The idea was to escape Chicago winter by flying to Zurich and taking a train to Barcelona by way of Lyon. Little did I know, this is not a thing. Upon purchasing a Eurail pass and further research, you have to book reservations for high speed trains in France. Ok, easy enough, or so I thought.
After a day in Zurich, I was on my way to Lyon and the south of France. The locals in Lyon were super friendly and good times were had at Perrache. Although I did run into someone with a mutual aquaintance, the conversations were in French so I was definitely on the outside.
I was told at the hostel that traveling from Lyon to Barcelona by train isn't a thing. The only well known route is Paris to Barcelona. But, as I was in the middle of France and determined to make it to Spain, I went to the station and was informed that it is possible by transferring at the border town of Portbou.
After numerous failed attempts to book a train reservation, I finally crossed into Spain and made it to Barcelona. The following days were spent exploring the city, MACBA, and seeing Interpol at Razzmatazz.
After numerous failed attempts to book a train reservation, I finally crossed into Spain and made it to Barcelona. The following days were spent exploring the city, MACBA, and seeing Interpol at Razzmatazz.
I would say the idea of escaping Chicago winter in Barcelona was a success, however brief. Sunny days and almost no rain extended through the trip. Although the weather turned colder on the return trip into France and Switzerland.
Getting to see the stunning European countryside made the hours on the train fly by. From flamingos in the Mediterreanean Sea to the snow capped Pyranees, the sights exceeded expectation.
Getting to see the stunning European countryside made the hours on the train fly by. From flamingos in the Mediterreanean Sea to the snow capped Pyranees, the sights exceeded expectation.
A one-night stop in Bern was followed by perhaps the highlight of the trip, the Oeschinensee in Kandersteg, Switzerland.
I finished the trip hiking a few days in Grindelwald, Switzerland and then back to Zurich.
I finished the trip hiking a few days in Grindelwald, Switzerland and then back to Zurich.
A key takeaway was, despite my opinion of Europe consisting of relatively small countries... it's actually a mission to cross through France and Spain via train. I may have underestimated the logistics. Don't get me wrong, I was up for the adventure, but apparently I was one of the only ones... as there were only 2 or 3 other people making that border crossing with me.
