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This, the fifth in a series, appeared in the "Horizons" magazine issue dated April 1996. Life as a Con by Annette Malvar Zurich and gambling, I know, you probably can't see the connection, but let me explain. It's said that the "true" gambler knows he's going to eventually lose his money. Why play then? Because it's the actual act of playing that's enticing. Such is my relationship with Zurich. I know I'm never going to get out of that city on my first attempt, but it's the actual act of trying (preferably on an AC flight), which entices me. And, like a 'true gambler', I'm often forced to leave my hard-earned money behind in the process. I've been left in Zurich for number of reasons, none of which had anything to do with a full flight. Twice I've arrived at the airport only to find out the flight had been cancelled. Once I arrived late at the airport because of a snowstorm. And six times, I've been stranded for weight and balance reasons. With that illustrious track record, I've also managed to develop a few survival skills which I will share with you. Zurich is expensive. So of course, there's a distinct lack of 'no-tell' motels in and around the airport. I've spent evenings phoning around for hotels that offered an airline discount only to get a 10 percent off the regular 'penthouse' rate. Yeah right! Once I stayed in the Movenpick hotel. Considering the cost of their meals, I was surprised to get a rate that was within my VISA limit, Who knew we were getting a deal because of renovations and would have to listen to a jackhammer all night (or was that my travel partner snoring?). Finding affordable restaurants is also a challenge in Zurich. It seems we're always hungriest when my travel buddies and I don't have a cent left. We once had to return duty-free items when we didn't get a flight just to have a little cash for McDonald's. Another time, our famous 'SWISS' chocolate ended up being our meal. In conclusion, bring lots of money if you're to going to Zurich and if I'm on a street corner begging, please be generous. |
