This week my journey in Switzerland took me to the nation’s largest city – Zurich. The city itself is around 430,000 according to the 2018 census – but the entire surrounding area of Zurich is probably closer to 1.5 million or so.
Many non-residents may find that they are wrong in thinking that Zurich is the capital of Switzerland (Bern is the national capital).
The city is located on one end of Lake Zurich in the north central area of Switzerland. It has a beautiful airport with some outstanding views of the Alps that is the busiest in the country. The rail station is also the most active and Zurich is a natural hub of travel to and through my second homeland.
Now, this is an old place – it is over 2000 years old. Settled in 15 BC by the 
Romans. The architecture does reflect the age of the city and it is a blend of modern and old buildings – making it very interesting for the many visitors it entertains.
The river Limmat flows from Lake Zurich and the “Old Town” is built around either side of the river. It makes for some really picturesque scenes. Views of really old buildings, churches and clock towers built amongst restaurants and shops.
Obviously, everyone knows that Zurich is a big center for the financial sector of Europe – well for the world for that matter. I mean we are all aware of those so called “numbered” Swiss bank accounts. Those accounts no one can get to see.
Well, I think I still have some money in one of those accounts from one of my earlier visits. No wonder the IRS is always holding up my tax returns! Hopefully they never find those gold bars I buried in the yard.
With all of the visitors, the size of the city and also the international business done here there is definitely more “hustle and bustle.” The city is busy and the pace is different than most other parts of the country.
I have been here several times and I am always amazed at the constant movement along the shopping district with some really pricy places. The “Bahnhofstrasse” is a long stretch of shops and restaurants that can but a dent in your wallet.
As you come out of the massive Bahnhof – which has a really great shopping area as well. You step right onto the Bahnhofstrasse – and away you go … 
spending money to your heart’s content. Better bring a lot of $$ when you slide on down that street.
Anyway, was a good trip and like everywhere else in Switzerland – the chocolate and beer (die schokolade und bier) – well pretty good here as well.