Zurich

Back to Switzerland we go! Bryan had a training seminar in Zurich for work so we decided to make a quick trip out of it. We had passed through Zurich before but hadn’t seen much but the train station. We’ve had a busy month which didn’t allow us to “prepare” for the trip but we decided to relax and not book our day up or to be on any time constraints. It ended up being the perfect plan and a great city to do so.

We are complete budget travelers. So when Bryan, imagine this, sweet-talked his way into an upgrade at the Marriott, we were stoked. Although we did stay at a nice place in Zermatt, we haven’t stayed in a luxury hotel since our move to Europe. No complaints there, as we usually don’t spend any time in our accommodations except to sleep. It was so nice to have, not one, but two flat screen TVs with 5 English channels and a big, fluffy, king-size bed! It’s the little things in life sometimes. Our room was on the top floor in an Executive Suite. This meant not only great views of the city but access to the Executive Lounge!

We both wanted to relax before a night on the town and decided to take advantage of the free food and beverage at “The Lounge” to hold us over. Some American couldn’t quite figure out how to open the bottled beer (it’s like a pop top that you have to break the seal on) so we offered some assistance. This nice southern gentleman asked to join our table, which we obliged. As an expat, we’ve found it’s nice to talk to Americans and hear the stories and insights of their travels. It’s also nice to discuss the different cultural experiences through the eyes of someone that’s native to the same culture as us. This wonderful gentlemen and his wife, who soon joined us, were from Tennessee. Well, the hours rolled by and we abandoned our plans to explore Zurich by night. After 7 or 8 eight beers each we decide to call it a night in fear of ruining our sightseeing the next day. We had such an unexpected, fun time with this lovely and hysterical couple at The Lounge…the best part being that we saved ourselves a 150 Franc bar tab! Way to go Bryan for scoring an upgrade.

The next morning, The Lounge also provided a complimentary (as is everything) breakfast buffet. Amazing! The eggs were perfect, American bacon as well as European delights like sweet-filled croissants. Perfect way to start our full day in Zurich! (If you haven’t noticed, I try to fully describe the food we encounter throughout our travels because it’s simply delicious and I love food in a non-gluttonous way.) So with no plans in mind we headed out towards the city. As you’ll notice in the Facebook pictures, I have no idea where, specifically, we were taking pictures as there are no captions like in my other albums. Usually I’m aware of sights and monuments, but this trip we opted for total relaxation and spontaneity. As mentioned, Zurich provided the perfect opportunity for this with plenty of shops, cute streets and architecture, and beautiful views of the water and mountains.

We started by walking towards the main station to Bahnhofstrasse. It’s a mile of shops and restaurants that lead to the lake. We noticed  5 H&M’s and can’t imagine how they fill them all. There were adorable, over priced boutiques that were fun to look around in. Surprisingly, there weren’t an over-abundance of tacky souvenir shops. We knew the prices in Switzerland were going to be high but I was disappointed in the price of chocolate….completely ridiculous. I was also disheartened when we didn’t find the “Florentine” chocolate we had discovered in Zermatt. Maybe it’s a local thing native to Zermatt. I’m sure if you venture farther away from the water and main streets that prices decrease.

A great little place we stumbled upon, though I’m sure it’s mentioned in guidebooks, is “Lindenhof.” It’s an elevated park with great views of the river below. There’s also the St. Peter-Kirche with Europe’s largest clock face. At the end of Bahnhofstrasse, the horizon opens up to views of the lake with the Alps in the background.  I’m not sure if it’s a seasonal or permanent occurrence, but there was a carnival taking place at the waterfront. It was fun to walk around and Bryan won me a prize J.

We crossed over the bridge to the other side of the river and enjoyed a waterfront lunch. Along the east side of the lake is Zürichhorn, a park the offers peaceful shady spots to relax in. We walked back towards our hotel on the east side of the river and explored the small streets with even more shops and cafes.

As is true for any vacation, the weather really made our day. It was sunny but cool and perfect for walking around outdoors. We really didn’t do much other than meander through the streets and stop at whatever shops we were interested in. We spent time enjoying the views and each other’s company.  Bryan and I spent the last hour of our day just sitting in a park people watching and enjoying the outdoors. I don’t have many suggestions for Zurich other than to ensure you plan a trip when the weather is good for being outdoors and taking in the scenery. I can’t imagine needing more than a day or two in the city. Overall, we had a nice, relaxing getaway and really enjoyed Zurich.

Zermatt

(I apologize for the formatting of this post, I couldn't do anything to change it. I'm not very computer or internet savvy.)

Zermatt was so much fun! Bryan and I had been wanting to take a ski/snowboarding trip to the Alps and what better excuse to splurge than for my birthday? Now that we have the train system down, even though we had another delay, getting there was a breeze. However, to get up to Zermatt, the Eurail pass is not valid and you must pay for an additional ticket. Having a Eurail pass does get you 25% off so it comes out to €20 each per train ride. We saw amazing views of the countryside, mountains and lakes on the ride there. We got in relatively early and had a full evening to explore the town and eat some dinner. We found a great hotel that had full amenities such as a Jacuzzi and steam room/sauna and included a buffet breakfast. There were also a few hostels but Bryan treated me to a nice, private hotel room. The hotel was also in prime location. It was a 5 minute walk from the train station and right on the bridge that connected to another popular street. Our room had views of the mountain and we could hear the river with our window open, which was very relaxing. Stepping outside our door was a great view of the Matterhorn as well as the bus stop which took us straight to the ski lifts. We would both recommend this hotel. http://www.antika.ch/

We booked our rentals online at Matterhorn Sport - http://www.matterhornsport.ch/winter/english.html. Booking online we received a 25% discount and the prices were very reasonable. They had three locations, one of which was 3 minutes from our hotel. The one thing we found to be very expensive was food. Even a pizza was 20 Francs. We found a really cute restaurant/pub called The Brown Cow that had American hot dogs and hamburgers at reasonable prices. Some people may not want American food when vacationing in Europe, but since we live in Munich now it sounded amazing. Bryan got a gorgonzola, garlic and onion burger and I got a classic cheeseburger with onions. Both were served with big delicious fries that came with ketchup and pommes sauce, a popular dipping sauce for fries which is basically mayonnaise. Mix the two together and you've got magic! The local Cardinal beer was good and reminded us of Heineken.

I was so excited to go skiing that I woke up an hour before our alarm clock, which for me is very rare. I haven't been skiing since early 2009 when Bryan and I went to Breckenridge. The previous year, Bryan and I went to North Carolina for spring break, our first vacation together, and he taught me how to snowboard. I had never been out West to the mountains and I was excited to snowboard again in Colorado. I got sick the morning before we left so snowboarding wasn't too much fun since I didn't have the energy to turn back and forth on the board. The first day I had already decided to switch my board in for skis. The next day I was hit on the mountain but thankfully not seriously injured. I was now terrified of skiing though. For the rest of trip I would ski so slow and pause and wait for other skiers/boarders to pass....which can take a while. Bryan, of course, was patient but it wasn't our best experience.

For our trip to Zermatt I told myself to suck it up and show Bryan that I am actually good at skiing, as well as prove to myself that I'm not a pansy. We had so much fun! I only fell 4 times all day, of which only one was a legit fall. I was thankful for my helmet on that one...safety first! The first part of our day we skied on the Gornergrat  Mountain. It was Monday and overcast so it wasn't busy, which I was very happy about. I was a little bit nervous at first being that we were so high up. The first run was great so we headed back up the mountain to do it again. All of the sudden clouds came rolling in and we couldn't see 10 feet in front of us. The trail markings were small, thin poles so it was hard to know if we were going the right way. We took our time and made it down. Once we were safe, we actually realized that we had a good time...the visibility made it challenging but fun. Thankfully, we didn't realize until later that some of the trails ran along the edge of cliffs.

The visibility was much better over on the Matterhorn Mountain. We took a lift all the way up to the top which was along the Italian border. The views were incredible! We had so much fun on the runs that we stayed until the end of the day. We had such a wonderful day and I didn't think it could get any better. The temperature was a cool enough that we weren't hot but we weren't freezing even when the wind came at the top of the mountain. Towards the end of the day, the skies cleared up and we had beautiful views of the Matterhorn, which was massive. We stopped at Popperla Bar for a beer which had a cozy indoor pub and relaxing outside patio with a fun atmosphere and good music. The wellness center amenities came in handy and were great for our muscles. Even though we were exhausted, Bryan wanted to treat me a nice meal, which he had promised.

I was really excited to have fondue, being that Switzerland is known for its cheese. We ate at an adorable restaurant, the Walliserkanne. The cheese and herb fondue was amazing, as was the pasta. I think I managed to eat a pound of melted cheese by myself…I just couldn't stop eating it. We had a romantic stroll after dinner, enjoying the weather and the stars. The details are private but Bryan asked me to marry him. It was so romantic and very "us." Needless to say, I said yes!

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful the next day. The skies were clear and sunny. We were disappointed that the tram to the very top of the mountain was closed due to high winds but it gave us the opportunity to ski the trails from the previous day but with visibility. In the middle of the Gornergrat Mountain is an igloo bar. They have a full bar, music and lounge chairs. We felt like we were on a cruise in the middle of the Alps. By the time we made it back over to Matterhorn Mountain the tram to the top had opened. Since it was later in the day and the higher trails had been closed for most of the day, there weren't many people on the mountain any more. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking! It is the highest reachable point in Europe and we could see the peaks of Switzerland, Italy and France. We even had the entire viewing deck to ourselves. Traveling in the off seasons is great!

We hit Popperla Bar once again for some delicious Guinness. They also had live music inside. Although exhausted at the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised that our muscles weren't sore. I was expecting to be in total pain on the way back to Munich. We walked through town looking for souvenirs and chocolate. We got this incredible chocolate bark. One was milk chocolate with caramel and the other called "florentine," chocolate with caramel covered almond slices. We also got a Corn Flake chocolate cluster. All of it equally amazing. We hit up the The Brown Cow again for the chicken and egg BLT club sandwich I was torn between the other night we were there. Bryan was craving the chili dog which had the perfect amount of chili and onions. We didn't realize it until our food was served, but we had chosen prime seating for the viewing of the Real Madrid/Trottenham Champion's League Playoffs. What made it even better were the Spaniards sitting behind us cheering and cursing the whole time.

We absolutely loved Zermatt. The town is so quaint and peaceful. Everything was within walking distance. It is also an electric city, so there were not typical cars. All of the taxis and buses were like suped up golf carts. The views atop the mountains are so pretty. We thought the trails were great and were a perfect mixture of challenge of ease for me. Even without Bryan's proposal, I'd say this was one of the best vacations we've taken.

Turn That Frown Up-Side-Down

“…but then i realized that it's not just here. it's life i think. life presents us with so many chances to turn our day around or to even turn our life around, but most people either stop looking or never see those opportunities.”

My friend Julie has been in the Peace Corps in Namibia, Africa for 19 months. I love catching up with her and hearing about her life. She’s probably one of the coolest people I know (must run in the family) and love to hear her insights, thoughts and funny stories. The quote above is from a recent email session we had and it kind of hit home for me. Today was one of those days and it made me think of her. J 

We’ll start this story two weeks ago. It was Thursday (I remember because it was St. Patrick’s Day) and raining. I went to the gym before I had to tutor some kids in English. If you’ve read my previous blog, you know that it’s a 20 minute walk from the train station to the gym. Bryan had to work so he took the bike and I walked. I get out of the gym and it’s raining. No bueno. Or I guess I should say "nicht gut." Thankfully, I brought my umbrella and managed to stay somewhat dry. I also had to walk from the train station in Starnberg (where my tutoring session takes place) to my clients’ home…about a 10 minute walk. But this wasn’t Florida rain. It was cold, chilling rain and I didn’t like it one bit. In total I walked in the cold rain for 40 minutes this day.

Needless to say, I got sick. If you know me well, you know that I have a terrible immune system. If I don’t sleep enough, not only do I get cranky, but I get sick. Walking in the freezing rain will apparently do the trick the as well. Last week, I’m finally starting to feel like myself again…I’m so close to feeling 100%. But the weather isn’t finished with me yet. It proceeds to rain last weekend for our outdoor softball practice. (I mention outdoor because up until last week, practices have been held indoors.) Again, this rain is cold and chilling. The stupid bike had broken the day before on my way to the train station from the gym (in the rain) so I had to walk 20 minutes from the train station to the field. Two days in a row I’ve battled this rain. I thought maybe these German kids were soft and we’d be practicing inside. My hopes were crushed when I saw we were practicing outside. After practice, we were lucky enough to get to work on the field…in the rain. (Side note: City of Palm Beach Gardens Parks Department-I love you. We’ve always had the nicest, well-maintained fields year round. Our Gauting softball/baseball teams have to manage our own fields. Not that I mind, I just took for granted having the city ensure that public fields are taken field of.)

I’m not that big of baby when it comes to rain, being from Florida, rain is nothing out of the ordinary. But usually I have my wonderful car to get into and take me straight home. Or, I have spare clothes in my trunk including a bathing suit and towel. Not in Germany, my friends. I have an hour train ride back into the city-wet or dry. That day, I was wet and cold.

It takes a couple days to really hit me, then BAM! Wednesday comes around and I start blowing my nose constantly all day. Wednesday night I have a terrible headache and think it may just be from my crazy week (job update later). Thursday it fully sets in. Welcome into my head, sinus infection. I’ve had a few sinus infections before so I knew right away what it was. But I don’t remember my head ever hurting this much. It feels like someone is chiseling away in my head and face. My neck is achy and I’m completely fatigued. Bending over causes so much pain in my head and I’ve probably gone through a box of tissues and two rolls of toilet paper blowing my nose the past 4 days. I got some medicine from the pharmacy but I have my doubts about it. I’m so desperate I would have visited the UCF Health Clinic for a ZPAC.  

I’m sure you’re all thrilled with story of how I been sick for two weeks and the details of it’s cause. It does lead up to this point in time, I just had to set up the background to inform you of my misfortunes. I’ve basically been worthless the past two days. I slept for 7 hours during the day yesterday. I’ve barely seen Bryan because he’s working way too much (says me) and getting home too late. So I’m kind of irritable and annoyed at life. We are leaving for Switzerland tomorrow morning to celebrate my mid-20’s crisis of turning a quarter of a century. We return Wednesday night and have to move apartments that night. So I have to have our current apartment packed up before we head out tomorrow. (I’m actually excited about the move.) On top of my self-pity, our cell phone  decided yesterday not to turn on.

If it were up to us, we wouldn’t even have a phone. We’ve been here for 2 months and still only have one for the both of us. Back in the States, I felt like my life was going to fall apart if I accidentally left my phone when running out of the house or when my lovely BlackBerry decided not to work, which happened quite often. Here, I want nothing to do with the thing unless it’s imperative I get in touch with someone….which is rare. But with the current job situation it’s kind of necessary to be accessible via cell (“handy” is a cell phone in German). Don’t you just love how it’s taking forever to get the point? Procrastination at its best J

Bryan has to work…again….today. We slept pretty late since he’s only been getting a few hours a night due to work and I have minimum energy right now. I’m super annoyed that I’m sick and missing my friend Tini’s birthday bbq today. I’m trying to be responsible and get better for our trip tomorrow. But I have to take care of the cell phone situation today which I’m really dreading. Although a lot of people in Munich speak great English…it sort of depends. The store I need to go to in order to complain is similar to a CVS I guess. It’s not a place you expect employees to speak English. I still can’t manage a sentence in German, let alone explain that my phone isn’t working. Genius that I am, I Google Translate my explanation, right it down and pray that it makes enough sense to convey my problem.

To further complicate my life and make me even less willing to run this errand, my transportation pass has expire. Last month they checked our passes the first two days of the month like...well, I guess the phrase I was thinking in my mind wouldn’t be appropriate to write since I’m in Germany. But yeah, I don’t feel like getting fined 40 Euros. So now I have to find an alternative way to get the store. I have yet to see the transportation monitors (I don’t know what to call them) check anyone’s passes on the bus, so I find a closer DM (the store I have to go to) that I can get to by bus instead of subway.  Perfect, it’s on the other side of Oktoberfest Park and I’m familiar with the area.

Holy crap, it’s AMAZING outside! Beautiful! If I could choose any weather to have year-round for the rest of my life, today would be it. It was probably 70+ without a cloud in the sky. I could have gotten away with shorts or a dress. The sun was beaming but there was a cool breeze to keep you from sweating. It looked pretty from the window but I had no idea how great it actually was. I wore flip flops! I don’t know if anyone thinks that’s as amazing as I do, but it’s the first time in 2 months I’ve been able to wear them. I will choose flip flops over any other type of shoe out there. I wear flip flops to bars/nights out when I can get away with it. I will probably even wear flip flops with my wedding dress. I’m now so upset but in a happy type of way that I’m not enjoying Tini’s bbq outside or having a picnic with Bryan. I want so badly to call Bryan’s boss and tell him there’s been emergency and have him enjoy this day with me. So now, this stupid, inconvenient errand has turned into the best part of my day. Had it not been for the phone, I wouldn’t have left the apartment today.

I take two quick bus rides to my destination without a hitch. I hand over my written German sentences to an employee and she says “new phone?” Sweet! Yes, I want a new phone! I hand her my receipt (I totally get points for keeping it from 2 months ago) and she hands me a brand new phone. Not only was it so quick and easy to take care of the problem…I’m pretty sure all the pre-paid minutes get reloaded! When we originally bought the phone, it’s a packaged deal that it automatically comes with X amount money preloaded on it. In the two months we’ve been here, we haven’t had to reload it. Since we’ll be activating a brand new phone, we’ll probably get another 2-3 months out of the new phone without having to buy more. I’m not even concerned about having a new phone number because less than 10 people actually have it.

I’m so happy about the turn-around of this day that I decided to treat myself to a picnic. I’m fully aware of the McDonald’s in the vicinity and treat myself to a Happy Meal since that is my mood. The burger tastes just like the ones from home, the fries had the perfect combo of crisp and salt and the Fanta here is amazing (better than at home.) I ordered it to go and found a bench in Oktoberfest Park to sit at and enjoy my food. What is that in the distance? Some type of festival? Then I hear a seal bark. It’s the circus!

Now, I’m normally not a circus fan. They are great and all but I can’t remember the last one I’ve been to. I think it’s before that auditorium in West Palm became the biggest Jehovah’s Witness Congregation in Florida. But I just finished reading “Water for Elephants” yesterday which has to do with the circus. You’ve probably seen the preview of it with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, if it's not already showing in the States. So since I literally just finished the book, I was oddly excited about it. I decided to take advantage of the weather and walk home. The circus tent was in the direction of my walk home across the park…it was meant to be. There were 3 adorable seals I got to see. Other than that, there wasn’t anything else going on but it made me really me happy.

So I realized on my walk home how days of being sick and annoyed at life were short lived. My belief that everything happens for a reason has just concreted itself more into my life. My outing used up all my energy and I still have a lot I want to accomplish before the night is over but I have such a better attitude. All because I had to leave the apartment against my will and enjoy the weather in flip flops.

On that note, I hope everyone has a great weekend!