Zürich

Zürich

Zürich is a major city in Switzerland. Although not the capital, it is the largest city in Switzerland with around 500,000 people. The place has a busy feel, but not crazily overcrowded, although the train station and the city square area was busy during the time we went. Everywhere you go in Switzerland is super expensive. Take french fries for example. You could expect to pay €3,50 for a side order of french fries in Germany. In Switzerland it would be around 7 CHF (Swiss Francs)/$7.15/€6,40 to put things in perspective. We got to Zürich around 1123 in the morning and got off the train. What a coincidence, Zürich has the largest indoor Christmas Market in all of Europe and where was it, Yes! at the train station. Although it was busy, it didn't have that overbearing feel like other Christmas Markets in Europe.

We couldn't resist and had to go to each booth. Malia and Jared bought churros 9 CHF and 2 CFH for chocolate sauce totaling 11 CHF. Damn, would you pay $11.22 for churros? After we looked though all the booths, we bought the Swiss Travel Pass and a Zürich day pass (super expensive, but highly recommended) for a total of 702 CHF. It seems expensive, but you get unlimited access to trains, boats, trams, rail, etc. It is pricey, but it gives you peace of mind, you can go anywhere and not be questioned. If you are questioned, you take out your pass.

By far the best place to visit in Zürich was Central or Niederdorf. Going on was the Dorfi Christmas Market. Another nice Christmas Market. Unfortunately Zürich ran out of Christmas mugs which was a major disappointment. But that's okay, you can't have everything. Michelle & Malia had anxiety walking through the crowds. Michelle did not like the people standing in the middle and having conversations. She wanted them to stand to the side and talk. You could feel the Christmas spirit in Zürich, the decorations alone evokes Christmas feelings.

Zürich Limmat river runs through the city. Like many other European cities, the river cuts through and the buildings provide the backdrop. Just like Ghent in Belgium, it creates this European environment we have grown accustomed to.

We were walking back to the bus stop when Michelle and Malia saw a taro reading near one of the food booths. Malia wanted to know what her future holds as she has been going through a hard time right now. They waited, while Jared and I went to look for snow pants. Jared and I walked a long time and many of the sporting good stores were close.

Malia had a taro reading, it told the future all right. The taro reader could speak some English. She was able to explain many of the events happening in Malia's life right now and told her about some things to look for in her future. Malia firmly believes that fortune telling is true. Sometimes in life, directions help you out.

We were tired already, but had to make a stop at the grocery store to buy breakfast for the morning. This is a good habit when on vacation, to get breakfast for the next morning. It saves a lot of money. One thing I hate is to spend $50 on breakfast in the morning, it is such a mis-management of money. We learned this strategy while shopping at Amsterdam. In Switzlerand the 2 major grocery stores are Migros and Coop. Both are expensive compared to other countries, but it is much cheaper than eating out.