Have a Merry White Christmas from the Quetz. Travelling to Switzerland during the Pandemic

The pandemic had a big impact on the world and my family. Everybody got a realization one way or the other.

Still, for our family, it was a blessing in disguise because it was the first time that we were all together in one whole year here in Dubai. The Quetz are in Dubai for a long and treasured year to remember. We have to adjust to a lot of things like studying online, going outside in public wearing a mask and a lot of restrictions. But despite all these, we got a lot of blessings this year 2021. I am thankful to our Aba FATHER for that. So last December 2021 we got a year-ender blessing to be able to travel during the pandemic. It's not just any other country but one of the most beautiful and expensive countries in the world. Yes, not so many people go to this country because of the lifestyle and prices of things and yet GOD gave us a chance to go last Christmas. It is none other than Switzerland.

Until the last minute, we weren't sure if we were going due to the pandemic then school breaks started and flights were okay. Still, the restriction is there and yet we can comply. So our journey begins.

Before going to Switzerland we are required to be vaccinated and that will have to convert to a certificate which is honored in Switzerland. This is needed to enter establishments like restaurants and some shops (photo below). I applied in the system however till we flew to Zurich mine was not yet out. Still, we decided to go because everything was booked and paid for the trip.

                      

        Certificate for Zurich to enter establishments like shops, restaurants, etc.

When we travelled last December 2021 wearing a mask in Dubai is still mandatory however in Europe is an option and yet we still prefer to wear it. 

So our journey begins as we walk towards our boarding gates.

We had mixed emotions happy, excited and a little afraid after all still a pandemic however we got to travel.

                                              

                 Quetz are all geared up for a cold , winter white CHRISTmas.

                                            Messy hair don't care look

                       Duty Free Christmas Décor bidding Farewell all the Passengers 

                                                                                   

                       At the boarding gate a must Photo before boarding the flight

                                  

                                  Onboard Selfies before the airplane becomes full.

The next step before we landed in Zurich we download the SBB app (photo below). This app helps us a lot in how we navigate our desired place or destination in Switzerland. Just go to your app store on your mobile and download it. You can purchase online as well.

                                

When we landed also in Zurich International Airport we purchased a Swiss Family card. This is for children from 6 to 15 years of age. Swiss Family card is provided free of charge entitling children from 6 up to 16 years of age below to travel fee if accompanied by parents holding a valid Swiss travel pass. Children under 6 years old can travel without a ticket as long as accompanied by their parents or one of the parents.

  

        The benefits are as follows:

• Unlimited travel by Train, Bus, Tram and Boat (within the city).
• Free travel on most panorama routes like Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass Line etc.
• Free travel on public transport in 75 towns and cities (you have to check which towns and cities are free).
• Free admission to more than 480 museums. Again before going you better check it out first.
• 25-50% discount on most of the mountain railways and cableways. Check before going.
• Children under age 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Family Card. Swiss travel and Swiss Family card has to be both on hand when riding public transportation to avoid fines.

Next is choosing an accommodation that suits your needs as a family travelling with minors below 16 years old. Yes, we wanted accommodation next to the train or public transportation, a family-friendly environment also as much as possible no sharing with other people as we travelling with kids. And lastly next to grocery shops or restaurants. In Zurich or mainly Switzerland eating outside it's not advisable as it can be quite pricey. Good thing my children have a different palate in food. 

So every day going to the grocery us is an adventure too. We like going to Migros as they have everything like fruits, vegetables, drinks, sweets, local bread, cooked and hot foods. And they are everywhere and even open during holidays and weekends. There is one next to our accommodation and one at HB Zurich Station. So before we go home we buy in these locations.

                    

We use Swiss francs and cards to pay for our bills, food and transportation here. 

Conversion is 1 Swiss franc is equal to 4.11 dirhams roughly depending on the exchange rates of the day.

That's it for today, the next blog will be our accommodation. 

Btw, photos credit to Mr. Quetz aka HaQ.

Take care Everybody!