Glacier Express - 20th June

Today we got up very early to take a quick trip of city as we did wanted

to go back to snow clad beauty of Switzerland instead of its

Mediterranean lake shores. But before having a heavy breakfast, we took

a promenade in the park along lake shore where there are lots of open

sculptors from [Dada

movement](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dada “Dada Movement”). After we

took funicular ride to Madonna del Sasso.

We were determined to take glacier express from Andermatt to St.Moritz

today. So, by 9.00 we reached station; Santanu saw a BBC program about

Wilhelm Express on TV and was eager to board the same from Locarno till

it connects Glacier Express. But due to train schedules we had to take

an inter-regional train from Locarno to Goschenen via Bellinzona. Our

compartment was vacant with two of us only. That left us to hop from one

side to another in order to take photos as the train made turns to gain

altitude. Being a standard train the chief advantage is the windows

generally can be opened, for cool air and unobstructed views and take

picture – with no ghost image.

On reaching Goschenen we immediately boarded another train to Andermatt

where we spent an hour taking photos. Swiss trains are like Swiss

watches never late-always on time so was Glacier Express

This train actually starts from St.Moritz to Zermatt or vice versa which

is of 7 1/2 hr. journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and

across the Oberalp Pass at 2033 m altitude. It’s really incredible

journey via beautiful landscapes with valleys, glistening mountains &

splendid greenery. It’s a train with huge wrap-around windows, allowing

you to see through part of the ceiling no wonder why visitor do not

complain spending bucks. You never know how alpine panoramas hits right

in the face unless you experience it. But, the windows in the panoramic

cars generally can’t be opened, means *photographs usually come with a

glare.*

As soon as we boarded the train, memories from Bollywood movies got

refreshed. As there are umpteen of songs featured on this train.

Unfortunately, we did not have window seats. And as it was mid-day lots

of people were having their lunch at their seat. The dining car was next

compartment to ours; we spent a good time there. Glacier express is a

very touristy train as people from every corner of the world try to

taste Swiss Alpine beauty. We had good conversation with our

co-passengers who were Americans staying at Saudi Arabia.

On reaching St.Moritz we had a nice meal freshly prepared at Railway

restaurant. As staying in the classic alpine resort was out of our

budget so it was more economical to board a train for final destination

to Zurich via Chur.

The train back from St-Moritz was a normal one which was good as that

allowed us to take pictures with out glare. The journey from Chur to

Zurich was also very scenic as the train runs along two lakes - Lake

Walen and Lake Zurich.