Zurich and Rhine falls

This continues from the previous post about the SNCF-Strike hit journey

Geneva was fully booked and no affordable places were available. We decided to board the train to Zurich. Swiss railway experience has been one of the best for us in Europe (though nothing can beat Norway). The trains are never late. The run dot on time and arrive punctually. The Zug Chef (Train Manager) was kind to us when we told him that we missed our connecting train due to the delay of Lyon-Geneva train. He booked us an accommodation in Zurich, totally free of cost. This was such a sweet surprise. The hotel was right next to the station, close to the area with lots of restaurants and a walking distance to the Zurich cathedral. We thanked him a lot and were happy. The hotel was nice. It felt great after the roller ride of the entire day.

The next day, we woke up early and had a king’s breakfast. The breads were really tasty and so were the desserts. We hopped out at 9:30 and had a little more than 2 hours to walk up to Grossmunsterplatz and then catch a train to Stuttgart at 12. We walked from railway station along the canal towards the lake. Zurich was still waking up. We reached the cathedral at 10, but it hadn’t opened by now. We started walking towards the lake and then after taking some pictures there, walked back. We passed through the flea market and the two other cathedrals. The Coop market was open when we were returning and we shopped for some chocolates there. We reached station sharp at 1145 and met another IIM-B gang there. After taking pictures, we boarded the trains. A bunch of noisy Americans occupied seats next to us.

This train journey gave us the best surprise of the day. The night before, I was reading about the Rhine fall near Schaffhausen. It was only 48 kms from Zurich, but given our schedule, I knew I won’t get to see it. I wished if I could someday see it. The train was going through the usual Swiss scenery. Fields, forests, hills. Then it suddenly slowed down. Sherene was facing front (in direction of train) and we sat opposite. River Rhine was passing by and suddenly she froze. She hinted at the window and we peeped out. There IT was!!. The beautiful and spectacular Rhine falls. The train took 45 seconds to pass through it and every one of those was a desktop wallpaper worthy image. It was one of the most beautiful sights ever. Sadly it got over before we came to our senses to click any great pictures.