Good Friday 29th March: Day 5
Happy Easter, awake and up before 2.30am alarm even rings, Gaylene feeling a little better so is coming on holiday. Thank God. Internet connection working, what more could I want and need? Safe travels as big day ahead. This be the last time I’m hot for a while, where are the winter woollies?
Felt as if I should have been checking out of “Sun Tower” not just walking out with concierge and security guys who know you, very friendly place to live. Taxi to Emirate bus depot for 4am departure, 2 hours later check in Dubai airport, great timing, arrived just before the queue of fellow travellers.
3.30am Dubai looks magical, huge buildings just reaching up to the sky, it’s a competition to build the biggest, tallest, and most dazzling stand out tower, amazing designs: much, much money spent.
Flying out of Dubai early morning fabulous views from Gaylene’s window seat, no wonder you can find Dubai from space, Palm Island, the Map of The World and many islands built by dredging sand, who ever came up with the idea to “build an island? Smaller plane B777 allowed us amazing views as we flew over many places once I would never imagined been anywhere near. Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, still with so much unrest and danger in this part of the world.
Fabulous view looking down on mountains covered in snow, somewhere near Albania, just a reminder of what is ahead for us “winter in Switzerland”
Can’t get much better than flying across the world following online map “where in the world am I?” Flying over Serbia so close to where my penfriend Gradimir lives in Novi Sad, just wish I had the opportunity to be finally meeting him after 40 years. Oh well I think there will be at least 1 more trip to Europe for this ‘intrepid’ high class traveller before I pack the passport away. This is 5th and definitely not final trip to distant lands in Europe. Gotta keep those travel dreams, nothing more exciting, a gap in the clouds, can see land as we fly over Novi Sad. This is so amazing.
Another great Emirate flight, so excited flying over the Italian Alps, perfect weather, sun shining, shame not sitting on the other side of plane to see The Matterhorn. Only glimpse of mountains and then back to thick cloud, rain and then snow. Arrived Geneva airport to cold, snowy weather. Best shopping: Duty Free Baileys.
Easy to locate train and eventually purchased very expensive 2nd class train ticket Geneva Airport to Engleberg, 88 Swiss Francs $114, not so easy reading instructions when not in English. Shopped for some nibbles plus with the food we bought into the country from the plane and bananas I still carrying from Abu Dhabi we all sorted for a few cheap meals.
No such thing as Border Control here, even though we did declare food.
Nothing better than 4 hours travelling through Switzerland, past Lake Geneva, Lake Luzern, Bern and many other cities and towns with snow falling and the land sprinkled in white snow, what a magical sight. Fabulous Swiss houses, just how I imagined, 4 stories with barn on bottom for the animals. Had yet another toilet experience, why are toilets the world over so very different? Was crying with laughter explaining to da sista.
Eating our Swiss cheese and bread, drooling over the scenery and just on que nice wee man arrives with tea and coffee trolley. $5 for bestest coffee, I’m happy as, so easily pleased.
Mad dash when train arrived in Luzern, only 3 minutes to purchase next ticket, locate and race to platform 4, of course it just had to be other end of station, we somehow made it just in time. Why does the scenery just keep getting more and more magical as covering of snow gets thicker, stopped at a few beautiful wee villages high up in the Swiss Alps, climbed slowly through a tunnel for 10 minutes then Wow, Wow, Wow. OMG we just about screaming with excitement, lone fellow traveller thought we crazy women. No words to describe thick as snow covering beautiful mountain village. Greeted by loud music and very happy fellow travellers yodelling in the 1st hotel. Looked up high to see The Terrace Hotel in all its glory, OMG I in heaven. 2 crazy Nanas taking photos and definitely on cloud 9 or maybe we are even higher.
We don’t ever wana leave. Not sure if my cheap $20 boots will handle this snow, but wearing our $2 NZ beanie’s and many layers to protect us we climbed up to our Hotel, (via rock tunnels and lifts) to arrive at Old Charm Hotel, just like stepping back in time, this hotel da place to visit since way back in 1905 when it famous all over Europe for the Hot Pools.
Could just see outline of some mountains in the twilight and snow, I’m sure travel angel will provide the bestest views tomorrow for next big adventure climbing every mountain, or maybe just one, Mt Titlis. Definitely a Julie Andrews’s moment, think I saw the Von Trapp family high in Swiss Alps.
Welcome Ms Burborough, you have been upgraded to Room 352, wow thanks but mmm what were we originally getting, very basic but comfortable room with ½ Mountain View. Oh well.
Checked out lobby, after a couple of Baileys celebrating Good Friday and finally with internet access we relaxed watching fellow travellers, very friendly peoples. This is da place for winter fun in the sun and snow.
Totally lost sense of time again as changed yet again, in bed by 9.30 many, many hours since I woke at 2am in the heat of Abu Dhabi, what 1 can experience in 1 day! This is up there The Bestest, yea sure couldn’t get a gooder Good Friday. Shared magic blue tab with the sista who is still so sick but luckily she is here to experience this day with me.
Saturday 30th March Day 6
Woke after 8 hours sleep at 5.30am to the most magical view of mountains and watched daylight appear. Please may the sun shine and we can get up to the top of Mt Titlis.
Nothing like that fresh air hitting your chest as window from our room with ½ Mountain View opens. Wonder what the temperature is???
Enjoyed delicious breakfast in large hotel dining room with the bestest view, watching snow fall off the trees, mountain scenery just so amazing. Discreetly stocked up on goodies for later (dried fruit and nuts) added to our chocolate to keep us going. Sure other guests also getting additional goodies at breakie to eat later.
Checked out and off to finally climb Mt Titlis. Very, very, very cold. Quick detour, best buy was to hire $29 ski pants, so with new expensive socks and my $20 ugh boots from K Mart heaps of layers of merino I warm as.
Amazed at how many skiers, where do all the people come from? Purchased ticket for everything and off we go for big adventure, this def. the way to climb a mountain, via 3 gondolas, 1st was a normal gondola for 4, then lined up with crowds of foreigners for the bigger gondola. Amazing how it managed to get up the mountain with so many squashed in, then finally packed into the world’s only rotating gondola with 360 degree views. So squashed, no photo opportunities, then again it only white out there. Definite nip in the air, minus 7. Lucky we well wrapped up, my $2 gloves, scarf & beanie doing great.
Played in the snow, trudged thru the snow to check out different activities, Glacier Grotto Cave, Ice Flyer Chairlift, and Bridge Cliff Walk. Didn’t feel the need to build a snowman. Relaxed with our breakie leftovers and finally had our long awaited for Hot Chocolate 10,000 up Mt Titlis. Many laughs as we were given cup of hot water and milk to which we added sachet of chocolate, still tasted delicious as. White out conditions by 12 when we descended after shopping at the highest shop I have been to for magnets that will remind me of my adventures in the years to come when I am not holidaying and just home.
Arrived back at Hotel Terrace exhausted, I mean it hard work trudging thru thick snow up mountains and fighting thru the crowds of Indian, Malaysian and Chinese tourist taking over.
Cup of hot water from the bar (a wee trick we learnt as all fellow tourist request this as it costs nothing) we then added our own sachet of soup, sat lunching with no one thinking we were out of place, picnic in posh hotel lounge. We can holiday on a budget. Finally had to return very warm ski pants and depart the most beautiful village of Engleberg by train to Luzern.
Arrived 1 hour later, after seeing many spring bulbs sprouting thru snow on the Swiss Alps, farms with 4 storey houses, animals tucked away inside on the ground floor, no wonder, way too cold for them outside. Didn’t see or hear any Swiss yodellers on the Alps, the only ones were falling out of hotel in Engleberg after partaking in too much alcohol.
Arrived back to Lucerne, very easy to locate Hotel Alpina after exiting railway station was just across the road, city didn’t look so beautiful in freezing cold, rain and snow.
Well wrapped up in our thermals we set off to explore the city, found old city easy as, crossed the beautiful bridge, old paintings amazing, still burnt panels left and obvious replacement parts to the bridge. Unable to take photos to justify the beauty as once again fighting our way through crowds of foreign tourists. Doesn’t anyone stay in their own country?
Short walk and found Fritschi, famous restaurant with amazing artwork both inside and out. Checked outside menu and went into the warmth, have you a reservation Madame? No but fortunately we were seated and ordered “Swiss Cheese Fondue” Waitress horrified she won’t be making big profit from rich sisters from distant lands, no drinks, no extras. Much laughter as we mastered the art of fondue etiquette, dipping hunks of bread into the fondue mix of warm melted cheese and wine. Yummie! Demolished the lot, hell we will never need to eat cheese again. Paid the bill, no idea if you tip in Switzerland so left a 2 Franc tip ($2.50 NZ) think we were the entertainment as fellow diners very aware we were there.
Back out into the freezing cold, biting wind and snow flurries and home to Hotel Alpina after purchasing hot Moroccan Mint tea we ready for bed by 7.30pm. Shattered on a Saturday night, no night clubbing for these 2 Nanas after what our bodies have had to deal with today. In deep sleep after fabulous relaxing massage from my very own personal masseuse (didn’t even know of sisters hidden talent) and ½ magic tab, asleep in no time by 9pm.
Woke to phone call from Robin with shattering news of house been robbed. What a way to ruin my holiday, only thing I can’t live without, laptop gone and I know so much not backed up. Big security lesson to be learned, my photos, genealogy, diaries etc. As long as bank accounts can’t be accessed will just have to stress till I get home and pray laptop located by then. Best $1000 camera and memory cards also gone plus some alcohol. Put hold on bank accounts (but not da visa) ….I am holidaying with it and cannot worry till I get home.
Easter Sunday 31st March Day 7
Woke to snow in Luzern, looks beautiful but freezing cold. Yummy breakfast at next door sister Hotel Monopol, heading back to our hotel to pack when the sound of church bells pealing lured us to a beautiful church. Quick visit and prayers on Easter Sunday, church crowds a bit like NZ, not many. Maybe staying in the warmth of ones homes more appealing that the icy cold temperatures outside. Since snowing heavily sightseeing more of Lucerne not an option so decided on 11.30 train to Basel. Heavy snow falling and once again nothing better than train travel through Postcard Picture Perfect Switzerland especially on top story of 2 level train.
Arrived in Basel, 1st impressions huge and industrial. Another toilet experience at railway station where one pays 2 Euro to use toilets but men also have the bargain option of 1.50 Euro wee if they select the PIS option. Many men paying 2 Euro so not sure what they doing, no such thing as segregated loo’s, all the big spenders are mixed together. Found exit from railway station and after much effort trying to read maps and tram timetables in foreign languages and with help from some friendly locals, we managed to purchase ticket to a stop near where our Viking Sun Cruise Boat was awaiting us. Intrepid travel not easy in foreign country. Tram travelled through Basel, fabulous Inner city. I so wana be shopping here. (have to be another visit, too tired and cold in these minus temperatures to be going far. Warm cruise boat sounds way more appealing at the mo.
Relaxing afternoon in Room 227 and checking out our new home and fellow travellers. Kiwi ingenuity; managed to enjoy a few Baileys from our own cabin supply while sitting relaxing in lounge. We definitely rich white women from other side of the world, why else would we be here?
Late dinner, many, many complimentary wines later with our new found friends and a great fun 1st dinner aboard the Viking Sun. Upstairs for welcome briefing where we even had to leave wine which one could not consume! Obviously we did not have enough drinking training….
Looks as if fun week ahead. Bed 10.30pm ready for 1st big day cruising, 2 outings I will be needing my vitamins.
By Pamela Cootes
Happy Easter, awake and up before 2.30am alarm even rings, Gaylene feeling a little better so is coming on holiday. Thank God. Internet connection working, what more could I want and need? Safe travels as big day ahead. This be the last time I’m hot for a while, where are the winter woollies?
Felt as if I should have been checking out of “Sun Tower” not just walking out with concierge and security guys who know you, very friendly place to live. Taxi to Emirate bus depot for 4am departure, 2 hours later check in Dubai airport, great timing, arrived just before the queue of fellow travellers.
3.30am Dubai looks magical, huge buildings just reaching up to the sky, it’s a competition to build the biggest, tallest, and most dazzling stand out tower, amazing designs: much, much money spent.
Flying out of Dubai early morning fabulous views from Gaylene’s window seat, no wonder you can find Dubai from space, Palm Island, the Map of The World and many islands built by dredging sand, who ever came up with the idea to “build an island? Smaller plane B777 allowed us amazing views as we flew over many places once I would never imagined been anywhere near. Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, still with so much unrest and danger in this part of the world.
Fabulous view looking down on mountains covered in snow, somewhere near Albania, just a reminder of what is ahead for us “winter in Switzerland”
Can’t get much better than flying across the world following online map “where in the world am I?” Flying over Serbia so close to where my penfriend Gradimir lives in Novi Sad, just wish I had the opportunity to be finally meeting him after 40 years. Oh well I think there will be at least 1 more trip to Europe for this ‘intrepid’ high class traveller before I pack the passport away. This is 5th and definitely not final trip to distant lands in Europe. Gotta keep those travel dreams, nothing more exciting, a gap in the clouds, can see land as we fly over Novi Sad. This is so amazing.
Another great Emirate flight, so excited flying over the Italian Alps, perfect weather, sun shining, shame not sitting on the other side of plane to see The Matterhorn. Only glimpse of mountains and then back to thick cloud, rain and then snow. Arrived Geneva airport to cold, snowy weather. Best shopping: Duty Free Baileys.
Easy to locate train and eventually purchased very expensive 2nd class train ticket Geneva Airport to Engleberg, 88 Swiss Francs $114, not so easy reading instructions when not in English. Shopped for some nibbles plus with the food we bought into the country from the plane and bananas I still carrying from Abu Dhabi we all sorted for a few cheap meals.
No such thing as Border Control here, even though we did declare food.
Nothing better than 4 hours travelling through Switzerland, past Lake Geneva, Lake Luzern, Bern and many other cities and towns with snow falling and the land sprinkled in white snow, what a magical sight. Fabulous Swiss houses, just how I imagined, 4 stories with barn on bottom for the animals. Had yet another toilet experience, why are toilets the world over so very different? Was crying with laughter explaining to da sista.
Eating our Swiss cheese and bread, drooling over the scenery and just on que nice wee man arrives with tea and coffee trolley. $5 for bestest coffee, I’m happy as, so easily pleased.
Mad dash when train arrived in Luzern, only 3 minutes to purchase next ticket, locate and race to platform 4, of course it just had to be other end of station, we somehow made it just in time. Why does the scenery just keep getting more and more magical as covering of snow gets thicker, stopped at a few beautiful wee villages high up in the Swiss Alps, climbed slowly through a tunnel for 10 minutes then Wow, Wow, Wow. OMG we just about screaming with excitement, lone fellow traveller thought we crazy women. No words to describe thick as snow covering beautiful mountain village. Greeted by loud music and very happy fellow travellers yodelling in the 1st hotel. Looked up high to see The Terrace Hotel in all its glory, OMG I in heaven. 2 crazy Nanas taking photos and definitely on cloud 9 or maybe we are even higher.
We don’t ever wana leave. Not sure if my cheap $20 boots will handle this snow, but wearing our $2 NZ beanie’s and many layers to protect us we climbed up to our Hotel, (via rock tunnels and lifts) to arrive at Old Charm Hotel, just like stepping back in time, this hotel da place to visit since way back in 1905 when it famous all over Europe for the Hot Pools.
Could just see outline of some mountains in the twilight and snow, I’m sure travel angel will provide the bestest views tomorrow for next big adventure climbing every mountain, or maybe just one, Mt Titlis. Definitely a Julie Andrews’s moment, think I saw the Von Trapp family high in Swiss Alps.
Welcome Ms Burborough, you have been upgraded to Room 352, wow thanks but mmm what were we originally getting, very basic but comfortable room with ½ Mountain View. Oh well.
Checked out lobby, after a couple of Baileys celebrating Good Friday and finally with internet access we relaxed watching fellow travellers, very friendly peoples. This is da place for winter fun in the sun and snow.
Totally lost sense of time again as changed yet again, in bed by 9.30 many, many hours since I woke at 2am in the heat of Abu Dhabi, what 1 can experience in 1 day! This is up there The Bestest, yea sure couldn’t get a gooder Good Friday. Shared magic blue tab with the sista who is still so sick but luckily she is here to experience this day with me.
Saturday 30th March Day 6
Woke after 8 hours sleep at 5.30am to the most magical view of mountains and watched daylight appear. Please may the sun shine and we can get up to the top of Mt Titlis.
Nothing like that fresh air hitting your chest as window from our room with ½ Mountain View opens. Wonder what the temperature is???
Enjoyed delicious breakfast in large hotel dining room with the bestest view, watching snow fall off the trees, mountain scenery just so amazing. Discreetly stocked up on goodies for later (dried fruit and nuts) added to our chocolate to keep us going. Sure other guests also getting additional goodies at breakie to eat later.
Checked out and off to finally climb Mt Titlis. Very, very, very cold. Quick detour, best buy was to hire $29 ski pants, so with new expensive socks and my $20 ugh boots from K Mart heaps of layers of merino I warm as.
Amazed at how many skiers, where do all the people come from? Purchased ticket for everything and off we go for big adventure, this def. the way to climb a mountain, via 3 gondolas, 1st was a normal gondola for 4, then lined up with crowds of foreigners for the bigger gondola. Amazing how it managed to get up the mountain with so many squashed in, then finally packed into the world’s only rotating gondola with 360 degree views. So squashed, no photo opportunities, then again it only white out there. Definite nip in the air, minus 7. Lucky we well wrapped up, my $2 gloves, scarf & beanie doing great.
Played in the snow, trudged thru the snow to check out different activities, Glacier Grotto Cave, Ice Flyer Chairlift, and Bridge Cliff Walk. Didn’t feel the need to build a snowman. Relaxed with our breakie leftovers and finally had our long awaited for Hot Chocolate 10,000 up Mt Titlis. Many laughs as we were given cup of hot water and milk to which we added sachet of chocolate, still tasted delicious as. White out conditions by 12 when we descended after shopping at the highest shop I have been to for magnets that will remind me of my adventures in the years to come when I am not holidaying and just home.
Arrived back at Hotel Terrace exhausted, I mean it hard work trudging thru thick snow up mountains and fighting thru the crowds of Indian, Malaysian and Chinese tourist taking over.
Cup of hot water from the bar (a wee trick we learnt as all fellow tourist request this as it costs nothing) we then added our own sachet of soup, sat lunching with no one thinking we were out of place, picnic in posh hotel lounge. We can holiday on a budget. Finally had to return very warm ski pants and depart the most beautiful village of Engleberg by train to Luzern.
Arrived 1 hour later, after seeing many spring bulbs sprouting thru snow on the Swiss Alps, farms with 4 storey houses, animals tucked away inside on the ground floor, no wonder, way too cold for them outside. Didn’t see or hear any Swiss yodellers on the Alps, the only ones were falling out of hotel in Engleberg after partaking in too much alcohol.
Arrived back to Lucerne, very easy to locate Hotel Alpina after exiting railway station was just across the road, city didn’t look so beautiful in freezing cold, rain and snow.
Well wrapped up in our thermals we set off to explore the city, found old city easy as, crossed the beautiful bridge, old paintings amazing, still burnt panels left and obvious replacement parts to the bridge. Unable to take photos to justify the beauty as once again fighting our way through crowds of foreign tourists. Doesn’t anyone stay in their own country?
Short walk and found Fritschi, famous restaurant with amazing artwork both inside and out. Checked outside menu and went into the warmth, have you a reservation Madame? No but fortunately we were seated and ordered “Swiss Cheese Fondue” Waitress horrified she won’t be making big profit from rich sisters from distant lands, no drinks, no extras. Much laughter as we mastered the art of fondue etiquette, dipping hunks of bread into the fondue mix of warm melted cheese and wine. Yummie! Demolished the lot, hell we will never need to eat cheese again. Paid the bill, no idea if you tip in Switzerland so left a 2 Franc tip ($2.50 NZ) think we were the entertainment as fellow diners very aware we were there.
Back out into the freezing cold, biting wind and snow flurries and home to Hotel Alpina after purchasing hot Moroccan Mint tea we ready for bed by 7.30pm. Shattered on a Saturday night, no night clubbing for these 2 Nanas after what our bodies have had to deal with today. In deep sleep after fabulous relaxing massage from my very own personal masseuse (didn’t even know of sisters hidden talent) and ½ magic tab, asleep in no time by 9pm.
Woke to phone call from Robin with shattering news of house been robbed. What a way to ruin my holiday, only thing I can’t live without, laptop gone and I know so much not backed up. Big security lesson to be learned, my photos, genealogy, diaries etc. As long as bank accounts can’t be accessed will just have to stress till I get home and pray laptop located by then. Best $1000 camera and memory cards also gone plus some alcohol. Put hold on bank accounts (but not da visa) ….I am holidaying with it and cannot worry till I get home.
Easter Sunday 31st March Day 7
Woke to snow in Luzern, looks beautiful but freezing cold. Yummy breakfast at next door sister Hotel Monopol, heading back to our hotel to pack when the sound of church bells pealing lured us to a beautiful church. Quick visit and prayers on Easter Sunday, church crowds a bit like NZ, not many. Maybe staying in the warmth of ones homes more appealing that the icy cold temperatures outside. Since snowing heavily sightseeing more of Lucerne not an option so decided on 11.30 train to Basel. Heavy snow falling and once again nothing better than train travel through Postcard Picture Perfect Switzerland especially on top story of 2 level train.
Arrived in Basel, 1st impressions huge and industrial. Another toilet experience at railway station where one pays 2 Euro to use toilets but men also have the bargain option of 1.50 Euro wee if they select the PIS option. Many men paying 2 Euro so not sure what they doing, no such thing as segregated loo’s, all the big spenders are mixed together. Found exit from railway station and after much effort trying to read maps and tram timetables in foreign languages and with help from some friendly locals, we managed to purchase ticket to a stop near where our Viking Sun Cruise Boat was awaiting us. Intrepid travel not easy in foreign country. Tram travelled through Basel, fabulous Inner city. I so wana be shopping here. (have to be another visit, too tired and cold in these minus temperatures to be going far. Warm cruise boat sounds way more appealing at the mo.
Relaxing afternoon in Room 227 and checking out our new home and fellow travellers. Kiwi ingenuity; managed to enjoy a few Baileys from our own cabin supply while sitting relaxing in lounge. We definitely rich white women from other side of the world, why else would we be here?
Late dinner, many, many complimentary wines later with our new found friends and a great fun 1st dinner aboard the Viking Sun. Upstairs for welcome briefing where we even had to leave wine which one could not consume! Obviously we did not have enough drinking training….
Looks as if fun week ahead. Bed 10.30pm ready for 1st big day cruising, 2 outings I will be needing my vitamins.
By Pamela Cootes
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