Zurich, Switzerland: July 14, 2006

We flew into Zurich arriving very early at about 7 a.m. Switzerland proved to be the unexpected jewel of our travels. Its reputation as the most expensive country in Europe preceded it, and we hadn’t seriously considered making the trip down there. We found it was in fact very expensive, and the standard of living and quality of life also quite high, as well as the education and English skills of the Swiss people. We extended our stay in Switzerland a few times, and were continually impressed by the genuine friendliness of the people and the pleasantness of their lifestyles.

Much of what delighted us about living in Switzerland could be found in our very first day (six hours actually) in Zurich. We stepped off the train only to cross the street and rent very well maintained and sturdy bikes completely free. Gotta love the free bikes (which we later enjoyed in Bern as well). We rode around the old city; church spires suddenly emerging above charming laneways and alleys weaving through hills and along the river. We went to the market and bought some simple delicacies for our picnic: great bread, olives, artichoke hearts and a few tasty cheeses. Then we took a nap in the park, near the banks of a crystal clear lake where Zurichians happily swam about. All this in the biggest city in Switzerland (about 350,000 people). We discovered wonderful swimming in the heart of all other Swiss cities we visited. Not only are the Swiss wealthy with their high GDP and brimming vaults of anonymous bank accounts, but they enjoy a wealth of good education, great linguistic abilities, good bicycles and a wealth of nature: good clean water and fresh mountain air.