:: travellingcari.com ::

or perhaps better known as: Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Switzerland in a day!

Last minute packing done, I decided it would be far more sensible to take a taxi rather than bring two bags on a tram/subway combo. See, I’m sensible at times! The train left Prague at 9:15. Unfortunately, it was a Czech Railways train which meant sardines. Luckily, my 5 compartment-mates left at Pilzen and I was joined by two wonderful travelers who were returning to Munich to catch a flight back to the US. We performed the usual ritual of sharing food and stories and they had some phenomenal travel stories: house boats in the Kashmir, Jerusalem, Bali… I was sad to see them leave because they were fun to talk to.

I didn’t spend the Euros exactly as planned (ended up spending 5 Euros on the train for a sandwich and Coke Light) but happily finished them up at Munich Hauptbahnhof on a salami baguette and a white chocolate chocolate chip cookie at Starbucks. Yep, finally gave in and it was so worth it. I was tempted to splurge and get the banana mocha drink but that would have required credit card and I wouldn’t have been able to finish off the Euro cash.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Swiss Rail train, the best aspect being the whole train was non-smoking. Simple pleasures. The ride from Munich to Zurich was gorgeous, passing through the towns of Lindau and Bregenz, on the German and Austrian sides of Lake Constance, respectively. The train didn’t mention that we’d be passing through Austria and I can’t put my finger on how I knew, I just had a feeling. I dozed for about an hour outside of Munich and it was only by looking at the train timetable that I realised we were still in Germany. The three countries don’t really look any different at that point. I was slightly bummed that I only got two stamps (out of the CR and into Germany) out of the deal. I am *such* a stamp whore!

There were a few other stops before arriving in Zurich. Got lazy and took a cab to the hostel. Due to time constraints, I didn’t spend much time in Zurich but I did get some really nice night shots (see above and here) as I puttered around the old town. I found Zurich to be very expensive but it seemed to be a really nice city and one I’d like to visit again the future.

In the name of having more time in Geneva, I caught the 8:30 train from Zurich and was AMAZED at the scenery. It was worth overpaying Rail Europe for this. Although it isn’t the greatest photo, this is what I always imagined Switzerland to look like. Dear Swiss Rail: Please clean your train windows so I can have better pics, OK?

Above, too There were fields of sunflowers and gorgeous mountains and an incredible view of Lake Geneva as we approached Lausanne. Got to Geneva around 11:30 and spent the best 7 Swiss Francs of my trip: leaving the backpack in a locker at the train station. I knew I wouldn’t be able to check in to the hostel yet and leaving it there would cost 2 Francs (plus a taxi since I wasn’t walking 10 minutes with both bags!) I wandered down Rue Mont Blanc to the lake and had the fun decision of which cruise. The one I finally chose was ~one hour and had a great view of Mont Blanc and the UN among other things.

After the cruise was a ‘duck hunt‘: never said I wasn’t easily amused, taking ~30 pictures of ducks and swans. Also went to the swatch museum but found it a bit of a challenge to navigate the city with so much (including the tourist offices) closed on Sunday. Tired and sweaty, I walked to the hostel and got the city pass so I could take the tram. I went to the UN, which is a lot nicer looking than the one in NY! Really made me think back on the days that I wanted to be a UN interpreter.

Still tired, I sought out some yummy Pain au Chocolat and called it a night. Spent some time in the air conditioned TV room but turned in early so I’d have time to do some shopping in the morning before my flight. I did, however some reading this haven’t yet gotten their souvenirs because my bag is still somewhere in BA hell, so souvenir shopping details to come at a later date

Forgot that I didn’t need to be at the airport so early for a quick flight to London but checked in early and meandered Geneva Airport. Home late Monday. More on that in the recap post…Off to find some AC. NY is currently channelling Florida!