Spending in Switzerland: Quality time and lots of Francs

My cousin Donna has lived in Switzerland for over ten years. I've always wanted to visit her and MB and I were finally able to make this dream a reality. Arriving in Zurich last Tuesday night, we felt like absolutely royalty when Donna and her partner Toni were there to greet us at the airport and drive us to their lovely apartment, where they had recently moved. Not only were Donna and Toni gracious enough to host us, but they expedited their move to accommodate our arrival. Over wine and a traditional Swiss meal of Raclette, we discussed European history, geography and current affairs. MB and I and realized how very little we know about these subjects!

Donna and Toni live in the small city of Winterthur, just northeast of Zurich. We had a day to explore this charming swiss community and then headed to Zurich for a day trip. Switzerland is unique among European countries in that its cities' infrastructure have not been destroyed by wars - especially remarkable given proximity to Germany. This is not to say the Swiss were totally removed from war; Zurich's reputation as a financial powerhouse started during the Second World War as many wealthy Germans hid their financial treasures here.

Although we were explicitly warned about Switzerland's high cost of living, still we were not prepared for the inflated prices of literally everything, from groceries to coffee to transportation. For example, a cup of lukewarm tea at McDonald's set us back 3.80 CHF, or 5.12 CAD.  Here in Canada this would cost less than a twoonie. We also happened to see a regular, no frills umbrella with a price tag of 70 CHF, or approx. 95 CAD! With such prices, our travel cheapness kicked into extra high gear.  MB even rooted around in a Starbucks garbage to find the washroom code on a receipt so we wouldn't have to buy a coffee to use the toilet.  I have never been more happy to be married to her than at that moment :)

The Swiss are known for their watches and they love their town clocks too.  There's no excuse to be late in Zurich!  The clock in the distance is the largest clock face in Europe - even bigger than Big Ben.

MB and I couldn't escape the cold on this European trip - my face is the same colour as MB's hat!