The Good and Bad of Zurich

A recent trip to Switzerland reminded me that when you're travelling you have to be ready for all experiences, both good and bad. It can't always be good. And more importantly, you can't let the bad be the reason to not get out and go exploring

So let's start with the bad in Zurich.

Bad experience 1 : Getting lost in the train station.

On arrival at Zurich central train station, not only did I have to fight the millions of people trying to make their way around and out of the train station, I couldn't work out where the hell to go. The place is bigger than Adelaide mall and all the department stores put together. So after a very frustrating half an hour, I finally found my way out. Sunshine is a beautiful thing!

Bad experience 2 : Being catapulted to one side by a very rude woman. 

I was in her way, however 'excuse me' was obviously not in her vocabulary as she shoved me and proceeded to bear down on further victims that were in her way.

Bad experience 3 : Nearly being run over. 

While taking a pedestrian crossing at which one car had stopped for me, I was about to step through the inner lane when a car driven at full speed by a Gucci, Prada clad woman decked in a VW nearly took me out. She saw me as I made eye contact with her. However, she obviously didn't find it necessary to give way to a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing.

Bad experience 4 : Being talked down to.

Do you know that part of Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts tries to go shopping to buy a decent outfit. I know how she feels. And I wasn't even wearing thigh high black boots and a mini skirt (although after this I did feel like decking myself out in it and going back to see how she'd react). Anyway back to the story.  I was trying to get a massage and the hotel had recommended the shopping centre called Globus. I found the beauty therapy area and a woman approached me to ask if I needed help. When I asked if I could get a massage she looked me up and down and said "We're all booked out today". When I asked if there would be any appointments further in the week "We're completely booked out all week". I then asked for a recommendation on somewhere else and she said "I don't know anywhere else". Needless to say I walked off disgusted and decided to just head back to my hotel for some peace.

So these experiences happened in the first 4 hours of arriving in Zurich and I suppose you're wondering if it got better? Thankfully yes, so let me share the good in Zurich.

Good experience 1 : A birthday surprise from the Renaissance Hotel.

On arriving back to the hotel room following my bad experiences, I found a nice piece of chocolate cake decorated with fresh berries and a neat Happy Birthday written on the plate in chocolate. Alongside that was a card signed by the hotel staff. It didn't last long! A definite way to brighten someones day so thankyou Renaissance.

Good experience 2 : Having Happy Birthday sung to me by H's work team and enjoying a glass of my favourite champagne.

I was lucky to be invited along to a dinner in which I not only got to experience a really nice meal with nice wine, but got a surprise at the end of the evening with a glass of Moet while listening to the team sing me Happy Birthday. Thankyou for a wonderful evening!

Cooking our meat on the table BBQ

Good experience 3 : Trying some traditional Swiss food.

You definately have to try Fondue in Switzerland. It's not for the faint hearted or those with cholesterol problems and if you have a sensitive nose then you probably won't like the smell, however it's fun to try.

Good experience 4 : Exploring the old town in Zurich.

Just a 5 minute walk from the craziness of the main train station and shopping strip, you can find yourself lost in the maze of windy cobblestone roads in the old town. Much quieter and some lovely old buildings to admire.

Good experience 5 : The unique cafes and shopping.
I think I only saw one or two Starbucks in Zurich which was a pleasant surprise. There are some great little cafes and unique stores selling goods you only find in Zurich. The best coffee I found was in a cafe called Hiltl set up in a flower store.

Hiltl in Zurich

Overall Switzerland is a lovely country. It's clean, portrays a healthy lifestyle (never saw an overweight person) and the people are friendly (most of the time). One downside is its very expensive but all in all, I can't wait to go back and explore more if I get the opportunity.

A Kookaburra in Zug

Zug is a quaint little town in Switzerland that sits on the edge of a lake and snow capped mountains.  It’s not far from Zurich and quite easy to reach via train direct from the airport train station. 

We’re here this week because my husband has work commitments. I’m the lucky one though; not only do I get to spend the evenings with my husband, but I also get the days to do the tourist thing and go exploring.

So let me tell you a bit about my first day in Zug.

After the 6:00 am alarm, for the benefit of my husband, I find myself curling up and going back to sleep for another hour. Unfortunately that’s as long as I can sleep in, as I’m excited to get outside in the emerging sunshine and go exploring.

The Hotel Lowen : Where we stayed

Our hotel is located in the Landsgemeindeplatz within the old town of Zug. It’s only when I pull open the curtains, I realise how nice a spot we are in. Our room up on the 3rd floor has a little balcony from where I can see a cobblestone square surrounded by little cafes and restaurants. On the other side I can see Lake Zug with views of the mountains in the distance. It’s beautiful.

Someone lost their cheese!

A few steps from the entrance of our hotel and past the rather large piece of cheese sticking out a pastry shop window (yes a little bit odd), I find a bird aviary. At first I’m captivated by a really large white owl who just sits there blinking his rather big eyes at me every now and then, probably wandering what the hell I’m looking at. It’s then that I see my favourite ... the Aussie Kookaburra. 

Two in fact. Both looking a little well fed and most obviously used to sitting in the spot they’re in. It’s almost cruel to see them cooped up here unable to have the freedom they’re brothers and sisters have back home, but for me it’s a rather nice sight to see something from home all the way over here in a small little town called Zug.

Next it’s the cobblestone paths and shuttered windows that call me to explore the old part of town. Starting along the Fischmarkt I wander along taking in the most beautiful old buildings such as The Clock Tower (Zytturm) and The Town Hall (Rathaus) and just getting lost.

 

 

 

 

It’s during my exploration of the old town that I have another Aussie experience. Out of the corner of my eye I see what I think is Aboriginal art. Not completely sure, I wander into the art gallery and sure enough it is! I get chatting to the exhibitor who proceeds to tell me that she and her daughter travel to Australia regularly and visit the artists some of who include paintings by Dorothy Napangardi and Betty Mbitjana. Beautiful paintings.

Lake Zug

Lake Zug

Then following a walk along Lake Zug, I head to the Zug Bahnhof and catch the Number 11 bus to Schonegg. From there I take the funicular up Mount Zugerberg.  Unfortunately the hiking brochure isn’t in English, so I just pick a path and walk.  2 hours of utter bliss. Endless green fields, hills scattered with daisies, woods, wildflowers, views over the valleys and lakes, a random hiker here and there, outdoor bbqs scattered along the way and ultimately just pure pure peace and tranquillity.  Writing this now I wish I was back there.

View of Zug from Mount Zugerberg

Animals carved in wood along the trail

One of the views on the walk

The hills are alive....

On the way back, I get off just after the Casino Theatre stop as it’s the closest one to the hotel. Wandering back through the old town roads, I find a nice quiet spot along the lake and enjoy a well deserved sandwich and cappuccino.

I thoroughly recommend Zug as a place to visit if you’re ever in Switzerland. 

Mind your manners

Have you ever had one of those days? 

One that starts with pure bad lack and then is exacerbated by the rudeness of people.

Firstly the alarm didn't go off and in your rush to get to the car you trip, rip a ladder in your favourite pair of stockings (among other injuries) and then when you make it to the car, the damn battery is flat. Then in a rush to get to the train (and by now you'll be lucky to get into work by lunchtime), it's peak hour, you're sniffing armpits to ensure you actually get on the train and then an arrogant woman wearing really pointy high heels steps on your toe... ouch! and doesn't even say sorry! The funny thing is, it's the rudeness of this random woman that really gets your back up and you can't stop thinking about it all day. It's only when you're finally back home sipping on a nice glass of wine, with the opportunity to whinge about it to your better half, that you start feeling a bit better.

The other day a friend of mine who is pregnant was telling me how she dreads the trip to and from work at the moment because no one bothers to stand for her. This is a journey which takes about an hour.  Are people really that blind that they can't or perhaps don't want to see someone that needs the seat more than them? I'd like to stick a few big watermelons down their shirts and make them stand there for an hour and see how they like the feel of it.

So this got me thinking about some of my recent run ins with bad manners.

Exhibit No. 1 : Queuing 

On a visit to my local Boots to investigate the purchase of some new foundation, the girl behind the counter was in the process of finishing serving someone.  So I decided to wait and help the time run quickly by looking at the products they had for sale on the counter. In the meantime two others arrived and while we weren't physically lined up in order, it was obvious to all there who was next in line. After finishing serving the current customer the girl behind the counter asked who was next and before I even had the opportunity to say me... the woman at the very end of the line jumped in and immediately preceded to put her order in. She was so quick out the gate that she probably would have beaten Black Caviar to the finish line. To make matters worse she didn't even show the slightest bit of remorse when two sets of shocked and disgusted eyes glared at her. I couldn't even be bothered with it and so just walked off muttering to myself that karma will get her.

Exhibit No. 2 : Child Control

In the same week, I was lining up to get onto the train and felt something kicking the back of my shoe. When I turned around I didn't see anyone until I looked down and there she was. A child of about 6 years old, grinning cheekily up at me and knowing very well that she was being naughty. I looked over at the father who was holding her hand and said excuse me.  All he did was ignore me. He didn't even pull up the child for what she had done. Oh my god, where have the manners gone in this world? Next thing you know the child will be running around the train kicking random strangers, giggling and watching for a reaction. And all the while the father is staring blankly out the window with complete disinterest. Actually he would probably be on his blackberry doing business emails!  

Perhaps the father (and a lot of others) should read this very old manual of etiquette. I'll reference page 20 where it states "be polite, respectful and modest to all". 

And I love this quote, "Never go up and down stairs, or about the house, with the speed of a trotting horse and the tread of an elephant ; step lightly, quickly, and orderly." Now that's never going to happen but the book does make interesting reading.

Exhibit No.3 : Awareness of those around you

Whenever I walk through a door that I have to push or pull open I will check to see if anyone is coming in behind me and hold it open for them. On a number of occasions that I've done this I have received quite a surprised look from the recipient as well as a pleasant thankyou. However I have been on the receiving end of a door slamming shut because individuals aimlessly wander and roam the streets without any thought or care for those around them. Thank god I've got quick reflexes else I would have been knocked out by now.

Personally I don't think the experience of bad manners is just a Blighty one, it's happening all over the world. 

But am I alone in thinking that manners are deteriorating in this world? Or do people just not care anymore?  

The constant excuse is that everyone is busy. But how can you be to busy to notice a hot flustered pregnant woman standing next to you on a train, or an old man struggling to open a door by himself, or that someone has fallen and needs some help.  

Do you find yourself frustrated by the lack of manners? I'd be interested to hear if you've had any experiences like mine.