Zürich, Central Switzerland
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Last but hopefully not the least in the Europe trip: Zürich, the largest German-speaking Swiss city.
Zürich was like any other modern city... Tall buildings and heavy traffic everywhere. Nonetheless, Zürich offers numerous tourist attractions and many museums that displays the uniqueness of Switzerland.
We had the privilege of visiting a watch museum that displays ancient watches that even dated back to the AD.

An antique clock made of pure gold... Gosh... Interesting fact: This clock was actually from China, which pretty much explained the appearance of an old man from the Qing dynasty on the clock. Apparently, the owner of that museum had the joy of collecting ancient clocks from all over the world and displaying them in his very own private space.

An exquisite collection of pocket watches and some were made as early as in the 17th century... Most of the cravings on the covers are of religious imprints. Guess most watch-makers of that time were from congregations. Nevertheless, they were so fine and delicate that I almost had the urge to buy one pocket watch for myself.

Next stop: Toy museum... Another amazing collection of dolls that are of priceless value. The oldest doll in that museum was 400+ years old! It's a bit creepy to look at all the dolls there. I mean, just imagine... Dolls that are more than 5 times older than you. You'll never know if they do have a life or not... Maybe, it's just my thoughts running wild. I wasn't allowed to take photos inside, but I managed to take a snap shot while the person wasn't looking... Hehe... Purposely took a photo that is not of dolls... Wouldn't want another nightmare after 'Chucky'...

I couldn't resist entering the largest toy store in Switzerland - 'Franz Carl Weber' (name of the store is that of the deceased owner), which is just a few streets down the toy museum.

Just had to try on the pirate's hat, especially when that was the peak of 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

A very expensive lunch! This plate costs me 27.50 Swiss francs!!! Oh my god... I just had to take a photo of it to serve as an everlasting memory...

It's always good to exercise after a 'dear' lunch... Taken while strolling down the streets of Zürich. Haven't seen a river that is as clean as The Singapore River...

Still on my way to the peak of Uetliberg, one of the Zürich's magnificent mountains. It's just about an hour up to the peak if you have taken the train, and 3 hours for those who prefer to do without the train. Knowing us as typical Singaporeans, the train was a better idea. My friends and I were initially thinking of taking a cable-car ride down. However, that idea was scrapped after looking at the signboard... Another 1 and 1/2 hour of walk further into the forest... Oh man, spare me...

Finally... We've reached the top of Zürich... Stunning, isn't it?

Zürich reminded me a lot of Singapore. Well, most modern cities always do... I didn't have much time to go around Zürich, since it was the last stop and my mind was filled with last-minute shopping. However, I had to control my finances well as Switzerland is definitely the place for 'a rich man's holiday'. Haha... It's a beautiful city and the people were definitely hospitable. Plus, I did enjoy my last days of shopping. I'll give it 8/10.
At the end of my Europe trip, I came to realise that I enjoy the company of Germans and the Swiss people very much. They are indeed very welcoming and always attached with a smile. I would love to visit Germany and Switzerland again.
--Mary HAD a little lamb--
8:19 pm