The train ride from Paris was quite an experience. The trains here are all electric and the tracks are as quiet as can be. No clicking and clacking at all. A very quiet ride. And they can go fast!
We actually made 199mph a little later! I wish I could post a video on here because the scenery was flashing by like crazy!
European trains have sure changed in 50 years. Back then they looked like something from an old Orient Express movie. Now they look like an extremely long jet plane anchored to the ground
I had to make a transfer in Basel. Transfer times are short, so I hurried to my next train and got there with only a couple minutes to spare. Might of had more time of i had gotten on the right train! Both trains were going to Zurich but this wasn't the Super Saver I had booked. I was afraid I was going to get booted off but the conductor just informed me of my mistake (once we were rolling) and told me it was no problem. Whew! So I got to Zurich a half hour early.
So, what did I have for my first Swiss meal? A European style hot dog of course! Cut a baguette in half, punch a hole in it, squirt in some mustard and slide in a hot dog. I'll have to remember this back home.
I stopped at a souvenir shop and bought a Swiss hat pin for my collection and admired the variety of Swiss Army knifes on display. Even found one identical to mine at home. The Cyber knife.
The Limmat River runs through the old town affording you beautiful views of the city and nice walking paths along the side.
The river is shallow and clear, unlike the Seine, and is used for swimming and commuting, as well as some unusual fishing. I watched the police use a grappling book to fish a city ebike out of the river!
Here's my hostel. My room is on the 6th floor, which is like the 7th in America since the first floor here is considered 0, or the basement.
My bed is on the bottom
The view out the window
Most bike shops are closed on Monday so I'll probably get my bike on Tuesday. Then I have to figure out how to get it to my starting point. I've discovered that not all trains allow bikes on board.
Here's some random photos for you.
Looks a lot faster this way!
Thanks for the update Dean. Those trains really are a great way to travel - smooth and fast. It’s nice to just sit back and enjoy the scenery flying by. I hope that you are able to get a good bike for your long stretch of biking going forward. Thanks again for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great start!
ReplyDeleteJust one more short train ride before I get to the beginning of the bike trip.
ReplyDelete