Destinations Magazine

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from My Hotel Window

By Rashmi Gopal Rao

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 traveled 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.

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
Pansies Galore

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
A sea of pink

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

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

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
Clear skies and pleasant temperatures
Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
Twilight at 9 pm!

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

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
Eurasian Magpie
Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
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!

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

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!

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window
Much awaited stock of lemons and veggies

Zurich Quarantine Diaries: Postcards from my Hotel Window

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!


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