The Rural Iowan: The Sweet Taste of Timeless Zurich, Switzerland!

Finally, a trip to another European country and one of Italy's northern neighbors....Switzerland!

Thinking of that classic Schoolhouse Rock song, "The Great American Melting Pot," did you know Switzerland is a literal melting pot of its own? In the west you have the French speaking Geneva region, in the south there is the Italian speaking Lugano area (located in the canton called Ticino), and where this journey led me...the German speaking region of Zurich. Overall, the German language and culture is widespread throughout the country.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking....I indulged on some fine Swiss chocolates, purchased myself a fancy luxury watch and skied the Alpine slopes. Well, only a third of that statement is slightly true....the chocolate.

We made our way to Zurich via train from Milan's Central Station. It was a rather cheap ride costing around 44 euros round-trip; however, that wasn't the best part. The railway cut straight through the Swiss Alps! Scenic views, you ask? Of Course!

Despite arriving and spending the morning amidst light rain showers, the weather was cool and the rain let up during the early afternoon. It would have been the perfect time to test out my umbrella...the one I have yet to purchase. LOL!

Zurich is quite different from Milan. From the obvious difference in language to the style of architecture, this city was definitely easy on the eyes. (Maybe it could have been the Limmat River which runs through the center of the city and connects with the northern end of Lake Zurich.) In my opinion, Zurich would be the perfect late spring, early summer destination.

Limmat River

The sights we seen during our day-trip to Zurich:

Grossmünster: Inside the "Great Minister" protestant church, the organist was practicing a few hymns on the church's ENORMOUS organ. The range of this organ was remarkable, as it produced depth of tones I've rarely heard in a church.

Grossmunster Organ

Grossmunster exterior

Fraumünster: This church was a former abbey and translates into "Women's Minister." Unfortunately, we did not enter this gem, but at least the outside was remarkable with its tall, thin spire.

The Limmat River and Fraumunster

St. Peter's Church: The clock's face on this church happens to be the largest in Europe at 8.7 meters!

Just look at St. Peter's face! It's HUGE!

Museum Paläontologische Sammlung (Zoological Museum): When we stepped inside the museum doors, all of the animals froze in fear. They where so stiff, it was almost as if they were stuffed. Anyways...this free museum represented the animal population extremely well!