Euro Vacay - Day 1

[I get inspired to write when cool stuff happens...] 

In May, after navigating our ever-changing work/life schedules, we chose "late September-ish" for our next vacation. Originally, I had my sights set on a trip to the beautiful islands of Greece. After hours of researching locations, hotels, beaches, excursions, etc., it dawned on me that "late September-ish" is the PERFECT time frame to visit Germany, more specifically Munich, most specifically Oktoberfest!

Even before consulting Eric, I knew the change in plans would be enthusiastically received. We wanted to visit a couple other locations, so we determined the Shults-Euro-Vacay-2014 would incorporate Zurich, Munich and Prague. In order to better appreciate Eric's heritage (i.e. consume copious amounts of bier and bratwurst) we decided we should stay in Munich the longest and frame that time with Zurich first and Prague last.

Fast forward a few months, and it's time to embark on our next great adventure!

We arrived in Zurich on Friday, September 26, first thing in the morning. [I digress (and at the risk of sounding like a lush), but how disappointing is it that United Airlines no longer offers complimentary alcoholic beverages on international flights?! This was a 2014 change that I discovered on my return flight from Tokyo earlier this year, but still... A nice glass or 2 of red wine would make the 8 hour flight a little more enjoyable. Needless to say, we still indulged, at approx $8 a bev, because why not- we're on vacation!] 

I'll try this again: We arrived in Zurich on Friday, September 26, first thing in the morning. Typically, I have a solid, premeditated transportation plan in place, but this time we had to wing it. Luckily, from the airport we just had to hop on the subway (or whatever they call it) at the airport, head to the main train station and our hotel was across the street.

Zurich 'Subway' ~ 10 hours of traveling later

I've been to Europe a number of times, but as I emerge from underground stations, I'm always excited to see the plethora of bicycles in these foreign cities. Granted, the geography is significantly different from home, but I think there is something pretty cool about just biking all the time, everywhere. 

After getting our bearings and determining where the 'front' of the train station was, we look across the street and welcomed by the grandeur building we'd call home for the next three nights. 

Hotel Schweizerhof had fabulous accommodations...

...and our view of the city was gorgeous!

The day was young, so we had some time to unpack, relax, and take in the fresh Swiss air (and chocolate--they replenished rich Swiss chocolate when the room was cleaned during the day and again at the evening turn down service!) before exploring the city. The only excursion we planned in Switzerland wasn't until the following day, so we had a whole afternoon and evening to wader around Zurich.  

Adjacent to Schweizerhof is The Bahnofstrasse of Zurich: Once populated by frogs croaking in the city moat, traffic began with the hacks in 1864. Followed by the horse drawn tramway (Rösslitram) and finally by electric tram and automobile. Today most part of the “Bahnhofstrasse” is a traffic free area. It's the most important location in Zurich for  finance and business. And the main promenade where exclusiveness, quality and variety meet. The “Bahnhofstrasse” is a must see for every visitor. Whether it is for business or as a tourist. It's the most famous “Bahnhofstrasse” in Europe!

We strolled down this important street, ventured off in the side streets, popped into a few churches, and enjoyed the afternoon.  

It was a happy coincidence that we ended up at Lake Zurich just 20 minutes before the dinner cruise began. 

We made a quick decision to purchase tickets and spend the evening on the lake watching the sunset and enjoying the crisp Swiss air. 

When it was time to eat, we went inside the cabin, switched over to wine and had some delicious pork, chicken, risotto, and fancy noodles.  

It was an absolutely pleasant evening to cap off our first day. We didn't have cell service, we didn't know anybody around, didn't speak the same language as most of the people on board, but had a wonderfully peaceful time. (note: we are clearly getting old-- there was no part of us that wanted to cap the night off at a crazy club... travel exhaustion was setting in, and the comfy hotel bed was just the place we wanted to be.)

Day 1: complete. We couldn't wait to see Mount Titlus the next day!

xo, ms