MY DREAM HOLIDAY

In April 2009 I had an unforgettable holiday to Switzerland and France with my family. I really enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. It was as beautiful as a postcard. We stayed in a cosy rented home in the Lauterbrunnen valley. It much more comfortable than the pigeon hole hotel rooms in Europe. The owners of the home were really warm and hospitable people. They also had a small barn with goats that gave us a real feel of the countryside.

Lauterbrunnen was our base in Switzerland and most destinations in the country were only 2-3 hours by train. We travelled to Lausanne (part of the French speaking area of Switzerland), which is also the headquarters of the International Olympic committee. We also visited the Notre Dame cathedral which overlooked the old city.

Another day we went up to the highest peak of Europe called Jungfraujoch. The cog wheel train drive went pass some of the fascinating and gigantic glaciers in the Alps. As the train climbed the mountain we could see professional skiers zipping passed us. It was really windy and cold at the peak. In spite of our heavy winter clothes, it took us lot of courage to spend few minutes outside the enclosures. The Ice Palace on the top was also very interesting.

The skiing trip to Murren was a great experience. We travelled on cable cars to reach this town. The views from the cable cars were awesome and occasionally frightening. My sister and I screamed out occasionally. I enjoyed playing in the soft fresh snow and my Dad gave me my very first Skiing lessons. I had a wonderful time skiing and sledging. I really felt so close to Mother Nature and felt lost in those beautiful mountains. My sister and I had great fun making a snow man and playing in the snow. We enjoyed eating the famed Swiss fondue. They serve hot and melting cheese with fresh bread and grilled meat.

The most remarkable of all was the Swiss rail system that was so punctual. I bet, accuracy means “Swiss Time”. The train journey from Interlaken to Lucerne on the Glacier Express was awesome! In Lucerne we visited the lion monument that was carved in 1820-21 to commemorate Swiss guards who gave their lives trying to protect the French royal family during the French revolution - needless to say a number lost their lives. As a student of art, the size and detail of the lion is amazing. 

Following this we went for a wander through the town and its many shops - managed to find and sample some great Swiss Chocolate. Walked along Lake Lucerne and the famous chapel bridge across it As usual with Swiss towns, it was clean, tidy and organised - with history all around. People seem to be busy but not rushed. The town also included some large and elaborate Churches, with amazing art work on the roof - the fancy name for this art escapes me at present.

After a week in Switzerland we travelled to France. The high speed TGV train took us through the hinterlands of both countries. The six hour journey was very comfortable. There was hardly any noise as the train sped compared to the rattling that I was used to on the Indian rail.

Paris was like a fairy tale come alive. We spent a lot of time in Euro Disney. I enjoyed the company of Mickey, Mini, Cinderella Snow White and many more characters. The rides were exhilarating and I just can’t express the thrill of those hair raising roller costar rides! The night view of the Eiffel tower was simply beautiful. We also visited the Arc de Triomphe, Champs de Elysee, Notre Dame cathedral et al.

I had a wonderful time of my life and it was by far, the most exciting holiday ever. It was in fact like a dream come true!!

Nivedita Noronha ( D/O Malcolm Noronha)

Age – 8

Grade 5

Millennium School, Dubai.

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