We finally made it to Switzerland a bit over a week ago. We spent one night in Zurich and we actually really liked it. Then headed to Wengen for hiking for four days. First day cool but every day after just great. ( see other note though on Know Your Hike). Left Wengen, sadly, for a night in Lucerne which we did not like. Hyper vibe, too many tourists. So we bailed early and went back to Zurich for a night. We just fell in love with Zurich, seemed a much chiller vibe, very nice people. We walked all over outside and was just lovely. Then we got a day room because we were taking the Nightjet to Vienna which we did last night. Loved our sleeper car, private, own bath. Only toughie was I had to take the upper bunk and am short enough it was a little tough to get in and out. But fine. We knew we would be arriving from the Nightjet early so back in April we actually booked the Vienna hotel for the night before so it was ready when we got here. We LOVE it, staying at Hotel am Stephanplatz across from cathedral, beautiful large room with deck. Could not be happier. Off to Hallstatt in a few days and then onward. Hanging on and hoping BA keeps our flight to LA for our return.
We were asked for our CDC cards here in Vienna on check in to confirm we are under the 270 day limit. Only place that has asked to see them besides Swiss Air when we checked in for flight.
Now the downers: we’re traveling mostly by train. One nice thing in the BO is all the train cars have windows. So that was all fine. Two bad experiences and they both involved AMERICANS. One was short train to Lucerne. People in front of us were not wearing masks and were Americans. To boot the lady kept sneezing. I finally complained to them by asking if they needed extra masks. After that they put them on. Was a lady and her son. We then moved, we tried to change cars but no room so we moved to the farthest end of the car away from them and kept our KN95s tight. It was not a long trip fortunately because I was quite pissed off. Anyway then when we went from Lucerne back to Zurich another American couple behind us also maskless until I bitched at them, they did put theirs on and we again moved as far away as possible. As vaccinated I worry a lot but could maybe be more chill when I see my 82 year old neighbor who has been in Europe since July 3 and is now in his 7th country and all fine.
In Austria KN95s are basically required but less mask wearing here-not by any waiters nor even our hotel staff. However people are good anytime inside a building. But we have noticed hardly anyone here or in Switzerland wears a mask outside. So that’s a bit dicey but ok in that we’re outside and only around others in cities but it does give pause on the street. We’re doing our mask thing and keeping ourselves as safe as possible. Eating almost 100% outside. Doing our best to keep ourselves safe. But enjoying the heck out of traveling again! The stress has melted away! Keep on travelin’