Switzerland (part 1): A Country of Diversity, Peace, Neutrality & Magic

When in need of de-stressing, decompressing, or escaping the dramas of everyday life, Switzerland might be your Shangri la. The relative harmony among the people mirrors that of the landscape of clear lakes, scenic hillsides, idyllic green pastures and of course, the majestic Alps, all of which can create a zen-like atmosphere.

Peaceful Neutrality in Switzerland Does Not Equate to Inertia...

Switzerland is a country full of wonder and limitless activities like paragliding over quaint villages, visiting ancient castles, boat rides on the expansive Lake Geneva, hiking or skiing the Alps, touring chocolate factories, sampling the cuisine, and lots of shopping to name a few. The country is divided into cantons, each with its own culture and language: French, German, Italian or Romansh. However, in places that tourists frequent, English is generally spoken. Depending on which part of the country tourists want to visit, they can get there via one of three major airports in Zurich, Bern, or Geneva. There are a number of airports for domestic travel. The most popular mode of travel, though, is by train which can allow for breathtakingly scenic trips.

The Journey

My first Swiss trip was solo to French-speaking Geneva. I had not been in Europe since my birth in Germany many years ago. For decades, my comfort zone was in Spanish-speaking countries where people looked like me and where I could communicate. But the desire to see Switzerland was persistent. It was ultimately Freddie Mercury and Queen and a gathering of my university alumni in Geneva, that lured me from my comfort zone. I write about Mercury in the "Montreux" segment. My second trip a year and a half later, was a birthday present for my husband, Israel, who had never been to the country. The trip included Montreux on the Swiss Riviera, Lauterbrunnen and Geneva.

Prior to my maiden trip I thoroughly researched the Geneva International Airport online, noting the layout and modes of transportation to the city. This made the next trip go smoothly. The airport is tourist-friendly and is easily navigated. The signs are in French, but they have symbols and illustrations for non-French speakers. After claiming our luggage, there is no customs to clear so we head straight for the train on the bottom level. Train ticket machines are plentiful but I had already purchased our tickets to Montreux online. After rolling our two large suitcases and two carry-ons past nicely appointed airport restaurants, lounge areas, shops, delis with names like “Le Snack”, and confection stands with famous Swiss chocolates, we take the escalator one level down to the train bound for Geneva.

Bound for Montreux, via Geneva

With tickets in hand, we board the train minutes before it leaves the station. Switzerland is known for its efficient transportation system of busses, trains, and trolleys. The country is also a stickler for punctuality. Transport arrives and departs almost to the minute. After all, Switzerland isn’t just the land of chocolate, banks, and knives, it is also the country of watches. For the Swiss, time is definitely of the essence.

We change trains in the city of Geneva for a one-hour ride to Montreux. If we were staying in Geneva, the train ride from the airport to the city would have been free. Tickets are available in machines in the baggage claim area and have to be used within eighty minutes of arrival at the airport. Additionally, guests staying in Geneva hotels and in legitimate Airbnbs receive free tickets for all modes of public transportation for the length of their stay in that city only.

(Continued in Montreux post)