Switzerland, Our Home Away From Home

We knew Switzerland was going to be a special experience for us both, since it was one of the few countries in Europe that Brian hadn't been to. But it was more than special, we really fell in love with the place. Zurich is so beautiful, the lake is so blue, and it's as clean as Disneyland. The only negative comments I can think of is that the people were not always friendly (especially to foreigners), and Zurich was extremely expensive. But beyond that, Brian and I really enjoyed our stay there. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold.

We stayed with a friend Brian had made when he worked at the International Language School back in Santa Barbara. David was so nice, and it worked out perfectly that we could stay with him since he got back from his vacation the same day we got to Zurich. His parents were also on vacation in the Alps, so we weren't imposing on anyone either. We stayed in his brother's old room, which had been converted to a guestroom. As of yet, it is by far the largest room we have slept in. The bed was so comfy, and the room had a door to a patio with a hammock! Perfection.

Anyway, we mostly relaxed our first day, recovering from travel in Rome. We stayed in Zurich from Monday, August 10 until Friday morning, August 21. Here's some of what we did:

We went to a museum about the history of Switzerland


Walking by the Lake, with the many swans.




The Lake flows into a river that runs through the city.


Marveled at the architecture.


Actually went to the Museum (we didn't the first day, only took a picture of the outside), and posed with a woolly mammoth.


Walked down the main shopping street.


Took a 1.5 hour boat ride around the lake.


Had fun with David, our host (OMG is he cute or what!?).






Took the Polybahn to the University.


The view from the University.


Surprised some old friends. That's Martin and Patricia, also from Brian's International School.


Drank my first beer, all by myself.


David's home, where we stayed.


Before we knew it, it was time to leave. David needed to study for his finals next week, and we needed to get home to get the house ready for Mama and Papa. So we said goodbye, but we know we will be back someday. Here are some pictures from our train ride home:



Hard to tell, but that's a waterfall we passed by. Beautiful.


Sigh. I miss it already.