Zeal for Zurich

Let’s start with how to find cheap accommodation in Zurich. The first and best option is CouchSurfing. Not only that you can stay for free, but you get to meet amazing people. We were lucky enough to find a guy who confirmed to host us. Now starts the most interesting part, read it carefully. The guy was also from Pakistan but apparently had been living in Switzerland for a long time. He himself was not at home, he was in Turkey. But he trusted us so much that gave us the location of the keys and handed over his whole house to us without even seeing or meeting with us. To add to your surprise, there were so many valuable items even in his living room; his laptop, tablet, some money; just to name a few. I was shocked and happy at the same time. He also allowed us complete access to everything in kitchen. We also made sure not to break his trust, and my friend made some nice food and left it for him in the kitchen. He was supposed to come a day after we planned to leave, therefore we couldn’t meet him. But he has been the most mysterious person in my life with whom I really look forward meeting.

It was 22nd of October and the hangover of Lungern was still on. I hope you have read my earlier blog and can understand why am I calling that a hangover. We decided to explore Zurich.

So we checked the map and found out that most of the main sites were close to Lake Zurich. We took a metro and got off somewhere near Grossmünster which is a 12th century cathedral. Taking pictures inside was forbidden otherwise I would have shown the deep paintings inside and the beautiful messages they were spreading. Sometimes there are things which are difficult for me to understand as I belong to another faith. Nevertheless I am respectful to those and always try to do some research or ask someone to help me understand those. Anyway we climbed the narrow like really narrow stairs to reach the terrace at the top. It was a perfect place to have a panoramic view of Zurich. Although it was drizzling and at the top it was freezing cold.

There was another famous 11th century church just across the bridge- Fraumünster. We didn’t went inside however would recommend to do so as it appears in the top best churches of Zurich.

Also we had our next bus the same night. So we decided to take a slow walk back while exploring all the places which came our way. We explored the area around the Predigerkirche Church. Closer to it was the Zentralbibliothek Zürichwhich serves as the main library for both the city and the University of Zurich. We took some pictures with our flag there.

While we were walking there, we came across this store with a very interesting slogan. But I would like to make a small correction. When you are in Switzerland, it better be “Buy now AND cry later” because it probably will drain all your money.

Another beautiful place was this Rechberg Garden. It is a small garden with stairs and a perfect place to relax for a while. This garden along with the Palais Rechbergis part of the late Baroque Rechberg complex. I think God had listened to our prayers; the sky had cleared out and the sun shone bright on us.

Quite closer to this was a small ground. I am mentioning that just to include this picture. Those rays of the sun touched my soul and filled me with life and I am sharing it so you feel the same.

We then went closer to the Zurich Lake. Enjoyed different scenes and then crossed one of the bridges to go to the other side.

We wandered a bit in the famous street called Bahnhofstrasse.

Very close to it was Lindenhof which is a hilltop gathering place of the Swiss People. It had this so called outdoor chess boards and other games. Interestingly most of the people there were quite old and it was fun to watch them playing.

I also swung on a ping there after I don’t know how long. It brought me back so many memories and I couldn’t but admire the idea of having such a place in the city centre. It was like the perfect end of my Zurich trip.

In a nutshell, of all the countries I have been to, I would place Switzerland on the top. It was a happy country of happy people. Almost everyone could speak English so we never had any problems due to language barriers. Do put in your priorities if you have a list of places to visit.

And yes don’t forget to lock your wish or love at Mülesteg Bridge.

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