September 02, 2010

Versatile And Alluring.

My last post on the theme of Switzerland will include my recollection of our visit in pictures mainly.

In my opinion, the prevailing appeal of this landlocked country lies not just in its multilayered prosperity and aesthetic beauty, but also in in it's enormous diversity. Roughly, the North is Germanic, the West is French, the South is Italian and the East is Romansh; thus Switzerland acknowledges four national languages. This diversity is reflected not just in the population, but also in the appearance and attitude.

Traveling across the country is like traveling across a wast part of Europe, but somehow fitted into a narrow space. Within hours, moving either by highway or by train tracks, one can pass from one zone into the other with ease and efficiency, compliments of a well established and modern infrastructure.

The transition is smooth and tranquil, yet very distinctive, as one can very much sense when the internal borders are crossed. Signs appear in a different language, the architecture changes and even the weather; going from snow covered peaks to warm shores of lakes. Not to mention the scenery; anything from rolling hills, lake districts lined by palm trees, castles, meadows, mountains with rich forests and animal life, pristine villages, sleepy towns and international metropolis, bustling with life.

I dedicate this post to my sister and her family for making our stay an unforgettable one. The days we spend together will enter my recollection as one of the unforgettable moments of my life, due to the company that surrounded me, etching it forever into my memory as such.

(Please click images below for a larger view.)





30 comments:

S. Susan Deborah said...

The pictures were quite captivating, dear Zuzana. I have heard many things about Switzerland on the lines of what you have said in this post. I wonder how the people respond to this immense beauty and diversity. The Alps! yes, the Alphs. Did you see it? Zuzana, through this post you enabled us to be voyeurs of Switzerland. Thanks for the experience :)

Lots of love and big hugs,
Susan

Elizabeth said...

You made some stunning pictures Zuzana. Another wonderful time is going in your personal historybook and each time when you want to reconnect you have these beautiful momentos.

Brian Miller said...

these pictures are incredible...particularly that castle on the water...so much to visit and explore...would love to visit sometime...

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Amazing pictures from a gorgeous place.

steviewren said...

Oh my gosh, your pictures are fabulous!!!! Like you, I too take pictures of windows and doors and rooftops.

We also took the trip by boat to Chateau de Chillon. I hope you had the same funny guide as us.

I know you were sad when it was time to return home. Switzerland is such a beautiful place.

Rebecca said...

You make me really want to visit this lovely place... These pictures are intoxicating!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey with us this way.

Claus said...

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. It must be a real treat to walk the streets and towns of Switzerland, filled with little cute and unique corners. The pinturesque set is my favorite; it looks so inviting!
How interesting the dynamics of Switzerland. I knew they spoke different languages, but never that there were particular regions with their own languages, and all that comes with them. I wonder, though, being ONE country, how they all interact? Is there something "general", so to speak, that everyboy will understand? How does it work for your sister? And how does it work for kids?! Children are like sponges when little, and learn a lot, but more than two languages at once must be really, really difficult.
Interesting post! and thank you so much for sharing your experience in such a magnificent country Zuzana!
have a lovely day.

Keith said...

So very beautiful. I hope this finds you doing well. I've had a rough week. I got laid off on Tuesday. Now I have to find a new job in such a bad economy. Wish me luck. Thanks. Take care. Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

Diane said...

I've missed my Zuzanna Travelogues!! XO

sprinkles said...

It almost seems like four countries in one! That's kind of cool that each area, not only does the language change but the architecture and weather do too!

I wondered how the Irishman faired while there. I don't know what languages he speaks and wondered if it might be awkward for him if he couldn't understand anything. Of course, you'd be there to explain in all for him but I wondered if he might feel like a bit of an outsider if he couldn't understand the language on his own. Do the children there learn all four languages in school, I wonder?

Switzerland is really beautiful. So different from where I live.

Hilary said...

Gorgeous photos, my friend. You sure saw some wonder and beauty while there. I'm glad you had a terrific trip.

डा0 हेमंत कुमार ♠ Dr Hemant Kumar said...

Very attractive photographs with nice post.
Regards.
Hemant

Lulda Casadaga said...

It truly is a spectacular place. In 1994 I had the plesure of driving through a part of it! It was extremely clean..pristine and with the Alps..well, who can say more!! :) I'm glad you had a wonderful and memorable trip...you deserve it!

Kata Wagner Berg said...

Loong time since I been there...so beautiful! I must go there but with inaf place in my PC for those beautiful pictures!

Anonymous said...

Stunning imagery, my friend. I'm just a little bit jealous that you have experienced such beauty! :P

SandyCarlson said...

What an incredible place. The Swiss do diversity right. Thanks for this, beautiful lady.

I hope Earl lays off paradise, too!

Awais said...

WOw!!
you got real beauti of this world so nice :)

tony said...

i Have Never been there ,but it sounds a really interesting place.Funnily enough, your the second person I know who has been talking to me about Switzerland recently.
(Bob's Son ,Hodj worked there a little , earlier in the year.
I love the idea of travelling through the country & how the landscape changes with the language + Culture.
And,great photos as always!
Speak Soon Zuzana
X
tony.

jean luc said...

Nice to feel the positive sensations u've got during your travel in the beautiful Switzerland. You summarized perfectly this peaceful country, will all the diversities !
And your pics are really gorgeous ! I know so much this country , so i imagine very well the pleasure u had there with people you love!
Thanks for sharing your feeling
Have a great week end (with less mountains i guess :-)

Mr. Witherspoon said...

I've always wanted to visit Switzerland, and your post just reminded me why. Glad you had a great trip, and I look forward to reading more!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

I've so enjoyed these posts Zuzana - what a wonderful holiday you've had.

Switzerland looks tranquil and also bustling, with wonderful architecture. I didn't realise about the diversity of the country, but have heard of their fantastic infrastructure. It must be a joy to travel on public transport!

I hope you are still reading the comments on your last two posts ...

Jeanne
xx

PS I'm off on my travels now for a week or two - see you on my return. Have a lovely weekend dear friend. x

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

What an interesting and imformative post! Switzerland is indeed a lovely country, and I had no idea that it was so diverse with four national languages!!!Amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wow - so much beauty. Such clarity of air and light. Just lovely.

Regina said...

Such breathtaking scenery!
Thank you for sharing Zuzana.

♥ Regina

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

Switzerland is a place I've wanted to visit since I was a child. The book "Heidi" was my favorite. Thanks for sharing the beauty with us.

Maja Miusow said...

what a lovely postcards from Switzerland U made! enjoy rest of weekend, hope weather is better than in Poland;) x

Nessa said...

I think if I had lots of money to move any where I'd like to live in Switzerland. Very pretty and magical and fairytale like.,

Zuzana said...

Susan, Elizabeth, Brian, Philip, Stevie, Rebecca, Claudia, Keith, Diane, sprinkles, Hilary, Kumar (welcome), Lulda, Kata, Tony, Sandy, Awais, tony, jean-luc, Mr. Whitespoon (welcome), Jeanne, C or V, ladyfi, Regina, Rosezilla, maja and Nessa, thnak you dear friends for your kind words and for enjoying my recap of Switzerland in words and pictures.

I hope those of you that have not visited this beuatiful country yet will one day be able to find an opportuninty to do so.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, it means the world to me.

xoxo,
Zuzana

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

please feel free to take the awards in the post , share each award with 1 to 10 friends,

Awards 4 u

Happy Sunday!
Happy September

Zuzana said...

Thank you Jingle.;) xoxo