On Saturday, May 31st we arrived at the Zurich- Flughafen a beautiful airport in Switzerland. As we disembarked, we were greeted by Mrs. Doris Brüderün- a member of VIP service team of Zurich Airport (Dr. Garely is terrific…she made these arrangements for us). Mrs. Brüderün She gave us a tour of the airport, pointing out the high-end shops and dining options, as well as the nursery that can be used free of chage by passengers traveling with children. What a nice idea – it is too bad that all airports don`t provide this service. It was a place where small children can play and have their own space. We then went to claim our luggage which was neatly stacked on a cart – waiting for us to pick it up and carry it through immigration (which was expedited thanks to our VIP guide). We also got a 10 CHF voucher as a parting complementary gift….. that was pretty awesome. I am thankful to Ms. Bruderlin and appreciate her hospitality. (I felt very VIP when we had that tour)
We then had time to explore the airport on our own, change money, buy SIM cards, and generally unwind after a hectic 24 hours. Then it was time to meet the SSTH van for pick-up outside the airport so we organized our luggage carts and headed to the waiting area. In a very short time Mary Ann the School representative greeted us and led us to the car park. Along the way we met the CEO of the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality Mr. Beat Wicki. We loaded the luggage and ourselves into the van and headed to the School. The ride was awesome – between the mountains, and the cows, and the green trees – I did not know what to look at first. I took some pictures on the way to Passugg so that I can recapture these moments forever.
We were warmly welcomed in the School given a key to our room. I like my room – especially the mountain view which is so amazingly beautiful. I was tired and hungry. I dragged myself to have lunch at the Paulaner Restaurant which is attached to the School. The cold platter lunch was good and not too heavy. I enjoyed the fresh bread and the Swiss cheese – mmm…!!.
We went upstairs to unpack and take a shower, for at 6 pm we had Welcome Party. So, in order to be fresh I had to get some sleep. I have never been this tired (or excited). The welcome party was also fun because I got to make some more friends who was studying in SSTH. Jessie, Alice, Max, Jordan- they came from China to study tourism and hospitality. We exchanged our emails and telephone numbers. Dinner was finally served and I realized that I was eating my first “real” meal in Switzerland.
I was having so much fun – I didn’t feel tired anymore….may be because I was making friends and I was in Switzerland. I know my body wanted some rest but my mind did not want to stop. I guess the Switzerland adrenaline! But I really needed some sleep so I forced myself to go upstairs and get some rest. (Good night).
