I cannot believe it’s been two days since I’ve arrived in Zurich, Switzerland to spend a week with my family… now it’s Saturday, and we’re on a weekend holiday in Strassbourg, France! And yet, it feels like it’s still Thursday and I just got here… Is this real?
At the Edinburgh Airport, waiting to board KLM towards Amsterdam. I figured capturing the souvenir mugs I bought would be a better use of time than counting down the minutes :)
Taking off from Edinburgh. Destination Amsterdam!
Soarin' over Amsterdam
I left from the Edinburgh Airport, and my flight landed on Thursday night. Chatty Cathy that I am, I conversed and made friends with the passengers sitting by me, and even exchanged business cards with one of them, Stefan! However, my hopes and dreams of finishing my Spanish project prior to my arrival in Swiss were… left open-ended so to speak :)
Ah, sunset!
Just before landing at Zurich Airport. Photo credit to Stefan, who had the window seat :)
After landing, Stefan and I took our conversation to baggage claim, where I was nothing short of thrilled at the fact that all the signs were in Deutsch (German). Granted, I had little idea of their meanings, but it was a fun to try to recall what words I remembered from previous visits and figure it out. Besides, Stefan was fluent, having lived in Switzerland for the majority of his life, and he took it upon himself to teach me the basics.
Loved these so much, that I didn't mind how touristy I looked... And they were right by the baggage claim, so zoom was sufficient :) Sidenote: Stefan said kofferkuli means luggage trolley in German.
As soon as we got our baggage, we headed toward the Ausgang (exits). I bid adieu to Stefan–it really was a pleasure talking to him–and walked onward, eager to meet my grandfather and uncle whom I had not seen since last summer! There they were, smiling and waving, but this time, it was just me… I’d just had my first solo flying experience–that is, without my family flying by my side. It was different, but nice to know that I had managed my boarding, baggage, and connecting flights without messing up somewhere along the way. Yet another hallmark of the journey: independence. Although I don’t think I’d want to be solitary often; I love people too much for that!
Greeting Thatha (my grandpa) at Zurich Airport
My uncle, grandpa, and I proceeded to make our way to the parking garage, and I think I continued to be a chatterbox, as I filled them in on the exciting, funny, and crazy stories about my experiences in Scotland. We were home within 20 minutes, and my camera fetish continued… Can you blame me? I walked into the lovely Zurich house to see my grinning aunt, and the most adorable school projects done by my baby cousin Aditya, draped from the ceiling and pasted on the walls.
It's a caterpillar!
As the Brits say, "Brilliant."
We stayed up talking and looking at some of the small souvenirs I brought over–the mugs, FairTrade chocolate, and almond butter for my aunt, because they don’t sell almond butter in Swiss; a pen and notebook with decorative Scottish terrier border, so that my grandpa can write prose and verses; Scottish coat of arms windshield stickers for my uncle to use on the car; and for my little cousin? Well that’s a birthday surprise :)
Friday flew by as I unpacked and played with Aditya all day. From his train set to the mini scooter to the iPad games, we did it all! He also really liked playing with my cell phone, and he too grew attached to Tick-Tock.
By the end of Friday, Tick-Tock wasn't quite sure what time it really was :)
Later that evening, I packed another 2 nights-worth to take to Strassbourg, France… and here we are! We’ve just about had brunch and settled in. Both Moo and the famous alarm clock made the journey to Strassbourg, as well, and they’re chilling in the hotel as I blog :)
...World-Class Travelers :)
We are all so looking forward to exploring this beautiful city. The weekend is already abuzz with activity and Aditya’s adorableness, and come Monday, another glorious week in Switzerland with my family awaits.
Should I say I envy you now? :) I am actually very happy for you <3