Were the raspberries just that perfect and fresh, the little bit of cake just that light and the coffee so . . . right? Or was I simply just that happy to be back at Confiserie Sprünli after many years? All of the above, of course. Everything about the Himbeer-pâtisserie was just that perfect. Returning to Sprüngli on the Paradeplatz at the Bahnhofstrasse in downtown Zürich was high on my list of things to do while visiting Switzerland again after 14 years.

Having posted events of August 5, I'm returning now to my first full day in Switzerland, July 30th, when my friend, Annelies and I traveled by train to the center of the city Zürich. Normally the tram would take us into the city from Altstetten where she lives, but we first needed to have my one-month Swiss Rail Pass officially stamped. After a 15-minute walk through neighborhoods we reached the Bahnhof. The brisk and efficient clerk verified my passport number, copied it to my Rail Pass, garnered a signature from me and we were ready.

The Swiss Rail Pass allows me passage on trains, trams, post busses, lake ships and a discounted ride on many a lift to the higher elevations. It also allows me free entrance to over 400 museums in the country. It is definitely a stress reliever when traveling in Switzerland.

This was a rainy, but not unpleasant day. We walked past fresh vegetables and fruits on the outskirts of downtown and headed to the Apple store. There I bought a Swisscom sim card for my iPhone, so with my Swiss phone number I can call and text my family and friends back in Spokane, Washington. Although since the Swisscom connection costs, I usually use my friends wi-fi to email home.

At the Lake Zürich we watched the bright white swans and the more colorful people. Climbing the steep cobblestone streets was a delight, especially at the top where one can either turn down another street or find a plaza with trees and a view of the river and the city spreading away. We spent several hours walking and visiting shops so I could drool over my future purchases (I don't want to rush these very important decisions!). Annelies' husband Armando later shared a bit of friendly Swiss wisdom: "When I want something, I go and look, and then I go and look again, and then I wait a couple months before I finally buy it." I reminded him I am not here for two months, so I might wait two days!

Before walking to the tram station for home, we sat at a high table beside the Limmat River at the Hotel Störche (Storks), the favorite place of my friends. The Hugo cocktail we each sipped was refreshing and delightful.

Here's the recipe: Ice cubes, 3 cl. of elderflower syrup, 7 cl. of Prosecco or sparkling wine, 2 cl. of sparkling mineral water, some leaves of mint. (the hotel added a slice of lime)

Try it! You can sip while reading my blog!

auf Wiedersehen!