Recite a mantra? Not really. Kneel down and kiss the ground? But I'm not Karol Józef Wojtyla (though there were times I felt like doing so, I never did). Capture with a camera? But a 2D image can never describe a 3D space. Moreover, the desire to capture is by itself not very Buddhist. I don't need evidence for my visit either. And so I resorted to perceiving with the heart. In Mandarin, we say, "yong xin qu tihui."
By-the-by: It was during this trip that I decided to set up this website.
With the Swiss Pass, I travelled the routes marked on the map below at no additional cost except for selected scenic routes where reservation is mandatory, and for the Jungfraujoch trip. Reservations must be paid for. My trails marked above crossed well into Northern Italy three times -- no extra charges incurred but I did need my passport. Routes where extra charges apply are clearly marked on the map downloadable from Swiss Travel System.
Lockers were available in every station that I've been. Price varies but never dear. As usual, I kept reminding myself to lock only what I meant to lock. Forget things, open the locker to retrieve them and that's it -- you have to pay to lock it up again!
Luggage can be sent between almost any Bahnhof ("station" in German) across Switzerland at only CHF 10. I have seen no better service! When collecting my luggage, as I was just stepping into the service area, the smiling gentleman on duty was already bending over to receive my luggage coupon. He went into the store and returned with my backpack, popping it straight onto my shoulders -- that was certainly a courtesy beyond his duty.
Trains were at least hourly, and always on the dot. On multi-legged journeys, there was always enough, and usually just enough, time to cross platforms and hop onto the next train. There is certainly enough time and you won't miss the train, but you have to be quick. Arrival and departure times along with the corresponding platform numbers are usually posted on every platform at every station. Platform numbers are usually clearly printed on reservation tickets.
Train service between Zürich Flughafen ("airport" in German) and Zürich Hauptbahnhof ("main station" in German) is every 10 minutes. That's the 10 minutes journey to commute direct between the airport and the city centre.
Note: some routes are more scenic one side of the train than the other. Sometimes I was lucky enough to be on partially-filled cabins where I could freely sit either side, e.g. on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. On the Golden Pass Line from Interlaken to Montreux, the train was packed and half of us had to stand. If that bothers you and if you are willing to pay, you can reserve a seat even for journeys where reservation is not mandatory.
In Switzerland, postbuses = long-distance coaches. Postbus schedules were less frequent but they took me on routes trains wouldn't go. Usually prompt. My Monte Bre - Lugano journey was delayed due to a tight squeeze on the Italian-Swiss border (shown on map). The road was narrow, we were on the bus and caravans were streaming from the opposite direction. I actually found it quite entertaining. The driver had the chance to show off his excellent skills. The passengers clapped to thank him.
Swiss Q hotels are nice. If I were to do it again I'd probably go for the cheaper end of the Swiss Q range, one which is nearest to the town I'd like to visit. Even if it's a few towns away, the Swiss Pass and the frequent trains should do the job.
Noise level is something the stars can't tell you! I had a brilliant room in a Swiss Q hotel, with the funicular station right by my window. It was really, really loud. Wherever I go, I always look for accommodation close to the station so that transport is accessible for late evening arrivals and early morning departures, but this one was really a bit too close, and louder than normal! But then if you don't mind, ear-plugs should solve the problem.
When booking for accommodation, I always ask for Einzelzimmer mit Dusche und WC ("single room with shower and toilet" in German). On checking-in one of the hotels, I finally realised what an Einzelzimmer mit Dusche und WC meant -- it was exactly a single room with shower and toilet -- which may as well be described as a toilet and shower with a single bed! Open plan. Interesting! But it was one of the cleanest room I had in Switzerland -- no complains. Looks funny, but nothing wrong. Toilets and showers are meant to be as clean as bedrooms anyway.
I highly recommend Drei Könige ("Three Kings" in German) in Chur (pronounced "kooerr"). A family-run traditional restaurant for family dining. Carefully prepared delicious food. Warm hospitality. Tastefully decorated. Good people. They also run a hotel upstairs.
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