Ticking a few European cities off the list (Zurich, Vienna, Prague, Paris)

[Milboo]

Zurich is one of our favourite cities, we stop there 2-3 times a year. You did not mention any of the fantastic museums Zurich offers, the Landsmuseum, near the Bahnhof will take a lot of time to explore. Then there is a cruse of the lake.

No - no mention of Zurich's museums that Zurich has as I did not visit any of them nor cruise on the lake. Having only a couple of days there I focused on just wandering the streets and seeing some of the main sights. But no doubt there are many other activities etc that can be explored.

 

[Milboo]

For convenience we stayed at the Hilton Zurich Airport. It served a purpose but I certainly would not recommend it. Firstly the hotel shuttle was a no show at the airport so we (and another pax) were stuck sitting outside for 70mins before the next one arrived. Hotel did not really handle the complaint well and actually suggested perhaps we had missed it pulling up...Rooms were average and had a faint smell of smoke to them. No power points beside the bed. No guest services and they could not even assist my friend with a weather forecast and advice on an activity. No upgrade and Lounge was very average - and no host ever seen.

After dumping luggage we headed into Zurich - easy enough to do by catching the shuttle back to the airport and catching the train (or tram for the slow trip) into the main station (HBF). It was nice being on familiar ground so could easily navigate trams etc so we headed down to Sprungli and had an amazing lemon pasta and hot chocolate.

I was then able to go inside Fraumunster and see the Marc Chagall and Giacomo windows - had missed out at the start of my trip as it was closed for a concert. Rest of the afternoon was spent just wandering around exploring before heading back towards HBF checking out all the Xmas lights that were now up. We stopped by a Xmas Market and saw the Singing Xmas Tree. We timed it for a children’s choir so got a bit trampled by over eager parents trying to film and photograph their child! Most amusing was the parent beside us who was struggling to pick which one was his own child!

 

[Milboo]

 

[Milboo]

My friend had an extra day in Zurich so I headed to the airport. Took a bit of walking to find Etihad counters (tucked at back) but no one in the J queue so very quick check in, and the same through security. And then the hike through the terminal came, down escalators and seemingly heading away from the gates. Turns out we were heading down to the train so had to catch that around and then hike back through the next terminal.

Visited the EY used lounge which is Swissport Aspire. Seriously underwhelming for J pax and elite frequent flyers. Very small and I struggled to find a seat, food offering was mediocre and if you wanted a drink (even water) the glasses were tiny. I choose to leave after reorganising my cabin bag and only had a short wait before boarding anyway. Plane was Dreamliner again.

Flight to AUH was a day flight of around 6 hours so stayed awake, spending a bit of time just watching out the windows. Got a scare when out of the corner of my eye I saw a Eurowings plane approach from the side and go above. It was close enough to easily read the underneath signage! You forget how close they get in European airspace!

Remote standed in AUH and then had to get between terminals for First Class Lounge and departure gate. Parked up in the lounge and had a massage and shower straight away before having something light to eat (the chicken photo below).

Plane was the A380 and I mixed things up on board - going for 12K instead of the usual 12A! I was a little less impressed with the EY service on the AUH - SYD leg - for things like the fact of them walking past it several times and asking pax around me, I had to ask them to hang my cardigan up, asking for a drink and it not coming, asking again and it still was a no show, confirmed I wanted to be woken for breakfast but it never happened and was served cold eggs and coffee. Admittedly they did jump to action when I told them they could clear it as it was cold. Had the F&B head turn up apologising, offering to remake etc and then making me a fruit plate.

Managed to sleep/ doze (aided) for over 8 hours.

Had sunset coming into Abu Dhabi and landed in Sydney around 7pm.

 

[Milboo]

It was a bit of a nail in the coffin on the mediocre Service when I got home and realising my suitcase was substantially damaged (top back was caved in and handle pushed) and then having to battle EY for compensation (ongoing). The customer service on that has been appalling.

Anyway...there you go!

Having to get on a QantasLink flight to regional NSW 4 days later, with no lounge access, seat selection, delayed both ways and whilst jet lagged still was a firm bounce back to reality!

Thanks for following along!

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for the comprehensive & enjoyable TR. The last leg on EY certainly didn't sound like a deluxe experience.

 

[VPS]

Excellent TR - some of those food reports were tantalising

 

[Kangarucci]

Thank you for taking the time to write a very informative TR. Very much enjoyed the read.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Great trip report. Enjoyed looking at the photos.