Destination: Rheinfall, Switzerland

“TRAVITUDE = When you start to feel grumpy and sassy cause you miss travelling.”   anonymous

“TRIPOPHOBIA” = The fear of not having any travel trips currently booked.”  anonymous

Just for fun but it still makes your soul happy to reminisce the past travels while we have some restrictions in place.  It is much safer at least so enjoy the ride and check out below photos surrounding the beauty of Rhinefall.  Just an hour away by train from Zurich HB.  We were there last January 2020 before people all over the world become aware and fearful of the COVID-19.

This is also in response to Cee’s Photo Challenges “Fan of (partially blue skies) Challenge“.  If you want to join and create your own virtual travels just click the link.

Rheinfall, vinneve

Schlossamrheinfall, vinneve

UpSchloss, vinneve

restaurant.rheinfall, vinneve

Let’s travel to Switzerland again once this pandemic is over but in the meantime I am looking forward to seeing more of my home country New Zealand.  Cheers!

Advertisement

Canton Schwyz, Ibergeregg pass

Winter wonderland?! Where else but in Switzerland 🇨🇭

We came just after Christmas to be with my son’s grandparents & relatives. Spent the New Year with them. Yes, beautiful sunny weather up in the mountains!

The one in between mountains is not snow but clouds or thick fogs. 2nd of January and people trying to get all the last day of holiday as some will go back to work the next day or so.

It’s dry winter here so it’s not as cold as you think compared to New Zealand humid winter weather if you happen to be in Nz from July – August winter. Of course, the temperature is much lower here in Zurich compared to Auckland. It can get -1 or 0 zero degrees or much less. The air is crisp but fresh. Inside the house is a lot warmer & can wear one layer of normal clothes compared to Nz houses you have to double up the layer of clothes as it’s not properly insulated (unless you turn up the heating that you get a shock when receiving the power bill) unfortunately compared to Switzerland houses (underfloor heating) which is mostly run by gas or oil for heating so it’s more energy efficient.

We’re in the Canton of Schwyz with the link connecting to famous Einsiedeln where we went last year with friends (see older post) and went to Ibergeregg pass mountain overlooking the famous Rigi mountain. Beautiful sceneries and long winding road. Lot’s of cabin style restaurants overlooking the mountains. It’s worth the trip more or less 1 hour from Zurich.

Passing towns are interesting and you may stop and see what they offer. Lot’s of tourists and locals either biking around or walking as they have to park from far away distance as parking nearby is impossible in peak hours or important days so be prepared. Get comfy warm reliable shoes for walking from roadside to snow. Don’t worry even seniors do it.

I’m writing this via my iPhone. More places and pictures to come. So FOLLOW ME while we travel around ZURICH and nearby towns, villages and other Cantons in Switzerland. Tschuss!!

Places to Wander & Wonder in Switzerland

So true!!  I think I don’t need to explain further on this one as most of you dear readers are traveloholic like me. 

To all my followers, you probably know by now that Switzerland is my favorite destination and it shows how many posts I posted in the past.  I also like to go where the locals go so it is something new for some people who wanted to travel there and wanting to avoid crowds but still enjoying Zurich and around.  Here below are some of the places and try to visit these when you get there.  It is awesome and still full of nature.

In the City.

Zurich town, vinneve foto

Stroll around the City.  This was taken at the bridge.  Discover some alleys and around the lake you will be amazed that in even unsuspecting alley tourists are there but sometimes not too crowded, enjoying a cup of coffee, ice cream or lunches. Awesome old architectural building around. You will know more about the places once you go walking or try to join a walking tour if you like that. 

Alley in Zurich township, vinneve foto

Discover other towns by ferry, you can do short or long journey at Bellevue station/ferry.  You can reach here by tram, bus or train depends where you are.  Please check my older post about cruising leisurely around Lake Zurich.  It’s not that expensive.  We hopped off to Kilchberg Station where you can walk to Lindt chocolate factory.  But mind you, you cannot enter the factory itself.  Just a discount store as low as 50% if you are right on time and they have a sale.

Kilchberg station, vinneve

Lindt factory, vinneve foto

 

Parks, restaurants & other lakes.

Went for a walk at the Park located at Zurich-Hongg then enjoy their cafe house inside named Jagerhaus Waidberg Restaurant as below picture. They have a beautiful garden and yes you can bring your dog for a walk and a treat too!

Jagerhaus, vinneve foto

Jagerhaus garden, vinneve

 

Nature is abundant in berries but be careful there is a red berry that is a poison it is only for birds.  Locals know so if you are not familiar with it do not put it into your mouth.

blackberries, vinneve foto

Lake Turlersee.  As you can see it is very pristine.  I say it is a rural located in Affoltern, a canton of Zurich.  There is a fee of SF5 only to enter and there is a restaurant inside and a food stands with sausages and ice creams for kids.

Lake Turlersee, vinneve foto

Falsenegg Restaurant LINK.   Again our families love to walk so we go to the Park again and a wonderful restaurant with a good view of Zurich was ahead of us.  Honestly, though perhaps some people come in their car or with a cable car, we went up hiking or sort of just to eat here and have a breather after, besides we are just a few minutes away from this place and also the Turlersee lake.

Falsenegg restaurant, vinneve foto

Triibhuus Restaurant, LINK .  It is a huge greenhouse restaurant.  As you can see full of plants everywhere.  It is for families, friends or couples on a date.  At the time we were there, there is a live Mexican/ Spanish duo singers entertaining the guests.  They also make you laugh and you can join in the dancing too!

Triibhuus entry, vinneve

Triibhuus greenhouse restaurant, vinneve

Eglisau.  It is located in the district of Bulach, canton of Zurich.  It sits on the banks of the Rhine and yes another side of the famous Rhine river.  Be careful this river runs fast so not for average swimmers.  It can get you to the Swiss-German border and to the Netherlands and it empties into the North Sea.  There is a cruise ship that you can buy tickets to.  We just had a picnic and swim party here for a birthday celebration and hired boats to go to a safer side for a swim.  We have children with us.

Eglisau, River rhine, vinneve foto

It can be foodies haven! You will learn to appreciate salads as it’s so filling & delicious. Swiss people eat healthy foods. Not a lot of fast food around and if you see one the prices can be very expensive than eating in nearby cafes restaurants or food stalls around.  HINT:  Manor restaurant inside the mall offers good quality food and drink at affordable prices around SF15-20 approx. for 1 adult and 1 child and you can still include a cake or pie but depends on your hunger.

Manor restaurant, vinneve foto

Healthy salads, vinneve

Steak&salads, vinneve foto

Sweets, vinneve foto

At home cooking & wine, vinneve foto

Alright, perhaps these are enough to make you hungry?  remember, Switzerland can be very expensive but if you know where to buy or eat out you can still enjoy all their food and please don’t hesitate to ask some locals as they can speak English especially the younger generations.  Also more information at the Haupthbanhoff station.  You can buy tickets for trains and other tours and services.  Museums are nearby and as well as lots of branded shops around.  Do not forget to get a “Zurich in your pocket” brochure located at the train stations.  They have all the maps and information you will need.  Enjoy!  Tschuss!!

 

 

 

Day out in Luzern and it’s Castle on the hill

TIME spent with family is worth every second… by anonymous

LIFE is all about having a good time! … by Miley Cyrus

I make it a point to have a good time with my only son always! whether it be around our place or overseas.  Luzern / Lucerne is a good place for a day out and just only an hour away from Zurich where we are having our long holiday with the grandparents.  We have been here many times but those times it seems it passed by, perhaps it because my son was so young to remember it all.  Now that he is ten he will definitely remembers this. 

And what more to remember is to climb so many stairs up the hill that we cannot count anymore, to reach the top of Gutsch Castle which is now a hotel and restaurant.  I wasn’t aware that there is a funicular on the other side street to go up and for some reason people who I talked to about this Castle told me in the past that we need to go up to climbing stairs and I say it’s really a big task for both of us in the middle of the afternoon heat.  So now you know and so, will not have the same mistake as I, unless you really wanted to be fit and must be done in the morning instead… but it’s worth it isn’t it? Most of the sights you cannot see if you take a funicular though.  Look at the photos below and you can see lots of beautiful views only at the top and if you take the hard way of climbing the stairs up!

AROUND LUZERN 

People of Luzern loves music and that day we enjoyed having a free concerts and lot’s of sausage sizzles, beers and other foods whatever your budget.  They even have something for kids to play on while the parents can enjoy having their bratwurst or cervela and beer while listening to concerts which I believe are conducted by University students.  Of course one day is not enough so plan your day well to see as many sights and events you can do for your day out. 

We both love musuems but we only can go to one which is my son’s choice and will post next time, please wait for it.  For now please enjoy the photos, LIKE and do comment that would be great!!  Tshuss!

Taminaschlucht & it’s Village named Bad Ragaz

Went on a day trip with the grandparents! A place that’s dear to them in their younger years.

Altes Bad Pfafers – is now a spa museum but the story begins in 1240 when 2 hunters discovered a thermal spring that the nearby Monastery found the river to have a healing power. Many famous people came here to bath since then at their own risk.

Now they have some better arrangements in the village and visitors can now bath at their comfort thru this LINK . No more being lowered down into a gorge in a basket!

The water coming from these Rocky Mountains comes down to the very fast river that’s so strong it’s necessary to have fences for safety along the pathway. It can be deafening too.

The village of Bad Ragaz has an old charm of its own. It’s boasting not just a majestic Rocky Mountains but also conveniences to visitors like train station and bus station nearby some small boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.

You can choose to hike up to Taminaschluct (Tamina Gorge), by bus or by horse wagon that goes up in the mountain. It’s definitely nice to hike but beware it’s a long rough road and you have to give way to the a bus or horses. You can be rewarded with beautiful scenery along the way and the fast raging river. We chose by bus and it’s like an adventure as the road is very narrow and the rocks looming over you.  Please bring coins only 5SF per person as you need it to enter the gate to the gorge.

This place is under the Canton of St.Gallen.  It’s a special place indeed!  Wait for my St. Gallen post next time.  Tschuss!!

 

Traveling to Fronalpstock & Einsiedeln, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Fronalpstock cross1, vinneve foto

I am fortunate to be included in this family escapades from a new friend that I’ve met 2 years ago on a Swiss National Day. We kept in touch and now I’m back in Zurich.

Fronalpstock is under the region of Stoos-Muotatal, SCHWYZ.

The journey only took us just more than an hour and though the weather didn’t cooperate it was still a success for us getting where we want to be, had fun and getting to know more about each other.

Fronalpstock playground, vinneve foto

Farmhouse down below gondola to Fronalpstock, vinneve foot

Fronalpstock view, vinneve foto

As you can see, the beauty of nature is unmistakable. Fortunately, the weather cleared a bit for a few hours while our children played and after a while had our picnic lunch eaten. One thing I can’t do was to reach the top of the mountain with another cross planted on it while you can enjoy the view. I have a fear of heights! At first I wasn’t aware while busy taking photos then I was suddenly cannot walk anymore seeing how steep it was and you can roll your way down the mountain side! So yes, I retreated and just checked our kids that was in the playground.

After awhile, having our fill of natural wonders, we went back to the cable car or gondola and a funicular to descend from the mountain. It’s a bit expensive 75Sf for my son & I but yes it’s worth it.

Then on the way back home we went to visit the place Einsiedeln under its own region name EINSIEDELN-YBRIG-ZURICHSEE where the famous and beautiful monastery Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey was built/ established in the 10th century.

Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey, vinneve foto

Einsiedeln monastery, vinneve foto

Benectine Abbey, vinneve foto

Wishing water fountains, Einsiedeln, vinneve foto

It was a great day trip for all of us despite of the weather (on and off rain). If you are happened to be here somewhere in Switzerland or Zürich, I do recommend these places that the whole family can enjoy and of course even singles too!

I hope you enjoy my post and more to come while I’m still here. Please click the FOLLOW button so you can have an update from me going around the beautiful Switzerland 🇨🇭 . Tschuss!!

Cruising in Lake Zürich & stop at Kilchberg for chocolates!

It’s the time of the year again that we go back to Switzerland 🇨🇭 for our annual family holiday.

For the past 10 months, I hibernate on and off in the blogosphere. Some followers are gone and some remained loyal. Thanks so much for all those who stayed & waited for me to post wherever in the World I/we may be. Life oftentimes is like a cruise 🚢. Cruising from place to place. Whether it’s good or bad I always take the good part.

So now part of my life travels is to go and visit families (husband side) and friends in Switzerland. I will post some in here for sure and will try to give you good information and beautiful photos!

Zurich birds, vinneve photo

The word “See” pronounce as Seh means Lake. FYI.

If you are staying for a month or even less its better to buy a monthly pass ticket in Zurich either in the main HB for more info or any ticketing machine. For adults, it’s SF97 (Swiss Francs) and for a child it’s SF30 only and you get a lot more from it from a bus, tram or train transport to cruising from Bürkliplatz to Rapperswil (long trip 2hrs) or to Bürkliplatz to Zurichhorn a total of 9 stops (short trip 1.5hrs).  What’s more, in some places you could also get a discount from a restaurant to a museum. Yes, it’s worth it. Transportation in Switzerland is one of the best in the World.

This was our 2nd time to cruise on Lake Zurich so we decided to stop at Kilchberg to visit Lindt Chocolate shop. Actually, to be honest, we thought we could visit the factory itself as they always mentioned a “chocolate factory ” and not just a shop. Though yes, of course, you will pass by the many buildings and factories where you can smell the chocolates from the outside air! But our first and last experienced visiting a real chocolate factory was in the Cadbury‭‬ chocolate factory (Dunedin) in our home country New Zealand. Unfortunately, Cadbury just closed its door! (click the link for info).

Inside the shop, you can taste some handful of chocolate samples plus eat their yummy gelato then, of course, you will feel like no more room for dessert later. They have lots of products on sale and yes cheaper than buying in regular chocolate stores in the City.

Once you are finished filling up your tummy with sweet samples and perhaps over buying gifts for your friends and families back home then you have an option to continue your short or long trip back to the ferry station OR go back to Burkliplatz where you have started. You can also take bus 165 just across the road near the factory.

If you want to know more about Rapperswil please check my older post last year on this LINK. This is for a long trip. You can also go to this place via train which is much quicker.

There’s a Tourist Information inside the main HB where you can ask more questions and recommendations and buy tickets. The customer service speaks several languages so don’t worry.

I leave you for now and please wait for my next blog and adventure! We are still here in Switzerland and we’re often away exploring so bear with me.  Tschuss!!

Chilling @ Lake Turlersee, Zurich

This is for Tuesday Photo Prompt: Chill out as per this LINK.

Both human & birds get to enjoy the sun, nature & water.

It’s fun and chilling to spend time with your family in this beautiful lake just outside Zurich City. It’s only perhaps half an hour away from the busy life of the City so why not enjoy! It’s still school holiday here in Switzerland and from where we came from.

Paddle boarding is much in demand nowadays.

Childlike wonder in Zurich!

Finally got the chance to do blogging, yey!  It’s been a long time, I know but I hope it will be worth the wait.  The same feeling with us especially my son waiting for another year just to see his beloved grandpa, relatives, and friends.

OK here are the places for you to know or go to in and around Zürich.  Places that we went to as per locals do and not as a tourist.  It is truly a wonder that this city is surrounded by so much nature and beauty plus a big event that you must come together with a local friend or relatives.

1. August 1st is the Swiss National Day! – children loved the firecrackers and waited for the FINAL fireworks at midnight. It is like New Year in comparison but of course, being in Switzerland it must be systematic and organized. 🙂  Other ages like me can enjoy live music, foods especially the sausages and people watching!

aug1night,vinneve foto

aug1day,vinneve foto

 

2.  Uetliberg – yes, it is near the place where we stayed at every time. A must-see for people who want to see the whole Zurich on top!  Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk as there’s more to see by walking. Berries are ripe for the picking and it’s free from mother nature.  I see some people wearing high heels though, incredible!

3.  Guggi Butterfly Garden – It is out of Zurich City.  Actually a normal garden center with a coffee shop inside.  It is good for meet-ups with friends, or with kids.  I will feature this next time so please watch this space.  In the meantime, here are a few shots of it.  Enjoy!

 

 

Guggi garden,vinneve foto

bluebutterfly,vinneve foto

4.  Kinderzoo – This is located in Rapperswil in the canton of St. Gallen. Yes out of Zürich already but not too far away.  It only took us more than an hour by a regional train. One more thing… most of the animals here are now retired from the Circus industry.  I will also feature this next time as there is more to see here than just animals. A date night? yes!

Kinderszoo1,vinnevefoto

imageKinderzoo,vinneve

Kinderzoo2,vinnevefoto

Kinderzooseal,vinneve

5.  Rapperswil town – It is two in one when you go to this town as you get the kids to enjoy the zoo on the other side of the town and afterward stroll around the area to glimpse a small castle up the hill, yes by foot! What a sight! see the below photos. I cannot help myself clicking my camera.  I will feature this next time so you can see more photos. Lots of restaurants nearby so do not worry if you get thirsty or hungry and before I forget every fountain you see you can fill up your bottle with freshwater and it is drinkable unless it stated NOT.

Rapperswil1,vinnevefoto

Rapperswil2view,vinneve

6.  Landes Museum – Back in Zürich… went to visit this alone as my son decided to be with his grandpa which is fine with me as this is their time together to bond.  It only happens every holiday only, unfortunately.  I have paid 10Fr for this and it is worth it.

ZurichMuseum,v.foto

Zurichmuseum,v.foto

7.  Turlersee – This is out of Zürich but still you never get that far from the City.  There is always a smart, always on time bus coming your way to drop you off to this place.  Just hop on bus 235 (free wifi) either from the Tremli train station or get any tram that goes to Tremli from Hauptbahnhof.  You can enjoy camping, walking the dog, swimming in the lake (see) and of course nice restaurants around the corner.

Turlersee,vinnevefoto1

Turlersee,vinnevefoto

Turlersee1,vinneve

8.  Wurenlos – A place where hubby also grew up when he was a kid.  Don’t get me wrong this is not just good for photo ops.  They have a small town and occasionally they have some events going on to make this place lively!

Wurenlos1,vinneve foto

And here are some random photos in and around Zurich!

Zurich town,vinnevefoto

marketdaySat,vinneve

LakeZurich,vinnevefoto

ZurichCity, vinnevefoto

That’s it for now.  I hope you saw some photos that you don’t normally see as my aim is to be different.  I try to show you some sights from local perspectives.  If I live there, if ever, I would like to go to some places tourist doesn’t always go to.  I do not like the crowded area but sometimes you have to bear with it if it’s your first time or you have to go to a certain place.

Thanks, dear readers, and followers! I hope to see you again soon.  You may check my other post that would be great!  It would be nice for you to drop some nice comments too.  Have a great day!  Enjoy traveling… NOW! Cheers!

Beautiful Basel, Switzerland

Here’s my continuation of our traveling around Switzerland with or without relatives. For my long-time followers, you can say this can be my last trip before going back to Zurich then eventually back to the land of the desert where we stay as expats.  For the new readers, welcome to my blog and I hope you will be interested browsing, reading the rest of my adventures around the Globe and some events too!

Basel is just an hour away to/from Zurich and so we had a day out for a change since our going to Frankfurt was canceled because of the unfortunate incident of my friend’s. So what better way to make it up is to plan and book train tickets to Basel. 

Basel train station, vinneve photo

Basel around 1, vinneve

Basel 2, vinneve foto

Basel 3, vinneve foto

I just show you around (by foot) through my photos and it is easy to get around just make sure you don’t forget the landmarks going back to the train station.  Tip: Make a photo of some landmark that you will be passing so you will remember the streets, buildings or statues etc. that’s how I do it in unfamiliar places.  😉

Going around Basel, vinneve

Basel near train sta.,vinneve

Church Basel, vinneve

Basel church, vinneve

Basel church1, vinneve

Baselchurch2, vinneve

This church reminds me of Paris Louvre pyramid.

Red & Gold bldg around marketplatz, vinneve

Basel bldg1, vinneve foto

Basel bldg2, vinneve foto

The Beautiful bridge over the river Rhine that connects to 6 Countries in Europe.  This is the same river (Rhinefalls) that we are trying to locate when we got lost in the German border.  See this LINK to read my previous post about it and ending into another town in Switzerland you probably never heard of.

Famous River Rhine, Basel Switzerland, vinneve foto

Basel girl statue, vinneve

Basel bridge lookout, vinneve

Basel bridge lookout, vinneve

Basel river rhine, vinneve3

Basel river rhine, vinneve5

Basel river rhine, vinneve photo1

Basel river rhine, vinneve 2

Basel river rhine, vinneve4

Do not underestimate this river as it moves very fast! The current is very strong that can power up the little cruise ship above!  If you think you are a good swimmer and wants to experienced how a strong current feels like, then you can rent a floater beneath the bridge.  Swimmers lining up to dry under the sun after the swim.

Below photos near the river, went to a Park for our son enjoyment and going back we have seen some religious sect dancing and inviting people to join or to donate and a mini Toy Museum and another Museum (History) that unfortunately, we are too late.

Park nearby after the river, vinneve

A religious sect dancing, vinneve

Crowd around Basel, vinneve

Basel History Museum, vinneve

Old toys@Museum Basel, vinneve

All Blacks Flag NZ, vinneve

Then by accident, as we looked up we saw the NZ All Blacks flag (rugby sport) in one of the apartments in the City Centre going back to the train station. For sure some Kiwis are living there! KIA ORA mate! 🙂

It was a very good family day out!!!

I hope you enjoy reading or browsing as some may do haha!  Thanks and come back for more!  Tschuss!!

via: The Weekly Photo Challenge:  WANDERLUST