We woke up, got ready, and checked out of our hostel. On the way to the train station, we grabbed some breakfast (rolls, croissants, and coffee) at a café. As we were eating, I noticed that a guy next to us was drinking a beer and doing a crossword puzzle. Then, another guy walked in and purchased a beer. It was barely 8:00 in the morning.
We went to the train station and stored our packs in a luggage locker, then found our way to the train that goes to the “Top of Zürich”.
On the train, I was again thinking about how amazing this public transportation system is. Every large city we have visited in Europe has a well-integrated mix of streetcars, buses, intercity trains, and regional trains that allow a person to get almost anywhere in the metro area in a short period of time. I just don’t understand why American cities have not embraced public transportation. We ooh and aah at a city like Portland for their “excellent” system, but by European standards their system is a joke. Would somebody please explain? I guess to be American is to drive an automobile. I’m an anomaly at my office because I ride the bus and bike to work. When new people are introduced to me, I am referred to as the “guy who bikes”. I am like a circus freak or something…
Ok, back on track… We arrived at the top of Zürich and hiked up to a large lookout tower. We had to climb something like 200 steps to get to the top. The views were amazing!
We returned to the train station and boarded a train for Bern. At Bern, we switch trains for Interlaken. The train for Interlaken was right across the platform from our train, so we just got off the train, walked forward five steps, and boarded the Interlaken train. How convenient.
On our way into Interlaken, we passed by Lake Thunersee. How incredible! The water is a turquoise color.
Train to Interlaken 008
We arrived in Interlaken early afternoon. The city is surrounded with hills and lakes and you can see snow capped mountains off in the distance. It is quite the setting.
Interlaken 010
We searched out Backpacker’s Villa hostel (thanks for the tip Julee!) and booked a room for two nights. We couldn’t check in until 4:00, so we stored our packs and explored the town. Everywhere in Interlaken you see advertisements for adventure sports. They have everything from skydiving to bungee jumping to paragliding, etc… They even had this thing called zorbing where you are enclosed in a big, clear bubble and rolled down a mountainside. Crazy!
Interlaken 004
In the middle of the city is this large, grassy field. As we were walking around it, we saw paragliders floating down from a hilltop, and sure enough, they landed in the field right in front of us. Our guidebook said that backpackers would most likely leave Interlaken with empty pockets. Now I see why.
Interlaken 016
We checked into our hostel and it was great. We had a private room, spectacular mountain views, and free WiFi. I think I could stay here for a while.
Interlaken 011
After we checked in, we explored the city center and did some shopping. There is something about the little Swiss souvenirs with the little Swiss flag emblem. I wanted to buy everything, but who really needs a Swiss Army knife with a nail clipper, or a Swiss Military money clip, or a little grooming kit in a sleek stainless steel container? Not me!
We ate dinner at a small Italian place off the beaten path. I had shrimp pasta and a locally brewed beer and Darcy had a vegetable plate and a blush wine. It was delicious!
After dinner, we walked along the river. It was so beautiful!
Interlaken 028
With our hostel room, we had free access to a city spa and wellness center. The only problem was that we did not bring our swimming suits, so we could only take advantage of the “clothing optional” facilities. These included various saunas and steam rooms. Wow! How rejuvenating and cleansing!
After the spa, we returned to the hostel and took care of Internet stuff. Darcy even signed on to Instant Messenger and chatted with a few people. I don’t dare! I’m afraid work will encroach on my sabbatical and that would just be unacceptable.
Tomorrow, we will visit Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”.
Click here to see all our Zurich photos.
Click here to see all our Interlaken photos.
P.S. I posted this while stealing WiFi from a hotel outside of Hamburg Central Station. I am standing here in the evening, with my laptop on a railing, among hundreds of people. It is quite the scene!
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