Zurich - Switzerland

On our way back home we had a layover in Zurich, Switzerland. We landed early so we made a day of it in the city (the airport is only 10 minutes train ride to downtown Zurich). We have been looking forward to this adventure since we booked the tickets for our Europe trip. 

We were blessed last week with a beautiful sunny day and after purchasing our Zurich passes and getting into the city we headed to the lake for a boat ride where were rewarded with a view of Alps. I believe we were all impressed with their size. 

 We took an hour and a half boat ride on a lake Zurich. We had lunch there and enjoyed the views around us. (Tip for traveling. Pack your own empty water bottles and fill them at the airport. You will save your self a lots of $$. Grandma also packed a lunch for us and we saved even more $$ that way. Just in case you didn't know Switzerland is very expensive).

 Like I said it was a beautiful day and there were many people out enjoying the sun.

I have been blessed with great kids. They love to travel and explore new adventures. They also love each other very much. They do have their moments but they will stand together.

Jo was looking for the I am so bored look. Don't let her fool you. She had a great time.

Picture with a Swiss flag. After we landed back home Emma pointed out an American flag and was so excited to see it. She said:"look mommy, that's our flag". I guess after a month traveling the feeling of being back home feels good.

In the city. Switzerland is a very clean city with lovely people. I was surprised how many people there smoke. People all over Europe are very heavy smokers and that is one thing we will not miss for sure.

We stopped at Grossmunster church (thanks Suzzane for the recommendation) to admire its stained glass windows.

We also visited Uhrenmusum Beyer to see a little of Switzerland watch history. The cheapest watch there was CHF 1,000 (a little over $1,000) Let just say I didn't come home with a new watch. 

We ran out of time to visit famous Sprungli but I did buy some at the airport and we will all enjoy it when we get home. 

We had a great day. We didn't get lost and we didn't loose anybody. We made it back to the airport on time (big relief to Fil) and headed back home to Fil who was waiting for us.

It is good to be home :)

By the way on this trip I realized that the boys can travel on their own. I knew before they are fine at the airport (where everything is in English among other languages). They figured out everything in Zurich on their own. It didn't bother them that everything was in (Swiss) Standard German, Zurich German (Züritüütsch) and Swiss German. They took a map and on their own found out what train, then what tram and what direction to go. What time the boat was leaving and they did way better then I did at the Zürich Hauptbahnhof with its 60 platforms. I kind of took their word for it where to go and we made it to the airport without any mistakes. Way to go boys!!! 

Good bye Prague

At the Prague castle.

A week ago we said good bye to Prague. We took a nice last walk through the city in the morning with the grandparents. I will miss these walks a lot.

Being goofy for the video camera

 We stopped at the Steiger Toy Museum.

Toy robots. Did you know that the word "robot" has its origin from Czech language?

I believe the dolls were a hit with the girlies. Some of them were as tall as they are!

View of the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Barbie

Charles Bridge. I used to walk across this bridge regularly. It is packed with tourists these days still it is something I do miss as well.

What can I say it was a sunny morning.

Good bye Prague (and Czech Republic) We sure hope to be back again!!!

Family

On our way to church we stopped at an old cemetery. This cross had to have been here for some time.

One of the things we miss having in United States is our family. Each time we are in Europe the kids love having all the family relatives around and spending time with them.

 We got to spent some time with Fil's cousins family and their children. Their girls are about the same age as ours and they get along well together. Between Czech, German and English they even understand each other.

The girls had a blast getting into trouble together. They performed the Nutcracker ballet for us and even a doctor show.

 On Sunday we got to spend time with my extended family after church. We all got together for lunch (on Mothers Day). We skyped with Fil (who we miss very much) and enjoyed each other company.

Being silly with my brother.

And my mom.

With my uncle and aunt and my cousins. We will miss everybody very much.  It was a beautiful day outside. I cannot wait to get back and start working on my garden.

 Orchids were in full bloom while we were in Europe and we were admiring them in garden centers and peoples homes. I might give it a try when we get back.

Day at the ZOO

Emma and Jo heading down the stairs down to the tram station.

Today we took an advantage of a nice weather and headed to the ZOO. The kids remembered it from our previous trips to Europe and they were looking forward to seeing all the animals. We always have some kind of adventure going to the Prague ZOO and today wasn't an exception. We almost made it there until we had to take the bus for our last leg of the way. Grandma and Jo made it on it but the rest of us couldn't get in. We waited for two more buses and at the end we walked (a little over half hour walk). I guess way too many people wanted to go to the ZOO on the same day. At the end we all made it there with high spirits and the sun shining.

 The girls got to ride little ponies.

 We even skyped with daddy.

Grandpa on the phone talking to Fil via skype.

About to the new elephant pavilion. We were all very impressed.

Crate for transporting elephants.

The girls getting a taste of Sri Lanka.

Now where is the elephant to give us a ride?

With the giraffes in the background.

Raindeer.

Grandpa was hungry.

 The kids favorite treat - hot dog in "rohlik" (bun).

The girlies with camels in the back. (Jo still has a food in her mouth).

The most expensive animal in the ZOO. (Przewalski's horse)

At the end of the day Grandma made a special purchase from the ZOO store and she made Sam carry it all the way home. I believe elephant's dung could be a good fertilization.

Almost home. The grandparents with Jo on a tram.