From Como we headed over the border into Switzerland, hopping out in the country's most expensive city - ideal destination for a backpacking trip! Luckily, despite a plethora of swanky 'lidos', access to the lake is free.
Just off the train and still heavily laden before check-in to our accommodation, we trooped, as if magnetised, towards the lake. With swimsuits still damp from the day before and ignoring the swathes of hungry-looking swans, we plunged into the lake from the Chinese gardens, to the bewilderment of scarf-entwined, autumn-embracing passers-by. ,,Oh je, sie sind verrückt" said grandmother to grandson as we splashed around merrily.
Warnings of exorbitant prices and therefore minimal food had clouded my expectations of Zurich, making it the most surprising stop on the trip, and not only for the unexpected swim. The city was far more beautiful than I'd expected and, with proximity to both water and Wanderwege, (both of which we exploited to the full), it felt rather utopian. No need, I think, for the aquatic "chin up" message by the port (see below).
On day two, fortified by cheap provisions left over from Italy, we racked up our step count exploring the city. Sigmund Polke's Klimt-like stained glass windows in the Grossmünster were a personal highlight. As were the free (yes free! and only minorly chipped..) porcelain cow bells acquired from a souvenir shop. And thus we succeeded in spending no money in one of the world's commercial cauldrons. I joke. If only.
Having seen the sights, we ended up on an island of sorts on the western shore of the lake where the water was distressingly inviting. Distressing, that is, because we'd left swimsuits and towels in the hostel. Not about to lose our dignity and unable to bear being by it, not in it, we turned to the hills and embarked on a 'walk' to a viewpoint. True to form, said walk became a 3 hour, vertical hike up a mountain. The view was worth it though! I think.
And so concludes the first of hopefully many swims through Europe. From Zurich we headed to Munich but despite witnessing some impressive river surfing at the Eisbach, no swims occurred. Oktoberfest was the aim of the game at our final stop so, combined with drizzlier weather, I didn't take many photos. I'll leave it to you to picture a city teeming with Dirndls, Lederhosen and Lebkuchen hearts!
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