Europe Tour-Day 7--- Milan ( 21 Oct 2011)

I forgot to mention my misadventure on Day 5. When we got back to the hotel room with the Beajoulais, I realized that we did not have a corkscrew to open the cork.I padded down to reception in my nightsuit and slippers and asked for a corkscrew. The lady had one readily available ( either she kept getting such requests frequently or she had kept it for self-defence). I told her that I didn't know how to use the corkscrew.She put the corkscrew in but didn't have the strength to pull the cork out.So there was the bottle on the reception counter and me and the reception putting our hands together to force the plug out.Anybody coming in then would have thought we were in a wrestling match.

The cork broke and part of it was still stuck in the bottle.So I asked her if I could take the corkscrew back to the room.She said OK.In the room, I pushed down again with all my might and the cork went into the bottle!! Well, the Beajoulais did have a corky feeling thereafter.

Right, the alarm rang at 5.15 AM on Day 7.We got ready and were checked out by 6.30 AM.We left our luggage in the reception and went up to the 1st floor to have our breakfast.At 6.45 AM, we strolled down to Interlaken West and were there by 6.50 AM.The train came in at 7.05 AM and we reached Spiez at 7.21 AM.The next train to Milano Centrale was at 8.0 AM on Gleise 3 ( Platform 3).It was bitterly cold on the platform and we went into a heated waiting room Our Coach was No 5 ( Seats 11 and 13) in the 7 Coach train.The position of the Coach was clearly marked on the platform so we knew where to stand.

The train came in and we boarded.

Goodbye Switzerland. Couple of things we had noticed about the Swiss.They are very friendly, the country is very tourist friendly, many women have nose rings and everything is quite expensive.At this time of the year, it used to be dark till around 7.30 PM and there is sunlight till almost 7 PM. In fact, we saw the moon shining bright at 6.45 AM.

Right, we steamed into Milano Centrale at 10 .30 AM.The station is a magnificent art-deco building.The other thing we noticed about all these stations. Apart from being the place to board trains, they are also hubs for shopping and eating.We took a couple of photographs there.

The map said that the distance to Madison Hotel was 1 KM.With all our luggage,we decided to take a taxi.Before we could properly settle down in the taxi, we were at the hotel.Fare was only 5 Euros and this was the Best Western Madison. We checked in. Clean rooms, if a little smaller than the ones we had in Zurich and Interlaken.The bathroom also had a bidet. Hmmm!!!

We headed out again and asked at the reception for directions to get to the starting point of the sightseeing tour.The Metro Station was right beneath Milano Centrale.We went to the ticket counter and were figuring out how to get the tickets. A helpful girl told me what buttons to punch and pretty soon I had the tickets to Lanza Teatro Piccolo. 3 Euros for the tickets and 1 Euro for the girl---- yes, she asked for some money.Not a bad way to earn pocket money!!!

4 stops away we got down and asked for directions to Furo Beunoparte.5 minutes and we were there.We checked in at Zani Viaggi office .Our voucher was in order and we were told that the bus would come at 2 PM.We were hungry so we went to a nearby cafe and ordered a Margarita Pizza and lemon soda.

At 2 PM the bus came.We were given small radios with headphones.These were to be used in the various sightseeing locations where the guide would whisper into her microphone and we could hear clearly. The guide was Elena, a middle aged Italian woman with her singsong Italian accent and the unique Italian way of rolling the r's. First stop was LaScala.I had heard about this opera house when I was a schoolboy and had determined that I would visit this place one day.Strike one from the list of 50 things to do before I die.

We went to one of the boxes and watched a rehearsal with a full orchestra playing.Sudha was thrilled. Then a short walk from La Scala Square thru the Galleria on to Duomo Square.The Galleria has plenty of shops.Took lots of photos. The Duomo Cathedral is magnificent. I have always had a fascination for Cathedrals and fulfilled my desire of seeing one more. Then on to the other sights of Milan and ending up at a Catle before heading back to the starting point.. From there, Sudha and I took a stroll down to the Galleria again and had a Burgen with french fries and pista ice cream---- heaven !!!We strolled hand in hand and did some window shopping and have decided to come back tomorrow to the same place.

I forgot to mention the Last Supper. This is at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazia.What a masterpiece!!! I had read so much about this and to see it in person was so thrilling.The painting is in perspective so you get the same sense of proportion whether watching it 10 feet away or 100 feet away.This was painted in the Refectory of the Dominican Monks. I innocently asked the guide why the person to Jesus's right looked like a lady.Elena ( the guide) told me that I'd obviously read the Da Vinci Code but didn't say anything more.

Haven't found anything yet for the beauties in our family.We've just seen a Zara's outlet and perhaps we'll go there tomorrow.

Came back to the hotel via Metro by 8 PM and went to bed.

Fully updated now. Tomorrow we check out and leave the hotel but keep the luggage there.

Europe Tour---- Day 6---- Junfraujoch--- ( 20 Oct 2011)

Our original plan was to catch the 6.30 AM train from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch.The previous day, while checking with the lady at the hotel reception, she advised us to leave around 9 AM since the weather forecast for 20th Oct was bright and sunny.

We got up at 6.30 AM and had a hearty breakfast at the hotel.We then took Bus 103 to Interlaken Ost.Trains leave from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch every 30 minutes. so that was no problem.
This is actually a circular trip.The jumping off point to Jungfraujoch is Kleine Scheidegg.You can go to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen or via Grindelwald.What is universally recommended is that you go one way and come back the other way.We decided to go via Lauterbrunnen and come back via Grindelwald.

The journey is too beautiful to be described in words.It was snowing as were on our way up and the pine trees were covered in snow on the upper reaches while the same trees were bathed in the golden colours of autumn in the lower reaches.There were a group of Koreans travelling with us and it was really funny to see one standing in a pose while the other said "Eeh" before clicking the photos and "Aah" as soon as the photo was clicked.

There were tunnels through most of the way up and there were collective gasps of delight at the scenery as soon as the train came out of the tunnel.

We changed trains at Kleine Scheidegg and then began the climb up to Jungfraujoch.No words can describe the trip and the sights at Jungfraujoch.I hope the photos we clicked will give others an idea of the sights we saw.The outside temperature was -16 Deg C.One doesn't feel it inside but the moment one steps out, the cold hits you and my fingers were almost frozen in the 5 minutes I spent outside.There is an Ice Place with different ice sculptures and this was also nice.We boughts cups of hot coffee and a sandwich and soon it was time to begin the return journey.The cogwheels ( like the Nilgiri Railway) began their clickety-clack and almost everyone dozed off.

We reached Interlaken by 5 PM and came straight back to the hotel. We had BisiBele Bath and Noodles with yoghurt and I polished off the Beajoulais.We hit the sack early since were due to get up early the next day four our journey to Milan.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that we came across Deepika Padukone in Jungfraujoch and I have the photo prove it.

Europe Tour---- Day 5---- Interlaken (19 Oct 2011)

Got up at 6.30 AM at Zurich .Breakfast was ordered for 7.45 AM and you could set your watch by the knock on the door.We checked out at 8 AM and walked down to Limmatquay Tram Station to catch Tram No 4 to Zurich HB.Our train was at 9.32 AM but we were told by a helpful lady at the enquiry desk that we could as well catch the 9.02 AM train.We did so after a cup of hot coffee at the platform.Arrival in Bern at 9.58 AM and move across the platform to catch the 10.04 train to Interlaken Ost( East).On the way, we crossed Interlaken West but didn't think much of it.
The train ride from Bern to Interlaken is very scenic.Two lakes ( Lake Thun) and Lake Brienze are almost next to the railway track and soon you come across the snow laden peaks of the Alps---- very breathtaking.
No picture postcard can match what the eye can see.

We reached Interlaken Ost at 10.30 AM.I went to the ticket counter and pretty soon our vouchers for the Junfraujoch trip next day were converrted to tickets.We caught Bus No 103 to Postplatz( 3 stops away) and landed right in the downtown area of Interlaken.We walked across to Oberland Swiss Hotel.The lady at the reception informed us that our room was not yet ready.So we kept our baggage there and wandered round the streets.Full of souvenir shops ( Victorinox and Wenger everywhere).

We went to Migros ( something like Target or Walmart) and stocked up on Noodles, buns and a bottle of Beajoulais.Also a packetfull of raisins,cashewnuts, almonds etc( something like what I enjoyed at Cary last year). Life was indeed good.We also found out that Interlaken West Station was closer ( walking distance) from our hotel.

We were famished by now and walked across to Spice of India Restaurant.We ordered two rotis, a plate of rice and Aloo Gobi.Wonder of wonders--- the steward actually walked in with two glasses of water. We asked him if it was for free and he said yes with a wry grin---- an Indian after all.

We checked in and hit the bed.It  was raining by now and the weather was really cold.We got up at 5 PM and decided  to walk to Interlaken Ost Station where we saw a big Coop Store---- another Walmart.
There we bought some yoghurt and a green cloth Coop bag that Sudha had seen with another person the previous day at Zurich.

We took Bus 103 again---- except that the bus went off in some other direction.We were confused-- after all, this was Bus No 103 and why was it not going to Postplatz? We asked the bus driver but he didn't understand what we were saying.It was dark, cold and raining and we were the only two passengers in the bus.Sudha was starting to get scared.We decided to stay in the bus since it would anyway bring us back to Interlaken Ost.Then we found that 103 makes trips to two destinations--- one trip to Isetwald and one trip to Interlaken West.Ah well---- one lives and learns and what is travel without such adventures!!

We came back and I settled down to watch a serial on the Borgias ( Lucretia Borgia was the central character) while sipping a glas of wine and munching on nuts.

Life was indeed good.

Europe Tour---- Day 4---- Rhine Falls, Lindt Chocolate Factory --(18 Oct 2011)

Rise and shine at 6.30 AM. Breakfast delivered to the hotel room at 8 AM. Walk to Sihlquay Bus Station at 8.45 PM.

Tour starts at 9.15 AM.There are only 3 groups--- 2 of us, a Pakistani young couple and a group of 4 Canadians.

We drive throough Zurich Flughafen ( Airport), Winterthur and Schaushaffen and reach Rhine Falls by 10.30 AM.Not a patch on Niagara or Jog Falls or Kutralam, but we had paid good money and were determined to enjoy the trip.We paid 16 CHF extra for a boat ride right up to the falls.Took some photographs there and came back.

The drive through the Swiss countryside was awesome.Came back to Sihlquay at 12.30 PM.Then the Pakistani couple told us about Vulcan, an Indian restaurant that was close by.We went there and pigged out on rice and a sabji with a salad thrown in and buttermilk for good measure ( 50 CHF for 2--- literally giulp!!).What next--- that was the question. I wanted to take a train to Mulhouse just to say that we had visited France also.Sudha wanted to visit the Kichelberg Factory of Lindt--- so Kichelberg it was.

The lady at the Zurich HB Enquiry counter printed out the detailed directions.We bought 2 return tickets to Ruschilkon, got off there, walked to the bus stop and caught Bus No 165 to Kichelberg Schoor.The Lindt factory was bang opposite.We were not allowed into the factory but we went to the factory outlet and bought lots of chocolates.The very air smelled of cholocate.

We then caught the 3.32 PM bus to Ruschilkon Bahnhof, walked to the train station and caught a train to Zurich HB.Next stop was Coop ( a supermarket where we shopped for oranges, apples, yoghurt etc) and came back to our hotel by 5PM. To say we are tired is an understatement. It is 7 PM now and Sudha is fast asleep.

Around 8 PM, we'll heat up some more Bisi Bele Bath, have Yoghurt and I'll probably eat an orange.

Tomorrow we check out and head to Interlaken.

I'll upload the photos i Picasa shortly.

Yawn !!! G/Night!!!

Europe Tour--- Day 3--- Lindau (Germany)---(17 Oct 2011)

We got up bright and early on Monday 17th Oct.No time for breakfast since we had to catch the 7.16 AM train to Lindau.

We walked up to Zurich HB ( Haupt Bahnoff-- Train Sation) and had Cup O' Needles on the go while walking to the station.We then  had a cup of coffee there and boarded the train.The day was lovely and soon we were passing through the rolling Swiss countryside.We saw golf courses next to the railway track and cows munching contentedly on the green grass.On the train journey, I finally figured out how to download the photos from the Sony camera on to my computer and did that for Day 1 and Day 2.

We passed thru Zurich Flughafen, Winterthur, St Margathern, St Gallen and Bregenz( Austria) before reaching Lindau at 9.16 AM.It was bitterly cold and we had to don our caps and gloves.The train station is right near the boat jetty and I showed Sudha the Hotels Seegarten, Reutermann and Kindauer Hof where I usually stayed .We walked up to the statue of the Lion which guards Lindau Harbour.The cruise office had not yet opened so we walked thru the cobbled pathways of Lindau. Sudha bought a pair of shoes which fit her perfectly and almost bought a pair of trousers.

When we came back, the cruise office had opened and we bought tickets for a one hour cruise. Then the loveliest thing happened.A bunch of 5 to 6 year old children trooped in with a couple of teachers.All of them were very cute ( teachers included).The ship started off.Soon we made our way to the top deck.The weather turned sunny and it was a real glorious day for a cruise.We touched Bregenz again and were back in Lindau by 1.30 PM.

We came out and then I had a bright idea to see a building that I had always wanted to go to during my vists to Lindau.( In Sudha's words), we walked and walked and walked ----7 Km according to her and not more than 3 Km according to me----.I bought her an ice cream to literally cool her off.The place was a mall and my curiosity had been satisfied.

We took a bus to come back to Lindau Station but it was the wrong bus.We didn't know how to buy the tickets and offered the money to the driver.He said the fare was 4 Euro. I counted out all my change and it came to 3.95 Euros.One old gentleman was watching all this.He spoke to the driver and the latter said our ride was for free.The he asked us to follow him and went to the Bus Office and helped us buy tickets for the next bus to Lindau Hof.

We were back in Lindau Hof( Station) by 4.30 PM.The next direct train to Zurich was at 6.55 PM reaching Zurich at 8.45 PM.I asked the Station Clerk whether there were any earlier train that we could catch.

He said we could catch a 5.27 PM train to Bregenz and we would have to change a train at practically every station ( St.Margathern, St Gallen, Winterthur) and then we could reach Zurich at 7.45PM.We opted to stay back and catch the direct train.In the meantime, a couple of Lindau policemen came in to the station.After an hour, they found us still seated there.They politely asked us what we were doing in Lindau and wanted to see our passports.They were satisfied and wished us a pleasant trip.

Then came the stunner.Our train to Zurich was delayed by 40 minutes because of a train accident near Munich.The train came in at 7.30 PM and we all got in.We were seated next to two ladies who had come in from Munich.After we were seated, came another announcement--- the train driver had finished his duty and we had to wait for a new driver!!!! We had a sense of deja vu--- and things suddenly felt like home again.

We finally reached Zurich HB at 10 PM.Walking to the hotel was an option but we wanted to try out the tram.We learnt how to put the coins in the kiosk and bought two tickets to Limmatquay.We reached the hotel at 10.30PM.I had a hot bath and Sudha had heated up some MTR Kesari Bath,Bisi Bele Bath and Sambar Bath.Yummy!!! We were famished and devoured everything.

End of Day 3.

Europe Diary----- Day 2---- 16 Oct 2011 ( Zurich/Lucerne)

Our day started early---- 2.30 AM to be precise, since I had forgotten to reset the alarm in my Blackberry and it rang as usual at 6 AM IST.

The previous night, we were supposed to get up and make Bisibele bath but it never happened since both of us were too tired.

Anyway, we were ready by 7.30 AM and at 8 AM, our breakfast of orange juice, croissants, buns, rusk and coffee ( for Sudha) and hot chocolate ( for me) was delivered to our room.We devoured it voraciously and then set off.

We were supposed to be at the Sihlquay Bus Terminal by 9.30AM for the Zurich City Tour, but since we were early, we wandered around on Bahnhofstrasse, went to Zurich HB Station and made enquiries for our train tomorrow to Lindau.

We finally went to the Bus Terminal and the tour started.It was a 2 hour tour and took us to the various landmarks such as Bahnhofstrasse, the University of Zurich, Fraumunster Church  which has murals by Marc Chagall, the old town of Zurich. We were back after the tour by 11.30 AM.We then wnt to a Starbucks nearby and had a coffee.

During the City Tour, Sudha had been reading a lot about the attractions of Lucerne.On an impulse, we went to the Railway Station and bought tickets to Lucerne.The train left at 12.35 PM and we were in Lucerne by 1.25 PM.We came out of the station straight into a carnival like atmosphere.There was a merry go round and lots of families with children strolling around.We walked across a bridge spanning Lake Lucerne and went to Hotel Schweizerhof where we caught a city tour of Lucerne.Lucerne is a lovely city and many of the famous watchmakers such as Hublot,Bruguet and Longines are from Lucerne.On the way back to the starting point, we passed Hotel Kanchi and made a mental note to come back here.

We then caught Trolley No 1 to Kriens ( a 15 minute ride) and walked around 15 minutes to the cable car station .We bought tickets for a cable car ride to Pilatus ( 132 Swiss Francs---- more gulp).The cable car ride was really awesome.We were up from 516 Metres to 4000 Metres in no time at all.We relaxed there ( me with a beer and Chakli) and Sudha with Tea and then came back.We did make to Kanchi and had Uthappam there and then caught the 7.05 PM train back to Zurich.

Its 9.30 PM now and time to say good night.Tomorrow, we catch the 7.16 AM train to Lindau.

Europe Tour- Day 1- Zurich- 15 Oct 2011

14th Oct was a hectic day in more ways than one.In the first place, we had to reckon with Sandeep's departure to USA,I came back from office at 4.30 PM and left my car in the R K Nagar colony garage.
The rental car came at 5.30 PM and Greeshma went along with Sandeep to drop him off at the Airport.

Sudha and I finished the last of our packing and we found , to our surprise, that we were actually totally ready by 6.30 PM.Greeshma came back around 7 PM and then we had our dinner and bade tearful farewells to Greeshma. She is one plucky girl and helped both Sudha and I with settings for our Swiss and Italy mobile phones.

We checked in smoothly and then relaxed at the Clipper Lounge.A red wine for me and apple juice for Sudha..

The Jet Airways flight to Brussels took off at 1 AM.I settled down to watch Sherlock Holmes .Sudha watched "Maqbool" in part.We got up around 6 AM ( local time) and felt really refreshed.I had omelette and a croissant for breakfast and Sudha opted for Sabudhana Khichdi.The flight landed at around 8 AM in Brussels.The ground temperature was 3 Deg C and we felt it briefly in the aerobridge as we came out of the aircraft.After clearing immigration, we began the long walk from Terminal B to Terminal A and arrived just 10 minutes before boarding started for the Lufthansa flight to Zurich.

Zurich was cold, really cold.A temperature of 2 Deg C, but you wouldn't know it from the bright , sunny skies.We caught a taxi from the Airport to the Goldenes Schwert---- a taxi bill of 60 Swiss Francs( gulp).

The hotel is situated rught in the city centre and the street is a hive of activity.The room was not yet ready when we arrived, so we left our luggage there and went out for a stroll. The cobbled streets are a delight and there are plenty of cafes with chairs kept outside where you can sit and watch the world go by.We darted into a supermarket and bought some yoghurt and noodles and came back to the hotel.

After checking in and a hot shower, we finished our theplas and noodles and were ready to hit the streets again.We left the hotel at 3 PM and walked down a lane straight on to the Limmatquay Tram Station.We walked along the bank of River Limmat and reached Zurich HB Station in 7 minutes.On the way, we dropped in at another supermarket and bought some mineral water and bananas.

The Zurich Station is grand and we took in the sights, including two men who were passionately kissing each other since one of them was catching a train.That was the moment when Sachin rang up to ask what we were doing.We told him the truth.

From the station, we walked up to Sihlquay Bus Staion to recce the starting point of tomorrow's Zurich City Tour.We then went to a Starbucks Coffee Shop and had a cappucino--- not good. ( Madhura, mom wants to know your tea recipe for Starbucks----pl mail this immdly).

On the way back, we visited Zurich National Museum and then Sudha visited a couple of shops to try on some sweaters.She fears she's not well equipped for Jungfraujoch. On the way back to the hotel, we dropped in at a hotel ( I think it's the Fraumunster Church and we could be seeing this again tomorrow.There was a basket of apples temptingly kept there and we helped ourselves to a couple).

We returned to the hotel at 6 PM and here I am blogging to you.It's 6.30 PM now and Sudha is already fast asleep.We plan to have some Bisibele bath in the night and hit the bed.

Tomroow is the Zurich City tour and we may take a cruise on the River Limmat and a tram ride tomorrrow.

Bye for now.