Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Another Week To Go

I am off for my family vacation next week. We expect to spend two days in London on our way to Grindelwald in Switzerland. I have been looking forward to this trip which we planned quite some time back. However, the constant rains in London and reports of chaos and lost bags in Heathrow airport are a little worrying.

We will experience Virgin's much hyped Upper Class when we fly from Mumbai to London and also their excellent airport lounge at Heathrow.

We are staying in Central London and, if it doesn't rain, will cover places of interest close by on foot. This is going to be our very first trip to London. While I have transited through Heathrow airport in the past, I have never stopped by in the UK.

Grindelwald SwitzerlandIn Switzerland, we have booked a chalet in Grindelwald where we expect to spend five days. Grindelwald is among one of Europe's oldest mountain resorts and lies in a valley situated in the beautiful Bernese Oberland on the northern side of the Alps. The town is surrounded by the spectacular mountain trio Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. On one hand are the high mountains, a playground for mountaineers or skilled skiers; on the other, between the Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg ridges, with the woods perfectly suited to cross-country skiing.

Some of the things I expect to do in (and near) Grindelwald:

A full-day excursion to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch: Snow and ice 100% 'round the year! The Sphinx observation hall, impressive Ice Palace and hiking plateau are year-round attractions up on the Jungfraujoch, which is also the highest railway station in Europe. Summer attractions include a skilift, husky-drawn sledging and adventure activities.

A visit to the Kleine Scheidegg: This remarkable round-trip by modern cogwheel railway has long been one of Europe's top holiday attractions. The Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station is situated right at the foot of the notorious Eiger North Face.

A full-day excursion to the Schilthorn Piz Gloria: The most spectacular 360° panorama in the Alps where you can dine-and-wine in the world's first revolving restaurant at an altitude of nearly 3000 metres. Impressive views embrace some 200 snow-capped peaks, ranging from the Bernese Alps to Mont Blanc in France and Germany's Black Forest.

13 comments:

Sig said...

Oh wow... I am sooo jealous! Have a great trip and bring back some pictures for us!

foodette said...

Looks amazing - I am dying to get back to Europe, particularly the Alps, but how does one ask for three weeks vacation from work? Once I figure that puzzle out, I am there!

Have fun!

Sonadora said...

Have a great trip! I hope to make it to Switzerland some day.....

Shantanu said...

@sig: Certainly! I expect to spend a few posts on my trip.

@foodette: Well, this vacation is going to be a rather short one. Three weeks would be difficult to get away for me too.

@sonadora: Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Oh you will have a lot of fun. I haven't been to London or Switzerland yet, but both are on my list! I live in Belgium right now so have been busy trying to travel and see Europe!

Anonymous said...

Wow, that sounds like an amazing trip. Thank-you, for sharing your experiences. I guess I can travel vicariously through you. Emma

Anonymous said...

It looks beautiful! I hope you have a great trip.

Shantanu said...

@sara, emma, laura: Thank You! Two more days to go...

Bee Lee said...

Hey Shantanu, have a great trip & I'll be back to check out your new posts about the trip :)

Anonymous said...

Grindelwald is amazing. And don't forget to check out the "highest" Indian restaurant in the world - Right at the top in the Alps (Jungfrau) is Bollywood Cafe!

I am in lovely Prague this week.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shantanu,
Have a nice trip to one of the most beautiful part of world. Waiting for photos and new blog entry.:)

~Shailesh

Bong Mom said...

Looks and sounds wonderful. Waiting to hear more....
Have agreat fun vacation with the family

Shantanu said...

@beelee, jitesh, shailesh, sangeeta: Thanks! I have just gotten back after a most awesome trip. The next few posts will be only about this trip. :-)