Zürich, Switzerland
A weekend trip to meet a friend on exchange.
The easiest way to get to Heathrow airport, taking the Picadilly line as far west as you can.
After a quick one and a half hour flight, accompanied by in-flight Swiss chocolate, I was in Zürich.
As with any modern developed city (cough cough Melbourne), the airport is equipped with public transport, allowing easy access to the city and back.
My mate's student accomodation was in the nice suburb of Zolikon, where there isn't any of the hustle or bustle of city life that you're usually used to. Quiet suburban life.
The station close to my mates student accomodation. An absolutely stunning view of Lake Zurich, something you definitely wouldn't see in London.
As with most Western European nations, the Swiss are also fond of having reliable public transport, including trams.
A Romanesque-style Protestant church in the heart of Zürich, it is one of the 4 major churches in the city.
5 Francs, and a somewhat tiring climb up, you are greeted with a beautiful 360 degree view of the city.
This photo has no significance in my journey, but it was the first time I had asked a complete stranger if I could take a photo, and she had agreed.
Commencing at Lake Zurich, the Limmat flows north through the city towards the river Aare.
As picturesque as the city is, no trip is complete without a visit to the local stores. As you could guess, the Swiss are fans of everything expensive.
Yet another 'franchise' chocolatier, Laderach has a wide variety of chocolates, both pre-packaged and handmade in store.
One of many funicular railways, the Polybahn (sponsored by UBS), is a quick and easy way to get up those steep hills. Although there is no ticketing system for funiculars, be warned that you still need to purchase a travel pass that includes entry onto the funiculars.
One of the highest ranking universities in the world, ETH is home to a staggering amount of Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists. Not to mention Albert Einstein too.
Not entirely sure what events happen in this hall, but there was an admissions fair when we came by. Unfortunately, it was only open to prospective students.
I don't know what it is about Europe, but they're awfully fond of nude statues. No judgement though, whatever floats your boat.
A trip to ETH wouldn't be complete without a quick tour of the computer science faculty, which seems surprisingly ... old.
Switzerland isn't complete without a visit to the headquarters of corruption itself, FIFA.
After our quick walk/hike up Zurichberg, my mate and I decided to try our feet at ice skating. It was my first time, and it wasn't a very fun experience. Especially when there are 6 year olds outdoing you at every turn.
Switzerland is littered with water fountains everywhere, complete with beautiful ornate stone scupltures. Some of which pee water, but this is a very family friendly photojournal, so I decided to leave it out.
For my last day in Zurich, we hiked up Mount Uetliberg, on an unfortunately cloudy day. I was incredibly unprepared for the hike, equipped with my usual work shoes and my usual unfit self.