Day seven in Switzerland/home to San Francisco

I spent the night at this hotel as it was close to the Airport.

The 8 hour flight home went quickly. I spent the time watching season seven of "24" on my portable DVD player, napped, read my book, and consummed junk food. Why is it that traveling and junk food seem to go hand in hand?

My first experience going through Customs was at JFK. It probably took about an hour. After customs, (no horrow stories to tell) I had to recheck my bag and go through security again. The departing flight from JFK was delayed 1 hour because of bad weather. But, the scheduled arrival time into SFO was only late by about 30 minutes. The flight from NY to SF seemed endless. I was glad to be out of that cramped space and breathing Bay Area air again.

My housemate, Carl, picked me up and I was back at Ocean Beach by 8:PM. I couldn't figure out why I felt so strange and disoriented....dah!...I had been up 24 hours and it was time to go to bed.

Day six in Switzerland/Zurrich

This reminded me of Venice..not that I have ever been there. They even have gondola rides here on the river but it was too late in the day as I could see them tied up next to the dock. Zurich is very clean, even the water is clear and clean. On my next trip, I would like to spend a few days in Zurich and do it up right.

My plan leaves tomorrow for JFK at 10:20AM via American Air. I plan on getting some proper sleep tonight.

ta ta

Day six in Switzerland/Zurrich

It was like being in a foreign film... the ones back in the 60s (I'm sorry that some of you cannot relate). I sat at a table, sipped on some espresso, had a light salad and watch the scene. I love it!

Day six in Switzerland/Zurrich

I loved Zurich. I took the city train from my hotel to downtown and then walked to the "Old City" which is pictured here. This is exactly what I wanted to experience....the European way of opening up the restaurants to the streets. All bars and restaurants did this...they were at every alley way and on every corner.

Day six in Switzerland/Zurich

The train back to Zurich through the mountains was as spectacular as it was going. Changing trains 3 times was not so much a drudgery as I thought it might be. I was much better at it this time. Pictured here is Lake Zurich.

I connnected with a couple from San Diego (Mike and Carolyn) while on the train to Zurich. They had been in Switzerland for a month and were headed back to SD. They took advantage of the "home exchange" site from the internet. A family from Bern exchanged with them and they said it has worked perfectly and it is very cost affective. They encouraged me to do the same the next time I travel.

Day six in Switzerland/my last day in Gstaad

Ok, at the request of my cousin, here is a picture of me at the Gstaad Train Station with my big red monster...I'm talking about the suit case, Cheryl....

Day six in Switzerland/my final day in Gstaad

It rained most of the night and when I went to sleep around 3:AM there were only brief shower periods. This morning it is cool and the coulds are still hanging about.

I will miss this little valley and its ever changing mood. It's time to go but I will be back.

The train leaves for Zurich at 10:15 and I'm mostly packed and ready to check out. The hotel shuttle will take me to the train station.