Serenity & Success All Around
Not many countries in Europe have the class that Switzerland exudes.
Aside from the Covid years, visiting Switzerland has been pretty much a yearly occurrence for me since 2013 - it has probably been my most visited country, which sounds like a flex, and it is. However, the reason for me visiting so often is my auntie and cousin live there. Which I suppose is a more a flex for them.
The serenity that Switzerland exudes could be due to the fact they aren’t part of the European Union, their taxes are minimal and nature is pretty much everywhere. It’s a win win for everyone.
Geneva is the city I visit when in Switzerland - narrowing down this post to a specific trip was difficult, as they all merge into one after visiting so many times. However I’ll mention small snippets from each trip which will bring you up to speed pretty fast.
Starting with my first visit in 2013, with my two sisters, all relatively new to travelling together without our parents, yet going to our aunties house wasn’t so dissimilar. She is the cool aunt, so we knew the trip would be good vibes. The majority of the trip consisted of eating aloo parathas, going out for food, visiting Lake Geneva - and during the time we were there the Geneva Fair was taking place.
2014 - again we ate a lot of aloo parathas, soaked in the sun at the Genève-Plage and ate out at nice restaurants.
2016 I remember going twice, this was my first time visiting the United Nations located in the Palais des Nations- one of four UN Headquarters globally, the others being in Nairobi, NYC and Vienna. It has an impressive front facing entrance with all the flags of the UN member states ‘Alley of the Flags’
A funny story (sinking feeling at the time) looking back was I had turned up at the UN security gates excited to take a tour of the place, when I get to the front of the queue. The Swiss guard looks at me and says ‘Passport’
I take my sunglasses off, and frantically searched my bag, somewhat knowing I didn’t bring it with me - I mention I had forgotten it, to which he says ‘you need it to enter’ - that led me to run back to my aunties, about an hour away on the tram all in all.
I come back by 4pm, my sisters like that was quick, I’m like yeah I forgot my passport so I’m heading back. She’s looks at me like idiot. Or maybe she says it outwardly, either way she was right.
I get back onto the tram, run to the security area, hand them my passport. For them to say…
‘Last entry was 20 minutes ago’ - I then smile and say merci, with a sarcastic smile.
So the lesson here, when visiting a heavily guarded building which at any one time could be hosting diplomats, generals, prime-ministers etc - remember to bring some form of identification. Like you didn’t already know, but if you didn’t now you do.
As mentioned, visiting Geneva is a very common occurrence for me, as I write this I’m already planning a trip again in summer ‘25 - this time may hit up Zurich for some alternate vibes, let’s see.
One thing people often ask me about Switzerland - is it expensive?!
It is.
Generally speaking everything seemed more expensive than in England, which I am sure is offset by the higher wages and lower tax rates. Of course in this example, I’m talking about standard items, food, clothing, transport.
Yet, I am sure a Richard Mille or a Patek is going to be the same regardless of which country you visit.
Unless you go to a dodgy dealer and sells you it for a 10th of the price, then you’re guaranteed a cheaper deal, but also guaranteed it’s going to be 100% fake.
Don’t let the fact Switzerland being expensive prevent you from visiting.
There have been plenty of activities and tours I’ve been on out there which have been great value for money.
Getmyguide is a great provider of these trips - so check them out.
All in all, Geneva is great, a very chill and calm place and one where the oxygen feel unpolluted. It’s a must visit place for everyone.
