FROM THE GLACIER EXPRESS

On our visit to Switzerland this summer, we took the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur. An important element of holidaying in Switzerland is a trip on the Glacier Express. This great sightseeing train takes you through the Alps in Switzerland on an 8 hour trip that passes through some of of the most breathtaking sights. The train has huge panoramic glass windows that give you a fantastic view of the surroundings. We did the run from Brig to Chur in 7 hours drinking beer and enjoying the sights.

The train passes some of the highest points of the mountains on its trip. As we were travelling in summer, there was no snow on the tops except the last bit that was drying up.
The Swiss countryside is beautiful and green with coniferous trees.

An interesting mountain side captured on my camera through the train window.

Another view of the mountain peaks visible from the train

Holidaying in Brig

We were in Brig for our summer holiday some time back. Great place to just lounge around, take in the fresh air and simply relax. The cobble stone town square with eating places all around is a lively place in the evenings.

This restaurant served us some great Swiss cheese dishes with some excellent wine

Coblestone town square

Chur, Switzerland

Chur, Switzerland, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

The postal office in Chur stands prominently in the town. The building with sculptures on its facade.

Statues in Chur

Chur Statues, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

One of the many statues that one can see in Chur

Chur, Switzerland

Chur, Switzerland, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

The romantic and historical part of Chur is to the East. The Cathedral Church of St luzius is also located in this area. This was built in the 11th century
Picture above shows stairway leading to the cathedral

Chur, Switzerland

Chur, Switzerland, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

Chur, the Alpine city is the starting point of mountain trips and train travel through the Alps. One of the oldest cities in Switzerland, it has a population of 35,000 inhabitants. Chur is almost completely surrounded by the Alps

Brig

Brig, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

Views of Brig, Switzerland

Brig

Brig1929s, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

The front of the Stockalper has a large green lawn sloping downwards which has the palace on one side and more gardens and swiss homes on the other sides.
This pole with a face stands on one side overlooking the lawns and has the Swiss alps as a backdrop.

Brig at Night

Street at Night, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

Main shopping street in Brig at night ater closing hours

Brig at Night

Brig at Night, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

The cobbled square in Brig is equally lively at night with vacationers relaxing with a glass of wine at the various restaurants . The weather in July is perfect with a slight nip in the air.

Brig House

Swiss House, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

One of the beautiful buildings of Brig, Switzerland. Note the lovely flowers on each window sill

Stockalper Palace, Brig

Stockalper Palace, Brig, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

Took a break this July and visited Brig. The Stockalper Palace in Brig is one of the most important baroque palaces in Switzerland . The palace was built in 1678 by Kaspar Stockalpar, a silk merchant of Brig.

Swiss Town Square

Swiss Town Square, originally uploaded by PRAVINECHESTER.

Brig , a graceful town is an ideal place to start your holiday in Switzerland. Just an hour from Zermatt, one can board the Glacier Express from here for an 8 hour journey through the beautiful Alps.
This shot is of the main town square where you can sit at any of numerous restaurants and enjoy your glass of wind and some great Swiss cheese.

Lake Orta, Italy

West of Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore) in Northern Italy lies a beautiful lake named Lake Orta or Lago di Orta. This picturesque lake is a favourite holiday destination for Italians and is an inspiration for poets since ages. It is without doubt the most romantic lake in Italy.

Lake Orta, known by the Romans as Lake Cusius, lies to the west of Lake Maggiore enclosed in a circle of hills and mountains. It is the highest of the large pre-Alpine lakes

Within the lake is the San Giulio Island ( Isolo di San Giullio). The ancient basilica of San Giulio (4th Century) stands on the small island and is it's most prominent building. Legend has it that the island was the home of dragons and serpents . In 390, St Julius visited the island and defeated the serpents. The Basilica was built in his memory.

View of the hills from the lake
http://www.pravinechester.com/1_20_Borgomanero.html

Italian Town of Borgomanero

40 Kms Northwest of Milan's Malpensa Airport is the Italian town of Borgomanero. The town is located amidst low hills and surrounded by lakes where Italians love to spend a lazy weekend.

View of the Town from the nearby hills

14th Century Building

15th Century Church

This picture of the chapel and village on a nearby hill was taken from my hotel window.

http://www.pravinechester.com/1_20_Borgomanero.html