Switzerland · Travel

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

There is no denying the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we travel forever.  From vaccine compliance to negative RT PCR tests and quarantine requirements, one needs to be aware and prepare for a lot of things beforehand.  I recently travelled to Zurich and while there was no ban on travel from India, a ten day quarantine was mandatory as per the Swiss government rules apart from having a negative RT PCR report.

Ten days was indeed a long one I thought considering I would be locked up in a hotel room.  But surprisingly, they seemed to pass in a breeze thanks to some wonderful views from my room at Hotel Welcome Inn Kloten which is located very close to Zurich airport.  Here are a few captures.

Since it is the beginning of summer here, I was thrilled to see the bright colours all around.  A plethora of flowers and sunshine till 9.00 pm was a welcome change considering my last visit to Zurich was in the month of January which is the peak of winter! While winter too offers plenty of hygge vibes, summer is a pleasant contrast.

Pansies Galore

A sea of pink
A sea of pink

Luckily for me, the room had wonderful views of the main street and watching it day in and out became quite an addiction!

Clear skies and pleasant temperatures
Clear skies and pleasant temperatures
Twilight at 9 pm!
Twilight at 9 pm!

While there was plenty of greenery, I really could not spot too many birds.

Eurasian Magpie
Eurasian Magpie
Common pigeons
Common pigeons

There seemed to a steady fleet of vintage cars the whole of one Sunday, perhaps a rally somewhere in the city, I thought.  Nevertheless, I had a field time watching some beauties!

On a lighter note, I had always heard of the saying “when life gives you lemons…..”; little did I know that one day I would eagerly wait for them or that their sight would make me so happy.  A week into the quarantine, a kind soul offered to buy some vegetables from the store nearby and kept it outside our room.  I never thought that a mundane sight would give me such joy!

Much awaited stock of lemons and veggies
Much awaited stock of lemons and veggies

Well, the pandemic has sure taught us a few life lessons;  humility, gratitude and never to take even the smallest things for granted.   You never know when they will become a luxury!

7 thoughts on “Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

    1. Yes really:) Guess now quarantine rules are changing for vaccinated travellers…let us hope for the best! Thanks for reading.

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