Switzerland – Lake Zurich, Cactus Patch & View

Looking like a sundial, less mobile than Maman the giant spider but still as unexpected, this cactus square near the Bürkliplatz is eye catching for plant lovers. It’s dedicated to the citizens and dwellers of Zurich city from both a jewellery shop, Beyer Uhren & Juwelen and a state-sponsored body, Grün Stadt Zurich.

Cactus Square of Lake Zurich

On a cloudy, blustery summer day, the Lake Zurich is quiet, devoid of the sun basking throngs, the lakeside buskers, even the swans are a disinterested lot. There’s no food to be had for them at the moment. But don’t be misled! An eyrar of swans suddenly crowded round my dangling legs as I perched on the lake bench eating. I don’t know that a swan’s diet includes pizza, but there they were, apparated in from all directions. There’s no photo of that as I was all oiled up with my pizza slice. However, if anyone wants a nice cheap pizza takeaway, you can get it from Bellevue-Platz tram stop for CHF 6.50 upwards.  

All’s chill by the lakeside

Here’s a shot of Lake Zurich from Bürkliplatz on a sunny clear day. You can see the township of Horgen in the distance and the snow capped alpine mountains towering over the horizon. The sparkling white and spanking clean ferry you see here will take you to all townships along the lake for a fee. It's free for ZurichCARD holders (CHF 20 for 24 hours or CHF 40 for 72 hours, click here for more info: ZurichCARD), and for those on a day pass. Do note that the regular day pass is limited by the number of zones you have paid for. If you are opting for a day pass, I highly recommend the ZVV-9-o' clock pass. For only CHF 24, this pass allows you to travel all the zones, but you have to start at 9 am. For more information, click this link: ZVV-9-o'clock pass

Summer sun, Zurich lake, alps n’ snow

Now we’re off to bumble around the town…