We left on November 28 and arrived in Zürich in the early evening Nov 29. The flights were on time and smooth, but we had to spend a few hours in London Gatwick in between flights. It wasn’t enough time to do any sightseeing and too much time to hang out. I was able to book lounge access for 3 hours prior to flight which was very civilized and I highly recommend it. The day was super sunny. Once you clear security, en route to the lounge, you pass through an incredible mall. You name it and they have it. Including Marks and Spencer’s (who I miss in Canada!).

Upon arrival in Zürich we were picked up by a transfer to take us to our hotel: Renaissance Tower Zürich

It’s located in the gentrified techno district near the Hardbrüke Train Station. Before we head to the room, we take a quick break in the lounge.

Shortly after our happy hour, we hit the hay. Our room is a spacious and comfortable king bedroom with an oversized bathroom. Simple and elegant.

The following morning we arranged to meet my cousin in a nearby German town called Konstance. She provided us with instructions for taking the train. The weather was full, gray and chilly. We walked to the train station and hopped on; we had to change trains in Winterthur which is a quaint town. Then we were caught by surprise: the station in Konstance was having technical problems and we couldn’t reach it. Instead we had to disembark in Kreutzlingen (the last stop in Switzerland). What we didn’t realize is that the two towns are connected. When the train representative told us to walk to Konstance we were a bit confused. But I messaged my cousin and told her (she already knew as they were meeting us at the station!); we set a meeting place and walked. We met in a local mall called Lago and on the top floor is a very cool outdoor patio; we have a coffee and laugh about the train. Nothing like an unexpected adventure to start the day.

After our quick coffees we venture out to visit the medieval city. Along the way, my cousin and her husband tell us local history. The most fascinating part is that Konstance was spared bombing during the war because of its proximity to neutral Switzerland. They kept their lights on at night so the bombers thought they were Swiss. So fortunately the old buildings remained intact!

What you don’t see in the picture in front of the church is a small glass structure that encloses an ancient wall from Roman times (400 ad); the wall was discovered as they were excavating around the church. Of course the renovations stopped and the ancient wall was enshrined.

Buildings from the medieval times date back centuries and often have the year of build indicated on them. Some have signs of animals which was a way in those days of identifying them.

After the medieval section of the city, we venture to the Christmas Market. While there we enjoy the mandatory sausage (I had my very favourite Weiß wurst with Senf which is mustard) and then Glühwein which is a spicy mulled hot wine. The market is huge and packed full of people.

My cousin explained that Switzerland is super pricey compared to Germany so Swiss people flock to Konstance for the bargains. She said she had never seen it so busy!

The market is adjacent to the pier where my cousin shows us the famous sculpture of a prostitute holding up her hands. In one hand sits the pope and in the other the king. The prostitution is dressed in working garb and has huge boobs! Very scandalous.

Our day ends in Radolfzell where my cousin lives and we enjoy a Raclette supper with her teenage kids.

She drives us back to the train station where we hop on and head back to Zürich. It’s an hour away. We are glad to hit the sack when we arrive at 9:30 pm.