Why You Should Travel To Switzerland If You're Burnt Out
If you're travelling to Europe, don't forget to squeeze in a few days in Switzerland - you won't regret it
By Terri Kue -
Living in Singapore is like being in a well-oiled machine. It can feel like you are a cog constantly turning to keep things running; without fail, without pause. I have always found myself getting swept up in Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle; I lived my days trying to fit everything into the 24 hours of a day.
(Yes, including an eight-hour sleep schedule. Sadly, that doesn't often make it into the schedule.)
And then I took a trip to Switzerland.
When you think of Switzerland, a few things may come to mind. Cows, for one, and the alps, for another. However, while the cows were cute and the alps breathtaking, the one thing that struck me the most was how much slower the pace of life was.
Compared to Singapore where everybody seems to be rushing for everything, the Swiss people I saw took things at a much more comfortable pace. Yes, I admit that I could have been seeing things through rose-coloured glasses (as tourists often do), but if you're reading this, chances are you'd be a tourist in Switzerland too.
If you are a lover of scenic views, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Switzerland. In a country known for its alps, there is no shortage of mountain views to take in. And if you are lucky and find yourself standing on one of those mountains, you can experience the clouds enveloping you from all sides. Scary? Maybe. Exhilarating? Yes.
I also came upon many little lakes with the clearest water I’ve ever seen. It filled me with a sense of serene peacefulness to watch the river flow over the rocks - it’s not a sight you can often see in Singapore.
If you prefer shopping, Switzerland is a great place to find a new watch to add to your collection. Interlaken, in particular, is a watch haven, with shops upon shops to walk through. With brands such as IWC Schaffhausen and Piaget, it can be hard to walk away without a new timepiece on your wrist.
If you are looking for Swiss chocolate, where else are you to buy it than where it comes from? If you have the chance to visit Lucerne, you will be spoilt for choice. With at least two large stores selling a wide variety of chocolate, make sure to bring back some for your family!
I think I speak for most of us when I say that a trip to Switzerland is not complete without going up to the mountains. During my trip, I had the opportunity to go up Jungfraujoch and Mt Titlis to enjoy the freezing temperatures.
It has to be said, though, that the experience on the top of these mountains varies greatly from person to person depending on the weather. When I visited Jungfraujoch, the clouds were in full force and I couldn’t really see anything from the top. However, the area had many other interesting exhibitions to look at, so it was still worth the trip.
On Mt Titlis, though, we had an unobstructed view. The weather was good, which meant that the facilities were mostly open to the public. If you have the chance, I definitely recommend the Mt Titlis Ice Flyer that brings you to a lower area filled with snow activities. If not, why not walk on the suspended bridge and pose for a family picture?
When in Switzerland, eat what the Swiss eat. For the uninitiated, cheese fondue (the one I tried, at least) is basically dipping bread into hot cheese, swirling it vigorously for a few seconds, and then bon appétit. There was a strong cheese taste and aroma, and the bread was deliciously crunchy.
If there’s one city in Switzerland I’d recommend the most, Lucerne would have to take the cake. It’s perfect for those who love sightseeing; you can get up close and personal with the Lion Monument that was carved to honour the Swiss soldiers who died serving the French and take a walk along the Chapel Bridge.
The bridge is a sight to see with many paintings on the inside. However, many of the paintings were destroyed or damaged due to the 1993 fire. Yet, I'd say it’s a must-see tourist spot, especially for the picturesque views you can capture on your cameras.
And just a side note: if you are a fan of ducks, Lucerne is full of them swimming in the waters.
In Singapore, the sky starts to darken at 7pm. In Switzerland, though, the summer days stretched long into the night.
The picture above is of the sky at 9pm. The sun had just started to set, and even an hour later, there was light in the sky. I could take my time walking next to rivers and enjoying the day. I felt like time stretched on and that the night wouldn’t ever begin.
My trip to Switzerland allowed me to slow down and smell the roses. It taught me to appreciate the little things such as the flowers at my feet. It’s a country for sightseeing, shopping, and a great relief for those who have found themselves swept up in the Singapore pace.
And, well, you wouldn’t find me saying no to another trip there. In fact, I'm already planning one; be right back.