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Friday, 7 March 2025

How much I spent in a day 1 in Switzerland - Europe’s Most Expensive City🇨🇭 Zurich - 4-day, 3-night trip to Zurich

KLM flights to Zurich, Switzerland - Checked baggage/ hand luggage's.
Total price GBP 604.60
Episodes
E01
Any ideas on where we're headed? I'm now focusing on spending quality time with ItalyPaul, taking care of myself, and finding joy in travel. It's all about keeping my emotions and physical well-being.  I’m not really into staying cooped up at home right now. I’d much rather spend my holidays exploring new spots, wandering around to take in the views, and savouring the local food and drinks.
📍 Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the largest international airport in the Netherlands. It's also one of the biggest airports in Europe. 
You get to be your own boss when you plan your trip which means you can pick your own timetable and what you want to do. You have the freedom to enjoy any food you desire, explore any place that catches your interest, and relax at the hotel for as long as you wish. Travel agents can save you money sometimes, but it comes at a cost that might not fit into your budget.
 
📍 Zurich Airport
Upon arriving at Zurich airport in late February this year of 2025, it felt much quieter compared to Paris. We visited Paris twice last year and at least 7 days for each trip. but this time we're excited to explore City of Zurich for a short getaway of 4 days and 3 nights.
We passed by the Lindt chocolate counter, and the smell of chocolate was super tempting. But honestly, a lot of these Lindt chocolates can be found in UK grocery stores like Sainsbury's, plus you can grab them on Amazon too. So, we’re thinking we probably won’t buy any at the airport.
This was our first trip to Zurich, Switzerland. We got the O2 big bundle, which worked great in Europe last time we were in Amsterdam, Paris and Sweden, but it didn’t do so well in Zurich.
I also tried the travel bolt-on, but at Zurich airport, it was hit or miss— sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. 
So, we decided to take the airport coach to our hotel in the city. The transport cost from UK CHF 35, Zurich to Hotel CHF 55 = CHF 90.  If I go back to Zurich, I think I’ll sign up for TravelWifi and get a smart SIM instead.


Hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Zurich typically offer free Wi-Fi, but we were looking for internet access while exploring the city, as we depended on Google Maps to find our way from the hotel to various spots. Despite that, we did well with our walking tours this time around!

 📍 CitizenM Zürich hotel (4-star hotel)
(Check in after 2pm, check out 11am)

This 4-star CitizenM hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Zürich. You can do a self check-in, but the staff is around to help. We got to check in early since our room was already cleaned, which was awesome. Again, the location is fantastic!

The cost for one night is CHF180. Pricing may vary based on the date and season as indicated on the website. The room is on the smaller side, but super clean and modern. The mattress and pillows are incredibly comfy, and the shower is just amazing—easy to adjust the temperature and way better than what you find in most hotels. There are UK and Switzerland plug adapters ready for you on the table.

There’s an iPad in the room that lets you control the lights, blinds, colors, curtains, and even the TV. 

The décor had a playful touch, featuring a bookshelf and a stuffed animal, which added a charming, youthful vibe. The best part? It’s really clean, the shower is top-notch, and the room is quiet, so you can sleep well.

Although the room was quite small, it reminded me of a university hall of resident student room. However, it was much fresher and impeccably clean, almost like it was just renovated.

Just a quick 2-minute walk from the Citizen M Zurich hotel leads you to a local famous Babu bakery & coffee house, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea break, open from 7 AM to 6 PM.

📍Babu's, Löwenstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

This café is a local favourite for its delicious baked goods. The Swiss couples we met in the café, they were incredibly friendly, even capturing a short video of us without asking!

In Europe, it's common to pay the bill when the food and beverages that have been served at your table. The croissants are light and flaky, not greasy at all, with a lovely buttery flavour and a fluffy on the inside, reminiscent of those in Paris. I particularly enjoy the "Brioche Veneziana," which is wonderfully soft and chewy, with a delightful vanilla custard that makes it a real treat. 

The coffee is decent, though not the best I've had! A more attentive and friendly service would really elevate the overall experience. Still, if you are in Zurich, it's definitely worth stopping by for afternoon tea at least once. A bread and coffee for one person will set you back just 10 Swiss francs, about 9 british pound. total CHF 20.

📍 Coop City
Nearby - The Coop is one of the largest supermarket in Switzerland.
Yes, tap water in Switzerland is among the cleanest and safest in the world, and it's perfectly fine to refill your bottle with it. Just ensure that you're refilling from a safe and clean source, and you can enjoy the fresh, pure taste of Swiss water without any worries! only cost 1 Swiss franc of 1 small bottle of Evian water.

A short walk of just a few minutes. We return to the hotel to take a break and subsequently make a reservation for our early dinner at 5:30 PM to avoid large crowds.

📍Zeughauskeller
Bahnhofstrasse 28A, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

It's just a 7-minute walk from our hotel to the Zeughauskeller, which is conveniently located near Paradeplatz. Restauramt Zeughauskeller has been a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike since establishment in 1926.

Switzerland is generally considered the most expensive country in the world. but when you compare dining out Zurich to Paris, you'll find that restaurant, café, and hotel prices are pretty much the same.

These are Wurst Spiess + Rosti, it cost 34.50 Swiss franc, it's a handmade Swiss sausages, not fatty at all, less fat, less salty, healthy and incredibly tasty! 

This type of Swiss beer called Bier Flambe, it cost 15.80 Swiss franc. It is a blast to watch the server showcase their skills. The beer flavours are truly unique.

Oh wow, I'm still in awe of how amazing our first dinner in Switzerland was. It totally exceeded my expectations! It really made us so happy! I'll definitely be coming back on my next visit to Zurich.

Haxe (Schwein) it cost 33 Swiss franc, it's melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with flavour - I couldn't stop eating it.  

The barbeque grill sausage skewers are fantastic, with a variety of shapes and tastes, and they're so good, not greasy at all. I can't find anything like this, back in the UK. The food is absolutely delicious. It's a very high-quality selection of local Swiss cuisine, and importantly, not greasy. I'm always worried about the oily taste at other restaurants, but this place has an exceptional standard.

ItalyPaul asked the server to bring me a surprise and wanted to make me happy. The caramel pudding was amazingly good - super smooth in every bite and not too sweet, with a balanced taste. The real vanilla flavour was so good. It's definitely worth trying this dessert over the Europe. Even my signature dessert at home is caramel pudding, which I eat every dinner and never get bored of. My caramel pudding recipe is a favourite among my subscribers and I loved it so much. Here's to many more incredible moments like this one!

The waiter was fantastic, making us really happy and even taking a short videos for us. So, we decided to tip him 5 British pounds in cash. It felt good to show our appreciation for his great service! :) When someone brings you joy, you return the favour. 

We had a lovely dinner for two that set us back 97.60 Swiss francs, which is about 102.74 euros.

My friends, I am sending you positive energy. I am sending you love. All good things are flowing into your life.

This waiter was awesome! I totally forgot to catch his name. As we were heading out, he came over to film a quick video of me saying "Welcome to Restaurant Zeughauskeller," even though he wasn't serving us. He really brightened my day! The restaurant should definitely give him a reward.

[The law states that the service charge and any tips given by card go to the restaurant, not the waiter's personal tip]. The total expenses for day one, which include transportation, hotel accommodations, lunch, and dinner, 90+180+20+97.60+5.7 =  CHF 394.30 and £348. Covering what we've spent on our first day in Zurich.

I hope you had a great time watching my travel video! If you liked it, give me a thumbs up and drop a comment! Did you prefer it with my voice on or  original sound, or just music in the background with subtitles, or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s take a leisurely stroll back to the hotel. Good night, and catch you on day 2.

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Saturday, 22 February 2025

Eiffel Tower 🗼 Cafe de l’Homme in Paris - My Honest Review

In fact I already made a reservation in ''Girafe Restaurant'', but the table is not what we expected so we switched to ''Cafe's de l'Homme''.

We haven't made the reservation yet, but luckily the security team get it sorted right away!

The top-rated restaurant in Paris deserves to be recognized with awards for its outstanding service.

The welcome, the service and just the atmosphere were exceptional.

I want to give a big shoutout to Walid for capturing such an amazing short video while we were walking! The quality is truly impressive.

A big thank you to the Cafe's de l'Homme team, from the security to the restaurant itself, especially, the team named Walid and Hugo, who took perfect care of us.

I want to give a big shoutout to Walid for capturing such an amazing short video while we were walking! The quality is truly impressive and feels like professional photographer.

I ordered the king scallop and the server poured the hot sauce on it. top are the green vegetables, it costs €50. Italypaul medium cooked beef and mashed potatoes €56.

You can request lemon and lime slices to add to your sparkling water drink with Pietra 33cl for only €10.

V.Marguerite symphonie Rose 2023 wine for €14.
and Bonneval Petillante beer for €11.

The friendly server also took photos for us. If you know him, leave a comment below what his name is.

The beef is tender and tastes like lightly grilled and so flavourful. The scallops are so chewy and melt in the mouth and taste is so balanced, not salty, not greasy but very freshly-made.

A Five-Star Dining Experience! This restaurant was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Paris. The food was absolutely delightful—each dish was refined, creative, and full of exceptional flavor. In particular, it gave us a true taste of authentic French cuisine. I was surprised that Cafe de l'Homme hasn't received a Michelin star yet, but I have faith that it will happen soon.

We don't want to eat dessert, because before dinner we have been in the Carette for dessert and hot chocolate drink, we are now already full of appetite.

Cafe de l'Homme in Paris does not currently hold any Michelin stars; it is considered a high-end, luxurious restaurant but is not recognized by the Michelin guide with a star rating.

The whole experience, the drink, foods, and the service is 9 out of 10. very high rated, and I definitely will be coming back for my next trip to Paris.

A £141 dinner price in Paris would likely be considered a mid-to-high range cost for a meal, indicating a nice restaurant with quality food and potentially a good location near the Eiffel tower.

Walid was the best videographer we had in the Paris. he was able to capture the best moment when we walked in and the Eiffel tower views. The Cafe's de l'Homme team made my experience spectacular! It's a keeper for the Cafe's de l'Homme restaurant and must have a reward for them.

Additionally, the staffs were incredibly professional and friendly, providing attentive service that made us happy :)

The elegant and cozy atmosphere, paired with the stunning view outside, created a dream-like dining experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Paris.

If you are seeking a high-end dining experience. I highly recommend this establishment. This is a unique experience, and the wait staff allows ample time for you to savor each aspect of the meal and the view. So, take your time and enjoy!

I make a commitment to my smart husband, ItalyPaul to smile more often and embrace happiness, to let go of anger, and to maintain a positive outlook as always.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If you're already subscribed to my YouTube channel, make sure to hit the bell icon and give this video a thumbs up. Wishing all of you who watch this video right now, tons of positive energy and good fortune around you. Thanks for watching!

The photographer captured numerous shots of me, and I picked one that is my absolute favourites. His professional and high-quality images can be found on Instagram under the name ''Love Me in Paris''.

📍Café de l'Homme
17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Saturday, 8 February 2025

[Paris Café] French Tea House ‘CARETTE’ in Paris☕️🇫🇷

Timhotel Tour Eiffel offers a unique Junior Suite that boasts an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower and features two balconies. Due to its exclusivity, booking this suite can be challenging, as there is only one available. The suite is situated in an exceptional location, and while a standard room is priced at less than double the suite's rate, the hotel maintains a three-star rating. The cost for this remarkable view starts at £220, though prices may vary by season. Guests often find that for stunning views and prime locations, they are willing to pay rates comparable to those of four-star hotels, even at a three-star establishment. This video is from December 2024. I celebrated Christmas in Paris, marking my first visit to Carette, despite having been to Paris eight times before. The ambiance was inviting, friendly, and pleasantly relaxed. This establishment is certainly not a typical tourist trap. We did spend about 30 minutes in line, but it was well worth the wait, and the experience was nothing short of sensational. A big thank you to the waiter(whose name I unfortunately forgot) for delivering outstanding service—so attentive, friendly, and professional during the entire experience. Given the chilly weather, we opted to dine indoors. The renowned hot chocolate is a must-try; it is exceptionally sweet, so one cup is more than sufficient! Personally, I prefer it with about 20% less sweetness. The dark chocolate is rich, slightly bitter and not overly sweet, which I thoroughly enjoyed! The cakes I ordered were all freshly made and of high quality, and I loved every bite. The setting was delightful, and the location is incredibly convenient, with a viewing platform for the Eiffel Tower just a short distance away. Additionally, it’s an easy walk to the Eiffel Tower, offering great photo opportunities. I found myself wanting to order many items from the menu. If you’re considering a visit, I highly recommend it! This café truly excels in offering amazing pastries, coffee, and their famous hot chocolate. For two people, we enjoyed three cakes for £21 and the famous hot chocolate for £25, total £46.

Overall, I would rate this experienced an 8 out of 10. It’s a great idea to stop by before dinner and savour the moment. Good bye, my friends. I hope you enjoyed watching our time in Carette Paris and found my honest reviews helpful. It's just a short stroll to the Eiffel Tower. Looking forward to seeing you all in the next video. Good night and sweet dreams.


📍Carette
4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris, France


Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Sunday, 19 January 2025

Dining at Madame Brasserie on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower

The first level of the Eiffel Tower has a professional photographer available both inside the restaurant and outside, giving you the chance to snap as many photos as you like at no cost. Afterward, you can choose your favourite image in the photo studio machine and get it ‘pay for print’.


Just go for it! Even if you can't dance, be bold and let loose when the music hits you. It's all about having a good time and spreading joy to yourself and those you care about. Enjoy the moment!

I arrived early at 10:30 AM, to get a head start. Unfortunately, the security staff wouldn’t let me in since my lunch reservation at Madame Brasserie is at 1:30 PM, so I need to come back at 1 PM. I asked at the ticket reception if I could grab breakfast and lunch there, but they told me I couldn’t use the same lift tickets for both.

Fortunately, the ticket staff were really nice and called the Madame Brasserie in front of me and required to change my lunch reservation to 12 PM. The following day, my husband and I were eager to enjoy breakfast, but we couldn't find any options on social media. We were excited to try something new and see what it was all about. The website only permits reservations for the second floor as the minimum choice. Be sure to check out my breakfast experience at the Eiffel Tower; it was unforgettable and absolutely worth it!

Upon your arrival, the waiter greeted you with a warm smile and escorted you to your table. The lovely server named Meryem promptly inquired whether we preferred white or red wine, as well as champagne, which was included in our MADAME WITH DRINKS PACKAGES. A choice of two difference of wines, starter, main course, dessert and hot drinks.

We encountered a lovely French couple who were incredibly friendly and easy to chat with. It’s great to make new friends! While the lovely server provided you with a QR code, allowing you to take a photo with your camera to place your order directly from your phone screen. We had an amazing dining experience in the captivating atmosphere of the iconic first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Meryem was incredibly professional and friendly, guiding us through our lunch and even assisting us in capturing some great video moments. The main dish features a delightful tasty lunch meat pie with a fresh side salad, grilled scallops, butternut risotto topped with pumpkin seeds, fennel, and cazette flowers. It's creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious, bursting with cosy flavours.

The highlight of the meal was the Beef Bourguignon, which was incredibly tender and perfectly balanced in flavour—not too salty or greasy. It was freshly cooked and beautifully melted in my mouth. The sauce was rich and hearty, making every bite a delight that brought a smile to my face. It truly ranks among the best meals I've experienced, especially after dining more than 15 different cafes and Michelin restaurants during my trip to Paris.

For dessert, we have a chocolate and praline tart along with Paris Brest. They taste amazing—light, not overly sweet, and perfectly balanced in flavour. It's totally worth it. The food was outstanding, and we can’t wait to come back! I gave it a perfect 5-stars rating and scored it a solid 9 out of 10. Total came to €201.20, which includes drinks and a lift tickets for 2 to the first floor.

In addition, the staff was exceptionally well-trained and professional, the view was simply stunning, the food was outstanding, and the overall atmosphere was nothing short amazing!

My husband Paul left his DJI Pocket 3 behind. Thankfully, it wasn't stolen; otherwise, I would have lost not only the camera but also the wonderful memories from our trip to Paris. This time, I'm excited to dining of Michelin two-star Thierry Marx of Madame Brasserie for the first time, and I made a reservation through their official website at nd opted for a table in The Cœur Brasserie area. The indoor seating is perfect for soaking in the restaurant's cozy and inviting vibe.

One important note is that you should arrive 30 minutes prior to your reservation time, as the total dining duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The extra 30 minutes allows for any delays, and you will be reminded 15 minutes before your time is up that other guests will be arriving, necessitating a quick clean-up.

Since, I had a wonderful dining experience last year of 2024 at Le Jules Verne, a two-Michelin-star restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. You should definitely take a look at the video if you haven't watched it yet!

Showing affection to your wife through kisses and hugs every day is truly essential. It can enhance your relationship in numerous ways. These gestures elevate your mood because kissing releases those wonderful feel-good hormones. Additionally, they express your desire and attraction, which helps maintain that vibrant romantic connection. I make a commitment to my smart husband, ItalyPaul to smile more often and embrace happiness, to let go of anger, and to maintain a positive outlook as always.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If you're already subscribed to my YouTube channel, make sure to hit the bell icon and give this video a thumbs up. Wishing all of you who watch this video right now, tons of positive energy and good fortune around you. Thanks for watching!

📍Madame Brasserie - 2 Michelin-Starred Chef
Location: Eiffel Tower, ler, 75007 Paris, France

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Friday, 3 January 2025

Reviewing the BEST SUNDAY ROAST CARVERY in the UK!

Each year, it is a tradition for us to dine at the Jug and Bottle Stonehouse Carvery on Christmas Eve or New Year's Day.

We particularly enjoy their shandy drink, which we customize by requesting a mix of approximately 70% Carling beer and 30% lemonade.

This establishment is undoubtedly the finest local carvery we have encountered. I’m hanging out with my husband, ItalyPaul, and we just had an amazing carvery meal.

The veggies were served hot and fresh, the potatoes, and the beef, turkey, and gammon were cooked to perfection tender and flavourful, showcasing excellent preparation. Everything was served at the ideal temperature.

It is a delightful experience featuring fresh and high-quality British cuisine. This carvery is top-notch! I rated it 9 out of 10 and I definitely recommend checking it out for its amazing quality and fresh dishes.

Our total bill was £25.28 for both of us, which we found to be quite reasonable. We will certainly return, as the bustling atmosphere is always a positive indicator of quality.

📍Jug and Bottle Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery
Louth Road, Holton Le Clay DN36 5YN England

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.