INSPIRATIONAL SWITZERLAND

Who cannot love Switzerland? It has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world and travelling through it is a mini-tour of Europe as you hear Italian, Swiss-German, French and English all in one day. Mountain passes with their winding roads provide stunning views of all seasons of nature in one. Snow capped mountains, which melt in the spring, leaving natural waterfalls sliding down the rock faced and forested mountains, bridges passing over silent rivers with their gentle earthly rhythms flowing smoothly. 

 

 

On the ground tiny villages and also wooden romantic cabins lie scattered through luscious green landscape on perfectly neat and tidy hills, with a a few cows, sheep or horses, on yellow flowered fields. Church steeples peek out at you as pass by by train or car and the space allows views of the entirety of the Switzerland landscape. Winter snow, rugged mountains, alert straight and proud  dark green conifers contrasting against fresh spring tree leaves and new blossoms are to the eye what chocolate and ice-cream are to the mouth. 

Its capital, Zurich is a great city and pure European, even if not part of Europe politically. Summers are busy at lake Zurich but Lausanne, Lucern, Mount Titlus and other beautiful places around snow capped and forested mountains are all close by.  Lugano, south of Zurich has a wonderful lift down into it's little tiny city centre and the mountains hugging the lake are like a cooler temperature version of Turkish and Greek islands. Its atmosphere is also a perfect Swiss and Italian blend.  On the Geneva side is the lake and mountain roads where the Romantic era poets met to engage and discuss their writings and it too has a charm of French riviera style, as you canoe or kayak quietly on the peaceful waters. Don't forget there is also lovely apful stroedel, cheese fondue, and Swiss chocolate to enjoy plus watch shopping!

  

LUCERN ARCHITECTURE AND THE FAMOUS WOODEN BRIDGE 

  

If you're a nature lover Switzerland, is a must see. Although more expensive than Europe it has retained its unique own individual style which is so characteristic and a prominent feature in all continental countries. Landscapes and architecture change as you cross each border. A coffee downtown  costs 4.50 Swiss francs or 4.18 euro. You can pay in euro but you'll receive francs in change. I've always found the Swiss hospitable and good at all their languages obviously.  A long time ago I spent three months in Zurich and found it hard to leave I loved it so much. Returning always gives a nostalgic sense of happiness and although I've yet to go there in winter, (as I don't ski) I think I have to just make the trip to see the splendid scenery. They say dynamite comes in small packages and when it comes to the Netherlands and Switzerland it most certainly does. Bon voyage!