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Just Did Swiss! |
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Getting Started.. |
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I had been talking a lot about Switzerland trip to everyone since long back. But, for my disappointment, no one turned-up. And everyone had his own valid reason. I had nearly given-up the thought. It was only till I received an e-mail from Siva describing the VISA rules for Switzerland (Swiss now onwards). |
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"..All nationals not exempt from obtaining a visa as under paragraph 1 to 4 do not require a visa to travel to Switzerland if they hold a UK residence permit or a UK temporary residence permit, originally issued for more than 6 months and 1 day. At the time of entry into Switzerland this permit must be valid for a further 3 months and the passport must be valid for 3 months after the date of departure from Switzerland. Also the permit has to be endorsed in the passport" |
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It was clear; we don't need VISA as we both had work permits for 1 year. The biggest hurdle was, thus, won! Then I started reading all about Swiss on the net. I also found out the travel details. Going there by Coach was ruled out, as it would have required a transit visa from France embassy. I then started looking for cheap flights. Finally, I found the cheapest deal on the net on (http://www.cheapflights.co.uk). It was around 167 �s return for each. I called-up Siva and he responded positively. Immediately, I booked two air tickets for both of us with my visa connect card. And that's it; we were all set to go. I then booked accommodation in Zurich for three nights (This was changed later as it was quite far from the Airport). |
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Meanwhile Siva had got some information from his friend and he sent me the same for reference. I read from at least 20 websites and of the 200 web pages, I finally chalked-out my route. We were short of time as three days were not sufficient to cover all of Swiss. We knew that we wont get time to do RnD after reaching there and that's why, it was must for us to decide everything well in advance and have a concrete plan for our trip. As only two of us were traveling the planning was quite easy. I asked Siva to come to my place a day before we start. And there we decided what places to cover and our itinerary. We then purchased some food (enough for both of us for three days survival). That's it all preparations done we checked our luggage and were all set for tomorrows journey! |
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Day 1.. (Saturday, Aug 24th, 2002) |
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(Lucerne, Engelberg, Mount Titlis) |
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Siva had come to my place in the night the previous day. We started at 4:00 AM in the morning for Heathrow Airport. Our flight was BA 710 from Terminal A at 6:55 AM. We reached airport at quarter to five and checked-in the big bag. |
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I was quite excited, as this was the first international trip planned by me. I wanted to make most of it this time. We had a very ambitious plan and we did not know how weather is going to be. I had taken the weather update from Swiss site and planned accordingly. But still we were not very sure about it. |
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Finally, our flight took-off in good time and we reached Zurich airport within 1 hour 10 mins. It was a short flight. We could see the beautiful landscapes and mountains from the flight during descend. |
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We immediately went to railway station to catch our train to Lucerne. But as the announcement was done in French, we could not understand the station name and missed our first train. It was quite disappointing as we had a very tight schedule and we couldn't afford to lose time. Soon, we got next train (around half an hour later) to Lucerne. We reached Lucerne within 1 and a half hour and checked the time for a train to Engelberg. We got around 20 minutes at Engelberg so we went out to see the town. Had first sight of Swiss life. It was happening town. I could see the cheer in the air. It is a beautiful city and has a big lake near the station. We took a short walk around the lake and on the bridge. Then started back for the train. Caught the train to Engelberg. |
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Engelberg is a very small town. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the town has got inexplicable beauty! This was my first time when I saw snow this closely. I cheered-up in joy! The real excitement was yet to come though! We took a short walk near the station and took our way to Mount Titlis cable car station. It is around 10 minutes walk from the station. There are buses to go there but I would advice to take a walk. It's a fantastic scene to see the cable cars going up and up. There are few hundred cars (cages) in this ride and they take us to the height of 10,000 feet! Yes, it is ten thousand feet. There are four stages in all and we need to change the car thrice. Upon reaching the third sage we can take a close look of snow-covered mountains. They are right beneath us! The last stage car is a huge UFO shaped cage, which moves up the rope and also rotates around itself. It gives a Majestic view of the Mount Titlis. |
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When we reached the top, we could see two three tube walks that takes you to different observatory windows. I had a look of surrounding mountains from them and was stunned to see the real Snow-white Mountains! But this wasn't enough. There is a lift that takes up right up the mountain and you can actually step-in the snow. That was the peak of excitement. I have heard a lot about the snow and it's been always my dream till now to play in snow. And thanks to Mount Titlis, it was my dream comes true! That too in the Europe's second highest top! I started playing, the moment I stepped-in there. That was amazing! Simply superb! Soon I put on my sunglasses, as I was not able to see properly in terrific brightness due to reflections from the snow all over. It is must to take sunglasses when you go in snow. We cannot stand the bright light there. It's like looking straight in the White Mercury Halogen Flood light! |
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The temperature was around 0 degrees, but I could mange without jacket with my thermals alone. Even though its ice, we don't feel cold there. May because of excitement! |
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Then we started for the Ice flyer ride. This comes free with mount Titlis ticket. On our way, many Indians told us that the ride is closed. But the out of optimism, we kept walking and reached the ride. And for our disappointment, the ride was closed. Just to try my luck, I offered some money to the guy operating the ride. And he agreed for 16 franks! That was just 4 Pounds each. We readily gave him money and caught our car. This ride is bit scary. We sit on a chair-like cage. This cage is hung by a small support to the rope. And you start descending the mountains. This worst part comes when you are on the top of the glacier and you don't feel tightly supported. It takes you from places where you can actually see 100 meters deep cavities in ice right beneath you. And as it descends, you feel like you are going to fall in it. It is really scary and not advisable for heart patients. And in our case, only two of us were hanging in the middle of the glaciers as the ride was closed. We have taken the Video and many pictures of this ride and will show you when we meet. It was worth it and also it was different experience as we bribed someone. |
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We sit in the open restaurant for some time after coming back and took our way back to Engelberg. I was not at all feeling like leaving the snow... |
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This all took around 4 and half hours. If we would have had trekked all the way to the top, it would have taken at least a week to reach. That's the power of technology! |
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From Engelberg, we took our train back to Lucerne and from Lucerne we caught the train to Interlaken where we had booked our hostel. Looking at the map, we thought it would take at the most one hour, but the train started behaving like a British train and it took three hours to reach Interlaken. We reached Interlaken at around 9:45 PM. I had a map to the hostel downloaded from the net so without any difficulty reached the hostel. But the attendant at the reception told us that she was unable so accommodate us, as the hostel was already full. She also apologized and gave us the address of another hostel in the middle of city. We had no choice but to accept her apologies. Finally we managed to get the other hostel at 11:00 PM and after taking bath both of us went to sleep like a dead. |
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Day 2 (Sunday, Aug 25th, 2002) |
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(Jungfrau, Interlaken) |
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We got-up exactly at 4:15 AM and got ready for the next days expedition. We planned to cover Jungfrau and Interlaken that day. We were also told by many, who had been to Swiss, to reach Jungfrau as early as possible. We took the first train to Jungfrau. Siva had planned for this journey. He planned this trip in this way so that we go by a different way and come back by other. So, we could see more of Jungfrau region. To reach the Jungfrau, we need to change the train two times. It's not difficult, as all the trains have properly planned timings. Also trains in Swiss run exactly on time. If you are late by a minute, you miss the train for sure! |
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At the stops, we took a short breaks to see the countryside Swiss. It is beautiful. I don't have words to describe the beauty of the places. Each one is different. And you can see the cattle grazing all around. They have bells and the sounds of the bells add a magical chime in the cool breeze! The best place for meditation. Calm, quiet and beautiful! This cannot be compared with anything in the world. May be I haven't seen enough of world, but whatever I have seen, its out of world! All the small towns in the Jungfrau region are similar, equally beautiful! And through them passes our high tech mountain rail! An amazing blend of nature and technology! The trains are engineered perfectly not to add any noise to the calmness of the place. |
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Finally, we reached the Jungfrau station. It is a bit different railway station. The difference lies in that; you don't see platforms, escalators or ticket validating machines. It's just a tunnel! A long tunnel from which, many tunnels start. All tunnels look like a cave. We walk through these caves to the different sights. First we went to see the glaciers. We cannot go our in the snow there as there is a risk of landslide and there are deep cavities in the ice. There are many mountains in these regions where the snow hasn't melted since ages and you can see the green colored snow. It's because of algae. The wonders of nature! |
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There are around three four tunnel windows there. Another tunnel is cut in the ice and is fitted with blue lights. It feels like you are in a dream world. Glowing blue ice all around you! |
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All these tunnels meet at a common point and from there is an elevator that takes you to the top of Europe! The Jungfrau Top! It's 128 meters high elevator that reaches the top in just 20 seconds! Also it is amazingly smooth, we don't even feel a little jerk in such a high speed. |
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The best of experience was about to come and we'd just reached there. The door to the top of Europe was open for us and we entered it. Clean, shiny White Mountain ranges came forward to welcome us at the top of Europe! It was just an unforgettable moment in my life. I was on the top of Europe and we had just done it! You can feel the excitement in everyone there. A Marathi man called-up his home and told that he was calling from the top of the Europe! The view from this point is literally breathtaking! I took around 40 pictures there. I couldn't stop myself. Akash, if you would be in my place there, I don't know how much reels you would have required! Every side, every angle, every inch is scenic! You shouldn't miss any of it. And fortunately, we got a good sunshine here also. We could see the aeroplanes flying at our eye level. They were just horizontally far. I missed everyone in my family and my friends there. If I could, I'll surely take everyone there once. I was happy. I was overjoyed. I was.. I haven't seen Himalayan, but I can now imagine how wonderful it would be. This is just 3400 meters and Himalayan is 9000+ meters. Three times higher and I don't know how many times beautiful' I was at the top of Europe for around an Hour and then my hands refused to work because of extreme cold. We then came down by the lift and took an adventure walk tunnel. The tunnel is around 150 meters long and it takes you to a skiing point. We met many Indians on the way. There was Marathi Family again from Nasik. I took many pictures for them. The lady in this group was not less than 60, but I was surprised to see her enthusiasm. Even in the extreme cold and slippery land, she managed comfortably in her sari. I saw many old people doing the same. A man goes old only if his soul does! |
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We then took a ride in the dogcart. It is a small cart, with ice skates, which can pull three people. There are around six strong dogs tied in front. They pull the cart with extremely high speed when the skier removes the anchor. The snow dusts around and you get lost in the snowy land and see only snow around. It is a wonderful ride. Getting little bit of Eskimos ;-)! I got a beautiful young lady as a partner in the ride. Guys, you would be jealous to see the video! |
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We had planned to take the complete walk of this point, but we have had not time and also the weather was getting worse. On our way, I stepped into a small cavity below the ice and my shoe got stuck. With a little difficulty, I managed to take it out. But I had to remove my shoe to remove the snow and I felt pain in the sole. That was quite thrilling as if the cavity would have been deep, I don't know what would have happened to me.. Just after me, Siva also got into one. But we reached the tunnel safely after that. It was a mixed experience. Excitement, scare, thrill, patriotism, joy and sense of achievement! We were about to start back and then I saw a board saying Bollywood Restaurant. Both of us decided to take a look at it and not to take food. But as soon as we saw the food, we couldn't stop ourselves. The smell of typical Indian Masalas had stimulated us and we decided to give it a try. I ate like I had never eaten in my life before. Both of us were hungry and the food was just too good and also pure vegetarian! We had Chana Masala, Dal Tarka, Mix veg, Yogurt, Chawal and bread. The food was delicious! I talked to the chef and thanked him. He was an Indian and working there since ten years. The restaurant is however, run by a Swiss guy. Whatever it is, there is only one restaurant on the top of Europe and it is Indian! Isn't it a thing to be proud of' After taking lunch, I sent a post card to my family. I missed everyone when I was writing. |
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Just after we decided to return, we could see the weather getting cloudy and cold. Many tourists were disappointed as they arrived late just to see the rides closed and bad weather around! We reached the train station in few minutes after that. But there had been a breakdown and all the trains were delayed. We felt like we are traveling in India on our way back as your coach was full of Indians. I could not help laughing when I heard a typical Marathi phrase, "hann tyachya thobadit ek.." (Meaning.. slap him in the face!). |
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We could manage to reach Interlaken only after 5:30 PM. It was good sunshine there. We went to hostel dropped our rug sacks and started back to take a look of the city. We first saw the main market area. Siva looked for a cuckoo clock (famous in Swiss). But he couldn't decide which one to buy. Also we thought that we could get it cheaper in Geneva or Bern. Then we went to see the residential areas. People in this town must be lucky. It's like being in heaven! Such a beautiful town. The river "The Aare" flows from the center of the city. Our room was exactly on the bank of this river. We could see the river flowing from the gallery of our room. It is a wonderful view. We took a long walk on the riverside. Then we decided to sit in the garden right in the middle of the town. We were discussing the Indian politics and then suddenly a Lady carrying a child in her hand interrupted us. She asked us if we are from India and told us that she is from Banglore. She was married to an American and now settled in Swiss. We were wondering whys is she telling us all that. Then we realized may be she has not spoken to any Indian since long and just like that.. We sat there for some more time and then went to hostel. We slept the moment we reached our beds. |
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Day 3 (Monday, Aug 26th, 2002) |
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(Geneva, Bern, Zurich) |
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It was last day in Swiss and we got-up again at 4:30 AM sharp. We got ready and checked out. We rushed to catch the first train to Bern. And We could do it exactly on the last moment. Reached Bern at 6:30 and 6:47 we had a train to catch. We just missed this train as Siva wasn't ready to leave a frank in the Cloak Room Locker. But that didn't make any difference as we got another one in 20 mins. We took this train for Geneva (Geneve as they call it). This journey (from Bern to Geneva) is not very exciting. It is just like any other journey in UK. We reached Geneva at 9:40 AM and went to see the Geneve Lake. It is exactly in the center of the city. Geneva is second biggest city in Swiss. There are not many things to see, as you don't enjoy it after Interlaken and Junfrau. We could not make to Olympia Museum as it was quite far and both of us are not interested in Museums. We just took a little walk alongside on the Geneva Lake and had a look in the market around. I saw Aishwarya Rai's picture. It was some wristwatch commercial. Felt proud to see Swiss people admiring Indian beauty. |
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I saw a high fountain in the Geneva Lake. It was good. Not very impressive though! |
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We spent around 2 hours and then took our way back to Bern. Reached Bern at around 1:30 PM and we decided to take a city tour. It was just 10 franks and the tour operator promised us a complete tour of the city and English Guide. Language is real problem there. We started from the train station. It gave us a close touch of the history and growth of the city. We saw rose-garden, embassy area, Clock Tower and the place where Einstein worked! |
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Bern is the capital of Switzerland. It is only 4th biggest city in Swiss with approximately 130,000 population. Bern was founded in 1191 and became the eighth member of the Confederation in 1353. Bern has medieval architectures and a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Bern means bear so the bear is Bern's heraldic symbol. |
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This city is quite different than others. It has very ancient touch. There is a big network of trams. You can see trams running every half a minute. Also roads are made of stones. And so are the buildings. The Roads in Bern are narrow and crowded. There are fountains in the middle of roads with potable water. I drunk water from two of them. This is the first city in Europe where we can see drinking water for free and that too in public place. We then saw a church and a Bear Park. I bought a cowbell (the souvenir) from a local shop and Siva finally bought the cuckoo clock. |
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Then we came back to the railway station and started back for Zurich. It's just 1-hour journey. We reached Zurich at 6:00 PM. Our booking was done in a Youth hostel and it was quite far from the railway station and it would have become difficult to catch next days early morning flight. So we contacted the tourism office and the lady there booked a room in a hostel close to railway station. Finding this hostel was horrible as it was in the most crowded part of the city and in a small lane. We somehow managed to find it. We dropped our bags in the room and came out to take a look. |
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Zurich is the biggest city in Swiss with nearly 363000 population. Z�rich is at the northern end of Lake Z�rich (Z�richsee), with the city center split by the Limmat River. Like many Swiss cities, it is compact and conveniently laid out. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is on the west (or left) bank of the river, close to the old center. |
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We took a long walk alongside of this river and sat at many places. Then we saw the commercial market places. All the shops were closed. The markets are just like the ones in London. Nothing new. I saw Bata showroom there. |
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Then we went to the city center to see the nightlife. It is a happening place. There are lots of restaurants, pubs and discos. We sat listening to guitarists who were playing in public. That was wonderful experience. Then we took another round of this lane and took some pictures and came back to out hostel. |
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I then decided to have noodles. There was no microwave in the hostel so I went down and entered a kitchen of a restaurant. I saw many shrilankan cooks. They happily gave me hot boiling water when I told them that I am an Indian. I talked to them for some time and then retuned to my room. I immediately slept after taking food and bath. |
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Day 4' (Tuesday, Aug 27th, 2002) |
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It was the last day in Swiss. We got up at 4:30 AM and left the hostel. Reached the Zurich Airport by quarter to six and checked-in. Then we went to the top car-parking floor and had a bird eye look of the airport. It was a good weather and nice view. Our flight was scheduled at 7:55 Swiss time (GMT +1:10). After security check, we saw the Swatch Watch stall. Siva was looking for wristwatches and this was the best deal. He bought two watches and we rushed to the gate. That was time to say good-bye to Swiss and our flight just took off in good weather. |
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We are happy to say that, "Just did Swiss!" |
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Regards, |
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Rahul |
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(Thursday. Aug 29th 2002/London) |
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To read more about Swiss check out (http://www.myswitzerland.co.uk/) . |
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I'll upload my Swiss photos soon on http://photos.yahoo.com/rahulnaodhar |
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Travel Home |
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Rahul Naodhar Home |
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