21 Sept. Oslo to Zurich

Leaving while the world seemed to be still sleeping (which is a contrast to when we arrived so late at night; there were crowds around then!) we made our way to the Flytoget station. I've been amazed at how everyone we've spoken to, whether in shops, in public places or random conversations with other travellers, every single person has slipped easily into English and we've had not one language difficulty. I wonder how the locals hear us though - they all speak English with such lovely accents.

The fast train to the Airport was gun metal grey and had the bull nosed front on it - very impressive. As we flew along much of the trip was in tunnels but when above ground, the fences were a blur at 200km/h. Quite exciting really. We wish Sydney had built their second airport and one of these trains to the City rather than the Government having wasted so much money on pink bats and solar panels!

We found our way through the Airport routine (for the last time until we get our flight home) including getting a tax refund for some Norwegian stuff we had bought in Flåm, and then found something for brekky. Our flight was delayed a bit so I went to see if I could spend our last few Kroner and was very happy to be able to buy some chocolate leaving us 4 single kroner coins only... I wanted to bring some home to show you anyway - they have holes in them!

The flight was only an hour and a half and we sat beside a nice Norwegian lady who told us lots of interesting things. No time change either which was good - even one hour tends to throw you a bit. We had our first view of the Alps as we circled Zurich; they rose up above the clouds with snow-covered magnificence. 

We arrived in Zurich and as we had been given some clues by our hostess here about a travel card, we eventually found the SSB office and a very helpful man who sold us our tickets to Berne (for Tuesday) as well as the ZurichCARD which is for 72 hours and gives us all sorts of options re transport and museums too. We had to get a train into the centre of Zurich and then another out to Rüschlikon. The trains are so quiet and very efficient; beautifully appointed and have information screens as well as announcements in English as well as German, so it was comforting to know where we were and where we were going. It was only a short walk to Bethaniaweg and the 'pink house.' Our hostess is actually away but she had given us clear instructions. We are here for 3 nights so we have a whole apartment to ourselves which is rather nice.

The weather has been glorious today and the same is expected for the next few days. We found a supermarket and bought some food, then wandered the short distance down to Lake Zurich. It is beautiful with pretty houses around the edge, and the Alps off to the south. Apparently the lake has frozen over in the past; the last time it did was in the 60's. This meant there were 88 acres of space for skating, walking, ice hockey; food for sale in the centre, and 150,000 people out enjoying it all. It must have been magic.

Sitting in the sunshine and soaking up the quietness and the beauty of this part of Switzerland was a treat. As a girl I couldn't decide whether I wanted to go to Scotland or Switzerland more. Now the Lord has given us opportunity to see the wonder of his creative power in both places. I have heard that people can just weep at the wonder of the Grand Canyon; well I have to say that seeing the grandeur of the Swiss Alps had more of that effect on me.

We'd never seen a swan use its wings as sails before! 

We've worked out where the International Baptist Church is and plan to walk there for the 10.30am service tomorrow. All through the afternoon, church bells have been ringing - telling the time, and maybe also pealing for weddings. It's a lovely European sound!