Chapter Wanderlust II: Thoughts on winging on the road

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Once again it comes to the end of another trip series, this is my second solo trip around Europe, continuing on my adventures 2 years ago. I kinda love writing such post since I am able to reflect on the whole trip and see what is really the highlights throughout everything. Furthermore it also allows me to sum up everything. You probably know that this time around, I am headed to cities that are more out of the way, more little quirky places that might not be first up on a traveller mind. It is also the first time that I am doing my travels without a plan, winging it on the road, in fact most of the places are just what comes to my mind, what is there on the map, as well as the cost of tickets. It is surely a very enlightening process. Besides sharing a little on how much I spent, I will also like to share on some of the more adventures experiences I encountered during the trip.

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Singapore Airlines SQ345 A380R ZRH – SIN Suites

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Finally it is time for me to share on my journey onboard Singapore Airlines Suites from Zurich to Singapore. This is also how I am getting back home after spending close to 2 months overseas in Europe. As amazing as it is being overseas I still do get a little homesick after so long. I was actually suppose to fly back on J class although amazingly my waitlist for a saver suites clear. In the end, I spent 125,000 miles as well as 82.80 SGD in taxes to get back home to Singapore. It is the perfect way for me to wind down the trip, trying out a new product that I have always been looking forward. Given that there are only 6 seats onboard the new cabin, it is always a challenge to be able to snag a redemption ticket. The new suites are only available in the London, Zurich, Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai, Sydney and Hong Kong market as of writing. It is definitely one of the most amazing way to get back to Singapore from Asia.

 

 

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Swiss Senator Lounge & Business Lounge E Zurich Kloten Airport

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Outdoor terrace in a lounge, you know that Swissair played it right by using incorporating this idea into a lounge. Afterall Zurich is a very picturesque lounge and the alpine views are amazing. Together with tarmac views and the sleek Swiss Air livery. It is a total AVgeek over here. Under the Lufthansa group, lounges for Swiss Air and in Zurich Kloten undergoes the same grouping. It follows First Class, Senator and Business Class. Technically both First Class and Senator Lounges are both first class lounge. Although First Class lounges are reserved for their own ticket holder and their own Hon Circle Members, then Senator lounges are open for Star Alliance members as well. A Second Class, First Class Lounge it is. I have heard alot of good stuff about the lounges in Zurich Kloten, especially after they are recently renovated. The Swiss Senator Lounge is located in the E Gates, for non schengen departures and one level above the main terminal.

 

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Zurich

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Zurich! The cream of the crop of picturesque Switzerland as well as its largest city and global financial hub! I am so glad to be finally here after so long. Previously I have only been to Lucerne and Geneva and that was almost 7 years ago. I fell in love with Switzerland and now I am back for a second date. To me, Zurich is a city that has literally everything and one of the most livable city in the world. Of course, to enjoy such perks and living in such a beautiful does comes with its price! An awful expensive cost of living with an equivalent quality of life. Definitely it might be everyone dream city especially for us the travelers as well. It is certainly not one that will be kind on your wallet. 30 SGD for a meal out, public transport cost that runs into the hundreds. That’s the expectations! The city or mainly the touristy zones spans in the hub of the city, mere miles away from the airport and the central train station which is right in the old town, the largest in country with connections to most places in Europe. The city runs around the centerpiece, Lake Zurich. Zurich can definitely be said as the beating heart of continental Europe. Follow me on my 6 days stay in the city!

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Kandersteg, Oeschinensee, Blausee & Thun

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Do you want a postcard with me in it! I could supply you with a ton of them after my trip to Kandersteg, Oeschinensee, Blausee & Thun. One of the very best and most scenic part of Swiss alps and scenery, Kandersteg is definitely worth to be up on your alley when you are in Switzerland. There are many areas to explore if you are in Switzerland. Tons of hikes to do, skiing in the winter or even adventure sports. Nature is the best thing over here. Located in almost the centre region of Switzerland, around Interlaken is the best spot for such activities. This time around. I am headed to Kandersteg, Oeschinensee, Blausee & Thun. Kandersteg is a high-altitude resort village in the Bernese Oberland region. You can expect fresh air and swiss cows. What a rustic lifestyle over here. The two main highlight of my visit are the Oeschinensee, Blausee. This two lakes have long been on my bucketlist and the thing to do. With the efficient train network and system in Switzerland they are all doable on a day trip with ease despite you being based in anywhere in Switzerland. An awesome day trip!

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Rhine Falls X Swiss National Day

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Before I get into my review and sharing my thoughts on Zurich in particular I will like to share and reminisce with you guys a very special experience that I had during my stay here. I am lucky enough to be here during the Swiss National Day. This trip have been kind of memorable and special since I was around in the respective country for both France Bastille Day, Belgium National Day as well as the Swiss National Day on the 1st of August. Talk about a hattrick. Let me just say that this is totally unplanned throughout this trip and a pure coincidence. With that being said, I really on went about celebrating the Swiss National Day. How patriotic I am! Hey after all, it’s the Swiss, all about neutrality. I was in Zurich from 31 July to 5 August, so I was definitely right in the peak of the holidays. Traditionally, on the eve of the holiday, the country will celebrate with a huge fireworks display over the Rhine Falls, which is also Switzerland and Europe largest waterfalls. It is also known as the “fire on the rocks”! Singaporean celebrating Switzerland National Day. Let’s go!

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Hilton Zurich Airport

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For my very last base in Europe and in Switzerland. I booked the Hilton Zurich Airport for my stay. Welcome to Zurich guys! I am a huge fan of Switzerland although the high cost of travelling deters me from actually doing a huge trip around the country. With that being said I am still very glad to be here in Zurich! A brand new city for me. While it might sounds a little weird for me to be staying in an Airport hotel even though I am here to check out the city and on holiday. It turn out to be the best decision I ever made for the time in Zurich. I got in on Swiss Air from Berlin as I shared in the post previously. Everything was smooth upon deplaning although there was a wait for my bags and I miss the shuttle by mins. Zurich Flu-ha-gen is one of the most beautiful airport I have ever seen as is Zurich. I love to say flughafen which means Airport in German. Probably one of my most accurate pronunciation of the language. Zurich is an expensive city and the hotel scene is by no means affordable at the very least, especially if you want to stay in the city centre, prices skyrocket. I was in Zurich for 5 nights! A pretty long stay. Somehow the prices were super high for my first night on the 31st, probably due to the fact that it is the eve of the Swiss National Day. Somehow splitting the booking makes it cheaper. I book the first night with 50,000 points which is still expensive but instead of paying 165 CHF and tax that’s not too bad. For the next 4 nights I pay around 124 CHF a night.img_8959

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