Visit Switzerland - heaven on earth !!

Hi, this is based on our experiences from recent trip of 22 days in Europe and is not official guide.. Info is intended for friends and tourists who wish to travel to Switzerland from India.

Some important pointers:

• Largely people in Switzerland are very friendly and soft spoken; at times we are too loud for them :-)
• People have proper work life balance; most of the commercial establishments close at 5.30-6.00 pm.
• Swiss people speak French or German language but are comfortable with English
• Though Euro is acceptable, Swiss prefer Swiss Francs (so you must take Swiss francs with you)
• Trust is all the hallmark of society and hardly anyone checks your tickets in public transport. But pls don’t try to cheat the system !!
• Most of the information about public transport (which is too good to believe) is available on internet. Actually if you know the name /address of places (from/to) where you have to go then type them on google maps and click on the public transport icon on top left side and it will give you all details of trams/buses/trains etc.
• Vegetarian food is slightly difficult to find, however plenty of fruits, cheese and chocolates are available. Cheese is really very good. If you like cheese, you must eat something called “Fondue”.
• You can drink water from tap in your place of stay – its totally safe (may not from tap of public places – we did not explore though)
• If you can – try to plan your trip yourself and if you are lazy or don’t want to explore much then can go with tour operators!!
• Keep Luggage light and take strolleys as at many places in Europe, you will have to lift your luggage (in hotels also its self service and many do not have lift - it they are 2 floors only)

We started our journey from Zurich airport. So that’s why Zurich comes here 1^st.

Zurich Airport: Once you land at airport, follow signs for passport control and exit. You will take a small train to reach the passport control. Passport stamping is very fast and they don’t ask any funny questions and actually welcome you. After that you can go to collect your luggage and move out. Outside lot of choice is available to reach your hotel/residence – taxies (which are expensive and should be avoided), buses, trams and train. Before starting from India, check which tram/bus can take you near the hotel. And then ask anyone at the airport (though there are plenty of signages too). People are very friendly everywhere, so you can ask anyone.

Important: Before starting, please buy Swiss pass in India for all of you. For 2 adults + 2 kids below 15 years, 2^nd class costs Euro 414 for 8 days and 1^st class Euro 636 (you pay for 2 adults and 2 kids are free). Don’t forget to take the “family card” if you are traveling with kids. Swiss Pass is a must for visiting Switzerland – as u can use it on trams, buses, trains, most of boats (there are only few places where Swiss pass is not applicable – but there too one gets good discount on fare – please check below for details). You can buy from Rail Europe Indiahttp://www.raileurope.co.in/rail-products/rail-passes/article/swiss-pass. The pass MUST be endorsed/ stamped on the 1^st day of travel at any Railway station (you can go to information counter or ticket counter).

We stayed 1 night in Zurich in Novotel Airport (its just at a tram station which comes from Airport and has easy connection to city); you can choose as per your plans. However, Zurich is a business town so limited tourist attractions. (Check http://www.zuerich.com/en/welcome.cfmfor more details on Zurich)

We took Zurich city tour - trolley tour and enjoyed the 2 hour (sweet and short tour) – rest we explored on our own. You need not take the tour with boat tour as Boat tour is free with Swiss Pass (which you already have – refer above).

We went to Interlaken from Zurich by train and there are number of trains – mostly via Bern for Interlaken. Interlaken is a small and most beautiful part of Switzerland, connecting to many places of interest and is a good place to relax.

Please Note: Each train has 1^st class and 2^nd class compartments. At time in hurry if you board the train, with luggage, in 1^st class and have to move to 2^nd class – it will be really tough inside the train as train has 2 floors (so you will have to move up & down). We were caught in this maze :-)

You can go to info counters and ask for timetable from anywhere to anywhere (specify approx time) and they will happily give you a printout with couple of options.

In Interlaken we stayed at Hotel Neuhaus http://www.hotel-neuhaus.ch/startseite_deutsch1.html

It’s a hotel just next to Lake Thun. It’s just 8 mins by bus from Interlaken West bus station. Please note that it’s a wonderful resort (out of city; next to the lake; however the last bus leaves at 710 pm from Interlaken west towards the hotel- so in case u wish to stay late in Interlaken then you will have to take a cab.) Check our photos for Neuhaus. Most of the shops close by 6 pm, except few restaurants in Interlaken. In case you like to stay in city kind of environment and not quiet place then look for another hotel. The hotel’s hosts are very friendly and they have a nice family room for a family of 4 too. You can come out of your room and go for boating in Lake Thun which is probably one of the best in Switzerland. Even you can go by boat to Interlaken west from the hotel. It has a small and nice restaurant where you get basic breakfast (don't expect a lavish one)

People looking for a relaxing break – Interlaken is the place in Switzerland.

Zermatt & Gornergrat: It’s a day’s trip from Interlaken and a must. You can take a train from Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost station. You will require changing at 2 places – Spiez & Visp. From Visp to Zermatt is a cog wheel train; Beautiful scenery on the way. Zermatt is like a small hill station. From there you can go to top of a mountain by cable car or train. We took train to Gornergrat (Swiss pass is not valid in this train but you get 50% discount – buy to/fro ticket). Gornergrat is beautiful and if u are lucky as us – it might snow there. You can spend few hours in Zermatt and Gornergrat. To and fro journey is really picturesque.

Jungfraujoch – Its called top of Europe and is also a day’s trip from Interlaken – again a must. You take a train from Interlaken Ost (I think Ost is for East) and go to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. You need to buy train tickets at Interlaken Ost (tell them you have Swiss pass and you will get discounted tickets). Its really out of the world with Snow all the time at Junfraujoch. You can spend some time at Grindelwald too – its really cool place. This region is called Jungfrau region. You can get more details at http://www.jungfrau.ch/en/sommer/time-navigation/summer/

You can actually spend almost 6-7 days at Interlaken but we spent only 4 days :-(. From here we went by train to Bern (capital of Switzerland). Bern also has limited tourist attractions – we went to clock tower (walk able from here is Einstein’s House)… Just boarded a tram – moved around- took any bus and explored bern. As we had Swiss pass we just discussed and boarded a train to Luzern (another beautiful place, where every tour operator will take you). We did not stay in Luzern but spent couple of hours exploring the city and moving around the boat. We took a train back to Bern from a different route (going thru the country-side) and it was again a wonderful experience.

We took a train from Bern to Paris for rest of our journey.

I feel and its echoed by everyone in the family that Switzerland is just out of the world not only from scenic beauty point of view but because:·

People are extremely good; they are healthy too (good unadulterated food, no pollution, happy / smiling and relaxed)

Life is too cool there (even old people - 90 year old riding a bicycle herself) ·

Hardly we saw anyone with mobile phone attached to his/her ears ·

Even the richest people had modest mobile phones; no show-off ·

There seems to be calmness with people – there is no hurry or race (people seems to be contended) ·

There is no greed seen in common people (having multiple houses or cars etc) ·

Public transport is excellent and actually you can set your watch (they stick to time table:-) ·

There is goodness flowing around all over Swiss

Probably Swiss was our best place to visit in this tour. Please email me if you need more specific info. Hope this blog is helpful for people travelling to Switzerland from India.

More about Paris, Scotland and UK in next blog….

I love India but…..!

Writing after a long break! Last few months have been enlightening from various respect… Met many interesting people across India; Lot of insights and learning – about Life..

Enjoyed learning about small way people are taking care of environment in places like Jamshedpur; how a person can be so nice in CCD at Kolkata Airport (he replaced the brownie free when it fell down due to my fault), how an executive shared his learning from Premchand books & stories (special mention to story called – "Kafan" – please read if you have not read till now)…

Enjoyed my interactions & learning from these youngsters in Right Management (where I am a freelance consultant)…

Enjoyed interactions with teens and teachers at Assam Valley School...Enjoyed serene Cherapunjee

Enjoy every bit with my kids and wife... (though getting these moments less than planned)

But…

Am still concerned about the way we are being managed by our leaders .. still grains rot but not shared with poor; still we don’t teach or practice humility.. still we are enslaved by today’s leaders (much short of true independence for Indians); still we have such poor infrastructures in “so-called world cities” like Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai etc..; still we don’t want to learn & apply from our own success stories like Surat (finding politics); still we all appreciate & discuss 3 idiots (but at home still shout at kids for getting low marks); still people are not ready to be civic & blame authorities; still everyone drives crazy in Delhi or Bangalore or Kolkata; still people die because of malaria; still we waste so much water; still we don't respect trees; still we are so patient or tolerant of inefficiencies by govt. departments.

Am I a pessimist?? No, I don’t think so..

Yes, I feel concerned - why the educated lot (many near & dear ones) are chasing someone's race and finding happiness in materialistic things… ; Many chasing fast food ; fast life; fast cars; run - run- run...…

Lot of questions… Have few answers and will continue doing whatever I cud… ( I can not remain a mere spectator and wud do whatever way – small or big- to bring joy to others!);

Hey – am not praising myself ; just being happy with myself :-)

Enjoy!

Diary of a jetsetter!!

A busy hi-fly executive – drawing hefty salary (not me) started his day with a great hope that “today I am going to crack the big deal with my clients.” He got up early at 5 am and got ready to reach the airport by 7 am; which he did (as the flight was at 8 am). On reaching the Delhi airport, he found that his flight is delayed by 15 mins. As he is a “busy executive” – his company has booked him in best of the airlines and not so called “low cost” airlines and he is very proud of this fact.

He felt whole of the city is at the airport when he reached the Check-in counter and it took him almost 25 min to checkin. He was told that now the flight is delayed by 25mins. He thought its ok as his first meeting in Mumbai is at 11.30 am; so no hurry. So he moved to the security area and was surprised to see again such a long queue. He was frustrated to see the speed of work there, but was helpless (as he saw his Louis Philippe jacket being kept in a tray with his laptop and scanned).

So having cleared all the security; he was all set to board the flight. Now he was slightly hungry too as it was already almost 8 am by the time he cleared security. He thought in any case I will get a good breakfast in the aircraft so it’s better to wait. He patiently waited till 830am and soon started to feel why there is no announcement to board his flight. He inquired from the airlines representative; who mentioned let me just check and he never returned (what an idiot he thought!). He again asked a beautiful girl from airlines, who assured him that she will definitely find out and let him know. She smilingly informed, Sir we will announce boarding soon and it actually happened at 845am when they were taken for boarding and he reached his seat in the aircraft exactly at 858am as the aircraft was parked at a distance.

Now seated and everyone on board at 914 am he was happy that he will still make it (what a positive attitude!). The doors were closed and plane was still not starting. On enquiring, he was told the last of the baggage is being loaded. Then exactly at 929 am the pilot announced that sorry for this delay and they are ready to move but they are 14^th in the take-off sequence and it will take atleast 20 mins. Now his patience was soon getting over and he was regularly looking at his watch for take-off (as this meeting in Mumbai was very important for him). Meanwhile he sent a small sms to client that he might be delayed by 30 mins (nice approach to keep client informed:-)

The flight finally took off at 10.01 am; and he was really very hungry and frustrated why he chose this airlines or why things are not improved in this country…..

So he got the breakfast – he preferred Veg and got a small meal (south Indian) which he soon felt was not enough and too light! On checking with the beautiful airhostess – he was told that now a days everyone is cutting cost Sir. He thought low cost airlines are better as you can buy as much food as you want!!

Pilot announced that we are flying over Baroda and soon will start our descent to Mumbai; but soon that also changed as he again mentioned that we are 7^th in landing sequence as one runway in Mumbai is closed for some repairs. Now our friend was very frustrated and angry as it will really get late for him to reach the 1^st client at 1130am and next meetings are at 2.30 pm and 5pm (one in Colaba and other one at 5pm at Bandra – closer to airport as he has to take the 8pm flight back home)

The plane finally landed at 1235pm and he came out of the airport at 1253 pm (as he did not have checkin luggage). He got into the pre-paid taxi at 1.08pm and shouted Worli – as fast as possible as I have a meeting; driver looked at him surprisingly and then our friend added – PLEASE…. I will give you extra. He called up client and said I will reach by 130-145pm as the flight was delayed and client was cooperative. So he was relaxed and closed his eyes.

When he opened he found he has reached Bandra only; he thought he slept for long and checked and he was right it was already 132 pm. He asked what is happening and was told – Sir today is big rally of a party celebrating success so traffic jam L

He finally landed at clients place at 2.03 pm and again felt sorry. He was worried about 230pm meeting as that client was a tough client. So he sent him an sms telling that he will reach by 3pm as flight was delayed. Soon he realized that the important decision maker for the Worli client had left after waiting for long and the decision will not be taken now.

He left the Worli client to reach at Colaba at 345pm and the tough client at Colaba had also left after waiting for him (with a message that be on time next time). Now he did not want to miss the last client at Bandra at 5pm; so he got himself a burger from Colaba as there was no time for proper lunch. He did reach the clients office exactly at 456pm and was very happy that atleast he can meet this client on time. On enquiring he was told that the client is now stuck in jam and will reach in 15 mins; which he reached in 46 mins. As our friend had to catch the 8pm flight at Mumbai airport; he has to leave Bandra atleast at 630pm to reach airport by 7pm; so the meeting with Bandra client was also inconclusive.

He sat in an AC taxi; thinking that he could not finish any of his work and he is going without any deal (he did not stay back in Mumbai as clients were out of station from tomorrow)

On reaching airport he was told the flight is on time (atleast one good thing in the day today- he thought). Flight took off exactly at 812pm and they reached near Delhi at 952pm; but were told that they are again 8^th in landing sequence. Finally aircraft touched the ground at 1023pm (that too on the new runway – which took 22min for taxi). He was finally out at 11.01pm and got into the taxi and headed towards his home in Gurgaon. He was surprised to see the traffic on NH-8; where there were trucks all-over; in all lanes and no traffic policeman around. It was really scary to see trucks being driven so fast and in all lanes. On reaching toll-plaza he found that trucks are there in ALL the lanes and it took them 18 mins to cross the toll-plaza. Finally he reached his home at 1158pm (2 minute before mid-night).

He thought to himself that he spent almost 18.5 hours on road/air without any result and no proper food – what a waste!!

Is this called Development?? When we will improve as a country??

Lot of noble thoughts – but next day is again a busy day as I am expecting important partners !!

Change Delhi Change!!

It’s nice to see the latest concern of our honorable Minister about Delhi. Its really great to feel and imagine that the culture of Delhi and its style can change in 1 years time. What has happened for last 20-30 years, our minister feel can be un-done in just 1 year and suddenly Delhi-ites become different and Delhi becomes an International city. There are few questions to be asked is that in which International city you will find:

• Roads as in Delhi – even surface of moon is better
• Frequent Power and water shortages
• Parking on roads
• No evidence of lane driving
• Erratic street lights
• Flooded streets with few showers
• Animals on roads
• Absurd chaos in front of railway stations
• So much honking
• Un-planned traffic
• Untrained cops to "manage" traffic
• Chaos at latest toll plazas
• Trucks, carts, tractors and so much variety on roads
• No control on number of vehicles on road
• Getting license without knowing how to drive

Delhi has almost reach a point of no-return for the chaos it has and it’s likely to be increased in future. Experts feel that just in couple of years, traffic would almost stop on roads of Delhi. It requires herculean effort to bring some sense to the city. It requires huge investment in training people on basics of life. It has to start from schools, communities, households, colleges etc. Every where you have to create the need to change à change for better.

Government has to play pivotal role in bringing this change through education. How can you make people change in days; there is no humility; no care for others; every one is just wanting to win a race. It requires mind-set change and it requires very tough decisions beyond political mileages.

Most of our ministers and govt senior staff visits other countries and enjoy the goodness there; but hardly anyone takes pain to start some change. E.g Internationally all vehicles must have both side view mirror in cars and 4-wheelers. Here in India, more than half of the vehicles don’t even have the basic left rear-view mirror fitted. In case of lane change you need to check 6 points before you can change the lane; but I am not sure whether the people creating rules also know about these international basic driving rules. Honking in other countries is almost like shouting or yelling at someone and is rarely heard. In India, it’s a necessity.

As a challenge, our honorable minister can try to improve the chaos in front of New Delhi Railway station- Paharganj side in next 1 month. He has power to do it – lets see if he has intention and will and desire to do it.

Talking big is easy – but doing something is difficult ( its surprising that it looks so difficult for the people in power too).

If you really want to see a change in Delhi in 3 years; you have to start now. Involve people from various departments- Indian consultants who are doing excellent job globally. But first have a will, and be ready to take tough calls!

Are you ready ?

Two years of Atmachetna!

Atmachetna was born in year 2007. Those of you know me well – know that, it was the year when self awakening happened for me and that’s how I named the organization Atmachetna (meaning self awakening). The past two years have been filled with numerous experiences- experiences mostly pleasant and enjoyable. The transition from a high paying corporate job to that of every month survival planning was mostly smooth. The credit largely goes to my family – Shilpi (my better half), Sanchit (my scientist son), Udita (my loving daughter).

There was a period when we had to struggle for few months in year 2008; there were all kind of advices by people - go back to working in corporate; you did not think before deciding etc etc. Probably many of them may be right too in their own perspective; but on hind-sight it looks a real fun. Most of the friends helped morally to keep us on track; even if we deviated a little. Friends like Piyush & Giten have specially helped me cope up with accounting and website issues. I am really amazed with the kind of sincerity and support of all my friends. (though there were some who could have helped but backed - no issues that too is learning!!)

The journey of Atmachetna till now is smooth and filled with lot of enjoyment. The real fun comes when I am inside a hall conducting workshops. There have been instances wherein I have just slept couple of hours previous night but I really feel energetic and charged during and after the workshops. The feedback from parents, teens and teachers and many corporates has been very encouraging. Though we are not able to scale up the work and increase our earnings through Atmachetna to what we thought, but the real satisfaction is in bringing a positive change in someone’s life. God has been real kind to us in smoothly managing our work without much hassles.

Apart from this, there has been tremendous learning about life as a whole; about true friends; about family; about nature; about hidden creative talent in me; about relationships; about society; about real purpose of education; about challenges of people; about living with peace of mind; about thinking beyond money; about the difference between living & meaningful living and many more.

It looks I have lived a different life in last 2 years. I am more close to my family than ever before; I have better understanding of feelings of my wife and kids and my mom and many others.

The only low at times for us at Atmachetna is that sometime we feel we should have made changes to many more lives. Hopefully this coming year 2009-10, we would be able to extend the reach of Atmachetna across India and may be beyond! Best wishes to all of us at Atmachetna!

Happy Father's Day!

I was thoughtful and emotional today when the world celebrates “Father’s Day” and one word continuously haunted me is “Kal ho na ho”. Its 10 years now when we lost you daddy; but we miss you every day.

Most of us plan in our life that once I have money and resources, I will give all comfort to my parents. I also thought the same about my father; but one can only plan; ultimate decision maker is GOD. But I lost my friend and my daddy in 1999. I realized from that day that it’s better to live in present and take actions “now” rather than postponing them. I also decided not to dwell over the past and worry too much about future. In 2007, I started Atmachetna with the same quest.

I really miss my father more now, after being father of two kids - Sanchit & Udita. So many myths are broken when you yourself become a father. Now I try to be a good dad for my kids with help from my better half- Shilpi!. I really want to chat/discuss with you daddy; but can’t.

My advise to all those who say “oh I was remembering you” or “one day I will do this/that for my parents/friends” – just take the action now; b’coz you never know what GOD has planned for you. Please don’t postpone happiness and joy in your life and to other’s life through your actions and behavior.

Daddy, I really wish you were here with us now.
Happy Father’s Day – Daddy!

Exploring hills - I

Just returned from Amritsar and himachal after a 6 day break! Feeling re-invigorated by the nature walks and treks!

Started journey with Swarn Shatabdi to Amritsar on 3rd June (almost missed the train due to everlasting chaos on paharganj side of New Delhi station). We all enjoyed the 5 hours journey to Amritsar; especially kids who freaked out in the coach as it was 80% empty. Though Amritsar was almost boiling at 45 degrees; we got our hotel car waiting outside which took us immediately to a wonderful hotel called M K Hotel (probably the largest in Amritsar). After a brief rest and a simple lunch, we started our journey to Wagah border (around 40 min drive).

Wagah border is the border between India and Pakistan and every day a ceremony takes place there, which is attended by almost 1000 Indians and few Pakistanis on the other side. The ceremony is worth watching and is a wonderful experience. The ceremony starts at 6 PM in summers and 5 PM in winters. We were lucky that one of our friends arranged a VIP seats for us, such that we were almost at the gate where ceremony takes place. The place is filled with continuous playing of patriotic music and slogans by Indians. Everyone is so charged up that they almost shout at every slogan. The difference to note here between India and Pakistan side is that – In India we have mixed crowd of men, women and children and other side its mainly men; here we have almost 1000 indians everyday and other side is just few may be 50-60 people attending the ceremony; here all of us Indians sing, dance and enjoy the ceremony. The ceremony lasts for almost 40 mins.

We really enjoyed the ceremony and atmosphere at Wagah border and returned to our hotel filled with energy at 7.30 pm and then proceeded to Golden Temple at 745pm. I had visited golden temple earlier but others (my kids, Shilpi and my mother) it was 1st time. They were overwhelmed by the beauty and atmosphere of the place. We spent almost 3 hours there – praying and enjoying the warmth of the place. We finished our day with langar at golden temple. Even Udita enjoyed the langar!

Dalhousie
We wanted to start our next leg to Dalhousie from Amritsar by mid-day (4th June); but were advised by locals to start early due to some religious ceremony and expected tension on that day in Jalandhar and probably Punjab. So we started at 7:30 am after simple breakfast at the hotel for Dalhousie in an Innova taxi. Dalhousie is 170 kms from Amritsar by road. Enroute we crossed Batala and Gurdaspur and reached Pathankot; bought some fruits from Pathankot as my mother and Udita likes fruits  (If you wish to go to Dalhousie or Dharamshala directly from Delhi- there are a number of trains from Delhi to Pathankot or chakki bank, which is 2 kms from pathankot).

From pathankot there are 2 roads – one going towards Dalhousie and other going towards Dharamshala, Mandi & Palampur. So we took the 1st road and stopped at “Mama’s Rasoi”- a resort for snacks. Nice place – just few Kms from Pathankot; as soon as the hills start; close to the army area. They make pizzas on Kulchas – not pizza bread; though we liked the pizzas; some of you may not!! They make fresh food – so it takes some time to serve.

From there we went non-stop to Dalhousie; road is decent and it took us around 1.5 hours for 60 kms. We stayed at “Silverton Estate Guest House” managed by Mr Vickram Singh and his family. A small heritage property built by his grandfather; with 5 rooms. Each room is nicely decorated and has an attached dressing area and large bathroom. The place is beautiful with a small garden in front with relaxing chairs. We were received with a glass of herbal soothing drink. The place is quite high and requires good driving skills to reach; but Mr Singh sends an escort to the road who will guide you to the place. Silverton Estate is above Govt’s circuit house. The family takes good care of you and provides you home food (breakfast & dinner). The food is simple and tailored to your taste. Lunch is not provided as you spend your afternoons normally outside. You are not allowed to eat anything inside the rooms to avoid smell and rats! Silverton Estate is nice place to stay as you don’t feel like closed hotel rooms – it’s like your home. The place is surrounded by deodar trees.

After relaxing for few hours; we started walking down to Gandhi Chowk (a prominent central place in Dalhousie). Incidentally Dalhousie is sandwiched between Dhauladhar and Pir panjal range of Himalayas and is a beautiful small unexploited hill station. It’s also called as walkers’ paradise; as it offers a number of walking treks rather than shops and congested roads like Manali and Shimla.

We were welcomed by almost 20 monkeys while descending from silverton to the main road and to avoid them we had to take a detour. Monkeys are there in plenty in Dalhousie and they can differentiate between a local and a tourist. They can be a problem if you tease them!! We reached Gandhi chowk and thought of eating our fruits and sat on a bus-stop shelter; which was almost empty. Soon a monkey decided to also eat the musk-melon we had and took away the fruit- eating every bit of it in front of us and teasing us also !! We realized we should not eat anything in open in Dalhousie. Then we started our walk on the road going to Subhash Bowli (1 km from Gandhi Chowk). Subhash bowli (spring) is the place where Subhash Chandra Bose got cured of his respiratory problem after drinking water from there, when he stayed in Dalhousie. It’s a beautiful trek on the road. All of us enjoyed the trek of 2 kms (to & fro to Subhash bowli - Its not a great tourist place but a good trek! Mr Singh from Silverton goes for an 8km walk on this road everyday (you lazy bums wake up!!!)

We returned to our hotel (quite steep ascend to Silverton Estate); those of you afraid of walking up-hill; be cautious! After a simple homely dinner we relaxed and enjoyed the good weather and decided to sleep.

Next day onwards in next post……..