Switzerland

Switzerland is the most expensive place I’ve visited. But it is beautiful. I stopped in Bern because it was the halfway point to Germany. I stayed two nights so I could at least walk around for a day. I met Max from Paris, a quiet guy with a nice beard.

We walked around the entire city in one day. Bern mainly consists of one large stretch of small shops and restaurants. You can find everything you need…for a lot of money. Chocolate. Groceries. Jewelry. Fancy branded clothing.

Just beyond the shopping area, you can climb a bit of a hill. We couldn’t see far with the snow, but it was beautiful. I learned that when temperatures are near 90 degrees in the summer, people will float on the river, as you can see in the first picture. I imagine it’s just as beautiful in summer, but Bern made me appreciate winter again. Thanks, Bern.

When I began my journey to Germany, I found every train canceled to Stuttgart. I took a train to Schaffhausen, which is only an hour closer to Germany, but all trains stopped there. I thought I would have to stay the night there, but I luckily returned to Zurich, a central station. I booked a bus for the next day and booked a hotel.

The hotel recommended the restaurant next door. I met two awesome people: Scott and Tracey. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary. They were stuck as well. You know when you meet someone and relate so well it feels like you’ve been friends for a while? Yeah, that was us. We spent the next day together. We explored three Christmas markets, decided Switzerland was too expensive for us, tried local whiskey, and ate gyros.

Scott and Tracey: Thanks for making an extended stay in Switzerland enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you in Philly!