Switzerland - Lugano, Mendisrio, Erstfeld

Our plan has started to collapse since yesterday due to the raining. And from the weather forecast, it seems to continue for at least a few days so our plan to visit Jungfrau region in this couple days has been postponed. We decide to visit the Ticino area, especially Lugano or to be more specific “Fox town outlet” in Mendisrio instead. So we start to cancel the hotel (luckily without any penalty fee) and call Oh's friend, Sao, in Erstfeld whether it would be o.k to visit her during the week instead of the weekend as plan earlier.


Therefore, we take a train pass through Luzern, stop at Erstfeld to drop our luggage at the train station before heading further to Lugano.



This route is one of the scenic routes in Switzerland going through the steep ravines of the valley and passing through many railway tunnel. Although we didn't take the Whilhelm Tell Express line which also has the same route, our train is also the panoramic one.



However, due to the heavy rain, we again decide to bypass the exploration of Lugano, having only lunch at the nearest train station restaurant.



View of Lugano across the train station.

After that we take a train to to Mendisrio to Shop at Fox Town Outlet which I once visited 8 years before. At that time the mall was small and not many attractive shops were opened. However, unlike the past, now there are many new brand name shops available: Gucci, Bally, Armani, etc. so the 2 hour flies so fast that we almost want to be there until
it closes. Nevertheless, I am not so in the mood to shop since there has been some red spot on my arm for the past few days and it is getting worse with itchy. So I have to call my brother, send the picture to find out what it is. He said it is either the herpes simplex (เริม) or herpes zoster (งูสวัด), but I need a prescription to buy the medicine. Yakky!!!

To top that day we take a wrong train back to Erstfeld. It passes Erstfeld but not stop at it. So we have to get off at the next train station and take a train back to Erstfeld. Lesson learns that 1. though the line passes through the town, not all trains stop at it. And 2. even that you are at the right track, but make sure to board at exactly the stated time, not 5-8 minutes earlier. 555 Anyway, we finally arrive at Sao's house, though a bit late.

Switzerland - Montreux, Vevey and Lausanne

A very hop on and hop off day since we want to visit 3 towns in a day.

Our first town is Montreux, which is often described as the jewel of the Swiss Riviera. It is renowned for its annual jazz festival.

We plan to walk along a flower bedecked lakeshore promenade to the Chateau de Chillon which should take around 45 minutes.







With the beautiful view and colorful flowers along the way, if you know me well enough, you can guess that 45 minutes would never be enough. Yes, it takes me about 2 hours to reach the Chateau.

Statue of Freddie Mercury, a vocalist in the band Queen.

Chateau de Chillon

The castle has been renovated and restored for many centuries. From the excavations, it is affirmed that the place has been occupied since the Bronze Age.

After the short time spending inside the castle, we then visit Vevey, a little town not far from Montreux. Having lunch and stroll along the lakeshore. Vevey is a headquarter to Nestlé, the international Food and Beverage Group.

On the lakeshore stands the monument of Charlie Chaplin, a famous comedian who spent the last twenty five years of his life here.

As Free Wi-Fi is not easy to come by and when we find one, silently agree, we all just sit down and start to upload the pictures, read/send messages. All other plans for that day is forgotten for a while. That's why we almost on a run when we visit Lausanne, our last town for that day.

The only place inLausanne that we can visit is the Cathedral.

The cathedral is regarded as Switzerland’s most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture.

Too bad that we don't have time to visit the Olympic Museum, the world’s largest information centre about the Olympic games.

Arrive in Bienne, tonight P Tan and Khun Rojer hosts dinner at Pizzaria Merkur where I enjoy the white asparagus/spargel dish and Amarone Wine (Italian wine).

Note: This 2005 Amarone is the red wine that I like most in this trip. Very recommend from I who drink very little, so better taste it by yourself na ka.

Switzerland - Brienz, Luzern

Our plan for today is to take a boat trip and then visit Luzern.

At Bern Train Station.
This trip we plan to travel by train, so we bought the Swiss Pass from the Bangkok agent.



Boarding the boat at Interlaken to cruise along the Brienzersee.




View along the lake from Interlaken to Brienz.




We again then take a train from Brienz to Luzern.



Chapel Bridge
This covered footbridge has become the symbol of Luzern. Originally built in the 14th century, it was partly destroyed by fire in 1993 and has been reconstructed. (from Eyewitness Travel Guide)



Lowendenkmal or Lion Monument
This massive figure of a dying lion pierced by a spear is a startling monument to the Swiss Guards of Louis XVI of France. The Lion Monument was carved out of the sandstone cliff face by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen.



Spreuerbrucke
This wooden covered bridge was built in 1408 and incorporates a small chapel.



One of Luzern souvenirs.

Fondue dinner at Khun Kohl, P. Oh's friend house.

Switzerland - Zurich

Our plan for this year was finally changed from Norway to Switzerland.



An actual trip which is quite different from the plan.

Oh and I arrive at Zurich in the morning, deposit our bags at the train station locker. Then take off to explore the city while it is still raining.


Grossmunster or the Great Minster.



Fraumunster or the Women's Minster.
The history of this Minster goes back to 853, when King Ludwig the German made his daughter Hildegard the abbess of a convent here.



St. Peters Kirche
The most distinctive feature of the Church of St Peter is its large clockface. With a diameter of 8.7 m, it is the largest in Europe.



Judging from the outside decoration, this restaurant might offer a good steak.



Labor day in Zurich (wearing "Red Shirts" but without violence)


We then go back to the train station to meet with my friend, Sasi, who lives in a town half an hour by train from Zurich.

Until another member of the gang, Nok, arrives, we then head to Bienne where we plan to stay and explore in that area.

TISCO - Best Dealer Compliance Award by TBMA

The Thai Bond Market Association hosts the Best Bond Awards event annually. TISCO receives the Best Dealer Compliance Award 2009. It is the third year that our team has got this award.

P.Nong's Birthday Party

Pe Nong's birthday party is at Ah Yat Restaurant, Riverside Ramada Hotel. The food is very yummy, especially the crispy pork.

Khang Khung Restaurant

We then stop by at the Khang Khung Restaurant (ร้านข้างขึ้น) for our Sunday brunch. The recommended dish is the roasted duck. The duck is very crispy outside but tender inside. Other dishes are just average. From many review, the chef is used to work at the Four Seasons in London.
The restaurant is siuated at Rama V Place, near Rama V bridge.
Tel: 02-526-9001

Wat Borom Racha Kanchanapisek Anusorn

Wat Borom Racha Kanchanapisek Anusorn or Wat Leng Noei Yi2 in Nonthaburi Province.

Asahi Super Dry Fireworks

Asahi sponsored for the Fireworks display at Chao Phraya River.

Nan Province

In the morning we visit Phumin Temple and MingMueang Temple before going back to Bangkok.

Wat Phumin

A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.

Wat MingMueang

Wat Ming Mueang is on Suriyaphong Road. It was constructed in 1857. Its distinguishing point is the stucco reliefs on the outer wall of the ubosot, presenting the skill of the Chiang Saen craftsmen. The patterns are very exquisite. Within the ubosot are mural paintings depicting the lifestyles of the Nan people by present-day local craftsmen. Moreover, within the compound of the temple stands the city pillar in a cruciform-plan pavilion at its front. The city pillar is 3 metres high. Its base is decorated with engraved and gilded wooden design. The top of the pillar was engraved into 4 faces of the Brahma God, representing Phrom Wihan (Brahmavihara) 4 – the four sublime states of mind; namely, Metta - kindness, Karuna - compassion, Mudita – sympathy, and Upekkha - equanimity.