June 21-22, 2023
Bright and (very) early Wednesday morning we drove down the mountain to arrive at our traveling companions home in Orange County. I had ordered an Uber XL to accommodate us and our luggage. Everything went as planned and we had more than enough time to get checked in, through security, have a nice leisurely breakfast and take off on our first leg – John Wayne airport in Santa Ana to Chicago.
The Chicago airport is massive and we found it a little confusing where to grab our tram to take us to the International terminal, but with the aid of a couple friendly faces, we eventually got where we were supposed to go.
The airport itself has some interesting features including a full size T-Rex and a fun light tunnel.
After another 8-hour flight, and a tiny bit of sleep, we have arrived safe and sound in Zurich on Thursday morning – rather exhausted, but so happy to be here.
We had booked our flights ourselves instead of through Uniworld or Vacations to Go and mistakenly thought that the flight information had been added to our record so that transfers would be included. When I spotted the error a couple days before departing, it was too late for Uniworld to add the transfers on for us.
It worked out fine, however, as just as we were departing customs I spotted a Uniworld rep and asked her if by chance she had room for the four of us on the bus to the hotel with others just arriving. After checking, she advised us they did not, but ever so kindly arranged for a taxi with plenty of room for the four of us and our luggage.
The Dolder Grand Hotel is quite impressive! Our room had been upgraded to one with a beautiful view of the lake.
Here is how Uniworld describes the hotel:
Perched like a castle on the hill above Zurich, this hotel offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy its many bars and dining venues, excellent spa or nature trails. And with its own funicular, private cars and shuttle services, it’s as convenient a location for exploration as any in the city center.
We were all ready for a much needed shower and a bit of a rest before our welcome meeting scheduled for this evening with a Uniworld representative.
There are interesting bits of art throughout the hotel.
We are scheduled to spend two nights here at the Dolder before embarking on an eight night Zürich to Nuremberg river cruise.
After the meeting we opted for a simple dinner at the hotel lounge and an early bedtime.
Coming next: Our tour of Zurich
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am over the moon to be here in Switzerland once again and being able to share one of my all-time favorite countries with some of my all-time favorite people. It has been a LONG three and a half years at home, but I am very much aware just how blessed we are to be able to travel, explore, learn, and share.
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A Note From Abroad 
Have a wonderful safe trip all of you!
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Thank you! It is fabulous being traveling once again after such a long break.
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Nice to see you’re back on the road again and look forward to following your journey. We started travel again just over a year ago and are in Europe too.
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Glenn, that’s awesome that you got back out there a year ago. We are happy to have finally joined you! Where in Europe are you currently exploring?
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Over the last few months we have been in Turkey, Greece, Malta and Cyprus. Currently in Germany but heading to London tomorrow for 2 months in England and Scotland.
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Well our paths almost crossed as we will be in Germany on our river cruise in three more days. Enjoy your time in England and Scotland.
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It’s wonderful to be traveling again! Enjoy your trip.
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Thank you Kathleen! I couldn’t agree more…
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So happy for you. Switzerland is on my bucket lis. It’s not happening this year, but we’re counting down the days until we head over to Europe. Like you, I’m so thankful to be traveling again.
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Merrill, I’m so glad that you are looking at Switzerland for a travel destination. It has so much to offer. From a scenic perspective you simply can’t beat it!
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I love seeing you guys back traveling again. Looks like one fancy, special trip. thanks for sending your updates.
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Thank you Jan. You are right, this trip is very special in many ways. It is just getting started, but we are already enjoying every moment.
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What fun. I love Switzerland as well. In the mid-seventies, I worked in the youth hostel in Grindelwald all winter. What beautiful spot that was!
Your hotel is gorgeous to go along with the view and that meal is right up my culinary alley. 🥰. What a blessing that everything worked out so well. I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip. Safe and enjoyable travels.
janet
janet
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Thanks Janet! What an amazing opportunity you had being in Grindelwald for a winter. The scenery is breathtaking in that area. Lucky you!
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It was wonderful. I love the mountains so I was in heaven.
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Have a wonderful time. Certainly look forward to seeing all your adventures.
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Thank you Deanie! I certainly enjoyed the pictures you posted of your and Randy’s recent River cruise.
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What a beautiful hotel! You were in my neck of the woods when you landed at O’Hare! Looking forward to your posts!
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My husband grew up in central Illinois so we occasionally get back there to see his family. We normally fly in and out of either Champaign or Indianapolis though.
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Love those photos in the airport!
Alison
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Alison, that was such a surprise to me! Loved seeing it.
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Oh Joanne, you captured our day so well.
Steve and I are honored to be traveling with you and Tim. We feel so comfortable to have the guidance of such seasoned travelers, as well as enjoy the heck out of your company.
It has been Steve’s dream -high up on his bucket list- to go on a river cruise. This international cruise exceeds our initial plans of a Mississippi River cruise.
Thank you for getting us from point “A” to point “B” so seamlessly, from gathering the information of booking the cruise to today’s (which you’ll soon be posting) four modes of transportation.
Steve and I look forward to each day brimming with new locations, exploring the culture, food, people, history and beauty each new place represents.
Switzerland is so beautiful, the Dolder Grand is stunning with artwork in every direction, the people we’ve met are extremely friendly and helpful, and being with both of you is icing on the cake.
Thank you for capturing our day so well.
🤟🏼
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What a wonderful start to our trip! We are delighted that you and Steve are enjoying it. I’m really hoping that this trip not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. ❤️
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I love that light tunnel! I have traveled through that airport; also Atlanta, both can be a little intimidating. Probably much more now than in the early ’70s. My trick was to wear my Marine Dress Blues when I traveled. I could fly on a cheap military ticket, but I always got put in first class! I also got really good help at the airports from the female flight crews. They loved that uniform! Ha, ha! Best travel investment I have ever made! All my schooling for aviation electronics and training was all east coast, and I was an Idaho boy, so holidays and leaves were long flights and multiple connections, so I got my use out of that uniform. My hometown cleaners did not charge me to make it all beautiful again, either. They did hang it in the front window until I came back for it, so they made out too! Looking forward to your next blog!
John Love
cell: 714-306-4462 fax: 714-530-2949 (not always on, call before faxing) http://johnlove63.wordpress.comhttp://johnlove63.wordpress.com/ http://johnedwardlove.wordpress.com john.love@live.com (preferred email)
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You were a clever fox weren’t you. ❤️♥️❤️.
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One of the things I liked most about Switzerland was how so many of the buildings, especially old ones, had so much artwork painted on them. Thank you for reminding me of that!
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You are so right. The painting seem to range from exquisite classical paintings to artistic graffiti.
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Nice
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Thanks
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I enjoyed this post, thanks. As my wife and I are scheduled for a few days in Zurich in July, I’m starting to take notes. Cheers, nca
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Thank you ! I hope you love Switzerland as much as we did!
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