Instagram
YouTube
On the way to the Monte-Carlo tournament in 2018, I purposefully took a long layover in Switzerland.
After the Road to Rafa series, I created this article to start the "Railways to Roger" series. It seemed an appropriate introduction to those new to Federer country.
Rafa was pretty happy with seeing Zurich when Roger played tour guide for the "Match for Africa".
I can highly recommend this layover for anyone flying through Europe on Luftansa or Swiss Air (great lounge!). Aim to take an extended layover (at least 4 hours) if you want to check out Zurich. Even if you just are at the airport, I always find great souvenirs and authentic chocolates to share back home with my students and friends.
A stroll near Lake Zurich will allow travelers to cross several of the bridges displaying the beautiful architecture and history of this city. The swans like to come out to join the humans around lunchtime.
The tourism center is right inside at the corner of the train station. It can provide you many other ideas and sights to see on the map. The city center is very walkable with many shopping choices. One can even charter a boat tour down the river.
Spring Festival Holiday
As fortune would have it, I arrived during a National Holiday known as Sechseläuten or in German: Sächsilüüte. Usually on the 3rd Monday in April, it consists of a parade of horses and flower floats to welcome the arrival of Spring after a cold winter.
Böögg the Snowman
As tradition has it, the quicker and bigger the explosion of Böögg, the sooner the Zurich citizens should expect a warm arrival of summer. It is the equivalent of our Groundhog's Day in the USA.
This is a celebration of the end of Winter and the start of Spring in Switzerland.
 |
| Sechseläuten_2010_-_Böögg (Explosion) By Roland zh |
Children's Parade Day - Kinderumzug
The Sunday before the holiday is when the Children's parade (Kinderumzug) takes place with the kids and horses all dressed up. Flowers are given away to the men of the parade as part of the tradition.
Documentary: Battle of the Alphorn or Alpine Horns
Basel, Switzerland - Part 2...
I was on my way back to America after visiting the Rafa Academy.
It was an opportunity to do some training in Mallorca, Spain with Rafael Nadal, Uncle Toni, and special WTA guest Naomi Osaka all preparing for the French Open after Barcelona...
Stay tuned!
