Stopover in Switzerland - Zurich, Geneva, & Annecy (France)

Monday, July 22, 2024

I woke up at 04:00 this morning so I could head out to the airport for my early morning flight to Zurich. I hurriedly got ready and then walked across the street to the main train station, where the airport express train was due to depart. The train ride lasted around 20 minutes, which I was glad about (I didn’t want a lengthy transfer to the airport this morning).

I tried to do self-service check-in for the flight, but the terminal didn’t print out my baggage tag, so I had to join the queue for agent assistance. The line, while not long, moved at a glacial pace because it appeared as through they were having issues with the luggage conveyor belt. The people at the counters were standing there for a long time, while the agents sat there looking around, but it became obvious that they were waiting for the belt to start working (the bags were backed up on the belt). I’d hoped to get a bite to eat before the flight (or even a coffee), but this delay dashed those hopes!

Eventually the conveyor belt began working again and the agents processed everyone in the queue with ease. Security was simple and I didn’t have to clear passport control since I was remaining in the Schengen area. The flight departed Stockholm at 07:00 and I was asleep before we left the gate. The flight to Zurich lasted just over two hours and, shortly after 09:00, we had landed.

My friend Julian met me at the airport, just outside of baggage claim. We had met two years ago during a tour through Central America and we’d managed to stay in touch ever since. He was finishing his master’s degree at a university in Zurich, so I would be staying with him at his apartment during my short visit. He was living in a student apartment building and he’d arranged for me to stay in one of their guest apartments in the basement.

We took the train and then the bus to reach his place from the airport, which took almost no time whatsoever. Switzerland has an ingenious public transit app for smart phones: you turn on the route tracker before boarding any bus or train and turn it off when you reach your final destination. The app tracks your route and charges your payment method accordingly – there is no need to buy any tickets, tap in/out when boarding, etc. It was wonderful!

We stopped by the supermarket on the way back to his apartment and picked up some frozen pizzas and I got a fresh pretzel. Once we got settled in at his apartment, Julian cooked the pizza for us for lunch. It was smaller than we anticipated, so he also cooked some instant noodles with a very flavorful sauce – way above the quality of Cup of Noodles!

Julia had the brilliant idea to head to a nearby hot spring spa in the nearby town of Baden for the afternoon, since it was raining today. We took a short train ride and then walked to the thermal spa. It was a newer establishment called FORTYSEVEN Wellness-Therme, located right along the banks of the Limmat River.

We changed into our swimsuits, stored our belongings in the locker room, and went out to enjoy the various thermal pools. The facility was huge, with several different pools at varying temperatures, along with many saunas as well. We first went in to the outdoor pool, which was warm, but we both agreed it would be better if it was just slightly warmer. We lounged in the pool and chatted for a while. Different parts of the pool had bubble jets to help you relax, and there were two fountains of water to stand under for a water massage.

We then went inside to the hottest pool, which was smaller than the rest. The water was delightfully warm and relaxing. Next to it was a cold pool (set to 8 degrees Celcious!) for people to go in before getting back into the hotter pool. Julian and I both tried to go into the cold pool, but I quickly got out once I was chest-deep in the frigid water!

We then went into one of the saunas, which had 100% humidity (and where visitors were only to remain inside for 15 minutes). It was incredibly steamy inside and impossible to see anything. We sat in silence so as not to disturb the other guests. The air in the room was so dense with humidity that it felt somewhat stifling at times, and we were both sweating a lot by the time we left.

After showering, we went to the café to have a coffee and a sweet treat as a snack. We sat on the outdoor terrace while we drank our coffees as the rain had stopped a little while earlier. Our next pool after coffee was the so-called flowing river, which had a current to propel swimmers around the short loop. Julian and I were both a little underwhelmed by it, though it was still quite relaxing to just let the water move us around. Julian then wanted to try the ‘natural’ pool, which was untreated with chlorine, etc. The water was greenish with algae and I had zero intention of going in that one. Julian soon regretted his decision and hurriedly showered after he got out.

We took another break in a sauna, this time with less humidity. We were the only guests inside this time, so we could chat while we sat there sweating. I have never been a big fan of saunas, but this one was actually rather nice – I might have to reconsider my opinion on them going forward.

The last new pool for us to try was a called Kosmos, which was a sort of meditation room with a shallow pool for floating. The room was almost entirely dark, except for a light show that was displayed across the ceiling and walls, which we watched as we floated in the water. Soft music was played throughout the room as well, which was amplified when I had my ears under the water. The light show was a bit strange, but I did find the audio portion of the room to be relaxing (especially while floating in the water).

Julian and I retuned to the hot pool for another soak before moving to the indoor pool for some final moment of relaxation. We’d been at the thermal spa for over four hours by this point and we needed to head home soon. I wished that we could have stayed longer and just lounged in the pools until the placed closed!

We took the bus back to the train and went back to Julian’s apartment. This afternoon had been idyllic and it let us just hang out and have a proper catch-up. Julian made us dinner this evening and then it was time for me to start working. He showed me to the apartment where I would be staying, which was a perfectly nice room to stay. It had two twin beds and a small desk, with an exterior bathroom for me to us. We made plans to meet up the next morning and then he went off to get some sleep, while I spent the evening working.

It had been a great first day in Zurich – I was looking forward to what the next day would bring as well!

 
Tuesday, July 23, 2024

I woke up around 08:00 this morning and just lounged around my room for a little while, watching the latest episode of “House of the Dragon”. Julian met me outside the building at 10:00 and we set off to explore Zurich now that the weather had improved from yesterday’s rain. I was eager to see Zurich as I hadn’t had the time to visit much of Switzerland during my previous trip to the country (23 years ago, when I was 17 and on a school trip to Europe).

We first walked up to the nearby university which Julian attends, where we had a lovely walk around the campus and over to a pretty lookout point that offers views of the entire city. Unfortunately, something in the area triggered an allergic reaction, causing my eyes to get watery/itchy, my throat was itchy, along with my inner ear. I hadn’t had an allergic reaction like that since I was in high school! We then grabbed a coffee at one of the campus cafes.

A bus took us from the campus towards the city center of Zurich. Julian had us get off the bus near a wonderfully preserved old building, which we walked through to reach a terrace that overlooked the entire old town. I found this view to be superior to the one we had at campus earlier. That one had been much further away from town, but this terrace was right on the edge of the old town, providing more up-close views. Church spires rose from among the historic center, and in the distance I could see the lake.

To reach the heart of the city, we took a short funicular down the hill, which was a cute and fun way to travel. We then began to aimlessly wander through the various streets of Zurich. It definitely had a German feel to it, especially from the architecture. We stopped off at a small bakery to get a sweet treat, which we ate in a nearby square.

Zurich impressed me with every turn. The lake and the river running through the city enhanced the beauty of the place. We walked down to the opera house, which has an enormous square in front of it. We took another bus over to another university campus, where we briefly met with one of his friends, who loaned us his student card as Julian had left his at home. We used the card to stop off at the campus café for another coffee and an ice cream (the student card got us a huge discount).

Returning to the old town area, we walked along the river and through some more of the (mostly) pedestrian streets. Many of the old churches in Zurich are quite beautiful – my favorite had a giant clock on the outside of it’s belltower. Julian took us along the river for a long walk, which I enjoyed. The riverfront is devoted to the enjoyment of the citizens, with several places for swimming, sunbathing, lounging, etc. Our destination was a dedicated swimming area that was packed with locals seeking some relief from the heat today.

Julian suggested we head over to a famous outdoor beer garden to relax for a bit and I eagerly agreed. The walk to the beer garden took us through an industrial area, but soon we arrived and found the place busy with customers. The place was located next to the train tracks, with several balconies overlooking the trains so patrons could watch them go by. We ordered some beer and sought out some shade to sit and relax. I enjoyed this bar quite a bit and will happily return there again on a future visit to Zurich!

It was late in the afternoon by the time we finished our beers and we were both getting hungry for dinner, so we took the bus back over to the area where Julian lived. He told me about a place that sells doner kebab pizza and I knew I had to try it – and the price was quite reasonable as well (especially for Switzerland!). Once we picked up our food, we took it back to Julian’s apartment and ate it on the balcony. The pizza was ever better than I had imagined – the flavors worked so well together and we each devoured our pizzas – there was nothing remaining for leftovers!

It was now time for me to head to my room for the night to get some work done, and Julian needed to head to bed as well. He first showed me how to use the communal washer and dryer so I could do some laundry. I was leaving early in the morning, so we had to say goodbye to one another this evening. I had thoroughly enjoyed the past two days in Zurich, getting time to hang out and catch up with Julian! I was sad that it had to end so quickly, but I know that we’ll see one another again (hopefully sooner rather than later!).

 
Wednesday, July 24, 2024

I was up at 06:00 this morning so I could finish packing my things. At 06:30, I left the apartment and dropped the key into Julian’s mail box so he could get them returned to the building management. I took the bus down to the nearby train station, and then the train to the main station in Zurich. I arrived with plenty of time to spare, so I grabbed some snacks and a coffee before catching my onward train.

I was heading to Geneva for a two day visit and, at 08:00, the train departed from Zurich. The journey was very nice, and I had a window seat to enjoy the view during the ride. The train journey lasted just under three hours and, in what seemed like no time at all, we were pulling into the Geneva station!

I took a bus over to my hotel for the next two nights, but I arrived a bit too early for check-in, so I spent some time working in the lobby/common room. I was going to be taking the next two weeks off from work while at the Paris Olympics, so I needed to get everything squared away before that happened. I spent an hour working and then stored my bags so I could do some exploring in Geneva.

This afternoon was to be my sole opportunity to see Geneva itself because I had booked a bus to take me to Annecy, France the following day since it is only an hour away. I planned to make the most of the short time I had in Geneva though!

After taking the bus back to the city center, I started my walk through the old town area. I walked through the Promenade de l’Observatoire and over to the nearby Russian Orthodox Church. The church was small, but still pretty with the golden domes atop it. I then made my way over to the Place de Bourg-de-Four, which is a delightful square with a fountain in the center, surrounded by flowers. Cafes and small shops were dotted around the square as well.

My next stop was at the St Prerre Cathedral, which sat atop a hill that overlooked the city. The belltower was particularly striking. I went inside the church, but I didn’t climb up the tower (it cost extra and I refuse to give money to the Catholic Church whenever possible). I walked through the Place du Molard, another charming square, en route to the nearby lakefront. Lac Leman (also known as Lake Geneva) is central Europe’s largest lake, but just a small portion can be seen from the city itself. My train in the morning had traveled along the lake for quite a while earlier, so I had a better understanding for the size of the lake.

There is a lovely park along the lakefront where I spent some time meandering around. The National Monument – a statue of two women representing Geneva and Switzerland, stands proudly in the park and they look out over the lake. A Ferris Wheel is adjacent to the monument and provides riders with unparalleled views of both the lake and the city.

Across the lake was the unmissable Geneva Water Fountain – a jet of water shooting up 140 meters into the air! I could see the top of the fountain from various places in the city as I was walking and now to see it from afar, I was struck by just how high the jet shot up! I opted to walk along the lake to reach the fountain, which is accessible by a small pier. When I arrived, I walked down the pier to get up close to the fountain – though the fountain itself is fenced off so people cannot get too close. It was a really fun excursion for the afternoon!

When I returned to the park, I walked by the flower clock, which is exactly what one would imagine: a large clock made of flowers – and yes, it does actually properly tell the time! This brought my sightseeing time in Geneva to an end. I spent a little bit more time walking through various streets to reach my bus, which I enjoyed. Overall, I think Zurich is the superior city to Geneva – it feels like an older city and, to me, is far prettier).

It was getting late, so I took the bus back over to the hotel, where I was able to get checked in. My room was very large with a large bathroom. The bed was comfortable, and I had a desk where I could both work and blog. I spent some time getting more work done this evening – I was very eager and ready to be on vacation! The rest of the evening was spent watching NetFlix and YouTube to wind down after yet another long day!

 
Thursday, July 25, 2024

This morning I had to be up relatively early so I could take a bus to the French town of Annecy, which is only an hour away from Geneva. I took the bus into the city center and grabbed Starbucks for breakfast and to do some work. The bus departed nearby at 11:40 and the ride out to Annecy was quick and quiet – I had paid extra to keep the seat next to me open during the journey so I had some extra room.

Upon arrival in Annecy, I set out to walk around the town for a few hours. I was instantly captivated by everything I saw – it was the quintessential French town that one would imagine in a fairy tale! The charming old buildings were nestled next to a large lake, surrounded by rolling hills, and a river cut through town as well. The river had several small bridges across it throughout the town and many of the walkways were lined with fragrant flowers. Restaurants and cafes were also located along the river/canals, which only enhanced the charm of Annecy.

One of the more impressive structures in town was the Eglise Notre Dame de Liesse church. I didn’t enter the church, but I did spend some time walking around the exterior. I continued to stroll along the river canals and found several small locks or dams to help control the flow of the water. Everywhere I looked I found something new and beautiful to behold! The Le Palais de I’lle is a medieval castle and prison located in the middle of the Thiou Canal. It made me think that this could easily have been the town from the Disney cartoon “Beauty and the Beast”!

I made my way to the lake next and explored the large Jardins de l’Europe. Dozens of paddle boats and other smaller boats were out on the lake today and the views of the surrounding hills was superb. The water itself was emerald green and sparkled in the afternoon sun. People were relaxing all throughout the garden and a few street performers were there trying to earn some money. As I was exiting the garden, I stumbled upon some bushes and flowers arranged to depict the Olympic rings, which I found rather creative.

I spent some more time wandering around the town before ducking into a small café to grab a bite to eat. I ordered a sandwich and a banana milkshake – the food was good, but the milkshake was just banana milk (no thick consistency, etc like a proper milkshake should have). It was nice to have some time to relax after the hours of walking throughout the town.

My bus back to Geneva left at 16:55 and it was very crowded. I had thankfully reserved the seat next to me to keep empty, so I didn’t have to sit next to anyone else. We arrived back in Geneva around 18:00 and I took the local bus back to the hotel. I spent the evening doing some work and getting packed up for my train journey the following day.

My parents were preparing to head out to the airport in Denver for their flight to Paris. They would be flying from Denver to Paris via Reykjavik. I had timed my train to arrive in Paris shortly after their flight was due to land so we would all reach the hotel around the same time. They would be flying over the Atlantic by the time I woke up in the morning, so we messaged some this evening.

I went to bed around midnight, excited for the next segment of my trip: the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris!