The high-speed train ride from Florence to Milan was so smooth I pretty much slept throughout the entire journey. One of the attendants woke me up just minutes before arriving into Milan’s Central Station.

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I love taking the trains in Europe but I hate Italian train stations. There’s no such thing as luggage carts on the platforms. I had to haul three suitcases with my bare hands from the train, to the platform and out of the Stazione Centrale.

Now it’s time to take the hour-long drive to Milan Malpensa airport by taxi.

At Milan Malpensa, I boarded my flight to Zurich. Arrivederci Milano! Arrivederci Italia! I’ve never been so happy to get the fuck out of my beloved Italy at long last. The flight to Zurich was very short. Thirty five minutes to be exact. I loved the stunning view of the Swiss Alps.

This is beautiful. Wish I used my DSLR…

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, I went to the Swiss airlines First Class lounge and got myself a day room. I had a seven-hour long layover and wanted some private time to myself — ie take a nap, etc. My day room reminded me of my Amsterdam Yotel airport hotel experience except the Swiss First Class Lounge day room was much larger that the Yotel room.

My day room was well-equipped. I had my own private bathroom and shower facilities.

I took a nap for a few hours and when I got up, I felt a bit peckish. I went to the lounge dining area…

I had some soup and a wee bit of fish.

I also walked around Zurich airport. It’s one of my favourite airports in the world. I’d rank it third. My fave is Hong Kong airport followed by Frankfurt. I tried some watches, but I’m watching my finances like a hawk so I didn’t buy anything. Not even a pack of gum.

After my snack, I went to the Smoker’s Bar upstairs for a glass of wine and a cigarette.

Instead of walking through the massive airport, Swiss made me rode this van which brought me directly to my gate.

It’s boarding time! My First Class seat for this long haul flight from Zurich to Bangkok is seat 1A.

Cheers!

Starters were served a few minutes after take-off. Swift and efficient.

Some soup

A little salad

I’ve never had rabbit as an inflight meal before so why not? By the way, it was delicious.

I watched ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid” during my meal though I didn’t finish the film.

I also skipped desert because I got too full and too tired. Decided to get some shuteye instead.

I slept for the most part of my flight with no interruptions whatsoever.

During descent, I read a copy of the latest issue of CN Traveler. I wanna go to India again so bad.

Time to pack up my belongings!

The skyline around the airport area. We’re close to Bangkok!

Touchdown! At long last.

This lady picked me up from the airplane gate as soon as I disembarked the plane. I rode this small vehicle, dealt with immigration and got my bags in no time. She stayed with me until she brought me to my chauffeur in Bangkok.

I’m in Bangkok! Yeehaw!

It took about an hour and a half to go from the airport to my hotel because of the infamous Bangkok traffic jam.

I checked in at the Siam Kempinski hotel and went straight to my room. I have three hours to kill. But allow me to take advantage of the swimming pool for a few minutes before I begin my official duties.

I love Bangkok!