traveltales: Glacier Express

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Glacier Express

What a Train Ride!

It’s pretty much an all-day train ride on the Glacier Express from Davos, Switzerland to Interlaken. Knowing that, we all carried a book along to read for the day. It was a surprise to see none of us even cracked the cover of a book, much less read it. The spectacular scenery absolutely captured all of our attention. It was the most awesome train ride I’ve ever taken. Our reserved coach was most comfortable.

Non of was was prepared for this spectacular day. In places the train trestle literally overhung the side of the mountain or stretched over a gorge between two mountains. The train chugged along so slowly on one very steep climb that I thought it might actually stop or start running back downhill! The slow ride down on the other side of the pass offered wonderful views of wild flowers in bloom all along the train tracks and down into the alpine meadows.

At lunchtime the steward came to our car to inform us it was our turn in the dining car. We moved forward to the dining car where we were seated at our booth. Our delicious lunch was served on china plates with real silverware. There were no paper plates, plastic or short cuts here. Serving sizes were more than ample and seconds were allowed on anything but the meat (beef). Wine even accompanied the meal served in an actual crystal wine glass. Lunch was leisurely with no feeling of being rushed. After dessert a funny thing happened. The dining steward appeared at the end of our table, standing erect he said, “Thank you, bye.” We just listened and then he repeated, “Thank you bye. Thank you. Bye.” Then we got the message: our time in the dining car was over! Being careful not to pull the table cloth as we got up in the small quarters, we thanked the waiter and returned to our coach.

After six hours on the train we arrived in Brig with a half-hour layover and change of trains. Shortly after pulling out of the train station we went through the longest train tunnel in the world; then it wasn’t too long before we arrived in Interlaken.

It had been a wonderful gorgeous ride. It was some sort of a Swiss holiday and we were able to watch fireworks from our hotel balcony—what a way to end a great day!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.