Our Long-Awaited Journey Part One: From Boston to Switzerland

Last year we booked a river cruise for 2022 that would take us from Zurich, Switzerland to Paris, France. Although we were optimistic that the world would return to normal by then, we were also aware that it may not. And then the time finally arrived for our long-awaited journey, and we were elated that everything was a go.

With bags packed, and spirits high, we parked our car at the local bus station and boarded for the trip to Logan Airport in Boston. This option is far more relaxing than driving into Boston and paying to park the car for a week or more. We arrived in plenty of time to check in and have a leisurely lunch before our flight. We had not flown in three years, so we were not sure how difficult a process we might encounter. Fortunately, boarding the plane went quite smoothly and before we knew it, we were in the skies and on our way.

Airplanes have changed over the years, in some ways for the better and in others not. Technological advances and enhanced safety make for a more enjoyable flight and increased security. Who would have thought that we would be able to have our own individual monitors with a wide selection of TV and movies to choose from in flight. It certainly makes the time go by faster on the long flights. However, seats seem to shrink every few years, and true comfort is not achievable unless you can afford the high-priced first-class section.

The flight was seven hours long and we hoped that we might be able to get some sleep, but it was not to be. With one baby crying in the front, another in the back, and twin 7-year-old boys arguing across the aisle there was no peace to be found. My heart went out to these parents who must travel with young children as it is not an easy task. I'm sure they were quite exhausted by the time they reached their destinations. At least we would be sure to get some rest at our first hotel.

After touching down, debarking the plane and getting our luggage, our cruise line host was there to greet us. After ensuring all of the guests were accounted for, we were escorted to a waiting bus for the trip to our hotel in Zurich. From this point forward, they took care of our luggage and made sure it was ready for us along our journey. The cruise director checked us all in and the hotel had coffee and pastries available to all of the flight weary guests. We were able to unwind a bit, then were taken on a brief walking tour of the streets around the hotel to ensure we were familiar with our surroundings.

The remainder of this first day was ours. Tomorrow the real fun would begin with a tour of Old Zurich and a cruise on Zurich Lake. 

A little fun at Logan before our flight:




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