sunset over the lake

it helps that the Panasonic LX3 is idiot proof

Lake Zurich

I walked down the shopping street down to the lake (no choice because the shops are already closed at 6pm on Saturdays, and are NOT open on Sundays) to be greeted by a beautiful sight of the lake, and the swans, ducks, and other birds on it.

this is the city end of the lake, and you can spot the alps in the background.

a picture taken from the information counter shows how massive the lake is, as the city is at the bottom of the map.

money on the streets

wei these are for you. not the car. the pictures.

spotted 2 Astons. lost count of the Ferraris and the Porsches...

the City

15 mins from Hotel Allegra to the main train station at Zurich HB. It helps that the train station was literally located next to the hotel. very convenient. Bought a 12.50 CHF return train ticket (think it was a day pass) from the hotel reception. lots of construction outside the main train station. It was a beautiful day!

took time to stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, "one of the most elegant and expensive shopping streets in the world" (so says the website. but after Omotesando, well...) It begins in the north, at the Hauptbahnhof (the railway station), opening onto Bahnhofplatz, and runs south to the lake.

it's good to see civilisation

also old buildings galore in the city. only difference is people everywhere!

Hotel Allegra

I'd booked Allegra weeks ago. Tried to book a hotel in the city but found out that the cheapest 3 star room was already almost 200CHF. I decided to take the complimentary airport-hotel shuttle to Allegra (just 5 min from the airport) to check out the hotel first. I liked what I saw. 4 stars! at 100 CHF! Finally, what an upgrade! hahaha.

room was spacious. nice. free wifi in room. 200 channels on the TV (I think). large and bright bathroom with separate toilet/shower. After one week roughing it out in 2-3 stars 'hotels', this is almost like the Four Seasons! Sorry nick. you know what I mean. ;)

packing the bike

the second time was much easier, and yes it looked like a pro did it!

I managed to put in 3 panniers and 1 handlebar bag as well into the Cinelli bike bag. Total weight 29kg. one day storage was 12CHF. excess baggage was USD50 per kg. either use what I learnt from Vince to charm the SQ check in girl/aunty, or time to start throwing something heavy. like the SGD450 bike frame/fork...

just kidding. not after what surly has gone through with me... is it weird to give the bike a name? it has to be a girl's name. of course. :) something French, or Swiss. ya ya ya

arriving in Zurich

boy was I happy to see Zurich Flughafen! Was at the Lindau train station about 9am. caught the 11am train, and arriving at the airport at 1.10pm

now to dismantle bike, store at the Left Baggage counter, and to enjoy the city!