First, had a great time in Ovando this past weekend. Wouldn't have thought watching TWO Heidi movies in 12 hours would be enjoyable but it was.
Also, for those who don't already know - we got our seat assignments for ALL 10 for the overseas portion of the trip and the Thiel group got assignments for all the rest of our seats. We need to wait to buy the rail pass because it can only be bought up to 2 months before we leave.
I thought I would just put some information about the Zurich area. We of course can't do EVERYTHING but this gives us some ideas to choose between. We will be arriving at the Zurich airport in the morning. It will probably be around noon by the time we get to our hotel. We will be staying in Zurich 2 nights. There are many city tours we could take for less than $50 CHF. Take some time to look at these and we can decide if we want to take one. A 4.5 hour "great tour" costs $49 CHF and includes a boat tour and a stroll of the old town. There is also a "jogging tour" which I'm sure Michelle would enjoy but I don't think I would. :) This might be a nice way to start our time in Zurich and help us identify things we want to go back to.
The symbol of the city is the Grossmunster. According to legend this Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral was established by Charlemagne. Charlemagne's horse is said to have bowed at this site. Construction began in 1090 but continued up to the 14th century. 
Roman Baths -- After a journey across the Alps, an undertaking that would take many days, ancient Romans would come to Thermengasse to treat themselves to a bath. However, it was not until twenty. years ago that remains of these thermal baths were discovered, and these days they are open for public viewing.
Well -- that's A LOT of things in the city! 
Also, for those who don't already know - we got our seat assignments for ALL 10 for the overseas portion of the trip and the Thiel group got assignments for all the rest of our seats. We need to wait to buy the rail pass because it can only be bought up to 2 months before we leave.
I thought I would just put some information about the Zurich area. We of course can't do EVERYTHING but this gives us some ideas to choose between. We will be arriving at the Zurich airport in the morning. It will probably be around noon by the time we get to our hotel. We will be staying in Zurich 2 nights. There are many city tours we could take for less than $50 CHF. Take some time to look at these and we can decide if we want to take one. A 4.5 hour "great tour" costs $49 CHF and includes a boat tour and a stroll of the old town. There is also a "jogging tour" which I'm sure Michelle would enjoy but I don't think I would. :) This might be a nice way to start our time in Zurich and help us identify things we want to go back to.
There are lots of cool looking old churches in Zurich:
The Fraumunster Church is famous for 5 stained glass windows by Chagall. The small Fraumünster was built in 1250 and is recognizable by its an elegant clocktower topped with a slender blue spire. It stands on the left bank overlooking the lovely Münsterhof square, which was once a pig market. A splendid view of the church can be had from the tower of the Grossmünster across the Münsterbrücke.
The symbol of the city is the Grossmunster. According to legend this Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral was established by Charlemagne. Charlemagne's horse is said to have bowed at this site. Construction began in 1090 but continued up to the 14th century. 
There are many different history and cultural museums throughout Zurich. If we wanted to do one probably the best is the Swiss National Museum. This museum is NOT covered by our rail pass but the cost appears to be cheap (I don't know the cost for sure because there is construction going on so it is discounted to 5 CHF)
The Swiss National Museum was built by Gustav Gull in 1898, next to the Main Train Station. Here, culture and public transportation rub shoulders with each other: the National Museum houses Switzerland's most comprehensive collection of artifacts pertaining to its cultural heritage, while the Main Train Station is the largest in the country. The over 100-year old museum building is reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Surrounded by towers, the courtyard is a unique venue for superlative events such as Live on Ice in the winter and Live at Sunset in the summer. While visitors outside enjoy the arts, the past comes to life indoors: How did earlier generations live, think and feel? Their material legacy - from handicrafts to ordinary everyday objects - provide us with answers, from the prehistoric age right through to the present day. The National Museum also stages special exhibitions on topics relevant to society, thus offering a temporary change in perspective.
There are also a lot of art museums. The Kunsthaus is a world renowned art museum. Again, I'm not sure if it is covered by our rail pass or not (I guess I need to find a better list of what is covered). They have an "old masters" collection that includes works by: Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck, and many others. A Swiss collection for local artists through the ages. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collecting which includes works by: Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. A modern art collection that includes works by: Chagall, Dada, Klee, Matisse and Picasso. It looks like cost for the collections is 14.00 CHF (for special collections there is an additional cost).
The Swiss National Museum was built by Gustav Gull in 1898, next to the Main Train Station. Here, culture and public transportation rub shoulders with each other: the National Museum houses Switzerland's most comprehensive collection of artifacts pertaining to its cultural heritage, while the Main Train Station is the largest in the country. The over 100-year old museum building is reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Surrounded by towers, the courtyard is a unique venue for superlative events such as Live on Ice in the winter and Live at Sunset in the summer. While visitors outside enjoy the arts, the past comes to life indoors: How did earlier generations live, think and feel? Their material legacy - from handicrafts to ordinary everyday objects - provide us with answers, from the prehistoric age right through to the present day. The National Museum also stages special exhibitions on topics relevant to society, thus offering a temporary change in perspective.
There are also a lot of art museums. The Kunsthaus is a world renowned art museum. Again, I'm not sure if it is covered by our rail pass or not (I guess I need to find a better list of what is covered). They have an "old masters" collection that includes works by: Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck, and many others. A Swiss collection for local artists through the ages. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collecting which includes works by: Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. A modern art collection that includes works by: Chagall, Dada, Klee, Matisse and Picasso. It looks like cost for the collections is 14.00 CHF (for special collections there is an additional cost).
Some other sites in Zurich:
Bürkliplatz Flea Market -- At the end of Bahnhofstrasse, Prada meets flea market: this is the place to rummage for rarities and antiques to your heart’s content.
Bahnhofstrasse --One of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe.
Chinese Garden Zürich -- A gift from Zürich's twin town, Kunming: a traditional South China garden. The walls surround a microcosm of pavilions, open galleries and a water palace with a terrace.
Rathaus -- Zürich's baroque town hall dates back to 1694/98, built under the direction of councilman J.H. Hozhalb. Its interior remains as well preserved as its facade.
Schanzengraben -- Take a stroll somewhere with the atmosphere of a Venetian canal.
Schipfe -- Street of artisans at the river Limmat - in one of Zürich's oldest districts.
Storchengasse / Strehlgasse -- The famous shopping area Storchengasse / Strehlgasse.
Botanical Garden of the University of Zürich -- A feast for the senses.
Labyrinthplatz -- The garden labyrinth with 4 paths leads to a stone labyrinth with 7 paths.
Roman Baths -- After a journey across the Alps, an undertaking that would take many days, ancient Romans would come to Thermengasse to treat themselves to a bath. However, it was not until twenty. years ago that remains of these thermal baths were discovered, and these days they are open for public viewing.
Town Hall Park -- Zürich's most popular marketplace.
Old Town -- Zürich's historic section features cobblestone streets, a variety of small stores and restaurants and many of the city's most significant religious landmarks.
Well -- that's A LOT of things in the city!
2 comments:
Thank you so much for the most wonderful weekend!!! I really did enjoy having everyone here. We need to do that more often. The new blog site is really great I have done a little looking but still have more to do. I have to pinch myself because I have a hard time believing we are all heading to Switzerland. Yodellaydee Youhooo!!!!!!!!!!Just a little practicing. HA!!
Aunt Linda
Hello!! Jackie and Jeannie thanks for all the leg work you are doing for the trip. I would enjoy the running tour but the museums and old zurich look great along with the roman baths. I'm pretty open to all the stuff you have posted. I'm very excited for the trip and can't wait to see everyone.
Mish
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