getting to know Karma 'n Zurich

Going to Switzerland was entirely due to good Karma. I had not planned on visiting this small country sandwiched amongst the three great nations of Germany, Italy and France as it is a financial capital of the world and many had warned me of the royal costs. However, my Facebook community determined that a trip here would be worthwhile. Plus, Karma had me convinced. She'd invited me to visit when Harry and I met her on the tour bus to Stonehenge a few weeks prior. Karma was vacationing with her cute elderly parents in London then. Yes, cute. Truly! They were just the most adorable family.

My first impression of arriving in Zurich was how clean and orderly everything seemed to be. That's an understatement for those familiar with this city, I imagine. On the weekend I was there, Karma took her family and me to the quaint country town of Appenzell. The image of Bart Simpson's dorky friend whose name I can't recall came to mind. It's that little German fella who wore 3/4 yellow pants with suspenders? Anyone?  I may very well be hallucinating too. I bought a miniature cowbell here for 18 swiss franks, which is about $21. Maybe it'll bring me good luck, who knows!

The air smelled fresh here, in Appenzell and even in Zurich, an anomaly for a capital city. I spent most of my time strolling around the Old Town area, resting up from the mad running around in Budapest. Surprisingly, I could afford the clothing more than I could the food! And yes, I am still shocked at the CHF 5.90 cup of tall latte at Starbucks (about US$7.00) despite warnings of the high prices. (note: I was in there purely for the wifi!) Ironically, right around Karma's apartment was a Malaysian restaurant, dishing up a plate of nasi lemak at around CHF 15 (US$18) which would normally cost about $3 ringgit (US$1) in Malaysia and $8 in US. I bought my stash of summer clothing I would need in Italy here. There were some amazingly good deals in Old Town! Karma met up with me after work and we hung out around town.

What's made this trip most memorable, aside from the tall latte, is Karma and her family. They are Tibetan and truly live the way what I imagine a Buddhist family does. This great experience getting to spend some time with them is further inspiring me explore more of the Tibetan culture when I head to the Himalayas this Fall. And yes, Karma truly is good! Thanks, Karma!!! Miss you!  Hope we get to meet up in our travels somewhere around the world soon again!   xo, ~magi.