I arrived in Zurich, Switzerland this morning after an 8 hour flight from Dulles International Airport. After a little rest on the plane, I woke up to picturesque views of the Swiss Alps, the neighboring countryside and below city, and the sound of the captain informing us of our decent. Although exhausted, I was thrilled to have safely landed and was ready for the day's adventures! My mother-in-law and husband are joining me on this trip. This is a photo of me at the Zurich airport, (the largest airport in Switzerland) having just landed.
After checking in to Hotel Wellenberg, we walked to the train station (apparently this is one of the only places opened on Sunday). At 11:00 a.m. Zurich time, we met up with Jeff, a friend from home who currently resides here. He gave us an insider's walking tour of the city.
A photo with Jeff, my husband, and I, in front of beautiful Lake Zurich:
There are ducks and swans that frequent this lake!
Another photo of the city of Zurich near our hotel:
We stopped at Zurich's top confiserie, Sprungli, the landmark chocolatier and cafe. Owned by the Lindt chocolate company, Sprungli is the more expensive (and many consider tastier) chocolate brand and restaurant chain. Although we did not order dessert, our eyes and noses were tempted with sweets and chocolate treats with mouthwatering ingredients like Bailey's and champagne. Mouthwatering Sprungli treats:
Licking our lips at the delicious sight!
Following lunch, we noticed many people dressed in festive and quite outrageous costumes preparing for a Mardi Gras (called Fasnacht here) parade. The Protestant Swiss-German celebration apparently continues through the beginning of this week. We stopped to watch lively group performers playing instruments, dancing, and throwing confetti and candy at onlookers. How fun to be part of Fasnacht!
Jeff, covered in confetti, during the Fasnacht parade:
Cowbells signaling the beginning of the parade:
Street performers:
After a brief nap, we walked to a locals-only fondue restaurant, Stubli. We had gruyere cheese fondue with bread, small potatoes, pineapples and pears. Flavored sausage and spicy mustards accompanied additional bread. What a feast! Me, enjoying a traditional fondue feast!
Dessert menu- we chose the chocolate mousse:
Tomorrow I will visit the Swiss International School for a morning peak at their kindergarten program.
Until then, Gute Nacht! (Good Night!)
No comments:
Post a Comment