BMCC 2008 Switzerland Blog

Saturday, May 31, 2008

AA Flight #0064 continues

Written by: Asha Burton

On the flight we received fairly good service from the flight attendants. After take off, within 2 hours we got beverages and dinner. I had beef with mashed potatoes and gravy which was decent but salty. I tried to sleep but could barely find a comfortable position. I slept for a couple of hours then woke up. We were served breakfast (a croissant and barely a pack of jelly and butter). My nose doesn’t lie because I smelled sausage and eggs with cheese and I asked for some. Of course we in coach – so there was no way I was going to be served a hot breakfast. When I am hungry I am grumpy so between the lack of sleep and not enough food, it was way passed my time to land in Zurich.

Zurich VIP Reception

Finally off the plane, we were greeted by Doris Brüderün, a member of VIP service team of Zurich Airport. She gave us a tour of Flughafen-Zurich (airport) which thoroughly impressed me.

Ms. Doris Brüderün, VIP service team, meet us at Zurich Airport

I was surprised at how quiet the airport was but she explained that the last flight left before 12 midnight. The airport isn’t 24 hours. As we walked through the airport, we took a train which led us from one terminal to the next. She then gave us a brief tour of the airport which included a visit to the nursery. I was impressed that they had a nursery for people flying with children and catered to their special needs. It is available for free. She escorted us to baggage claim where we found our bags waiting for us on a trolley. I was very surprised and impressed at the speed and efficiency and the kindness we received. As we walked along towards Customs, all she did was wave her card to the officers and we kept moving through. We then proceeded to the information desk where we were able to pick up brochures and pamphlets about Switzerland. She mentioned that at the Info desk, people can leave keys, documents, or anything personal from the passengers to other people who may need to pick them up. She gave us a 10 Swiss Franc voucher for anything in the food court and sent us on our merry way. I really appreciated that voucher as I was able to purchase breakfast quickly.

After that we walked around the airport, visited a currency exchange, and bought a Sims card for my phones. The clerk at Swisscom was exceptionally nice. After everyone had breakfast we proceeded to the exit where we waited for Beat Wicki, the CEO of Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality, for our ride to Chur. As we waited in the arrivals area, a rep from Swiss School, Mary Ann found us and directed us back through the airport to the parking lot. There we met Mr. Wicki. He helped us load our luggage and our selves into the school van and off we went to Chur. The drive on the way to the Swiss School was beautiful. I never saw hill tops and mountains so lush and green, except in Jamaica. However, these were bigger mountains and a more hilly terrain. I saw 2 waterfalls flowing through the rocks in the mountains, it was awesome. I took a short nap and when I woke up we were almost at Chur.

Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality

Once we reached the Swiss school, Mr. Wicki gave us a brief tour of the school and a bit of history about the building. I was very tired and worn out by this time, but still had enough energy to be excited about finally reaching Chur. We had a small lunch, then he showed us our rooms and told us dinner would be served in a couple of hours. Once I reached my room I fell on the bed and didn’t wake up until it was time for us to go to dinner.

At dinner, we were introduced to Sophie a former student at the school and now a Junior Consultant. She opened bottles of wine and toasted our arrival and wished us a safe journey through Switzerland.

We mingled with some students from China who were studying at the Swiss School and were preparing to take final exams. We then proceeded to dinner and had a discussion about our trip experience so far. Sophie gave us our passes and both professors were very upset since the passes were booked as a group pass and not individual passes, which we needed in order to move effectively throughout Switzerland. Prof. Garely said she would correct the problem and we all then proceeded back to our rooms. Once back in the room I unpacked my bags then showered. I was so ready for sleep I could hardly wait for my head to hit the pillow. I was delighted that we reached Switzerland safely but needed to sleep so I could be energized for tomorrow’s next adventure. (read more @ ajburton.edublogs.org)

SSTH Welcome Reception

Written by: Pragya Shrestha

We were warmly welcomed at the Swiss School and given a key to our room. I liked my room – especially the mountain view which was so amazingly beautiful. I was tired and hungry, but found the energy to drag myself to have lunch at the Paulaner Restaurant which is attached to the school. The cold platter lunch was good and not too heavy. I enjoyed the fresh bread and the Swiss cheese – mmm…!!

We went upstairs to unpack and take a shower, for at 6 pm we had Welcome Party. So, in order to be fresh I had to get some sleep. I have never been this tired (or excited). The welcome party was also fun because I got to make some more friends who was studying in SSTH. Jessie, Alice, Max, Jordan- they came from China to study tourism and hospitality. We exchanged our emails and telephone numbers. Dinner was finally served and I realized that I was eating my first “real” meal in Switzerland.

I was having so much fun – I didn’t feel tired anymore….may be because I was making friends and I was in Switzerland. I know my body wanted some rest but my mind did not want to stop. I guess the Switzerland adrenaline! But I really needed some sleep so I forced myself to go upstairs and get some rest. (Good night). (read more @ pshrestha.edublogs.org)