September 17-18, 2025
When waking up in the morning, have you ever had the feeling that you were transported into a different universe and lost a day in the process? This is what it feels like flying from the US to Europe. Where did our Wednesday go?!
Arriving in Zürich, we knew we were at the right place when we glanced out the hotel window. The street outside is Dianastrasse (Diane Street)!
Taking a walk Wednesday night, I came accross a loud demonstraion pointed toward a police barricade. "Free Palestine!" was the chant. The area was swarming with "chill" cops. In my ideal Switzerland, I don't imagine this sort of street protest. But, it was orderly... just like the Swiss. Even the chants they were screaming were on a very precise cue.
Sunset from Old Town. (The name makes me feel at home :-)
We finally made it! After an all-night flight, we touched down in Zurich in the late afternoon. Somewhere along the way, Wednesday disappeared. Today sun is shining, the temperature is cool (compared to Tucson) and the landscape is absolutely beautiful. Now begins the slow process of adjusting to a new time zone—and the exciting adventure of exploring the city.
Above, the view out the window when leaving San Francisco.
Approaching Zürich airport.
Lake Zürich on Marc's morning run.
Switzerland’s “.ch” web domain comes from its Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica (Swiss Confederation). Using Latin avoids favoring any of the country’s four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—while nodding to the ancient Helvetii tribe that once lived here. That’s why you’ll spot “CH” not just online, but also on Swiss car stickers, coins, and official documents: a tiny code that speaks volumes about Switzerland’s unity in diversity.