Globe Corner Blogs

Swiss Alps--photo by Kate

Switzerland is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

In some ways, the beauty here is almost frustrating. I can’t find the words to describe how amazing it is, and constantly find myself saying, “Oh, that’s so pretty,” “Wow, look at that,” or something similarly inadequate.

Sometimes, it’s so darn pretty here that it’s nearly comical. Yesterday, on the train from Lucerne to Lugano, there was a lush green valley to my right with a crystal-clear brook running through it, and tiny colorful houses all around. On my left was a mountain rising sharply, towering over the train. Emerald green, covered with countless evergreens, two glacier-fed waterfalls tumbled down its sides. At a rocky precipice near the base, the waterfalls came near each other; they had the audacity to crash off the rocks and meet, mid-air, over a grotto of craggy rocks. I think I saw a rainbow.

It was all so ridiculously beautiful, all I could do was laugh. Where did this place come from? I began to wonder if this was some kind of Toblerone-induced mirage.

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Basel, Switzerland--photo by Mark

On our way from Germany to Italy, we decided to spend a night in Basel, Switzerland. The drive to Basel, however, took longer than we thought, even though we made an extended stop at one of the multiple rest areas that pop up along the highway. The delay was due to two things: a wonderful playground, perfect for our toddler, and a very good German cake selection, perfect for my husband. Once the guys on the expedition were satisfied and content, we could take off again.

Basel is one of Switzerland’s largest cities. Located on the Rhine River, in the so-called Rhine knee, and the city is divided by the river. From our hotel room balcony, we could see the largest part of the Old Town across the river and the bridges connecting both sides. We decided to start our evening by crossing the bridge to downtown and the City Hall. The sky looked overcast, but the temperature was pleasant. It looked like the people had decided to enjoy the last moments of the weekend, strolling near the water or just sitting in the riverside cafés. After a very short walk, we arrived at the main square and found City Hall just in time to escape the rain. Continue Reading »

Classic Switzerland--photo by Kate

Notes from Zürich:

I have one serious recommendation for visitors to Zürich: eat as much chocolate as you can. Since waking up to a Toblerone on the empty seat next to me on the airplane, to the Swiss chocolate ice cream I just had at the Mövenpick, to the shared café mocha from this afternoon, every taste has been simply amazing. Take every opportunity you have to eat this stuff. They really know what they are doing here in Switzerland.

Also recommended: checking out the Freitag flagship store, located just past the hipster Züri-West neighborhood. Made of stacked shipping containers to create a 7-story building, after browsing their awesome bags, you can climb up to the rooftop. Enjoy a great view of Zürich and an even better glimpse of the Alps through the binoculars provided.

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