the city followed by the Italians. The official language is German but the main spoken local language is called Alemannic Swiss German (but I cannot tell the difference hehe *wink). The city is home to a large number of financial institutions and banking giants and the low tax rates attract overseas companies to invest and set-up their headquarters here.
According to several surveys from 2006 to 2008, Zurich was named the city with the best quality of life in the world as well as the wealthiest city in Europe (source: Wikipedia) Wow!!! Now that made me think...Hmmm... Makapag migrate nga dito! haha!
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Swiss Alps in the far horizon
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The next day we decide to climb Zurich's very own mountain, Uetliberg. You can easily reach the summit within an hour via train from Zurich Hauptbahnof. The mountain offers an impressive panoramic view of the city, the lake and the Alps on the far horizon. An interesting fact: you will find a hotel on top of this small mountain called Uto Kulm. I am not too sure about their airport or train transfer policy though, as we saw a few guests hiking up the summit dragging their luggage behind them. Looks cumbersome. Though an overnight stay may be a great idea!
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| Railway station to the mountain |
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Finally!
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The best months to visit Zurich are January for winter lovers, Jun to August for summer enthusiasts, October for walking/hiking fanatics, and December if you want to experience a white magical winter holiday (with Christmas night markets around the city).
When's the best time to travel to Zurich in Switzerland?
The months June, July and August have a nice average temperature.
Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in May, June, July, August and September.
On average, the warmest month is August.
On average, the coolest month is January.
July is the wettest month.
February is the driest month. (source: http://www.weather-and-climate.com)
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| Insert Calvin pogi :D |
Some of the photos we've taken from the beautiful mountain!
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| Feeling snowwhite? haha! |
Snow experience is not complete without a snow man and a snow angel! Haha! Oh yeah!!
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| Yeeeehaaa! Sunset in a snow-chilly-hill! |
On our last day, we walked along Lindenhof Square . It was one of the city's most visited spots. The place was an absolute delight. There were lots of shops, restaurants and bookstores. The thrill of discovering a quaint little shop in the next corner was worth the long trek through the narrow alleys!
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| While searching for a nice restaurant to dine in! |
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| Streets like this? Aaaaah... ganda!!! |
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| Obligatory street photo, haha! |
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| I love you to bits my big pogi bear! |
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| Enjoying the hot choco along the streets of Lindenhof |
After all the hiking and walking, we go on a more relaxing tour. We take the ferry to explore Lake Zurich. This comes complimentary with our ZurichCARD (the city travel pass).
Lake Zurich is a lake in Switzerland, extending southeast of the city of Zürich. The water is very clean, purified and fed into Zurich's water system. During summer you will see locals enjoying the water under the sun, swimming!
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| See the Swiss Alps? :D |
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| Sweetness overload! |
Tschüss Zurich! I've learned so much about you. Ending this blog makes me wanna see you again, but don't worry we will definitely come back to see and the experience the breathtaking Swiss Alps! One thing's for sure, we've enjoyed our trip and that's what matters the most. Ciao!
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| Bye for now! |
God is really great!
