Day 8: Zurich...back

Left Luzern at about 9am, in asuper-luxurious double decker. The kind that you see plying North South Highway at times, super huge, by an unknown driver. Who cares, it is our last say at Switz, MAS flight will depart at 1250, and thats all for the entire trip.



We went on to do last minute shopping at the Duty free shops. The boarding place is further than we thought, took us a good 30 minutes to reach and as usual, some people could not reach on time again. Guess the Malaysian rich people habit will never change, now the whole plane gotto wait for them. Finally we flew off...and this time i am not so lucky, no one whole row to myself, the whole plane is rather full.



Thnking back, my ulcer is ok now. I have finally played snow in Jungfrau. I have made so many friends, rich one. I have an interesting tale on the way to interlaken. I have got all the chocs for people that i need to buy choc. I have taken all the pics that i could not take when i was on backpack tour in 2002 to Italy and Greece.(almost all though many others not yet taken). I have money to spend this time, unlike the super budget tour. I have tried the food here, except that i forgot to try Cheese Fondue. I have experienced frost bite. I have taken a gondola ride, with musicians on board. Tried squid sauce spaghetti. Went inside Milan duomo. Finally understood some history in Rome rather than just took photos. Managed to meet Jiawen. Brought mum and aunt to see things that I claimed to be beautiful and now they finally agreed. (previously they still like....now they themselves...)

Ok...let's plan for the next tour. France, anyone?

Day 7: Interlaken, Jungfrau and Luzern 1 June 2006

Thought i slept at a late 2am yesterday, I managed to wake up at 645am. Looked outside the window, no rain. Good. Clear sky. Good. Quickly took a shower (I went straight to bed last night) and head out to the street. Cold. Went back for armouring before i head out again. Jungfrau is in view. So nice. I took a few photos while the clouds have not set in. Met an English couple and asked them to take photos of me too. They have been waited for clear sky for a few days and finally decided to take the train today up the mountain. Hey, good sign.



Quickly asked mum and aunt came out to take some photos.





Then we head str8 to the breakfast buffet. The staff actually dressed in traditional swiss outfit and make us individual pot of tea/coffee, so nice. Enjoy eating the cheese, even though the tourmates didnt quite like the smell. The ham was good too. So far, the breakfasts that we had in all hotels are really ok.

Went out to see the newspapers and saw the pictures of the big rocks on the front page. Those were the rocks that delayed our journey.



At 910am, we set off to Grimblewald and reach the train station just in time at 935am. (This is what i noticed about the drivers, they are very confident that they will reach just in time even though we sometimes delay a little bit.). Winnie quickly get the tickets and we rush to the train. So nice, we have a reserved cabin all to our group. That's the best thing about group tour. The window can be opened easily. Here is the trick, dont just pull it down. Push it up a little then pull it down again. You will find that the window will obediently come down. So dont just use brute force, it wont work in Switz. Aunt was really nice. She pulled out the cherries and blueberries that she bought in Lugano and we all enjoyed the fruits and the view outside. So nice...









The view outside the train is very picturesque. Little hamlets and houses, farms, cows, against the sold backdrop of snow-peaked mountains. Ans guess what, patches of ice and snow are already visible before half way to Kleinne Scheidegg Station.







We changed train at the Kleinne Scheidegg for the final pull to Jungfraujoch. This phase of the journey is mostly in the tunnel and we will only stop at intermediate stations for 5 mins to peep at the outside panaromic views. Finally we reached Jungfraujoch, the TOP of Europe.



The sign board indicated -14.9 degress outside.



I quickly went outside to snap some photos, without realising that i am exhausting myself at such an altitude. I started panting and feel my breath getting heavier. Still I persisted and went out. I felt the frostbite instantly once i stepped out. Quickly i move back in, put up all my protection and went outside. Needles are pinching my ears!! Time is limited, i rushed to where my slippery shoes can tahan and trek till the photos point. The fujifilm worked!!!!! Thank god! I asked some angmos to take some photos for me cos' they look quite tough, but the photos didnt turn out that well cos i guess the ice is blinding, they cant see the LCD display. I tried asking diff people to cut losses.





Until a point where i cant take it, i just walked back to the building and wow....it is so comfortable inside the building. back to the gathering point for lunch, so good to enjoy a hot meal in weather like this.



I quickly finished my meal, and head back to the plateau for a second take with Mr.Yap but he was obviously ill-prepared cos half of the time, instead of taking pictures, he actually hid his hands inside pocket cos he never wear any gloves. So i was helping him to take photos instead. And the weather turn blurry too. Cant really see anything. I fell on the way of going up, slippery i guess. Lucky the ice cant melt so i wont get wet.



I raced to the other outdoor place - steel cage, which is really the TOP of europe.





But again, due to the blurry weather, cant see anything. If sky is really clear, should be able to see Black Forest in Germany and Mont Blanc from where i stood. And now all not visible. After taking some photos, have to race back to the train station for the 115pm train. By the time we gather all people, it is already 112pm and we still miss Mr and Mrs Chua. We went to the cabin while Winnie stayed back to look for them. The train left without seeing the three of them in our reserved cabin, look like we have to wait at the Kleinne Scheidegg.







Guess what when we got down at the station, Winnie came out with Mr and Mrs Chua froma another cabin. So they made it at the last minute actually. There is still a good 15 minute before the train towards Lauterbrunnen starts so I decided to take some photos before going down. I managed to get back to cabin at 215pm, the train will depart at 223pm. Again two of the marketeers were missing. Winnie went down to look for them, and this time round, luck was not on our side, the train pull off punctually when Winnie and the couple were still walking towards us from far. I shouted to the station people that there were still thre more passengers, but the staff shouted back "too late!". No choice we just have to wait at Lauterbrunnen. Upon approaching Wengen station, you can already see the Staubbach Waterfall.





Francisco came! He helped us picked up the luggage from hotel. We gave him a warm welcome back. This will be his last trip with us as tomorrow there will be another driver sending us to Zurich Airport. According to Winnie, there are about 6000 drivers in Europe driving tourists coaches, and in all her 5 years, never met a driver twice. fate i guess...Once everybody is here, we went on to Luzern. on the way, saw many scenic lake town.





Francisco will be serving us for the last time as there will be another driver tomorrow. We reached Luzern at 5pm. The hotel is rather small cos it is at the city center.





After dinner, we went round for last minute shopping. Luckily today is Thursday, all the shops extend the opening hours till 9pm instead of the usual 6pm. I managed to get a Swatch for my bro. The Swatch they sell here is more expensive than that at US, so pls don buy Swatch at Swiss even though it is a Swiss brand. The seller is a friendly Hongkie and he told us quite abit about Luzern. Once all the choc shopping done it is back to the hotel and started packing. Our tour finally come to an end...

Day 6: Lugano and the journey to Interlaken 31 May 2006

Verona and journey to Interlaken 31 May 2006

What happened today was totally unexpected.

So we went on the Motorway towards the Italy-Swiss border and on the way we saw Lake Como, which was absolutely beautiful under the gleaming sun light. Some tourmates even ask "what is the name of the town??" i was late in taking out my camera and zap the very town that i stayed in last time. Reached the border in 45 mins. Everything seemed so smooth, we should be able to reach Interlaken by 5pm. Then i have to think of something to do there.



Since everyone agreed to lunch at Lugano for 3 hours, we stopped at Lugano and Francisco will pick us up at 2pm. I took a few of pics of mum and aunt at the garden and head str8 to the Train Station to bring them up to Mount Salvatore. Mr.Chai and Mrs Chai followed us, for some reasons, and they gotto see something that the others never have a chance to see. The tickets cost 20 SF per person and once we reached, the train left punctually at 1130pm. Mr.Chai was still asking me where does the lake of Lugano extend to, and i smiled. As the train climbed up the hill, it becomes clear to him what is he actual shape of the lake, how does the town merged harmoniously with the lake and how is it feel to be on the top of Mount Salvatore. It needs no explanation, as shown by their smiles. Everybody was quiet and peaceful, in the serene cold air. Silence was the best you do have at Mount Salvatore. Since everyone was in good spirit, i brought them up the hill a little bit to the church and see some panaromic views. We took quite some photos.








Rushed down to the town, it started to drizzled. Mum and aunt start to panic but actually drizzle is all it is going to be at most. We had a simple lunch at the Bar (cheaper) and walked around. Turn out that the exchange rate at the supermarket where my aunt bought the fruits is better than what i managed to bargain at KL. Aunt bought some cherries and blueberries, which we didnt appreciate much...until later.

So Francisco turned up at 2pm and we start to head on to the Motorway to Interlaken. I started to get a bit suspicious when i see no entry sign at the Motorway and cars started to be diverted to other directions. But the 2 stupid police still wave us through, so we thought it is ok to move on. Actually the sign board already clearly shows the no entry sign, but in German. So we drove on until we reach BP station, just before the Gotthard Tunnel at 330pm. Winnie told us Interlaken is within reach in 1.5 hours time and it is better to go toilet now.

Indeed the unfortunate has happened. The BP station staff told us that this Motorway has been closed because there were rocks fell from the mountain and damaged a car, killed 2. So the Motorway has been officially closed.



Winnie frantically called HQ to get direction, only to realise that the other Motorway will add another 10 hours of journey, passing through many other countries. Last option offerred. Go through Brig by circumventing Switzerland, via Italy. But we have a problem. Francisco had drove for nearly 7 hours and he can only drive for another 5 hours, according to regulation. So the company arrange for another bus to meet us at Brig, where Francisco will stay tonight.



We hurried u turn back and head towards Locarno. From Locarno, The GPS and the map shows there is a small short cut worth trying, to go to Brig. We tried, and that prove to be a mistake. The road is so narrow, that the long coach can hardly pass through. Our heart sank when we saw the 18bt limit ahead. Which means we cant go ahead but to u turn back to Locarno. Francisco was very angry but no choice, u turn back to Locarno and head towards SS34 followed by SS33. We circumveted Lake Maggiorre, winding through the narrow mountain road, with overhanging rocks on top sometimes. Some bridges are so narrow that only one vehicle can pass through at any one time, and they call it Motorway. I cringe when Francisco looked at the map cos he probably not that familiar with the small road. Finally we reached the Simplon Pass.





It was quite good scenery at Simplon Pass. We saw farmers looking after the goats and we passed by many houses that are empty. Wonder what are they for. The tunnels are long and suffocating, can smell the exhaust filtering into the bus. And we passed through many tall bridges too. This road is as winding and interesting as it promised. We saw Post-bus stand along the way. If not because of this detour, I would have taken the Post-bus and ride along this route to understand how does the country side of Switz look like. So lay back.

Finally we reached Brig at 830pm, when the sun just about to set. The whole town is quiet, virtaully unaware that we have come, all shops closed, and not much street lights. The train station is just right at the center of the town. We came down of the bus and guess what, i forgot to take down my camera!!! And i need it for tomorrow Interlaken tour. Winnie was definitely not happy on hearing this, but she still obliged to take it back from Francisco's bus which is parked some distance away. I was totally sorry. Guess because i was too tired. Dinner at 9pm was by far the latest, but the hot food served by the hotel was fantastic. Just that our stomach a bit upside down to appreciate the good food.

Boarded another bus, the good news is this driver, though speak only German, is a local Swiss driver. He drove much faster than Francisco and whizz through all the towns like no other people's business. You can see that at the countryside, people sleep early and the whole town as quiet. At about 1110pm, we reached the train station Goppenstein. At here, it is too dangerous to ask the bus to go through the mountain to Interlaken. The bus will board the train instead. Yes. The whole bus. And the train will transport the bus through the tunnel to Kanderstag. It is so narrow and yet the bus managed to squeeze through inside the carriages, by turning the mirror nearer to the bus. We clapped and cheered his driving skills.



The song "why does it always rain on me?" was played at the right time by the radio, as it was drizzling outside. I can faintly recognise the lakes outside the window, in the dark. Guess we finally got near to the destination. Reached Interlaken at 1240pm finally. Thus ended an unusual saga in Switz.

Day 5: Verona and Milan 30 May 2006

Verona and Milan 30 May 2006



Even colder. Start to drizzle in Venice. Turn out to be a downpour on the road to Verona. Hardly can see the road. We were all thinking whether we should proceed str8 to Milan cos our long coach cant enter the Verona town square and we will ended up walking in the rain, which is kinda romantic considering that Verona is the stage for Romeo and Juliet. We decided to go ahead.





Yet one more mistake. I actually forgot to bring down my jacket that i bought in Venice. Good. now i hav to walk in the cold. The Africans sell us umbrella but we bought from the chinese, 4 euro one small umbrella. And we started walking towards the town square. I put mum and aunt at a comfi ristorante for coffee and decided to explore the city on my own. Took some photos of Juliet balcony and end up looking at stuff at Coins. Coins sell clothes and stuff and the price is rather ok. Enjoy the heater there so that my body feel warm again.

Back to the ristorante and oops everyone is gone! Oh no, the 6 marketeers must be attracted to the branded shops lining the street. I knew it. so i stood like a fool for 45 mins, dare not go anywhere cos scared that they cant find me...until Winnie appeared. The 6 were not seen as usual. Winnie told me that they were bargaining for a 10k euro watch (Batek Phillippe) still. So i requested Winnie to bring us to the restaurant first. But the Restaurant is 10 min walk away, so Winnie got to walk twice. And the best part is, the restaurant refused to serve until everyone is here. Brilliant. So we finished our meal and the 6 who lunch late, refuse to come out of the restaurant until 30 minutes later while we stood like fool in the cold. I was thinking, we should have continue sitting in the restaurant and refuse to come out. the next stop is Milan anyway. So let's wait so that by the time we reach Milan, all their fav stores would be closed. Then again, dont think our tourmates wil join in the scheme so let's just swallow it. We were always at the losing end.

Reached Milan and took some pics. By the time i finished walking around inside the duomo, it was already 5pm and i missed the chance of climbing up duomo for a view of Milan. Sigh, late. Should have strategise and head towards the stairs.







Back to hotel and......Winnie came up with a suggestion. Should we stop at Lugano for lunch instead of at the restaurant near highway? I was thinking it was a good idea, best if they could let us stop longer, then i can bring them to Mount Salvatore by taking the Funacullare for a good view of Lugano. Set!

Day 4: Venice 29 May 2006

Venice 29 May 2006

Cold. Cold. Cold. I was hoping that the weather will turn warmer and i no need to wear my exaggerated jacket meant for jungfrau. The breakfast served in Russutto Hotel was not bad. As usual my Malaysian tourmates took out their own supply of instant noodles and start looking for hot water. So I managed to talk to two of the 6 marketeers, Mr and Mrs Lee and realise just how rich they are. 4 kids ok...never dare to dream of it.



We reached the jetty and noticed many shops selling souvenirs operated by the Chinese. I was hiding in the ticket office cos of the windchill and it didnt cross my mind to buy myself a jacket. I should have see the TV weather forecast and realised that Venezia will be cloudy if not drizzling today!



So we took a boat from the jetty to enter the island. Many souvenir shops opened by the Chinese at the jetty. Didnt realise there were so many chinese in Italy last time. The boat carry us to St Mark's Square and true enough, it was bloody cold...at 10 degrees. 10 degrees is the temperature at Guangzhou during CNY. I have no choice but to look for a cheap good jacket. Found one at 15 euro. Got another one for another 12 euro. Put it on and....so comfortable...hm....so warm...now that this problem is settled, i have the mood to explore around. I didnt go into the duomo at St Mark's Square last time, so perhaps it is a good idea to join the queue and go in this time.







Tourmates came back and all complain about the 1 euro toilet. 1 euro toilet?? so ex....i rather look for McD toilet later. We set off for the gondola ride, didnt really like the idea earlier but once sat on it and the singer started to sing (only our gondola got musicians ok, tourists from the bridge and from other gondolas took photos of us with envy look) hm....we feel so xinfu....got to relax while enjoy the songs....slowly blend in with the l e i s u r e l y p a c e of Venice, feel so good.





We have squid sauce spaghetti for lunch, and it is quite unique. Your lips will become like those ah lian's lips after you ate the spaghetti cos it is black in colour.

Our local guide came after lunch, guess what, the old man only came and lecture for 15 mins, and he earn 100 euro! So good life, make me want to study more italian hist and become a guide myself next time. He handed us over to the Murano Glass shop, which gladly welcome us in cos' haha can cut some necks. We didnt look like we were interested to buy those 5000 euro, 10000 euro vases, so just use his toilet and ciao after that.

Afetrnoon i walked on my own...and failed to find my direction...again! shit, everytime got lost in Venice. I failed to locate my hotel last time and also could not find my way to the Railway station. Sigh...went back to McD for toilet and queued for 15 mins before it is my turn.





We went back to Mestre at 530pm. the uncles started to crack some jokes and we laughed until peng. Guess we started to loosen up and show some jokers' talents!