EXPLORE EUROPE ~ 5 COUNTRIES IN 11 DAYS ~ ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (P-2)

Second Stop: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

via Train:  Gare de lEst Train Station - Zurich HBF (5hours) TGV Lyria (19:09-7:27)

For euro train ticket booking CLICK HERE!

It was a good decision to take train from Paris to Zurich.  As what most travelers say, the best way to explore Europe is by Train.  The green scenery along the way is very relaxing. 

Scenery along the way from Paris to Zurich

Train from Paris to Zurich

With the cool Paris weather, who would like to get up at 5AM?  I had to drag myself up and get ready as early as 5:00AM just to have enough time and to make sure I would not miss my 6:45AM train schedule. 

I didn’t want to leave Paris yet, as I feel like there’s more to see and try but I am also excited to see Zurich.  Does it make sense?  What I am trying to say is, I’m excited to discover what’s in Zurich and at the same time I had a hopeful feeling that someday I will come back to Paris.  I would not describe Paris as the best city of all cities I’ve been to, but there’s something about Paris that gives you the I-Should-Come-Back feeling.  I don’t know, maybe it’s just me or maybe it’s because I haven’t explored the city in full circle.

Anyhow, I got to Zurich just in time as scheduled.  The hotel is just 10mins walk from the train Station.  I stayed at Hotel Marta.  The hotel is very good for what it cost.  Clean, decent, accessible, staffs are friendly and the breakfast was good.

Every minute counts, the moment I checked-in the hotel, just freshen up a bit, then off to discover what is in Zurich.  I arrived in Zurich on a Sunday.   I didn’t know every Sunday is a holiday for them.  Shops were closed, except for Cafes and restaurants.  My hotel is close to that area where you can find a stretch of restaurants and cafes.  Locals and tourists were partying from lunchtime till night.  I had fun.  The happy vibe of people was contagious.  There were couple kissing, group of friends laughing over beers, senior people just hanging and spending time with family.  It was a Holiday at its finest. 

street food....

street food

I only had 2 days for Zurich, I have to make the best of it.  First day, spent celebrating the holiday with the locals and other tourists.  2^nd day spent exploring the city.  Observed how the people are.  One moment I found myself sitting in a bench in the park eating my lunch while just staring at people passing by.  They are simple and relaxed.   

Swiss are known for their watches and chocolates.

Clocks are everywhere, I wonder if people have ever been late to anything.

I am a person who could eat chocolates more than anybody can.  A colleague once told me I eat chocolates like a machine *lol*.  So I wouldn’t just let the opportunity pass without checking swiss chocolates (mouthwatering).

mouthwatering freshly made chocolates

Had visited the University Belt of Zurich, from there you would be able to view Zurich City Center.

My supposed second night in Zurich was spent in the train to Rome, Italy.  At first I was apprehensive doing it.   I was worried of my safety and security.  Also, I was concern of the convenience and comfort aspects.  But then, it turned out just fine.  I had a very sound sleep.  30mins from the train starts moving, I fell asleep.  I woke with a hard knock on my cabin door, Italian guy screaming “Rome”.