Switzerland 2001: Zurich - The Little Big City...

"The days you are most uncomfortable are the days you learn the most about yourself..." - Mary L Bean

Zurich, Switzerland

(21 - 23 June 2001)

(Our favorite bench in Zurich)

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, with a population of some 364,500 in the city proper and close to 1 million in the agglomeration area. Zurich is on Lake Zurich, where the lake meets the Limmat River, in the north of Switzerland.

(The surface of the Zurich Lake glitters in the light)

(A view of the Alps from the lake)

(Strolling along the Marina of Lake Zurich)

As Zurich is the central node of the Swiss-wide train network and also runs the biggest and busiest international airport of the country, it generally is the first place for tourists to go to. Because of the city's close distance to tourist resorts in the Swiss Alps and its mountainous scenery, it often gets referred to as the "portal to the alps".

(Taking the tramp around town)

(A tour of the city on the Classic Trolley)

(A leisure walk to historical sites)

Zurich has long been known for being clean and efficient. Due to this, it has been continuously ranked as the city with the highest living standard world-wide for many years. However, it is only for the last ten years has it truly become a fascinating and worthwhile travel destination. This is mostly thanks to the liberalization of the cultural, party and gastronomy sectors. An increasingly cosmopolitan population has helped, as well, though Geneva remains Switzerland's most culturally heterogeneous city.

(A sunny clear summer weather)

(One of the many benches at the park)

The Zurich dialect of Swiss German, which sounds very different from standard German, is the city's main spoken language. Many people understand English, French, or Italian as well.

(Waiting for the Airport transfer at the hotel lobby)

👈 2001: Amsterdam, Nederlands

2001: Barcelona, Spain 👉

Spain 2001: Barcelona - The City of Gaudi...

"Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday..."

Barcelona, Spain

(17 - 20 June 2001)

(The Montserrat Mountain with breathtaking view)

In 2001, I went to Spain twice. Early of the year we had a long holiday venturing Spain and Portugal with our three children. Later of the year, I followed hubby for a short business trip to Barcelona. On the way back, we stopped over in Zurich for a few days.

(Benedictine Monk retreat at Montserrat)

Barcelona is Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia, one of the 17 regions that form Spain. The city has a wealth of unique historic architecture and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Barcelona is an unforgettable city of art, culture and beauty. Gaudi's works, museums, concerts and FC Barcelona’s football team homeland. If you walk along the Ramblas, you will enjoy street musicians, living statues, hustlers and just plain loonies.

(Casa Mila, Gaudi masterpiece house)

(Antoni Gaudi's Stone Quarry)

(A house with undulating stone facade)

(Another structural innovation of Antoni Gaudi)

(A decorated fountain at a Monastery)

You can choose to hop onto the Tramvia Blau for a tram trip up to the top of Tibidabo and take in the magnificent sights of the city below you. Shopping can be done along the Passeig de Gracia, at the most well known boutiques in Barcelona. Later, you can a sunset drink at a chiringuito bar on the Barceloneta beach, then after dark, join the locals for pub crawling at the Barri Gotic for a huge selection of tapas bars and cafés.

(The Basílica de la Sagrada Família against the sun)

(The unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by Gaudi)

(Having early dinner at the Marina)

La Rambla is the most famous boulevard in Barcelona stretches from the harbor to La Placa Catalunya running through the Ciutat Vella like a spine. Come here to see the street performers jump out at unsuspecting tourists, enjoy the flower and pet stalls, or just sit back and watch all of Barcelona walk by. During the day, La Rambla is packed with tourists, at night, the locals come out as well, so be very wary of scammers and pick-pockets!

(A silver mime at La Rambla)

We had the opportunity to watch a bull-fighting show, basically a dance with death - one wrong move and the Matador could become the victim instead of the bull. It is the Matador's job to make this dance dramatic and enjoyable for the audience.

(Barcelona Olympic Stadium)

(A sad ending at the arena)

(A luxury hotel of Rey Juan Carlos)

👈 2001: Zurich, Switzerland

2001: London, UK 👉