Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts

Thursday, February 23, 2012

View from the Top (Switzerland)

Today Thursday, Feburary 23, 2012, Page 12, Natas
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20120223/2302NTL012.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top
By Wu Shangyuan, 04:46 AM Feb 23, 2012



PHOTO: The tall majestic cliffs and Staubbach Falls (on the right) greet tourists at the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today Thursday, Feburary 23, 2012, Page 12, Natas


Leave the big tourist crowds behind, and map your own journey to Switzerland’s Interlaken region

It is not difficult to see why so many tourists flock to Interlaken yearly - it is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes Switzerland has to offer, and gives one the rare opportunity to come up close and personal with some of the most stunningly beautiful peaks in the Swiss Alps, from atop the Jungfraujoch mountain ridge.



PHOTO: The peak of Matterhorn, upclose and personal, from atop Jungfraujoch.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550808.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top


For the more laidback tourist, this famous attraction makes for the perfect daytrip since it is accessible entirely by train - the journey ends at the highest railway station in Europe; this means that the only moment you need to walk anywhere is at the top. For more adventurous travellers however, I would certainly recommend hopping off the train at some of its most scenic points to do some quality exploring.



PHOTO: A view of the stunning Swiss Alps on the journey up to Jungfraujoch.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550811.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top

The Land of 1,000 Waterfalls

To make our journey well worth it - the ticket up to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken West Station was a rather hefty 182 Swiss Francs (S$250) - my friend and I decided to make our first stop at Lauterbrunnen Valley, touted by locals and fellow travellers as the perfect place for cycling, hiking, or for the more adventurous, base-jumping.

Known as the Land of 1,000 Waterfalls, this valley was home to a whopping 72 waterfalls, each thundering down from the sheer cliff faces that bordered it. Here, we got off the train and with our travel guide in hand, began our hike to Staubbach Falls, the 300m tall waterfall that greeted travellers as they first entered the valley.


The tall majestic cliffs and Staubbach Falls (on the right) greet tourists at the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
PHOTO: The tall majestic cliffs and Staubbach Falls (on the right) greet tourists at the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
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Today Thursday, Feburary 23, 2012, Page 12, Natas

The main street leading up to the falls was a joy to walk through. Brown wooden buildings with sloping roofs and neat rows of windows, so characteristic of Swiss architecture, lined both sides of the street, with delightful souvenir stores and restaurants on the ground floor. Beyond these buildings loomed the cliffs, grey rock faces set against the blue and white of the sky, reminding us of just how close to nature we really were.

Staubbach Falls soon came into view, a stream of white plunging down a sheer cliff face. We took a path to a higher lookout point, only to realise that it led us straight to the back of the waterfall! Through a short tunnel cut out from rock, we stood peering behind the fall's curtain of water. Through it lay a view of the valley, a blur in the mist, as if it were a beautiful dreamscape.



PHOTO: The main street leading to Lauterbrunnen Valley, lined with traditional Swiss buildings.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550804.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top

Top of Europe

Heading back onto the train, we left Lauterbrunnen Valley behind - I suggest sitting on the right side of the train to catch the most magnificent views of the valley as the train makes its climb up - and the next part of our journey presented a kaleidoscope of more breathtaking views as the train made its ascent. Peaks of snow streaked mountains, at parts obscured by cloud, stood majestic beyond the rolling hills of green.



PHOTO: The train station at Lauterbrunnen, the gateway to magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550805.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top


At Kleine Scheidegg, we got off the train to catch the famous Jungfraubahn, the railway line that would bring us through two mountains Eiger and Monch, to the Top of Europe train station at a whopping 3,454m. The construction of the railway line, completed in 1912 after 16 years of cutting through rock and glacial ice, seemed a miracle in itself!



PHOTO: Eiger North Face and Kleine Scheidegg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large2.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/


The final station at Jungfraujoch turned out to be a dream for travellers, with many options for exploration. We headed first to the Ice Palace, which featured a series of tunnels carved entirely out of ice, with immaculate ice sculptures sitting in enclaves around every corner. The best views of Jungfraujoch, however, were from the plateau and the Sphinx Terrace.



PHOTO: The spectacular landscape from the Jungfraujoch plateau.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550807.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top



PHOTO: A view of the plateau and the stunning landscape that greets tourists at Jungfraujoch.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?337&450&f=2165&img=2165_550809.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top



PHOTO: Walking out onto the snowy plateau at Jungfraujoch.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?337&450&f=2165&img=2165_550810.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top


The plateau was not for the faint-hearted - we had to literally step out of the building onto a slippery snowy slope bounded by a rope for a railing - but boy, was the view worth it. On one side stood an expanse of snow and ice, a never-ending glacier resting between mountain peaks that extended far into the distance, and on the other, the looming peak of Matterhorn, its top laced with strips of cloud.



PHOTO: The highest lookout point you can go at Jungfraujoch - the Sphinx Terrace, at 3571 metres above sea level.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550806.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top

For a view from even higher up, an elevator led up to the Sphinx Terrace, with its viewing deck perched precariously on a cliff 3,571m above sea level. It was easy to forget how high up this was though; like I told my friend, the key was to focus on the spectacular landscape.



PHOTO: Grindelwald
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large4.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/


To cap it all off, we made our last train stop on the way down at Grindelwald. This village, with its quaint (attractively unusual or old-fashioned) stores and cafes, rested right up against towering snow-capped cliffs, was certainly the best way to end our journey. So for the cost, I say: Step away from the option of going with a tour group, but craft your own adventure instead - sometimes, it is not just the top that matters but the journey you take to get there.
By Wu Shangyuan, 04:46 AM Feb 23, 2012



PHOTO: Cows in the Swiss Alps - Grindelwald
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large41.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/



PHOTO: The tall majestic cliffs and Staubbach Falls (on the right) greet tourists at the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=2165&img=2165_550812.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC120223-0000012/View-from-the-Top



PHOTO: Flag Over Swiss Alps
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large15.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/



PHOTO: Switzerland Countryside
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large39.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/



PHOTO: Zürich
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large36.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/



PHOTO: Autumn XL
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large26.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/


Gimmelwald, Switzerland: Best of the Alps

From: http://www.savetubevideo.com/?v=95ru9JguLrY&feature=related


Grindelwald
PHOTO: Grindelwald
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaszBMt2RVrQH4NdeAkDFkbilDw7wpE-FmaaGii927Hh-4I3lOykz4EeSeswlPpS4Vb6ShFGLrf5py1f_2852zSca0pbhb_Lk4W0tAyNmevXW2FFpf9YIuvoC0H8oEdA2IDXENlsXQV7Hk/s1600/large4.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/pictures/large4.jpg
https://www.thedailybell.com/gallery/


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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Horti-couture to get hearts racing Asda unveils two stone Valentine's Day dress made from 1,725 flowers

Source Website: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2097272/Horti-couture-hearts-racing-Asda-unveils-stone-Valentines-Day-dress-1-725-flowers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
By Maysa Rawi, Last updated at 12:03 AM on 7th February 2012


Asda has unveiled a mermaid-cut dress made from 1,725 flowers to encourage couples to treat themselves this Valentine's Day.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/06/article-0-119B32F2000005DC-584_634x897.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2097272/Horti-couture-hearts-racing-Asda-unveils-stone-Valentines-Day-dress-1-725-flowers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml


It's the kind of dress you would expect to find on the catwalk at Couture Week (designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women).

But the stunning red strapless creation made from 1,725 flowers is the result of a collaboration between an award-winning florist - and supermarket chain Asda.

The Valentine's Day-themed gown took 170 hours to make and weighs just under two stone.


The petals from 1,000 of Naomi red roses cover the entire body, running down to the floor and the entire look was completed with a pair of rose petal covered stiletto shoes.
PHOTO: The petals from 1,000 of Naomi red roses cover the entire body, running down to the floor and the entire look was completed with a pair of rose petal covered stiletto shoes.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYPDtAl7pzwzW6BwIQlykMYoYx41kAQk6Edu0mgxmOQTT67hb71hUoo4AUB_1WEwYc8EDzAYnXQ97mEX5g3xrQugp_r2kZjrvigQaBTTh1FefJf1x-nO7s5VxQ_kJ0oxp02fcvVdssYQ/s1600/article-0-119B7238000005DC-23_306x564.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/06/article-0-119B7238000005DC-23_306x564.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2097272/Horti-couture-hearts-racing-Asda-unveils-stone-Valentines-Day-dress-1-725-flowers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml


It was designed by 23-year-old Joe Massie, three-time winner of the RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year award, to help remind and inspire the nation’s men and women to treat their loved one this Valentine’s Day with gorgeous flowers.

The dress was inspired by the 110lbs Stephane Rolland masterpiece modelled by Yasmin Le Bon at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, bringing couture to the flower world.

The sexy split-legged design, showcases a selection of Asda’s exquisite Valentine’s Day flower range.



PHOTO: The dress was inspired by the 110lbs Stephane Rolland masterpiece modelled by Yasmin Le Bon at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/06/article-0-11704166000005DC-809_634x423.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2097272/Horti-couture-hearts-racing-Asda-unveils-stone-Valentines-Day-dress-1-725-flowers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml


The petals from 1,000 of Naomi red roses cover the entire body, running down to the floor.

Fifteen exquisite Carmen roses and 200 chrysanthemums, decorated with gold-leaf, adorn the hip and skirt of the dress.

Petals from 150 Purple Power roses, 75 gerberas and 300 carnations have been used on the hem giving the gown the perfect finish.

The entire look was completed with a pair of rose petal covered stiletto shoes.


The dress was designed by 23-year-old Joe Massie, three-time winner of the RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year award.
PHOTO: The dress was designed by 23-year-old Joe Massie, three-time winner of the RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year award.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xzv5y3w3oNA5S4kNm8yAUp97fYriXSwg69dQkLDFm0PC9StleNorIcQbYAzQmI4p4tvuCbKOCmUwx7KMDRknxSOE88vYbrH17v32dw4ecXn0TwsrEuXBqpndech95Zs-xSimowuH6Z4/s1600/article-0-119B727B000005DC-685_634x818.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/06/article-0-119B727B000005DC-685_634x818.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2097272/Horti-couture-hearts-racing-Asda-unveils-stone-Valentines-Day-dress-1-725-flowers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml


Massie is renowned for his artistic designs, and Asda’s commission is his largest and most challenging creation yet.

He said: 'Creating this dress was a big challenge, and incredible experience. I wanted to embody everything a romantic bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers should be – classic, elegant and with a sexy twist.

'I’m so proud of what we have achieved with Asda’s stunning flower range. I hope it inspires people to treat their loved ones with an extra special bunch of flowers this Valentine’s Day.'

Theresa Tyrell, buying manager of houseplants and flowers at Asda, said: 'It’s no surprise men told us they needed a little inspiration this Valentine’s Day so we have joined forces with award-winning floral designer Joe to create an incredible dress made of first-class flowers, including roses, chrysanthemums, gerberas and carnations, all picked from our Valentine’s bouquet collection.'
By Maysa Rawi, Last updated at 12:03 AM on 7th February 2012



PHOTO: Happy Valentine's Day !
The ruby little cherubs seen on the front of Valentines Day cards are committed to spreading kisses and romantic mischief. Let's be entirely faithful, not just physically, but also emotionally, in our relations, and with our time to our life mate.
http://www.mega-tapety.info/resize/swietaiokazje-walentynki-2560-1920-3943.jpg
http://www.mega-tapety.info/swietaiokazje-walentynki-3943.html



Waiting in love. May Valentine's Day 2012 brings lots of love and abundant time of intimacy.
http://img.wallpaperstock.net:81/esperando-en-el-amor-wallpapers_29784_1280x800.jpg
http://fondos.wallpaperstock.net/esperando-en-el-amor-wallpapers_w29784.html



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Friday, December 24, 2010

I wish I were home for Christmas

TODAY FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2010, VOICES, PAGE 6
From http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20101224/2412VOC010.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC101224-0000110/I-wish-I-were-home-for-Christmas
By Tabitha Wang, Budget Tai -Tai, 05:55 AM Dec 24, 2010



PHOTO: I am missing the kind of Christmas I'm used to in Singapore.
http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?450&336&f=2255&img=2255_325280.jpg&h=450&w=336


Christmas has taken me by surprise this year.

We've only just put up the lights. The tree is still in a box somewhere, along with the dusty decorations, and we just can't be bothered to fish them out.

A few days ago, my husband and I realised we hadn't bought each other presents. Then he asked me: "Is there anything you really want?" and it struck me that I wasn't interested in spending money just for the sake of spending money. So we're not bothering with presents either.

Sure, I knew Christmas was coming. How can anyone ignore the tinny carols being played in the MTR stations or the huge light shows festooned over the buildings that make up Hong Kong's famous skyline?

But when there's only the two of you - with no small kids wanting to know when Santa will be coming - it's a bit difficult to work up too much enthusiasm for the season.



PHOTO: Santa’s Tree Farm and Village, 78 Pilarcitos Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-2246
Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
http://cbssanfran.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/christmas-tree-farm.jpg
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/top-lists/guide-to-bay-areas-christmas-tree-farms-and-lots/.


I am missing the kind of Christmas I'm used to in Singapore.

It's strange, because Hong Kong's weather is more Christmassy than Singapore's. The temperatures have plunged, warm woollens have come out and we even had a frost warning about a week ago - just the right kind of weather for all those traditional festive activities like cuddling by a fire and drinking mulled wine.

But here I am instead, wishing I were back in sweltering (with the occasional monsoon rains) Singapore.

I want to walk down Orchard Road and enjoy the decorations, kitschy though they may be. Nothing says Christmas to me more than popping round to Ngee Ann City to enjoy the soaring tree it always has in its atrium and Robinsons for its prize-winning decor.

Then it will be off to a few malls to window-shop and grab a few cheap presents for the office's Secret Santa operations.



PHOTO: WRAP the lights around each branch. Doing this gives DEPTH to your tree. Get a long strand of MOTION CHRISTMAS LIGHTS (“run” like the lights on a marquee)
http://hohohogifts.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/christmas_tree_lights.jpg
http://hohohogifts.com/christmas-tree-lights/


And of course, I miss my family and friends.

I have a lot of sympathy for those people who are stuck in airports in Europe - especially the students because, when you're penniless, hungry and far away from your loved ones, that's when being home for Christmas really means something.

This year, it's especially difficult for me to not go home as my sister-in-law is expecting the first grandchild in the family. It has been a nerve-wracking pregnancy so far and she could have done with some support from the aunt-to-be.

My mum made it worse this week by messaging: "We've put up the tree and it's full of presents. Your other brother is home from Australia so we'll be having a family lunch on Christmas Day. Pity you're not here to roast the turkey."

She's definitely missing my cooking as, though she is a chef par excellence in nyonya and Chinese food, I make the Western stuff in the family.





So I am needed back home... but not in Hong Kong where hardly anyone knows I exist. We have made some friends here, especially since moving to a small town of no more than 5,000 people a few months ago.



But it's not the same.

We are not close enough to anyone to be invited for their Christmas party. Besides, many of the expats have started on their snow-delayed flights back home, so the crowd is thin on the ground.

Plus, our regular restaurants have jacked up the prices to ridiculous levels to take advantage of the season.

One, a Japanese restaurant selling HK$50 ($8.40) set lunches has put up its Christmas menu at HK$400 per person.

So I guess it will be a quiet Christmas for us - again. I'll make my usual pumpkin and chestnut soup, a nice roast, Yorkshire pudding and possibly a trifle, and we'll watch our traditional Christmas movie, Love Actually.

I admit I have been feeling a bit Grinch-like and blue about the whole not-being-home-for-Christmas thing.

Then yesterday, I saw something that made me feel a teensy bit warmer. A man threw some money into a beggar's bowl then, instead of simply walking away, stooped down and squeezed his shoulder.

The beggar smiled, the man smiled. And I went away thinking there may still be some love left on Christmas after all.
By Tabitha Wang, Budget Tai -Tai, 05:55 AM Dec 24, 2010

Tabitha Wang wishes all her readers a Christmas full of love, joy and lots of roast turkey.



PHOTO: Handpicked Christmas Greetings for Christmas 2010
Christmas, is time for festivity, celebrations, gifts-giving, games and Christmas greetings. Traditionally, we sent each other the Christmas greeting cards, which are still very popular now. But as the high prevalence of cell phone, more and more young people are likely to send SMS Christmas greetings instead of presenting Christmas cards. It is one of trendy Christmas ideas to send Christmas wishes via mobile phone.

Here are several examples for Christmas greetings.
  • May the joy and warmth of Christmas fill your home with happiness.
  • May peace and love be your gift at Christmas and always!
  • Wishing you the peace, joy and happiness of Christmas!
  • Merry Christmas!
  • Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
  • Best wishes on this holiday season.
  • Wishing you and yours a merry Christmas this holiday season.
  • We wish you a merry Christmas.
  • Wishing you a beautiful holiday season.
  • Happy holidays!
  • Wish you health and happiness in the year to come.
  • Season’s greetings.
  • Wishing you a white Christmas.
  • Noel!
  • May peace, happiness and good fortune be with you always.
  • Have you been naughty or nice this year?
  • Don’t forget to hang up the sock!
  • We’ve had a rather uneventful year!
  • May the holidays fill your heart with happiness.

Christmas greetings to parents:
  • Mom and Dad: Thank you for everything this holiday season!
  • I’ll be home to enjoy this Christmas with you.
  • A present from me is on the way. Hope you’ll like it.
  • I wish I were home for the holidays.
  • Thinking of you at Christmas time.


♥ The song of the angels,
 The joy of that night,
May it shine round your hearthside,
And make your paths bright. Merry Christmas!

♥Give deeply,
Give freely,
Think kindly,
act gently,
and be at peace with the world…

This is the spirit of Christmas.
At the same with the Christmas gifts, Christmas greeting is also a traditional Christmas celebration in the season. So no matter you send your Christmas wishes by exquisite Christmas cards or you deliver your greetings by mobile phone, the recipients will be pleased and cheered by the thoughts and care you want to convey.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5043761252_91a686fa2f.jpg
http://www.ideas4christmas.com/tag/christmas-wishes/



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