Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful city there's no doubt about it; it's obvious to see why it features on so many of the worlds most liveable cities list. It's easy to navigate, the people are lovely and the airport is 10 minutes by train. The only thing that boggles my mind is IT'S SO GOD DAMN EXPENSIVE.

All that fresh air has had a serious effect on the cost of living. To put it in perspective, a meal for two at McDonalds (the go to cheap place to eat for poor backpackers) was 20 CHF (AU$25, £14).

People had said it was expensive and I was kinda thinking 'yeah whatever', people say London is expensive and I don't think it is, you just live within your means. But getting to Zurich was a wake up call; actually having to make sure you had enough money to eat. 

The weather was pretty bad whilst we were there (until the day we left of course when it was glorious and we had to bust out the sunglasses) but we managed to do a self guided walking tour around the city centre. 

We wanted to go on a day trip to the Alps and some of the amazing natural wonders around Zurich but because the weather was so bad we decided against it.

I don't feel like I really got to experience Zurich to the fullest but I think to do that, you have to have some decent money behind you.

Like Norway (somewhere I want to go but can't afford), my return to Switzerland will be put on hold until I've got a decent full time job that could support the kind of magical trip I would want to have there.

Excuse the pics. It was raining the whole time and my lens got wet.

B xoxox

From here you're meant to be able to see the Alps but it was too cloudy

Post Prague delightfulness in Vienna

Our second day in Prague was an improvement. We did a great tour,  the best we've experienced so far, and saw all of the beautiful sights.

However, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't let myself love Prague. It's beautiful don't get me wrong(especially in the old historic town protected by UNESCO) but if it wasn't for the heritage city centre, I don't think Prague offers a great deal.

Other people on our tour also experienced some horrible crimes (well, minor offences according to Czech Policie). One man was pushed to the ground and his passport stolen. Another woman had her handbag taken whilst she tried on shoes.

I felt unsafe in Prague almost all the time. 

Walking around the train station, shady characters eyed us off and would walk so close it was a complete invasion of personal space. 

I'm sure there are a plethora (BOOM WORD OF THE DAY) of people who have been to Prague and had no problems at all but after trying hard to give it a chance to impress me… I was disappointed. 

Vienna on the other hand was an absolute breath of fresh air. Personally, I think architecturally it's equally as impressive as Prague. Vienna is calm compared to the other European cities we've visited. It's amazing at night, all lit up with fairy lights, awakening my christmas spirit with all the winter markets.

Today we wound our way through the Swiss Alps to Zurich. The journey here alone has sold me already. It took over nine hours on the train but it was worth it for the views. Tomorrow we shall investigate the city and play in the snow.

Bianca

xxxoxox

PRAGUE SERIES

St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle

Church of Our Lady Before Týn AND SOME LIGHTS

St Nicholas Church

We ate lunch in a dark medieval cellar

Charles Bridge and Prague Castle up on the hill

Stairs to Charles Bridge