Once upon a time in Switzerland & Italy

Switzerland & Italy: A Dream Trip

"Friends, let's go to Switzerland! If we don't go now, we won't have the energy to travel when we're older!"

This was the rallying cry of my friend, and soon we were all planning our trip, excited despite being low on funds. We knew our boss wouldn't be thrilled about the amount of leave we were taking, but travel is important, right?

Switzerland: A Land of Mountains and Beauty

Switzerland wasn't initially on my radar due to its high cost of living. However, my friend's desire to honeymoon there, coupled with descriptions of its stunning beauty, swayed me. We ultimately chose Switzerland over New Zealand, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes.

Switzerland, with over 60% of its land covered by mountains, offered a unique experience. We planned to visit four mountains: Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Mt. Titis, and Matterhorn. Bern, the capital city, was also on our itinerary.

Our trip took place in early autumn, when the trees weren't ablaze with orange hues like those in Japan. Instead, a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, and green contrasted beautifully against the clear blue sky.

Due to budget constraints, we couldn't spend our entire trip in Switzerland. We opted for a neighboring country, Italy, which boasts more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other nation and is renowned for its delicious gelato.

A Journey Through Two European Gems

After finalizing our destinations, we delved into research, exploring train and flight options, and identifying must-see attractions. We even incorporated some inspiration from the Thai drama "Rattana Wa Dee."

Our itinerary for October 12-23, 2018, was divided into two parts:

Part 1:

• Day 12-13: Bangkok - Zurich - Lucerne - Interlaken West
• Day 14: Interlaken West - Schilthorn - Jungfraujoch
• Day 15: Interlaken West - Mt. Titis - Bern - Zermatt
• Day 16: Zermatt - Matterhorn - Milan

Part 2:

• Day 17: Milan - Varenna - Milan
• Day 18: Milan - Verona - Venice Mestre
• Day 19: Venice Mestre - Venice - Florence
• Day 20: Florence - Pisa
• Day 21: Florence - Rome
• Day 22-23: Rome - Vatican - Bangkok

Practicalities and Preparation

For our Swiss travels, we purchased various passes:

• Swiss Pass (2nd class, 4 days) from swissfanclub: This e-ticket provided access to trains, boats, buses, and even entry to various attractions. We also downloaded the SBB Mobile app for convenient travel information.

Visa Requirements:

As Thai citizens, we needed a Schengen visa to enter both Switzerland and Italy. We applied for an Italian visa since we were staying longer in Italy (5 nights vs. 4 nights in Switzerland). If the number of nights is equal, apply for the visa of the country you enter first. We recommend applying online and ensuring you have all the required documents as specified by the embassy. The visa processing time is approximately one week, and the fee is around 3,000 baht.

Additional Notes:

• Almost all our travels within Switzerland were by train and boat, covered by the Swiss Pass.
• Remember to scan the QR code on your Swiss Pass at nearly every journey, including trains, boats, buses, and attractions.
• Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time travel information.

With careful planning and preparation, we were ready to embark on our dream trip to Switzerland and Italy. Stay tuned for the next part of our adventure!

• Jungfraujoch voucher from swissfanclub. This trip is a gamble because the date of the ascent is fixed. If the weather is clear, you will be safe. You must take the voucher to exchange for a ticket at the counter. You can go up and down from either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. You can move the date forward or backward by about 2-3 days from the date on the voucher.

• We also purchased a 15-day Sim to Fly for Europe and activated it at the AIS counter before our departure. The staff registered it for us, which was convenient. The signal in Switzerland was good and uninterrupted. In Italy, the signal was fine in open areas but weak in tunnels where trains passed.

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01

Light, Mountains, and Lakes

[ LUZERN - INTERLAKEN ]

We came from various provinces in Thailand and met at Suvarnabhumi Airport. We departed from Suvarnabhumi on October 12, 2018, at 10:00 PM on Etihad Airways. The flight was relatively on time, but the aircraft was small. We transferred in Abu Dhabi and arrived in Zurich at 6:25 AM Zurich time. Zurich Airport is spacious and clean. From the runway to the terminal building, we had to take a train to the main building. After passing through immigration, we followed the crowd and found the airport train to leave the airport. We were able to start using our Swiss Pass immediately.

After a long 10-hour flight, we began our exploration around 9:00 AM. Our destination for the day was Lucerne, a historic Swiss city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. The late autumn weather was mild, with temperatures ranging from 14-18 degrees Celsius and a slight breeze. An extra heat tech layer and a jacket were sufficient for strolling around the city. After leaving our luggage at the Lucerne station and grabbing a bite at Migros, we were greeted by a diverse selection of ready-made meals and snacks, many of which were unfamiliar to us. It was a satisfying breakfast, with options like spinach puff pastry, croissants, fresh vegetable salad, and even fried spring rolls. The cashier, with a stern look, observed our initial hesitation and subtly rolled her eyes. The delicious food and snacks made up for it. With our stomachs full and personal matters taken care of, it was time for adventure.

This morning, the sky was clear, and the air was pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. Around nine o'clock in the morning, the shops and restaurants were gradually becoming more lively. We began our journey in a loop, both on foot and by bus. We left the Lucerne train station by bus, which was easy to find just across the street from the station. People were very polite and stopped to let us cross without needing traffic signals. However, one thing that scared us was the smoking. People smoked a lot, everywhere and at all times. The number of smokers outnumbered non-smokers, so a non-smoking room was created at the train station. Anyway, let's continue. We took the bus and passed by buildings, houses, and various brand-name stores. People in the city were walking briskly.

Take bus line 1 to Wesemlinrain station and walk to 01 - Lion Monument.

The story goes that the Swiss mercenary troops were the best in the world, serving the French army, especially in missions where they were part of the French royal guard. A significant event was the suppression of the riots with the French army in 1792. Their unwavering loyalty led to the Swiss Guard protecting King Louis XVI, who was killed. A monument was erected to the Swiss soldiers who died, depicting a dying lion embracing a shield and the French royal emblem, with a broken spear stuck in its back, serving as a reminder of the fate of most mercenaries, who were mainly descendants of the citizens of Lucerne. This sculpture was created by Lukas Ahorn and designed by Swedish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen. As we arrived, there were already 3-4 small tour groups with tour guides telling the stories of the place in various languages. The area was not very large, and there were only 2-3 restrooms for both men and women. We didn't go in as the line was quite long. We stayed there for a while and then decided to move on to the next location.

We walked past shophouses and houses until we came across a group of schoolchildren walking up a hill. We followed them in the hope of finding the city wall, and we found the ancient city wall, 02 - Museggmauer, on the hill itself. We found a few creatures that looked like fat cows with long, shaggy hair and 3-4 horns, both brown and black, grazing behind the wall. Before we went to play with the cows, we found the front gate of the wall and saw people going up, so we followed them up at no extra cost. We climbed the small, narrow wooden stairs up to the city wall, which was built in 1386 and is 850 meters long. There are a total of 9 bastions, 3 of which are open to the public. You can climb to the top, and one of our group members went up but said that the viewing window was quite small and there wasn't enough space for several people, and the view from below would probably be similar. So we didn't climb the stairs any further and chose to enjoy the view along the wall instead. There were 4-5 people up here, the air was cool, and the morning sun was warm. Looking down, we could see the various landmarks of Lucerne, the lake, the Ferris wheel, and the mountains that surround the city.

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Looking back across the field, you'll see the entire sports complex, including the football field, running track, and gymnasium. There are not many people using the facilities, and a few thick-furred cows are grazing and lying on the lush green grass.

After touching and stroking the animal, which was not aggressive but had a bovine odor, we briefly observed it before descending through a small plaza-like area to a riverside path.

Following Google Maps, we arrived at the 03 - Spreuer Bridge, a wooden bridge that serves as a water management system, preventing lake water from flooding the city. It also provides access to the opposite bank, where visitors can climb the city wall tower for panoramic views. The bridge features a small red tower adorned with paintings similar to those on the first bridge, but with a focus on death. These 67 paintings, known as the Dance of Death, are the work of Kasper Meglinger. As we crossed the bridge, the number of tourists increased.

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As we walk along the bridge, we can observe various life forms inhabiting this river. While fish are common in the waters near our homes, here, "the water is teeming with ducks," including both mallards and seagulls. The clear blue-green river is home to both algae and small fish, and we can see adorable birds diving and swimming in search of food everywhere.

We walked along the bridge, taking photos as we made our way to the church. Along the way, we encountered a market that resembled a riverside market, similar to a flea market. We saw both locals and tourists, with stalls selling a variety of goods, including antiques, clothing, leather boots, and food such as cheese, vegetables, fruits, and even plants and flowers. It was evident that the locals enjoyed basking in the sun, as most of the people sitting at cafes were outside, reading books, listening to music, or chatting. The streets were not overly crowded, making for a pleasant walk. We saw many types of fruits and flowers that were unfamiliar to us.

Following the riverside path, you will encounter the Jesuitenkirche, the largest and oldest Baroque church in Switzerland, constructed between 1666 and 1673. Its distinctive feature is the twin towers, reminiscent of Islamic minarets.

A short walk away is another important bridge, the 05 - Kapellbrucke, a 670-year-old landmark of the city. The Wasserturm, a large octagonal water tower, stands in the middle of the bridge. The mountain in the background is Mount Pilatus, which offers stunning views of Lucerne. Built in 1333, the bridge spans the Reuss River, connecting the two sides of the city. It features 112 paintings. The Wasserturm water tower was originally used as a fortress and treasury, with some parts serving as a prison. It is 34 meters high. The wooden bridge was destroyed by fire in 1993, damaging 70% of the paintings.

After crossing the bridge, we encountered a bustling riverside market on the opposite bank, overflowing with fresh produce, vibrant trees, and blooming flowers, mirroring the scene on our side. However, a striking difference caught our attention: . . . . . ! ! !

The strawberries were the highlight of the trip, with their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The large, juicy berries were simply irresistible. Despite the slightly high price of 4 CHF per tray, I couldn't resist buying three more trays to savor their deliciousness.

After that, we walked back to the train station to visit the 06 - Kunstmuseum Luzern and have our first lunch in Switzerland.

This modern museum, a source of architectural pride for the city's residents, showcases contemporary art, paintings, and sculptures. It also hosts conferences. Swiss Pass holders can access certain floors, including the 3rd and 4th, which we visited. Inquire with the staff at the right-hand room near the front entrance.

Visitors must check their bags before entering the exhibition. Looking back, the building is next to the train station and the bus station is nearby. Once you get down to the lower level, there is a place that looks like an amusement park and a restaurant in front by the river. There is also a slide for children.

It's almost time for us to catch the train to Brienz. We had lunch at Coop, where we bought four items to eat on the train: roasted chicken (slightly spicy), salad, pizza, and spaghetti. The chicken was the clear winner. We also bought some water, which is quite expensive (around 2-3 CHF for a large bottle). Tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink, and after trying both Migros and Coop, we decided to stick with Migros, even though it's a bit more expensive. The food there seems fresher and tastier, especially the prepared dishes.

We boarded the Golden Line train from Lucerne to Brienz (this train line can also take you to Interlaken Ost, but we wanted to take a boat ride, so we got off here). Looking through the large windows, we saw houses at intervals, mostly farms, animal husbandry, green meadows with grass for cows, and other vegetables scattered throughout. There were also lakes where people were enjoying activities with their families, such as fishing, walking, and cycling.

We arrived at the pier around 3:33 PM, just in time for the 3:40 PM departure. The boats on this lake accept Swiss passes, but only for outdoor seating in second-class. We were the last group to arrive, so we had to run to catch the boat. The boat took us from Brienz pier to Interlaken Ost. The journey was surrounded by mountains and houses along the entire route. Almost every house had a speedboat docked in the water. Imagine living in a waterfront house with your own boat dock. Waking up to a view like this, with the sky meeting the mountains and the turquoise lake, would be incredibly refreshing.

The central area of the ship is the onboard restaurant, which is inaccessible to passengers with second-class tickets. They offer water and snacks throughout the journey, but it is unclear if there is a charge. However, it is certainly warmer than where we are sitting outside, exposed to the wind. Those who are sensitive to the cold should prepare warm clothes and scarves, as the wind is chilly even in the sun. The ship takes about 60 minutes to sail across Lake Brienz, arriving at INTERLAKEN Ost at 4:50 PM. We chose to walk through the city to INTERLAKEN West, a distance of about 2 kilometers. It may seem close, but our fatigue from walking all day in the city made this distance feel much longer and took us much longer to cover.

We checked in at Hotel Beausite Interlaken, which is about 500 meters from the train station. The atmosphere is good both inside and outside the hotel. The room is clean and the staff is friendly. They explained everything we needed to know and gave us a 2-day bus pass for the city, which corresponds to the number of nights we are staying. The picture below is the view from our bedroom window tonight. The mountain that we will see in full tomorrow morning. After we put our luggage away and took care of our personal business, we started to feel hungry, so we walked to the bus stop in front of the hotel, not far away, to find a restaurant in the city of INTERLAKEN West. For tonight (we almost forgot to take pictures of the hotel room in every place on this trip ToT).

This city is teeming with paramotoring activities for tourists, with prices starting around 5,000 baht.

The city was bustling with tourists, but not to the point of being overcrowded. We saw people from all over Asia, including Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan. As we walked, we came across a restaurant near McDonald's. We decided to try some local cuisine. We ordered five dishes: cheese fondue, salmon steak with french fries, mushroom soup, pork steak, and Rosti. Rosti is a dish made with grated potatoes that are fried until golden brown. It can be served with cheese or ham. The meal cost around 80 Chf.

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Day 1: A Culinary Adventure in Switzerland

Today's meal was truly indescribable. The cheese fondue was pure cheese, served with bread, boiled potatoes, pears, and pickled cucumbers to cut through the richness. The restaurant used two local cheeses, which we couldn't identify, blended together. It was actually delicious, but the unfamiliar smell was a bit off-putting. Those who love cheese might be fine with it, but we decided to pass.

Next up was Rosti. Curiosity got the better of us, so we ordered it, bringing the total potato count for the meal to three: boiled potatoes dipped in cheese fondue, French fries, and Rosti. Was it too much? The jury's still out.

Then came our steaks. The fish was good, but the pork was a no-go (for us, at least). It was still quite pink, so we decided to skip it. Finally, the mushroom soup saved the day. In the end, the only dishes we enjoyed were the mushroom soup, salmon steak, and French fries.

The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and the staff was friendly. We just weren't used to authentic European food. We'll see if tomorrow's meal is a hit or miss.

Initially, we had our sights set on an ice cream shop and Migros' restaurant, but both were closed when we arrived. After a short walk around town, we took the bus back to our room to prepare for our early morning climb. Goodnight, Switzerland! Day 1 complete.

Day 2: Close Yet Far

[SCHILTHORN - JUNGFRAUJOCH - INTERLAKEN West.]

This trip is full of early risers, especially the kids in our group. We're up by 4, 5, or 6 almost every day. Today was no different. We actually booked a breakfast included option, but we left before we could eat. So, our day started with instant noodles, congee, and snacks from the plane.

After taking care of personal matters, we left the hotel around 6 am. The sky was dark, and we were the only ones walking around. We saw one cyclist pass by. The whole town was dark and quiet.

Today's plan is to climb both SCHILTHORN and JUNGFRAUJOCH. Let's see if we can conquer both peaks in one day. It's so early that there are no buses yet, so we have to walk from the hotel to the train station to travel from Interlaken West to Lauterbrunnen station. At the station, there were about 10 other people waiting for the same train.

The sky was still dark as we traveled, making us worry if the sun would even come out by the time we reached our destination. We followed the plan on this map, starting with the pink, yellow, and green lines in order.

The train slowly climbed the mountain, and the sun gradually followed, casting its rays. Our early morning wake-up call before the rooster crowed began to show good results, and we avoided being scolded by our friends. The mountain peak we were heading to was right in front of us. The morning air was chilly and breezy. When we arrived, we walked to the train station to go to the village of Murren.

Upon arrival, we embarked on a 40-minute walk to the cable car station, traversing the village and capturing scenic photographs along the way. The crisp mountain air prompted us to don additional layers before stepping outside. At 8:00 AM, we boarded the cable car, having exchanged our Swiss passes for tickets at the counter. Notably, the ascent to the Schilthorn peak was complimentary for Swiss pass holders in 2018.

The time had come to board the cable car. The air was refreshingly cool, and I was glad I had added an extra layer of clothing at the station. Initially, the car was empty, but as the departure time approached, it filled up with about 20 people who seemed to appear out of nowhere. As the cable car ascended, the mountain peaks were bathed in sunlight, gradually turning a soft orange from the reflection of the snow on their summits. The view was breathtaking, although my photos couldn't quite capture its full beauty.

We disembarked at Birg station to enjoy the view. We walked outside the building and onto a metal balcony with an open grate, allowing us to see the ground below. There was a path that ran along the edge of the mountain, which was a bit scary and made our legs tremble slightly. Not many people got off at this station at first, probably because they knew the path wasn't open yet (it opened around 9 am). However, the advantage was that there were no people around, so we could take pictures at our own pace while waiting for the next cable car. By the time we finished taking pictures, it was time to go.

We ascended to the summit of this mountain, which served as the filming location for the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." The Piz Gloria building, a circular restaurant atop the peak, offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. However, access requires an entry ticket or dining reservation. Opting for the latter, we descended to enjoy a meal below, assuming the prices would be more reasonable. We settled on cheese pie, chicken sandwiches, and hot chocolate, savoring the mountain scenery as we ate.

Upon reaching the summit, three peaks are visible from this angle, including Jungfraujoch. This area offers outdoor access for enjoying the fresh, cold air. There are benches for resting interspersed with small James Bond 007 exhibits along the way.

The surrounding mountains were dotted with snow against the clear sky. The air was clear, and the sunlight began to shine, providing warmth. One of the most regrettable and unfortunate things that happened to us was that our camera broke on the top of the mountain. What is it like to come to Europe and have your camera break? The shutter is not working! Tears almost flowed. At first, I thought it was because of the cold, so I took out the battery, wrapped it up, and put it in my bag in the hope that it would turn on when it got warm, but it didn't work. So from now on, I will take pictures from my friends' mobile phones. We walked around this area for a while, and then it was time to go down to the next mountain.

We took the cable car back down to Murren to go down to Stechelberg. In addition to the camera breaking, we also lost our card, but it was no problem. We went to the counter and the staff issued us a new ticket by presenting our Swiss Pass as before. We waited for our turn and took the cable car down. There were not as many people going down as there were going up. The staff smiled and explained things like a tour guide all the way. Looking out, we could see villages in the valley at intervals. Wherever there was a river, there were houses clustered together. When we got down, we had to take a bus to Lauterbrunnen to go up to the Jungfraujoch. One lovely thing here is that many families often bring their dogs to the mountain. The afternoon air in the valley was still cool, not exceeding 15 degrees.

Upon arriving at Lauterbrunnen station, we joined a queue of people waiting to board the train to the summit. At the station, we exchanged our voucher for tickets, which specified both the ascent and descent routes. Initially, we failed to notice this detail, resulting in the need to exchange the tickets again before our descent, incurring an additional service charge. Had we informed the staff beforehand of our intention to descend via a different route, we could have avoided the extra fee. As per our communication with the sales representative in Thailand, we were informed that we could ascend and descend from either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. After exchanging the tickets, we rushed to board the train departing at approximately 11:40 AM, the next available train after a wait of nearly half an hour. Our train journey commenced from Lauterbrunnen, with stops at Kleine Scheidegg before reaching the summit of Jungfraujoch.

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The peak of this mountain is gradually becoming more crowded. Along the way, we encountered people hiking up the mountain, both individuals and families with their dogs. We reached the summit around 1:00 PM, and the weather was still cool but sunny and clear.

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Jungfraujoch: A Breathtaking Experience

Jungfraujoch offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring the indoor exhibitions and ice sculptures to venturing onto the outdoor viewing platform. This platform provides breathtaking panoramic views of the vast, snow-white glaciers. Stepping outside, visitors encounter the ultimate combination of extreme cold, strong winds, and stunning glacial vistas. The temperature hovers around 0 degrees Celsius, causing hands to stiffen instantly. Despite the harsh conditions, the experience is truly unforgettable.

The first snow of my life covered everything in sight, like a vast expanse of bingsu. After a day of hiking on the mountaintop, our hands were numb and our legs were shaking from the wind. Around four o'clock in the afternoon, we took the train back down to Kleine Scheidegg and then to Grindelwald. However, because we didn't validate our tickets earlier, we had to ask the staff to change them for us, which incurred an additional fee. It didn't take long, and we were soon on our way down the mountain.

As we rode the train, we enjoyed the scenery passing by until we approached Grindelwald station. However, we got off at the wrong station, which was Grindelwald Grund station. It was quite a while before the next train arrived. Even though we got off at the wrong station, the view was still very beautiful. So we took a walk around the area. It was a very peaceful town with houses lined up on the hillside and a clear stream flowing in front.

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After a one-stop train ride to Grindelwald, we continued on to Interlaken West. We arrived with plenty of time to spare, reaching our hotel before 4:30 PM. Fortunately, the hotel had just prepared afternoon tea, complete with cheese pie, fruit pie, fruit cake, and other pastries. The desserts were not overly sweet and tasted delicious. We devoured them before we could even take a picture. This afternoon tea was the perfect reward for our tired and hungry group.

After resting and taking care of personal matters, it was time for dinner. The Migros restaurant was closed, so we tried a restaurant that had been popular with tour groups the previous day. Our dinner consisted of salad, fish and chips, pork steak, and pineapple pizza.

02

The restaurant boasts a diverse staff, including locals, Russians, Americans, and Thais. One of the staff, a master's student from a university in Lucerne who was interning there, recommended instant noodles as their go-to meal. After struggling through a difficult meal, we craved dessert to end the evening on a sweet note. We walked to a convenience store across the street and picked up ice cream and blueberry yogurt. We sat outside the store, braving the cold air and cigarette smoke (again). After a while, we decided to take the bus back to our room. The air was getting colder, and the city was starting to quiet down, even though it was only 8 pm. Everyone was heading home. We confidently boarded the bus, believing we were on the right route. However, after a while, we realized the bus was heading in the opposite direction of our hotel. The driver informed us that it was a one-way route that looped around, and we would reach our stop at the end of the loop. Therefore, we had to stay on the bus until the end of the line and wait for the driver to return to the depot and pass by our hotel. (It's important to check with the driver before boarding the bus.) Exhausted and sleepy, we finally dragged ourselves back to the hotel, showered, and went to bed. Just as we were about to say goodnight to Switzerland for the second day, we encountered teenagers drinking alcohol and smoking outside the hotel. The smoke drifted into our room since there was no air conditioning, only a heater and a window. Around 10 pm, they finished their drinks and returned to their rooms, allowing us to finally fall asleep. Good night, Switzerland.

03

The Capital Bear

Before the rooster crowed, we woke up to the refreshing, crisp air. After taking care of our personal needs, we gathered for another breakfast of instant noodles and porridge. We had informed the hotel staff the previous day that we would be leaving early, so they had set out a coffee machine and four croissants for us to grab for a late breakfast. Our plan for the day was to visit Mt. Tilits and Bern. We started our journey from Interlaken West, heading to Bern to leave our luggage and then catch a connecting train to Lucerne - Eldenberg - Mt. Tilits. Due to our rushed planning, we arrived in Lucerne around 7:50 am, but we missed the train to Eldenberg because we couldn't leave our luggage in time. We spent a considerable amount of time looking for the next train, which meant we missed our chance to go to Mt. Tilits. We decided to return to Bern and then take a walk around the city of Zermatt. This turned out to be the right decision, guided by a certain intuition.

The first stop after officially entering the Swiss capital was a bus ride to admire the city view at 01 - Rose Garden. It is similar to a city park, with people picnicking, children playing on the playground, and having lunch. Besides the beautiful view, there are many varieties of roses, but they were starting to bloom when we visited.

We then descended from the rose garden to hunt for bears at 02 - Bärengraben. We came across an old bear pool that had been moved to the water's edge. We walked along the water's edge where a large group of people were gathered, and we saw a fat bear pacing in the pool. We followed the path and found a staircase leading down, where another bear was swimming in a small canal. We descended the stairs and watched the brown bear go down to the water's edge.

People are sitting and playing by the riverside. From this angle, you can see the Aare River separating the BearPark from the city of Bern. The river is clear and swimmable. There are signs indicating that swimming is allowed, but be aware that the current is quite strong. I noticed a man swimming in the river, even though the air temperature is no more than 20 degrees Celsius. I wonder how cold the water must be.

After taking photos, we took the elevator back upstairs and continued exploring the city. We crossed a bridge and walked for a while before encountering the Bern Cathedral.

We then walked into the main street of the city, where there were cafes and shops along the way. We came across a small, cute shop, and with our craving for coffee, we decided to stop by.

The Main Walking Path

This path leads you past the Zytglogge clock tower (04), which served as the city's first gate between 1191 and 1256. In 1530, an astronomical clock was installed, transforming it into a popular tourist attraction. To the right of the clock, rotating figures appear at specific times. Further along, you'll encounter Käfigturm (05), a western gate tower built around 1256. It served as a prison and now hosts political exhibitions, open only during specific events (it was closed during our visit). Scattered along the path are several fountains.

After completing the circuit, it was just past noon, and it was time to find something to eat. We entrusted our stomachs to Migros, grabbing spring rolls, vegetable salad, spinach pie, a cup of coffee each, and some water. Surprisingly, the spring rolls were quite delicious. We sat down to eat and wait for the train in the smoking compartment on the platform. As we finished eating, the train to Zermatt arrived just in time. We mentioned earlier that it was a good thing we didn't go to Mt. Tilits in the morning, as the route to Zermatt was undergoing repairs and we had to take a bus, which delayed our arrival by almost an hour, making it quite late when we finally arrived (you can check whether there are repairs or not using the SSB mobile app).

We finally arrived in Zermatt and checked into our pre-booked accommodation. After settling in, it was time to find something to eat. Our accommodation for the night was an apartment with two single beds, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony. As the temperature dropped, we decided to cook our own dinner at the apartment. Thankfully, the town had a Migros supermarket, so we went shopping and stocked up on groceries. Our shopping spree cost around 55 CHF (if we could book accommodation like this every day, we could save a lot of money). We also bought enough food for breakfast the next day.

On my way back to the room, I passed by the Laderach chocolate shop, which looked delicious, so I bought a couple of packs as souvenirs.

From Switzerland to Milan

This evening's meal was the most delicious and best-priced we've had in Switzerland. After dinner, we went our separate ways to bed, knowing we had to wake up at 4:00 am tomorrow to be ready for our military training. Sweet dreams on our last night in this dreamland.

On the fourth morning in a foreign land, we set out to encounter another mountain, the Matterhorn, the iconic peak featured on Toblerone chocolate. After finishing our provisions, we began our journey. The outside air was frigid, with a biting wind. We had arrived too early, as the cable car did not open until 7:00 AM. To escape the wind, we sought refuge in the locker room to store our luggage. As the opening time approached, we emerged to board the train. Presenting our Swiss Pass at the counter, we paid approximately 50% of the ticket price and boarded the train. The train gradually ascended, climbing higher and higher. We disembarked at the Gorneregrat station, the final stop, and awaited the sunrise.

The protagonist took numerous photos, and after a lengthy photoshoot, they still had time to spare before the 9 am train. Initially, they planned to walk down to Rotenbeden station, but the weather conditions, with its persistent cold and wind, proved too challenging. They opted to wait inside the building at a restaurant, where they enjoyed cake, coffee, and cocoa while taking in the crisp morning air. As they gazed out, they witnessed the Matterhorn peak bathed in the rising sun's glow.

At 9:00 am, we took the train down the mountain to Rotenbeden station. The majestic mountain reflected in the blue water, contrasting with the clear sky. We made good time, taking photos, enjoying the view, and walking leisurely. In less than half an hour, we walked back to the station to prepare to board the train. Bye Bye Matterhorn, goodbye chocolate mountain, it was like a dream.

After arriving at the bottom, we took a short stroll to find some Swiss souvenirs at Migros, a chocolate shop, and souvenir stalls along the way. We shopped until we were late, so we had lunch at McDonald's. Due to our fast walking and photography, our travel schedule was significantly moved up. As our train reservation to Milan was quite late, arriving in Milan late at night, we decided to travel earlier, forfeiting our booked tickets and taking a train around noon to Milan, Italy.

In summary, PART 1

" **Part 2: Once upon a time in Switzerland & Italy part 2** is available in the link below."

https://th.readme.me/p/22267