On the Road Again

On the night train to Köln I was in a car between two Swedes, and across from a girl from Helsinki who was studying theology.  She had actually met another theologian from her university on the train, having recognized her from the ferry.  I started the conversation by asking where in Finland they were from.  We ended up talking for quite a long time about theology, travel, and prayer. 

 We made it into Köln at 7am, and I went in search of a connection to Zürich.  The next series of trains was not coming until 8:55 so I meandered about wondering if I should find a café.  I came across a Starbucks and took out some Euros from the ATM and then went into the Starbucks and ordered a “Himelbeer Johanisbeer” Frapicino.  I hopped on the internet and updated the facebook as well as checking the bank accounts and the google reader. 

Eventually the internet ran out and I went to catch my train.  The train to Karlshrue was uneventful and peaceful and I got some good sleep in.  Being so close to Ensingen made me almost want to go to the Abele’s!  But instead of taking a regional train to Vaihingen I instead hopped on the connection to Basel and then on to Zürich.  Both trains were more crowded, but equally pleasant. 

Arriving in Zürich I headed directly to the tourist information station and picked up a city guide and map.  I headed off on the conveniently provided city tour marked out on the map.  First off was Bahnhofstraaae, a street only for pedestrians and trams which runs south from the central train station along the western side of the canal.  It is filled with the classiest shops of all kinds (Swarovski, Prada, Gucci, ect.)  Along the way there are many various parks and fountains, and all of the fountains were drinkable! 

Turning off Bahnhofstrasse at Urania Srenwerte, a 51m high observatory tower,  I joined the canal, passing a parking garage.  It took be a moment to realize it was a parking garage however because it was covered in greenery.  It was much better disguised than the walls of the garage at Regan Airport.  I continued south along the canal for some time winding my way through narrow stone streets and medieval buildings full of boutiques.  Along the way I made the steep climb to the top of Lindenhof, a hillock with Celtic, Roman, and Medieval ruins.  Here I was actually in the park that extended to cover the top of the parking garage.  I got a pretty good view of the city, and certainly over the canals, though trees and such were slightly in the way.  There were two groups of old men sitting around giant old chess boards and playing chess.  Generally they were all smoking and laughing and having a good time. 

Coming down from the hillock I came upon St. Peter’s Church, another one.  This St. Peters lays claim to the second largest clock face in Europe, second only to big ben.  A passing guide claimed it was 12m in diameter.  The church, however, is rather small, and inside it was fairly unassuming.  Mostly it was white, though not in the bright, pointed way of the White Church in Helsinki.  This was almost a bege, and was quite plain and unassuming.  There were some lovely chandeliers, and a pretty organ, however.  

From the church I headed down hill again to Paradeplatz.  This is a central/market square most notable for the Sprüngli café.  Sprüngli as in Lindtdor and Sprüngli chocolates.  I had my backpack, and the shop was crowed with people, glass, and expensive chocolate, so I didn’t go in.  Looking through the windows and at the artfully arranged displays was a treat though.  From here I walked back up a hill to Frauenmünster.  This was a Benedictine abbey which had the power to hold markets, collect tolls, and mint coins.  It was also home to a collection of the cities noble women.   There was some sort of fete going on in the courtyard, so again I didn’t go in. 

 Next I headed south to harbor.  Here there were Swiss people giving out free vitamin waters.  The harbor was of course quite nice, and had many statues.  After crossing to the eastern side of the harbor I sat for some time reading. 

My tour of the eastern side of the canal was much shorter.  I took almost no pictures and headed pretty much directly up the canal front back to the train station.  This was mostly due to the fact that I really really had to pee.  On the eastern side of the canal I passed by Grossmünster whose duel domed towers are a characteristic landmark of the city. 

Upon reaching the train station I waited around for not quite an hour, and then caught my train to Barcelona.  Inside the train one of the conductors/ticket collectors actually took all of our travel documents, I’m not sure why, and informed us that our train will be arriving about three hours late, but that we will get free breakfast for the inconvenience.  I think this is a win for me – I had no plans for the day besides a good shower anyhow!