tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278539942010-04-04T23:33:33.891+02:00<b>Adventures and misadventures away from the Motherland</b>I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-63230871559640778312009-02-01T20:32:00.003+01:002009-02-01T20:45:53.969+01:00

Hi peeps. Been a while since the last post. Have been busy but the honest truth is I've run out of things to write .... at least on this blog. I was contemplating of shutting this blog but I thought some of the info might still prove useful to some. So I will keep this blog accessible online but won't be updating much or at all.Our family now has a new addition, a baby brother for Alesha. We

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-70202619390377113892008-10-06T10:50:00.002+02:002008-10-06T11:02:39.778+02:00

We celebrated Eid here on Tuesday, 30th Sept. Wasn't expecting it to take place a day earlier but all the same, this joyous occasion turned out well for our family. First day Raya we had a big feast at a friend's place in Kirchdorf, followed by a celebratory dinner by a Malaysian family near Brugg.The next day was spent at the Ambassador's Residence in Bern. The food was absolutely delicious,

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-42221440421883278132008-09-06T22:06:00.006+02:002008-09-06T22:48:18.797+02:00

Continuing from the previous post, we were treated to a sumptuous dinner at a halal Thai restaurant somewhere close on our first night in Romford. Can't remember the exact location now nor the name, but the food was absolutely brilliant. That is one thing that London will always have an advantage over Zurich or any city in Switzerland for that matter --- the availability of all kinds of halal

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-56132825041783555292008-09-04T21:28:00.015+02:002008-09-06T21:57:32.795+02:00

When the hubby changed his plan to drive all the way to the UK (instead of Amsterdam) and back in seven days, I seriously thought he'd lost his nuts.Despite our initial reservations, mostly on my part, we made it! We've been back nearly a week now, still reeling from our great adventure. I'm so happy we went, and relieved we made it back safe and sound.Anyway, here is the summary of our journey.

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-71803550392855969732008-08-19T11:58:00.005+02:002008-08-19T13:38:23.447+02:00

Last Sunday we were in Vaduz, the main town in one of Europe's smallest countries: The Principality of Liechtenstein (Fuerstentum Liechtenstein, in German)Info on Liechtenstein (from the tourist brochure)Population: ca 35,000Area: 160sq.kmCurrency: Swiss Francs (CHF)System of State: Consitutional monarchyHead of State: Prince Hans-Adam IILanguage: High GermanJust like any other town and city,

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-66300215859472387052008-08-18T12:58:00.002+02:002008-08-18T13:07:01.013+02:00

There's been some changes in our road trip plan. The hubby has decided he is crazy enough to drive all the way to the UK. We'll be making a few stopovers along the way. On paper, the journey will take us over 1300km out and back respectively. Aiyaiyai.Hopefully all will go well for the Daddy, mummy, the active tantrum-throwing tot and the little bun in the oven.Any tips on driving long distance

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-42797774970547797132008-08-15T13:25:00.003+02:002008-08-15T13:41:50.503+02:00

Haven't been updating this blog for obvious reasons.Since the last post, we have moved to a new apartment, got a brand new car and found out we're expecting.We'll be going on our first cross country road trip next weekend to Amsterdam, so hopefully you'd be reading that in the next post.

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-5943376115559572792008-06-03T15:18:00.004+02:002008-06-03T15:34:55.481+02:00

The Swiss just love their rules.In April the Government announced a new ruling that all dog owners will have to take courses and pass tests to keep them pets at home. Under the new ruling, current owners have two years to take the courses, which will lead to an examination on how to look after a dog properly, and also a practical test to demonstrate control over the animal. The new rule will come

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-77900715414446359602008-05-10T09:21:00.007+02:002008-05-10T10:14:50.145+02:00

In a couple of weeks, Switzerland along with Austria will play host to one of the biggest sporting events in Europe, the UEFA Euro 2008. The Games is scheduled for the whole month of June.If you are visiting here during this period, you can take advantage of the many promotional fares currently being offered by SBB (the main Swiss public transport operator). These offers are all valid for one

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-25164627281397427222008-05-06T12:03:00.005+02:002008-05-06T13:23:31.584+02:00

Okay I'm getting to the end of this.We dedicated Day 3, and the last day of our trip, to exploring Locarno. After a good breakfast of buttered croissants and milch kaffee, we took the funicular to Orselina which lies above the city and provides you with a scenic view of the lake.From Orselina, we took a cable car to Cardada (CHF27 return), where there is an observation deck that gives you even

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-2247251314350141792008-05-06T11:12:00.008+02:002008-05-10T10:20:51.984+02:00

On Day 2, we visited the Swiss Miniatur Park in Melide and took the train down to Lake Como on the other side of the Swiss border.The Swiss Miniatur, as the name suggests, is a park that showcases 3D replicas of all the major architectural, historical and touristic landmarks in Switzerland. Some 120 miniature models are featured here not including many of the train railways and cable car tracks

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-37093670396716711532008-05-06T10:08:00.006+02:002008-05-06T10:42:52.475+02:00

Locarno and Lake MaggioreThis is a continuation from this post.Day 1After checking in at the hotel, we headed straight for the lake to take the obligatory pictures.We then proceeded to the nearest bus stop for Bus No. 31 that takes us directly to Ascona in 10 minutes (depending on traffic). The former fishing village of Ascona on the sunny bay of Lake Maggiore, is now a popular resort town known

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-18759781866243623482008-05-06T07:58:00.010+02:002008-05-06T10:46:40.834+02:00

Well, more like a short break.Thursday was a public holiday here. I made the hubby take Friday off as well so we could spend a long weekend in canton Ticino where the Swiss speak more Italian than German and French (and some English). They are more laid back too! Must be the Mediterranean climate down there.We stayed in Locarno and visited Bellinzona, Ascona and the Swiss Miniatur in Melide (near

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-29067165097067330252008-04-29T15:14:00.003+02:002008-04-29T15:59:35.634+02:00

One of the cheapest ways of staying in touch when you're travelling between places is by using prepaid phone cards. They are definitely the next best alternative to using the ubiquitous handys or mobile phones, as you can take them with you anywhere and use them from both fixed and mobile lines. It's always advisable to have one for emergencies, just like a credit card, in case your mobile dies

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-60938170557439672232008-04-27T09:56:00.006+02:002008-05-05T00:40:04.963+02:00

At 3020 metres (10'000 feet) above sea level, the Titlis mountain is the highest excursion and view point - and the only glacier in Central Switzerland, too. The majestic panorama from the revolving cablecar Rotair is a unique experience not to be missed.Info from here.Last Friday, I took our visitors from Malaysia to Mount Titlis. My last visit was in November 2006 when we took my mom, cousin LC

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-60853220240970713522008-04-23T10:18:00.004+02:002008-04-23T10:35:40.714+02:00

When we down in Geneva last weekend, the weather was absolutely glorious. It was perfect we just had to get on one of the boats that cruises regularly between Geneva and the smaller towns along Lake Leman (or Lake Geneva as it widely known).Since we didn't have all day, we visited the small but picturesque town of Nyon. The trip took one hour but if you take the train, it takes only 15 minutes

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-44821216781409737732008-04-21T14:18:00.006+02:002008-04-21T14:26:13.808+02:00

Familienwagen! Some trains have special coach for families with kids like this one you see in the pictures. The coach are usually located at the head or rear of the train depending on your destination. This one has fancy slides and other playthings to keep children entertained (and off the parents back for at least an hour or so).

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-1355675588384116342008-04-21T13:05:00.006+02:002008-04-21T14:07:28.989+02:00

We currently have some relatives in the country for a week-long visit. However they are all the way in Geneva, which is a good three hours from Zurich. Last Saturday we took the train down to see them and spent one night at the same hotel where they are currently staying.This is not our first time in Geneva so we were able to show them around like a seasoned tourist guide. We took them to the

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-76119257956207828832008-03-31T19:58:00.014+02:002008-03-31T21:38:32.944+02:00

At the last minute, the hubby decided we deserved another break and off we went to Luxembourg to spend the weekend with a couple of friends. Luxembourg is a small country sandwiched between France, Germany and The Netherlands. It prides itself as being one of the founding members of the European Union, and the capital Luxembourg city, is formally recognised as one of the three official capitals

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-52224967354882597272008-03-26T22:53:00.005+01:002008-04-02T00:37:13.880+02:00

The Swiss are well known as excellent bankers so it amuses me to no end how a big name like UBS, Switzerland's largest bank, could end up losing money overseas. CHF20 billion is a lot of money!We bank with UBS and are therefore quite concern about how the bank performs. It probably won’t end up like Northern Rock in the UK, but if it makes further losses from its remaining exposure estimated at

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-63151394793783347762008-03-25T12:17:00.000+01:002008-03-26T23:15:48.320+01:00

Private cars are not allowed in Zermatt but if you do drive, you have to park your car in the open air parking area in Tasch, about 5km away, and take the shuttle train to Zermatt.In our case, we took the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) from Brig at 9am and arrived in Zermatt an hour later. The MGB shuttle operates every 20 minutes and also stops at Visp, a slightly bigger town than Brig and where

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-49643955783454765172008-03-24T08:52:00.008+01:002008-03-24T12:17:14.904+01:00

Karfreitag (Good Friday) and Oster Montag (Easter Monday) are public holidays in Switzerland. So we had a long weekend and took advantage of that to visit Brig and Zermatt in canton Valais in the southwest of Switzerland.Zermatt is a mountain resort that sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, while Brig is a lovely Swiss town that lies along the the famous panoramic Glacier Express route, which

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-25516192743525100632008-03-19T08:13:00.007+01:002008-03-19T17:50:57.481+01:00

In Malaysia, I go to Tower Records to get the latest CDs and DVDs. Most of the time though I just get the street copies from Petaling Street. Haha. Please don't sue me. CDs and DVDs are very expensive in the shops, didn't you know?Here in Switzerland however the CDs and DVDs are pretty affordable relative to the salary. But since I'm not getting paid for being a hausfrau (well, not directly

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-2687487580870425822008-03-15T14:25:00.000+01:002008-03-19T08:13:37.091+01:00

... Switzerland is a Willensnation, a nation created by the will of the people but that nation has no uniform ethnic or religious identity At best, Swiss people will say it is united by its railway, its army and its political system ...The country is run like a well-oiled machine. Everything works efficiently by way of well-placed and clear procedures and relying mainly on rules to resolve

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27853994.post-69389259307467741212008-03-14T00:06:00.008+01:002008-03-14T00:41:46.131+01:00

I won't be driving on Swiss roads anytime soon but that apparently has not fazed my better half's intention to get a car. Since he'll be the only one driving, it will be a manual like what he always wanted. Men and stick, you can't separate them eh?He has more or less decided he will get a certain French label. If it were up to me I'd stick to Japanese or German. Only because they have more

I am Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08955953597111002796noreply@blogger.com0