It actually kinda sucks, at least if you go there on a Sunday. Like everything else in Europe, most of the stuff in Zurich is closed on Sunday, making our walk around the city fairly uneventful. Also, everything in Switzerland seems to be really fucking expensive. I paid 13.50 for a meal at Burger King. Let that sink in for a second. Yeah... Probably the most expensive stomach problems I've ever paid for. In retrospect, that probably contributed to my distaste for the city. It always seems to be nearly impossible to find a bathroom when you really need one. On an unrelated note, Zurich seemed to have the highest amount of sex shops and pornographic theaters that I've ever seen. Seems like there was one on every corner. I know Europe is a lot more lax about sexual stuff than we are in the U.S. but damn, this bordered on ridiculous.
Needless to say, we left Zurich early and decided to make our way towards the Rhine Falls, which we passed a stop for on the train in. After walking a seemingly endless, although very serene and pretty, nature trail up the Rhine River, we finally came to the falls. Let me tell you, it was absolutely breathtaking. The sound of the rushing water made it difficult to hear each other as we got closer, but I didn't really care. I was too transfixed by this waterfall. It got even better when we bought our tickets to the adventure trail that took us literally right next to the falls. I'm surprised we could even get that close. There were points where I could have reached out and touched the rushing water, and as we descended, I could feel the spray in my face at times.
It was a little disappointing (and exhausting) when we had to rush back up the trail and back to the station to catch the train to return to Ulm. Honestly, I was ready to give up on Switzerland after the sleazy parts of Zurich and the stupidly expensive prices, but visiting the falls salvaged the entire day.
And now, after a great weekend of traveling, I have to go to class tomorrow. I almost forgot that that's why I'm here in the first place. Guess it can't all be glamorous. Until next time!
One of the few good parts of Zurich. I don't remember what cathedral this was, but the inside was beautiful.
Expensive car is expensive.
Chris on the bridge before reaching the falls.
The path down to the falls wound in and out of the cliffs next to the river.
Even from this distance, the Rhine Falls are quite a sight to behold.
I brought Flat Sarah and Boba Fett to this point for a picture, but then I saw the rest of the trail and wanted to get closer...
The closer we got, the more powerful and majestic the falls looked.
Just think about falling going over that. Terrifying, right?
On the left, you can see a little observation platform. Apparently you can take a boat out to that, but we didn't have the time for it on this trip.
Flat Sarah, Boba Fett, and I at the lowest observation point, right in front of the falls.
Wow... Just... Wow...
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