Switzerland: The Majestic Beauty

The majestic beauty of Switzerland, with its pot-card ready scenes are so breathtaking to an ordinary mortal who is not used to seeing beauty and cleanliness from the point-of-view of an Asian.

Although it is freezing out here, the weather can be disregarded knowing that you are standing in a country with a culture rich of traditions, tales and legends as well as political and historical landmarks in the world that you can only read from the books.

First up on the itinerary is the Geneva, where my imagination is running wild with chocolates and the Alps mixed together in a fantastic dream.  As it turned out, Geneva, the city by the lake is a relaxed and idyllic city.  With its countless museums and very clean streets and sites, the ambiance will truly enchant you. 

Tourists also come here as their jumpstart for a tour in the Alps.  As the Himalayas is the rooftop of the world, the Swiss Alps is no less majestic.  With its breath-taking snow-capped mountains, it conjures up a post-card moment in which one thanks God for a truly magnificent creation like the Alps.

But of course, knowing with the world’s penchant for chocolates, I myself researched about the world famous chocolates which can only be found here in Switzerland.  According to the locals, the celebrated L’escalade festival during December 11 is the day chocolate-lovers would be more than delighted to partake in. 

History has it that during the invasion of a certain Duke of Savoy, one of his soldiers was impeded by a housewife who smashed a boiling cauldron over his head which was filled with vegetable soup! I don’t know what was the connection between the vegetable soup and the chocolate festival.  But L’escalade is remarkably celebrated by the Genevans with lots of chocolate chompings. 

With a period-costume parade and lots of chocolate, who wouldn’t want to take part in that revelry and lose yourself in such a wonderful festival!

Also, take note of the festivals of Bol d’ OR, in which hundreds of white-hot yachts have a race up to the far end of the lake and then back again.

Next stop, Zurich.  Also known as the banking capital, it is not filled with boring people very much stuck to their businesses. 

Contrary to what people expect, it is a pleasant and highly exciting city to be in.  Its appearance may deceive you, with the churches and staples hovering above the metropolis.  But when night time looms, the fun and party begin. 

Ever since there were changed in the planning laws, bars and cafes have continuously sprouted up to cater to the demands of the young and hip urbanites of this pleasant city.

The festival to watch out for is the Züri Fäscht.  It is held every July, once in every three years, in which you can watch out for in July 4, 2010. 

Central Zurich comes alive with a massive fairground with every possibility of your enjoyment, whims, needs and wants.  A fireworks display tops this anticipated festival!  And this is just one event to watch out for. 

Groove to the beat of international DJs and street parties in August and September as the Street Parade locks in and the Zuri Jazz Woche is celebrated respectfully.