All showered and ready to go at 8:30 am! Was planning to take the tram to the downtown Geneva train station, but realized I’m right next to the airport and I can take the free airport shuttle. There is a major train station at the airport! Waiting for the 9:22 am train to Zurich right now.
The Swiss punctuality does not disappoint and the train leaves exactly at 9:22 am.
So far the train ride to Zurich has been industrial areas and countryside. Manuel messaged me and said I have to sit on the left side of the train after Zurich. It’s cloudy, so we’ll see how photos turn out today.
Once we left the Bern station, the train is now traveling at 120 mph (200 km/h)
One thing I want to note is that my eSIM with Orange Travel is performing awesomely during this trip! I’ve been able upload pictures and videos without any problems.
Cost of this plan was $26 and included a French phone number.
(for my reference, I found the Google street view right under the railway bridge where I took this picture, here)
Inside the Zurich HB Train Station
Lunch at the Hiltl House – home to the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant! They have a buffet with over 100 homemade dishes from around the world: fresh salads, hot dishes, curries, chutneys and desserts. You can purchase by weight (per 100 grams) or all you can eat. I decided to do the all you can eat, just because I wanted to sample everything. The food was amazing and had great flavors! Other people in the restaurant had small portions and I felt like the stereotypical American with my big plate of food. With a glass of wine, a glass of water and the buffet, the cost was $100.00.
This meal (my only one today) will last me the rest of the day.
Back to the train station to get my bag and continue my journey to Bad Ragaz to meet Manuel.
We join Fabian and Carolina for drinks at the local pub. It was fascinating talking with the two of them, both having amazing life journeys. Carolina was raised on a yacht and travelled the world, learning at least five languages.
On the way home, walking from the pub (this is close to midnight), I keep hearing cowbells. I find out later, the Swiss love their cows and they are all over the countryside, wearing these huge, loud cowbells! I end today’s blog with a video from a cow encounter on the way home from the pub.
Hi Scott. I’m glad you’re maintaining this travelogue, and will check in frequently to see where you have been, are and will be going. I’m looking forward to the leg of your trip in Germany. Also, the video of the Jet d’Eau was fun, so please include more of those (as appropriate)!
Hi Kathleen! I am including more videos this year. Thank you for checking them out.
Wow, this ist super! Pictures’re great, & great info. I totally know what you mean ’bout stayin’ at a hostel for the people interaction. Cheaper too. That’s awesome with the Geneva Tourism Board vouchers. Makes ya wanna go back.
Thanks Sponge Bob!
How can a city transit street look cleaner than the floors in my house?!?! 🙂
I know, right? Everything was clean in Switzerland. I was amazed!