Day 1 - Zurich, Switzerland

The day had finally arrived that our class would board a connecting flight from Tampa to Washington D.C, and then from Washington D.C. to Zurich, Switzerland. Needless to say, our class was buzzing with excitement at the airport for our scheduled meet-up. The first flight was rather quiet (except for a small child at the beginning of the flight) and was relatively peaceful. After a two-three hour flight, we landed in Washington and diverted into groups to look for food before our connecting flight. I introduced several students and my professor to Potbelly's Subs and Sandwhiches. Back in Chicago, Midway, Potbelly's is my go-to place to eat before a flight.

After a small meal, we boarded our flight for Zurich. This was my first time on an international plane, and it was so much more exciting than I could have imagined.

Each seat had a small screen with free movies, television shows, games, and more! I could now understand why Emma had styles up the whole flight for her previous Europe trip. I ended up watching two movies: Strange Magic and 101 Dalmations. Both were enjoyable but for the rest of the 4 hours I slept to reduce jet lag for myself.

Soon we landed in Zurich and our adventure began to escalate. I received my first passport stamp at customs and fist bumped with other ecstatic students. After we were all through we retrieved our luggage and met up with our tour guide. To add to our excitement, we were driven to the hotel on a double decker tour bus. All of us sat up top to get a better view of the area. 

The city itself is built along the Alpes with crystal clear water that flows down from the mountains. The air is so cool and crisp feeling and greeny grows everywhere. Around the city apartments of old centuries and new greeted us with rustic shutters and high balconies. It is so fresh and clean here it really dumbfounded me with awe. It wasn't long after we dropped our luggage off at the hotel and began exploring the city on foot. 

My professor Santi really enjoyed the interactive sculptures!

One of the coolest things here is the fountains. They are EVERYWHERE in the city and many display a statue depicted from Roman mythology. But the best part is the water itself. It is so fresh and clean here that we were urged to hold onto our water bottles to refill them there! And it tastes just fine. Better than any city water I've had back in the states.

To everyone's surprise and dismay, the weather is unexpectantly hot here. The lake breeze helps, but I wish I had packed shorts and open two sandals.

Speaking of the lake, that has been one of the best parts of the trip so far. You can find locals resting on benches around it and dozens of swans, mallards, and wood ducks. They are very people friendly and fed by the locals.

I believe I will return to the spot with my sketchbook to draw during our free time.

By the end of the day, we were all wiped out from our two day long trip. We were treated to a welcoming dinner at a vegan buffet and the food was fantastic! My favorite was the desserts and fruits. I even got to try mango for the first time. I absolutely love it now!!

On the way back we stopped by the river to take more pictures and watch the sunset. 

For our first day of travel, this experience has already blown me away. I can't wait for more adventures with my classmates and professors. And I believe they would agree that this trip is going to be amazing!