with the mess they made.
Zurich
Living in the southern part of Germany might be the best reason why it is more convenient for us to travel to the eastern and southern Europe (and way cheaper). I live in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, which is just 2 hours away from Austria, 3 hours from Switzerland, and just less than 6 hours away from eastern part of Europe such as Vienna and Prague.
We took the bus from Hackerbrücke (Munich Cental Bus Station) to Zurich very early in the morning. The bus between these two large cities runs everyday (even some of them run 3-4 times a day). With a very affordable price ( I got only € 30 return), traveling to Switzerland may be the right option to get a little escape.
Zurich, known as one of the most expensive cities in the world is the major destination for business as well as tourism in Switzerland. And as the German-speaking city, I didn't feel any difference as people talk Deutsch everywhere. I purchased the Zurich Day Card to stroll around the city more conveniently as I had only one and half day in Zurich. With 24 CHF (Swiss-Franc), travelers can use unlimited public transportation and free entry to some museums and galleries within 24 hours. Great deal.
Statue near the jetty of Zurich Lake
You don't want to visit Zurich without enjoying the breeze by the lake. Bring your lunchbox when it is sunny and find a good spot. I took the tram to Burkliplatz to reach the lakeside.
After visiting some museums (for free!), I spent the rest of the day by just strolling around the Altstadt (old town). Be careful for the price, it's Zurich anyway. We went to Starbucks near the city center just to check the tumbler's price (because my friend collects them) and got surprised!. A typical Sbux tumbler costs about 20 CHF (€ 17 more or less) while in Munich, you can get them for only € 9. Yeah, it's Zurich anyway.
Riverside
If you are pretty rich (yeah!), then go to Bahnhofstrasse for luxurious shopping experience. Bahnhofstrasse in German means the station street, which describes that the place is located just across the Zurich Central Station. Lucky me, I got a free wine tasting at one of those shops (just keep your eyes and all your senses open to spot the free things!).
Fancy Journey?
I ended up the day with sleeping at the airport, just because I don't want to waste some euros just to sleep (only) for 5 hours at the hostel (geez, I'm saving for my next trip). But if you like, there are 2 famous youth hostels in town which cost about 33 CHF per night per person. It's up to you. And also because I had to catch the bus very early on the following day, sleeping at the airport might be the good option.
So, here's the tips:
1. Don't forget to bring the Swiss-Franc with you. Avoid to take the cash from the machine (for me, never! except for the emergency)
2. Don't worry, everyone speaks English, although their official language is German. It's not Germany where people are too lazy to speak English :p
3. Bring the map, you can get them at the Tourist Information (Bahnhof) for free. Ask the officers for a help.
4. Try local delicacy. It is the one and only.....Swiss Chocolate!
5. Always bring your passport. Even though you have the EU Residence Permit, the passport controlling at the border between Austria and Switzerland can be tough.
Venice
I never thought Venice would be the first city in Italy that I visited. Just a short time before my last exam, I booked the bus tickets from Munich to Venice in early March. Why? Early March is the time for many carnivals in some cities in Europe. The biggest 3 carnivals I know are those in Maastricht (Netherlands), Cologne (Germany), and Venice.
I was thinking about Cologne when suddenly something popped out in my mind: Why not Venice? I've been to Cologne and it's still in Germany and please take me out from Germany haha. So we decided to go to Carnevale di Venezia in Venice (check this out) by bus. And believe me, that was one of the best decisions I've ever made as the scenic view along the way to Northern Italy was really worth every minute.
and it was sunny!
Venice with its charm and beauty has been a dream for many people (including those hopeless-romantic dudes :p) who have faith in love (and gondola rides). Like Paris, I know some people have been dreaming of those places to visit with their beloved. To be honest, Venice is never been top on my list. But why not give it a try?
We strolled around the aisle, spotted some beautiful angles to capture the moment. And it was the time when I realized that those pictures of canals, waterways, and gondolas I've seen on magazines and television are becoming real.
The view from the main bridge: Ponte di Rialto
Feeling romantic, already?
Love padlocks
Wanna give it a try? :)
Italy means foods to me. So it was absolutely a chance to eat the real deal. Pizza, pasta, tiramisu, and coffees were on the list. I ordered a big portion of pizza and tiramisu and we ended up the night by having coffees and hot choc. Well, I don't know how Italian hot choc looks like but I got an ultra thick and creamy chocolate (?). But overall, the bar was the cherry-on-top of our trip as we talked to some nice strangers (including the two Irish men, my favorite!).
Tiramisu, a real deal!
Here's the tips:
- Bring the map! Seriously you need the map unless you're God. You can use your GPS on your gadget but it needs a proper signal. Mine was not working as I have German's provider and it costs extra charge so I turned it off.
- Check the local weather. Venice can be tough during the rainy day (it will be flooded). You don't want to end up having a wet trip, do ya?
- Bring the cash. Especially if you want to take the canal rides. Finding an ATM in Venice can be confusing. And also be ready for the extra charge!
- Try local delicacies! No caption needed. Hey it's Italy!
- Keep your feet unstressed :p
Si diverta!
Double Exposure
"Ada hal-hal yang lebih indah dilihat jika digabungkan dalam satu bingkai, abstrak, tapi lebih ada rasa."
Olympiapark, Munich & Zurich Lake, Zurich 2014
Florian Cafe, Venice & Voettinger Strasse, Freising 2014
Central Zurich, Zurich & Olympiapark, Munich 2014
Bodensee, Konstanz & Zurichsee, Zurich 2014
Sendlinger Tor, Munich 2014.
The window's view from my apartment when it was raining and sunny.
Vipiteno
I was sitting on the bus on my way to Venice from Munich when I found this beauty through my window. A small town in Northern Italy called Vipiteno, the snow-covered mountains, the winding road, and the sun. A lesson learned, to not ignore small things or anything in between.
because it does matter.
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