In this second edition of my trip notes from Spain, I muse some more on the Spanish and Spain itself, I have a splashing time at the Water Park and we visit the smart and sophisticated city of Alicante. Sun block and hats at the ready! Let’s go!

Monday

0057 CET Spain is an odd place. Everyone stays up very late, even on a Sunday night. Right now, I’m ready to turn in, yet down on the street, people are having lively conversation, cars drive past with music blaring and the bar/restaurant is playing music which is audible up here. For all you can critise Britain and the British for, at least it’s built into almost the entire population that make unecessary noise past 2300 hours is not cool. Only drunks break this rule. Everyone else tiptoes about as if it’s ilegal. Here in Spain though, it’s perfectly acceptable to play music in a residential area at 1 in the morning or have a fireworks display at 4. Thankfully, the bins are being emptied as I write this so at least I won’t be woken up by that like I was at 3 last night. Still horribly sticky tonight. The crikets are playing their soothing music. Aqua park after a sleep. Goodnight.

1836 Man am I beat! And also, man, am I burnt! Spent the day at the local Water Park, Aquopolis, with slides, flumes, wave pool, etc. Good fun, but rather expensive. Bit cooler today, helped largely by a steady breeze. Everyone seemed to have fun, even Jill who conquered her fear of putting her head underwater by going on a couple of rides. Near the end of our time in the park, I had a nasty reaction to the chlorine in the water and couldn’t keep my eyes open. Right now, we’re all shattered. Oddly, just mentioning my eye problem here has brought the pain back slightly, suggesting it might be partly all in the mind. Later, Jack and I prepare dinner; a tomato, rice, chick peas, spinach and chicken concoction. Mmmm. 2316 Dinner was a success! Really tasty!

Tuesday

1046 On the bus to Alicante. Hopefully it’ll provide an opportunity to experience some real Espagna.

1204 Really enjoyable journey. Now to see some sights.

1759 Wow! Alicante is nice! I thought it was a typical seaside town, but it’s actually a smart and sophisticated city with attractive plazas and squares, interesting architecture and lots of of attractions. We wandered the streets, visited the Castillo de Santa Bárbara (a castle) on Mount Benacantil and generally chilled out as best we could in the heat. The castle is well worth a visit. It’s surprisingly large for a free attraction. You can walk up, or you can pay a couple of euros and take the lift. Glad we came! Very hot today. Some temperature displays were indicating it was 36 degrees, although I doubt their accuracy and think it was nearer 30. On the bus back now.

2050 Nothing better than cooling off in a pool after a days sightseeing in the sun. Now, where’s my dinner?

Wednesday

1015 Well, that’s it. That’s Spain done and dusted. What did I learn? Well, the Spanish don’t clear up after their dogs. Spanish streets smell of urine. It’s mostly paralysingly hot. Spain can be generally pretty ugly. The Spanish are a noisy lot who don’t seem to need much sleep. But above all, there’s nothing like good friends. I came to Spain thinking this trip would be dominated by me trying to decide whether I like Spain or not, but in actual fact, it was about spending time with the people I care about and having fun. And I did. While Spain might not be my ideal holiday destination, I learnt that that didn’t actually matter. So long as I was with friends, I could have been in Baghdad for all it mattered. Sometimes, it felt a bit like I was in Baghdad too. So, as I choke back the tears, I’m pootling along the coast road one last time, en route to the airport.

1050 I swear I just saw a flock of flamingos grazing on the salt lakes. They were so pink and flamingo-shaped, they had to be flamingos.

1316 Alicante Airport is one of the best airports I’ve been to. Really big and cool with plenty of space and plenty of shops and comfortable seats. Because it’s so big, it’s very easy to find a quiet spot to write trip notes. Flight starts boarding shortly.

1340 Just finished eating a massive Valencia orange. Oranges really aren’t a good fruit to eat in public unless you don’t mind people watching you dribbling juice over yourself and over the seats and floor. What a mess! It was a delicious orange though.

1621 GMT Back in Britain after a mostly smooth flight. A huge jolt on the approach resulted in a few screams and messy pants though. Noticably chilly and fresh here. I’ve had to put a jumper on for the first time in days. Earlier, I did a really nice sign-off, so now I’ll do a nasty one in the interest of balance; that was Spain, now bog off!

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In part one of my trip notes from my first visit to Spain, I discover that some Spaniards like A-ha, that Spain is a bit like Iraq and that no one seems to need any sleep. Oh, and I also come last in a Go-Kart. Phoar, is it getting hot or is it just me?

Saturday

0910 GMT “Sure, I’ll go to Spain with you guys. I wouldn’t go otherwise.” Will I live to regret saying this? I doubt it. It’s only for four nights and there’s plenty of fun things to do and interesting things to see. The only thing that may affect the outcome of this trip is other people. I’m going to the Costa Blanca region of Spain, a British holiday maker hotspot. Already in the terminal here at Luton Airport, I can see a group of women wearing pink cowboy hats who are almost certainly going to be on my flight. Unless of course, there’s a knees-up in Inverness or Krakow. Here’s hoping! Luckily, I’ve prepared for such an eventuality. I’ve loaded several films on my iPhone, so if there is any yeehahing and general Cowgirl behaviour on the flight, at least I can escape it by being on the run with Jason Bourne.

0910 The behatted ladies aren’t on my flight! They just stopped drinking for long enough to board their flight to Dublin.

1019 Still in the departure lounge. They appear to be playing birdsong over the public address system. Barely audible, but definately birdsong. Nice!

1410 CET In the plane, on the approach to Alicante. Just finished watching Yes Man staring Jim Carrey. Pretty good film. It did a good job of making me forget I was 39,000ft up. 30 degrees in Alicante. Great! I’ve got two buses to catch on arrival before I’m anywhere near where my friends are staying. On a side note, when it came to eating my lunch, I found my bag of crisps had inflated to popping point. I had to make a small hole with my teeth before opening in the usual way to avoid potato snack catastophe.

1430 Well, that was awful! Worst turbulance ever! The plane rocked, shook, swayed and dropped for all of the last 15 minutes of the flight. I adopted my unique safety position of clinging desperately to the tray table in front of me with sweaty palms.

1606 I’m on the last leg of the journey, the coach to Torrevieja. It’s absolutely packed, the back of my chair won’t stay still and it’s scorching hot. Still, could be worse. I could be in Fallujah. Actually, am I in Fallujah? It’s very desert like and run-down around these parts. Oh, Jesus! A checkpoint! No… Wait… It’s traffic lights. Going south now along a coast road with the med on my left with a single sailing boat on it. The sea really does nothing for me. There’s nothing interesting about it. I suppose the bit where the water meets the shore can keep me entertained for a bit, but otherwise, give me a mountain any day! Oohh wow! There’s a mountain!

1625 Coach driver is playing take on me by A-ha. Loudly! Good journey, running right along the coast of the med.

1943 Just got back from the pool. Very nice after a long journey and a long walk to the apartment (which will do just fine for four nights). First impressions of Spain; there’s no grass! Everything is sandy, brown or creamy brown or brownish. Like how I imagine Iraq to be.

Sunday

0016 Still out and about. Had a good meal of stone baked pizza in a restaurant right on the coast. Good value too. While we were eating, two chaps sang and played guitars in typically Spanish fashion. After dinner, while the girls were looking through the night craft market, jack and I enjoyed an outdoor natural history photo exhibition. Some stinkers, but also some amazing shots. Well worth a look. Off to the dodgems and to find a bicycle hire shop (for tomorrow) before turning in. REALLY tired!

0756 Got back last night at 0200 after a long walk back to the apartment. It meant a slept for longer than I probably would have done (because of the mugginess). Still didn’t get much sleep though. The heat was opressive so I slept on the sofa in the lounge with the patio doors wide open. That provided a bit of air, but it also provided a night time soundtrack of people shouting and talking, cars going past, crickets (which are still going as I write this) and the bin lorry emptying the bins at 3 in the morning and a large fireworks display at 4. Still, didn’t bother me much. I slept between interruptions quite easily and the interruptions themselves were actually quite entertaining. Today, we’re going to try and hire some bikes and then cycle to a go-karting centre. Fun!

0826 Still sat on the balcony in the relatively cool air and peace. Here’s another Spain observation; I don’t know why anyone would want to come here. I haven’t seen anything that’s impressed me yet. Everythings ugly. Horribly designed buildings packed into as small a space as possible. Areas of waste land running along parts of the coast. Everything brown or cream. The sea is nothing more than an expanse of blue below another expanse of blue. What’s to see? The streets were absolutely packed last night. Sure, there was a fun fair and a night market and plenty of restaurants, but you get all that in other countries. Why come here? I really don’t get it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not terrible by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just not the best place in the world.

1519 At the go-karting track. Just did my 8 minutes in a 270cc kart. We reckon they go down the straights at 40-50mph. Good fun, although a didn’t feel like I was in full control of the thing. The bike shop was closed, so we walked here. It was literally miles and the heat made it a bit of a chore. Despite this, it was still pretty enjoyable. Off now for my second run around the track.

1827 Got a taxi back. None of us could bare walking all the way back. Go-karting the second time was better. I had a more responsive kart and more guts. Back at the apartment now. Just had another relaxing and cooling swim in the pool. Sorting something out to eat shortly before watching The Little Mermaid on VHS. Party time!

Carry on reading my notes from the Costa Blanca in part two of this series.

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Back again from another trip and another two countries crossed off of my list. This time, it’s Denmark and Sweden. In this first part of my trip notes, I have a disappointing culinary experience, I encounter Danish drunkenness, I go for a cycle and I get a metaphoric punch in the face from Danish culture.

Thursday

0940BST

Cambridge train station is weird. It’s basically one long platform split into sectors. The trains dip into the platform area from adjacent tracks. Never seen anything like it.

1013

On the train to the airport. Rather crampt. Bunch of French speakers sat behind me.

1027

Wow! The countryside along this line is lovely. Passing through idilic English country villages and rolling hills.

1119

All checked in at Stansted Airport. Sat in a cafeteria called Ponti’s, having just enjoyed a Sausage baguette. I’m glad I have an apetite before this particular flight. Normally, I have so many butterflys in my stomach, I can’t eat a thing, but this time, I feel fine. It doesn’t feel right if i’m not eating something. The baguette was delicious, if a bit expensive. A staff member very kindly carried my tray to my table for me. Quite unnecessary, but much apprecited.

1145

Airport security always take a disliking to my shoes. Doesn’t matter which airport I’m in, I always have to take them off. The security zone really is dignity-free. Departure lounge is busy. I’m surprised at how good this airport is actually. It’s much nicer than I expected (it being run by BAA and all).

1153

Yay! Free wifi!

1431

Currently in the air. Lots of turbulance on this flight. My hands are a little sweaty as a result. The mighty North Sea passes below. Land is just reappearing on the left. Don’t know whether it’s the Nertherlands or Norway. Looks flat, so probably the former.

1505

A fighter jet just flew past in the opposite direction really fast and amazingly close. Amazing! Engine noise lessens as we start the descent.

1656CET

At the baggage reclaim hall in Copenhagen airport. Only took 4 minutes from landing to spot a Lego shop. This airport is swanky.

1815

Made it to the hotel. I’m staying at Hotel Front (my review has already been published) along a pretty boulevard full of embassies and consulates. Might try and find the British embassy. The room is nice. Pretty big for a single. Free wifi, free mini bar. The only sour note was the £200 deposit they took upon arrival for “extras”. Annoying!

1818

Two unbelievable things I spotted in the airport. In baggage reclaim, all the tvs were showing BBC World News. And I was shocked to discover four branches of major British retailer (and company I work for) WHSmith, with a fifth under construction.

1950

I’ve done something I’m not proud of. My first meal in Copenhagen was at Burger King. It’s not as if I didn’t try to find somewhere else. I walked for quite a while, but no where appealed. So, it was a case of surviving more than anything else. I did redeem myself shortly afterwards by having my first Copenhagen hot dog, which was ace! Really tasty! My first impressions of the Danish is that they’re a chatty lot. Everyone was chatting! Perhaps I’m noticing more because I’m not yet used to the sound of the Danish language. I feel a bit guilty that I don’t even know how to pronounce the word ‘thank you’ in Danish. But everyone speaks English so beautifully, it would be a shame to put their skill to waste I suppose. Two additional points I’d like to make that aren’t particularly connected to one another or indeed anything else; I’m about 2 minutes walk away from the Amalienborg Slot, the Royal Palace. And, on the way back to the hotel from Burger King, as well as discovering a photographic exhibition in one of the squares, I had a visual demonstration of Denmark’s love of beer. I watched as a fella, who’d clearly had too much, have a confused but heated argument with his own reflection in a shop window. The expression on his face was priceless.

2001

I’ve just had a free apple delivered to my room and the offer of a turn-down. Thanks, but I’ve only just arrived. I’ll take the apple though.

2343

I can’t believe I’m watching The Graham Norton Show in English with Danish subtitles. Surely no one could have forseen Danish broadcasting falling into such a state! Oh, plugging of forthcoming BBC programmes and the BBC website? Sure, just leave that in.

2351

Or, how about Allo, Allo? Ten to midnight and they’re showing Allo, Allo! It’s a classic, but COME ON! On other channels, Will & Grace and The Daily Show.

Friday

1540

Man, I’m exhausted! I’m currently resting in Mama Rosa, an Italian restuarant along Copenhagen’s famous pedestrianised street, Strøget. I thought at one point I wouldn’t be sat here as, on my arrival, no one acknowledged my existance. So, having seated myself, I’m now waiting to see how the Danish do spaghetti bolognaise. The pizzas on the other table look amazing, as well as authentically Italian, so I’m hopeful for a good meal. I’m tired because since 10am, I’ve been on a cycling tour if the city. The tour guide, Mike, was a charismatic and informative chap who showed me and the only other tourist on the tour, a gentleman called Shlomo from Israel, all the sights, including some I would have otherwise not have seen. My food’s arrived and I’m starving so… Nom, nom, nom!

1600

That was actually pretty good. Not particularly authentic, but tasty nonetheless. About £7.00, so fair value. If you can put up with the lousy service, Mama Rosa ain’t bad. Neither is Mike’s tour of Copenhagen incidently. The tour was scheduled to last around 3 hours, but it was more like 5, which only added to the amazing value (£15 for the tour, £7 for the bike). We started at the central railway station and then travelled west into Vesterbro (Western Gate) and the Carlsberg Brewery. Then, we doubled back, stopping off at Copenhagen Museum and then went north into Nørrebro (Northern Gate). Mike wanted us to see the Copenhagen not many tourists explore and so we weaved through residential streets and around the five lakes to the north of the city centre. Then, we cycled South East into an area called Nyboder where street after street of bright yellow terraced housing greeted us. Built in 1631, the homes were built to house enlisted men of the Danish Royal Navy and they’ve changed little since the first marines moved in. Continuing in the same direction, we then went to see the world-famous statue of the Little Mermaid which, true to her name was little, but very nice. Then, after a bone-shaking ride over the cobbles of the Citadel, we went south along the banks of the harbour, calling at the royal winter residence, Amalienborg Palace and the iconic colour of Nyhavn. Further south, we called at Christiansborg Palace, where the Queen greets foreign politicians and dignitaries and then across Knippelsbro to Christianshavn, which looked just as it was intended to look, like Amsterdam. Then, we came across the most interesting past of the tour, the self-proclaimed Freetown Christiania. What used to be army barracks is now a semi-self governing community. It’s legal status is sketchy and this, together with drug problems, means it is under very close scrutiny from the authorities. The only time where I felt a bit uneasy was while going down “Pusher Street”. You can imagine what sort of high-jinks goes on down there. Finally, we wound around an area called Holmen, before ending the tour under the controversial might of the new Opera House. All in all, a fantastic tour of Copenhagen. If you’re thinking of going to Copenhagen any time soon, you cannot miss going on Mike’s tour.

1617

Before I embarked on this trip, a few people remarked on how good looking everyone in this part if the world is. On the whole, I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference between here and back at home. I expect things to be slightly different across the sound in Sweden. Saying this though, you should see the stunner sat at the table next to me! Embarrassingly, we appear to have worn the same white shirt, grey jumper combination, but I suppose that just means that as well as being a beauty, she has good taste. That’s two things we have in common then. 1700 After the cycling tour, I popped into the tourist office to buy a Night of Culture ticket (which is tonight) and an Around the Sound ticket (which I’ll make use of tomorrow). 1733 The girl on reception at the hotel is pretty too.

2324

Back at the hotel after a night of music, museums, interesting buildings and other attractions. I went to places a never intended on going to and missed out on some that I did. Overall, the evening was well worth the money I paid. What I think I’ll take away from the evening most was the vast number of people that were out on the streets enjoying themselves. And of those people, the diversity of them. Elderly couples, big groups of middle aged people, families with toddlers and older children, groups if young people etc. I was amazed that the city centre was being enjoyed by such a variety of people on a Friday night of all nights. In Britain, town centres are practically no go areas on Friday nights, but here, young kids were out with their parents with nothing to fear. I didn’t pass a single noisy bar, neither did I encounter any drunken behaviour. Outside, it’s now blowing a stiff and chilly breeze. My windows are whistling as a result. Shortly, I’ll retire after a long, tiring, yet satisfying day in Copenhagen, but not before I’ve drunk a cup of the girliest tea known to man, Earl Grey! Good night! In the second part of my notes from the happiest place on earth, I disclose exactly what I got up to during the Night of Culture, I go in search of ugly people in Sweden, I have a much more pleasing culinary experience, and I’m dazzled by the lights at Tivoli Gardens.

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You can view all of the photos taken during this trip on Flickr.

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I’ve just spent the weekend in a blistering hot and beautiful Paris. This is part one of a two-part series of notes I wrote during the trip. In this edition, I climb two levels of the Eiffel Tower, get cast into darkness on the metro, get serenaded by George Michael, go cycling and meet lots of great people (mostly Aussies and Kiwis). Let’s go!

Friday

08h28gmt So, i’m off to Paris again. The last time I went was two years ago. That was my second visit, which makes this my third. This time, I’m going for one thing. The Tour de France. After a three week long tour, the peleton arrives in Paris on Sunday for one last race. Having experienced the tour in person for the first time last year in London, I had to experience it in person in France. So, I’m on the train to St Pancras to catch the Eurostar. Now that the Eurostar terminal has moved to my side of London, the journey to Paris is ridiculously easy. I’m just two trains away.

09h47 Realised when I got to London that I’d boarding a fast, non-stopping train. I’m at St Pancras a good two hours before the Eurostar departs. Departure lounge is lovely. Dark, wooden floors, modern, comfortable seats. The terminal is considerably smaller than the old one at Waterloo. Hardly any shops or eateries. A fat fella and his fatter wife just sat down on the same row as me. Something went crack.

10h59 On the Eurostar. Five minutes to departure. Very tatty train. Doors have just shut. The seat next to me is empty. Hoping it stays that way.

11h05 The acceleration on this train is amazing. Zero to fast in no time at all.

11h10 Through the upcoming Olympic station, Stratford. Really long tunnels snaking underneath London at the beginning of the journey. Wafts of toilet smells in the coach. Could be the fat couple’s lunch.

11h15 Just passed underneath the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

11h32 Just passed Sandlings. Holds a special place in my heart. Looks as if we’re about to enter the Channel Tunnel. Some sort of alarm has just sounded. Le Shuttle terminal passing to the right.

11h36 Into the Tunnel sous la Manche.

12h00 Pop! And we’re out. Not a bad crossing time.

13h24cet Passing through the suburbs of Lille. Lille Europe station approaches.

13h49 Zipping through Northern France. Just started to rain. It’s going to be a wet weekend.

15h41 Arrived at my hotel. Room slightly smaller than my last, but still nice. As I expected, I’ve been put next to the lift. Hoping I don’t hear it. Interesting view from my window of a road junction. Going to pop out shortly to the supermarket and to the Eiffel tower.

17h08 I’m writing this on the first level of the Eiffel tower. It seemed the best place to start. At only €3.10, it’s a steal. My only other plans are to go to Flunch for a meal and pop to the supermarket for some water. Really hot! Probably the high 20s. Wish I’d put some shorts on. Going to go up another level shortly.

19h17 In Flunch. Terrible décor, terrible music and underground, but good food at a low price. They’re practically giving it away. I’ve got Spaghetti Bolognese, a raspberry tart and a can of Ice Tea. Delicious! I’ll be coming again.

20h07 My god! I’m boiling! On the way back from dinner, the metro’s lights went out and the train came to an abrupt standstill. The emergency lights came on and the driver… You know what, this can wait. I need a shower…

Saturday

08h25 … Where was I? Ah, yes. The driver very hurriedly announced something. There wasn’t much of a reaction from my fellow passengers. A murmur rose as people exchanged their collective tuts. There we stayed, in near darkness, beads of sweat dripping from our faces for about five minutes before the lights came back and the train jolted forward. At the next station, a couple of people got off, including an American couple who’d “had enough.” The rest, including me, continued with the test of endurance. This morning, I’ll be finding that supermarket I keep going on about and then going on a cycle tour. Before that though, I need to finish watching this exciting instalment of Clifford, le grand chien rouge.

10h30 Sat on a bench in Champs de Mars. The Eiffel tower looms into the sky in front of me. It’s pleasantly warm with a slight breeze. At the foot of the tower, the masses throng, yet here where I’m sat, it’s satisfyingly peaceful. I love Parisian parks. They’re so well looked after. Even on a Saturday morning, there are people watering the flowers and grass and people picking litter. At 1100, I’m heading for the meeting spot for the cycle tour. Until then, I’m very happy here.

10h36 There seems to be a trend of musicians playing on the metro. So far, I’ve been serenaded by a man with a guitar playing George michael hits (well, you’ve gotta have faith I suppose), a blind man with a casio keyboard held together with sticky tape (he was awesome), and this morning by a beree’d man playing the accordion (I afforded myself a smile at this, which he seemed to notice and appreciate).

17h59 Cool day so far. Went on the Fat Tire daytime tour of the sights. After meeting at Pilier Sud, the south pillar of the Eiffel Tower, we were taken to the Fat Tire office where we were each issued a Californian Beach Cruiser bike and a tour guide. Our tour guide was a Texan. After a short briefing, we were off, cycling through the streets of Paris. It was awesome! I starting chatting to three Australian fellas. They were your stereotypical boisterous, fun-loving Aussies. In fact, they took the stereotypes to the extreme. I didn’t think Australians actually said ‘bonza’ or ‘you beaut’ but apparently, they do. A lot! When we stopped off for a spot of lunch at an outdoor cafe in Jardin de Tuileries, the table arrangement wasn’t to their liking and, to the very obvious annoyance of the waiting staff, they dragged the tables and chairs around until they had accommodated themselves and everyone else. “This is how we do things at home,” one of them said. The scowl on the waiter’s face was classic!

18h09 Currently sat in Quick, a fast food restuarant in Gare Montparnasse. In another case of unexplainable use of English, I just had a Long Chicken meal. I could have had a Long Fish or a Cheese Supreme among others. Why they weren’t called Poisson Long or Suprême Fromage I’m certain no one knows. Off to the Eiffel Tower shortly, the meeting place for the night time bicycle tour.

23h57 Just got back from the night tour. It was awesome. I saw parts of Paris I’d have never seen otherwise and met lots of great people. I’m beginning to think the New Zealand government is spying on me though. The number of kiwis I’m suddenly encountering is worrying high. The couple I met this evening were lovely. Carlton and Jo were charmingly reserved, thoughtful and interesting. Naturally, we had plenty to talk about. They were both rugby fans. We also chatted about Switzerland. Unbelievably, they had both stayed in Lauterbrunnen earlier in the year. The night tour took an entirely different route than the day tour. This time, the tour guide was a Californian, who spoke with great enthusiasm. At one point, his wild gesturing attracted the attention of some locals who mocked him behind his back. He reacted by bowing to them. Another time, when we were waiting at a red light, a couple on a moped pulled up alongside and remarked something in French. After a pause, Andy turned around to the group with a grin and said, “I don’t speak French.” With an hour of the tour left, we cycled to a dock where we boarded a boat for a ride up and down the Seine. The boat itself was lined on each side by spot lights, so the banks were lit up as if it were day as we chugged past. And I do mean ‘chugged.’ The boat had seen better days and puffed out exhaust fumes which stank and veiled one side of the boat in a dark cloud. It was a good experience though, particularly at the end of the ride when we sailed directly underneath the Eiffel Tower. When we alighted, we watched as two men had a punch-up (which, unusually for me, made me laugh), and then cycled back to the office. If you’re looking for a way of exploring Paris without having your feet bleed, I can highly recommend the Fat Tire Bike Tours. Now, go and read part two.

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There are 106 photos taken during my weekend in Paris, now viewable on Flickr.

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This is part two of a two-part set of notes I wrote while on a short trip to Switzerland in March 2008. If you haven’t read part one yet, do so before you read part two.

Wednesday

06h38 White out! A massive snowfall overnight. Still coming down. They’re working furiously at the moment to clear the road. Little snow sweeper and massive plough doing noisy laps of the village. Bus went past as I was watching from my balcony with chains wrapped around its tyres. Snow blowers and chains on tires are new to me. I’ll be seeing St Bernards next.

10h54 Its zero according to the thermometer in Grindelwald. The world cup event has been cancelled. If you can believe it, there’s too much snow! The lifts aren’t even working. So, I’m going on a train trip. Little disappointed, but not massively. Grindelwald wasn’t as picturesque as the other villages. It’s good for skiers, but if you’re not a skier, there’s not much here for you.

12h13 In Kleine Scheidegg, 6762 ft above sea level. Crammed with skiers. Just bought some new gloves. Some of them were £60 a pair. Unbelievable! OMG! As I’m writing this, a St Bernard just wandered past. How cool is that!

18h34 Discovered the Wanderweg, a hiking trail and toboggan run between Kleine Scheidegg and Wengen. Beautiful scenery. The snow set in almost immediately, reducing visibility significantly. It calmed as I walked (stumbled upright) through woodland. But, I faced a different onslaught, this time from clumps of snow falling off of the trees. Lost the trail half way along so took the train the rest of the way. A great couple of hours. Just had my last meal, another Rösti. Delish!

Thursday

12h29 Stunning hike from Grütschalp (4379 ft) to Mürren (5361 ft). The ankle deep snow sparkled in the sun. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The silence was broken only by birdsong. It was a fantastic end to my break in the mountains. Now on the Intercity to Bern, where I change for the Intercity to Geneva. I don’t want to leave, but I’m certain I’ll be back to experience a proper winter again.

12h32 Before leaving the hotel, I spoke to Jacqui on reception. She said the snow was unusual for this time of year. Guess I’ve been lucky again. Last time I was here, the weather was unusually dry and sunny. Just arrived at Interlaken West. Snow slowly disappearing at this lower level. Snow covered mountains still surround though. Spectacular against the totally clear blue sky.

13h07 Man! The chap sat opposite me honks of cigarettes. Do smokers not realise they stink? Or do they just not care? If they don’t care about slowly killing themselves, I suppose not. Just left Thun. Snow now completely gone. :(

13h12 Scrap that. Snows back. God, I’m obsessed.

13h40 You know I’m on a train when the number of updates increase. Now on train from Bern to Geneva. Bern was pretty chilly. I love these double-deckers. So comfortable. So quiet. Sipping Rivella and watching the countryside flow past.

14h10 The train announcements are in French first, then German, and all the passengers are suddenly speaking French. I must be in the canton of Fribourg, heading for Lausanne and then Geneva.

14h14 Suddenly, there’s masses of snow everywhere. Yay!

16h27 They do things differently at Geneva airport. Took a little while to get to grips with but managed to get through to the departure lounge which is where I am now. You had to self check-in where the luggage tags and boarding pass were printed. Then, having fixed the tag to your bag, you dropped the bag off at the drop-off point. Then, you walk half a mile to security and then to the gate. Went to Geneva centre on the way to the airport. Fountain was switched off due to high winds. After 20 minutes, I headed back to the train station. Roasting hot on this departure lounge.

17h22 Plane just arrived at the gate. Feeling a bit groggy. Felt like this the last time I came back from Switzerland. Here comes a cold. Luckily I have some tablets I bought from Wengen on my last visit.

18h26 Plane left Geneva 40 minutes late. Ah well. Airborne. For some reason, not enjoying it as much as before.

20h43gmt Back in Britain. I had to queue for 20 minutes at the UK border to have my passport waved through. Then I had to travel back home on a 25 year old train, from a station where none of the clocks were working. Back to earth with a bump

21h45 Just uploading the 300 odd photos to my mac. There’s some really nice ones. Its been a fantastic short trip, and you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be going back.

Related Media

• Switzerland Photo Set on Flickr
• ‘The Hike’ on Here To Geneva (includes video shot during the hike).

• Tags
• airport
• grindelwald
• kleinescheidegg
• switzerland
• lauterbrunnen
• snow
• mountains
• notes

These notes were originally written during a trip to Switzerland in March 2008, and then posted here shortly afterwards. That post has now been deleted and the notes reformatted into two parts to make them more reader-friendly.

Monday

10h19gmt So now I get to put my iPod touch to good use. On my last trip I wrote my notes with pen and paper. This time though I can write them on my iPod and then email them to myself to upload later. Brilliant! Currently sat in the departure lounge at the Airport. Not feeling nervous at all this time. I know what to expect. I’m actually looking forward to it. What I don’t like is saying goodbye to my bag at check-in. Feels like I’ve lost something when I haven’t. May as well start the ‘wow guess what I just ate’ stuff. Just had a Mango Tango. Mango, orange and lime mixed-up into a smoothie. It was good.

12h15 On the plane. Pilot said they tried flying at 31,000 ft but it was a little bumpy so we’re now at 30,000 ft. He was right. It was a bit bumpy. France sailing past below.

15h38cet I’m in Switzerland. Stopped off at Geneva to see the fountain. Still here. I went the wrong way and didn’t really see anything. Gonna arrive at the hotel in the dark now. Ah well.

15h44 Things are looking up. Train to Bern arrives earlier than expected. And it’s a double decker. Yay!

15h49 The only thing I wanted to see in Geneva was the fountain. Luckily, I’ve just seen it while going past on the train.

16h12 Just saw a man underneath a railway bridge in the middle of nowhere playing the trombone.

15h28 Just left Lausanne. At the top of a steep escarpment covered in vineyards. Setting sun shining on Lake Geneva. Snow covered peaks in the distance.

15h39 OMG! On-train wifi! Ipod won’t connect though. Lady on my right connected via her MacBook though.

15h58 Just realised Switzerland is like Belgium & France in that it runs its trains on the left.

20h30 Arrived at the hotel. Pretty tired. Finally a wifi network I can use. There have been loads all over the place. Just had a Lauterbrunner Rösti followed by a Caramel ice cream. Delicious. Full up.

Tuesday

07h47 An interrupted sleep. Couldn’t wait to get up to see if it had snowed, so got up intermittently through the night to look out the window. It has! And still is! And it’s settling! This is what I came for.

10h18 Wow! I’ve never seen snow like this. Powdery and light. Absolutely pouring in Mürren. Lots of skiers. I should probably learn to ski. The scenery is enough though. Beautiful and bracing. Leaving the mountains now to visit Interlaken. Snow might not be so bad down there. I do love it, but it isn’t great for sightseeing. I can barely keep my eyes open.

12h24 Just finished lunch underneath a pagoda in a small Japanese garden in Interlaken. Town is quieter than expected. Nice walk, but not bucket loads to do or see. Still heavy snow even at this level. Not settling though. If this were the UK, there’d be people abandoning their cars at the side of the road in tears by now. The Swiss (admittedly more used to such weather conditions) just sweep the snow to one side and get on with it.

15h39 Back at hotel to have a rest. Went to Brienz and Wilderswil. Both very nice. Some beautiful lakeside views of the mountains from Brienz. The water was crystal clear and glowed almost turquoise. Snow still coming down outside. Gonna play a bit of Nintendo and then have a walk along the valley.

17h51 Went on one of the walks I discovered on my last visit to the valley. Took a lot of the same photos I took before, only this time with 10cm of snow. Going down to eat shortly. Before I do, a rest while watching Flight of the Conchords on my iPod.

20h27 Currently sat in the lobby of the hotel on the net. Went for a short walk to see the Staubbach Waterfall lit up. I don’t know how they manage to light an entire valley wall so uniformly. Tired.

Related Content

• Switzerland Photo Set on Flickr
• ‘Views From The Balcony’ on Here To Geneva (includes video shot from the hotel balcony)

• Tags
• switzerland
• mountains
• snow
• lauterbrunnen
• notes