Residents of Riyadh

 

 A site for Residents, by Residents

 

My

 Experience

(The 77th AO Davos Course)

I'd like to give you a synopsis of my trip to & from the AO Course in Davos, Switzerland. I hope you of find it of benefit or at least amusing.
  • Preparation for the journey:

The 2002 Course occurred in December, unfortunately during the Eid vacation which means spending the Eid away from your loved ones.

The weather is cold, 1 to 2 degrees Celsius during the day, reaching 7 to 15 degrees below freezing during early morning & night time, So if you don't like the cold your gonna have an unpleasant experience unless your well prepared. Personally I love the winter weather & very much enjoy the Snowy surroundings!

So, prepare well. It’s very cold, very slippery & sometimes windy, you need:

  • -warm comfortable clothes i.e. Jeans...may consider warm long underwear.
  • -Warm & wind resistant Jacket.
  • -Water resistant Hiking boots offering good traction & grip.
  • -coverage for your neck, ears & gloves for your hands.
  • -Sun glasses, It is often sunny & if your are considering skiing or going up to the sloaps you'll need protection from snow glare of the sun, I have witnessed it cause temporary blindness which is best avoided!
  • -If you're considering skiing, everything you might need is available to either buy or rent.
  • -No need to pack many clothes, everybody is casual and can be seen to where the same clothes every day.

    • But be aware there is a banquet on the last day, If you would like to attend it (by invitation or purchased invite only 80.00 SFr) formal attire is required.

  • -Mobile phone: They use the same GSM system we have with good coverage almost everywhere provided by three networks. So you may want to consider enabling international roaming on your GSM subscription. (100.00 SR/year). But be aware the tolls are very high! Otherwise local calling cards & phone booths are available at a much lower price. Don't forget your charger!
  • -Electronics: If you’re planning to bring any electrical supplies needing outlet connections, The Swiss use round electrical plugs & 220 Volts electricity.
  • -It is worth considering bringing a small camera, the surroundings are quite picturesque.
  • -Davos is somewhat small, Shops close at 17:00 on weekdays after which some restaurants remain open, The TV is almost all in German ( apart from CNN,BBC & CNBC) So it may not be a bad idea to bring a good book to read at night. Or even a magazine, As English newspapers & magazines are hard to come by.
  • -Funds : Suggest you carry US dollars ( cash or traveler’s cheques ) & exchange to Swiss Francs in the airport, Although if you're not gonna need much the rate will not differ much in Davos Banks. I personally go no where without a credit card (Visa or MasterCard); I use them in purchasing almost everything & keep the cash for where they don't accept cards. But be ware! Always check the expiration date on your Credit card well before your travel!
  • -Finally, don’t forget to have your Passport ready with a valid visa; you will have to apply for it yourself! THIS IS A LONG PROCESS That requires planning..... As follows :
    • Application for Swiss travel Visa
  • -Know & contact your local AO representative (Essam Co.) in order to obtain the appropriate dates & accommodations, Have him fax you a copy of your invitation & Hotel arrangements. In addition - if prearranged - He will send you your tickets pre-booked.
  • -You need at least 2 weeks to obtain your visa.
  • -The Swiss Embassy will require you to fill out their application form & include with it photos & a reference document from your hospital.
  • -The Visa is an expense that you will have to pay. ( 100.00 SR )
    • Now you know what you need to take... How to carry it:
  • -Always keep your - passport - tickets - Money on your person and always be aware of them! Never in your Carry-on luggage, which you might be inadvertently separated from! Zurich's Airport is known for its burglars!
  • -The flight itself is almost 6 hours long, after that it will take you almost 3 to 4 hours to reach Davos! These 3 to 4 hours will be spent on & in-between various trains & stations! You need to be quick on your feet at these stations as connecting trains are far and sometimes only 10 minutes apart! So, PACK LITE! No more than one Suit case preferably one with wheels to enable pulling it. And you will be doing lots of pulling and carrying, so only bring what you yourself can carry!
  • -What ever you do, DO NOT carry with you any scissors, nail- clippers or anything sharp in your carry-on luggage! And if you're carrying any electronic devices i.e. laptops, PDAs or cameras MAKE sure they are fully charged & operational, you might be asked to demonstrate its function by security, and if they don't function you may not be allowed to take them aboard the plane.
    •
    • The Journey to Davos
  • -On flight leg room : If your anywhere as tall as I am ( 6'2") & are flying Economy class on Swiss air, it might be worth the effort to attempt & arrange pre-flight seating. Preferably at an exit or one of the front most seats.
  • -Swiss air will not accept check-in by anybody other than the passenger him/herself, so be there ahead of time in order to insure the best seating.
  • -Don't lose your luggage claim ticket, you might need it. Luggage has been known to mysteriously disappear in Zurich Airport & turn up in Paris somewhere.
  • -You might want to consider getting to know the others going to Davos if you don't happen to already know them. The airport is a good place to do so.
  • -On the plane, get as comfortable as you can early on, if you weren't able to get that more comfortable seat you may consider asking the flight attendant for one. (First come first serve). If the plane isn't full you might consider moving to a seat with an empty one beside it...... You can either sleep or take advantage of the in-flight entertainment offering movies & games.
  • -You have to be careful about what you are given to drink or eat, ask about its content of alcohol, pork or even both....
  • -I was not required to fill out any entry forms for customs.
    •
    • Upon arrival in Zurich Airport:
  • -Be sure to gather all your belongings from the plane & head directly to the Customs check.
  • -After that collect your luggage & regather with your group.
  • -Head towards the train station with in the airport, (check for the correct lane). There you will have to purchase a train ticket to Davos Platz (another expense you will have to pay). Keep the train ticket with you at least until your on your return flight home!
  • -If you are a large group and have among you someone that reads German or knows his/her way, you may want to consider renting a mini-van to Davos (What to do with the car once there?). Or may consider a driven car.
  • -The train ticket will cost 105.00 SFr return trip on second class. First class is nicer, warmer & may only cost 50.00 SFr more i.e. 30%, but it's better if you all were in the same cabin. (So discuss with your group what they would prefer).
  • -You will first get on the train that takes you to Zurich HB i.e. main station (track #3).
  • -There you will change to another train (track # 8) that will take you to Landquart.
  • -At Landquart you must hurry in order to catch the next train going to Davos Platz, It will leave 10 minutes after your arrival there. Otherwise you will have to wait at least an hour for the following train!
  • -Remember, you are going to Davos Platz & not Davos Dorf.
  • -Never hesitate to ask for directions. Your best bet would be other travelers.
  • -Upon arrival to Davos Platz, Depending on your hotel, walking maybe an alternative. But consider that you are tired, it's slippery & you're carrying luggage!? A taxi, although difficult to find maybe a better alternative.
    • The Hotel:
  • -I was accommodated in the Europe Hotel - a nice 3 star hotel in the middle of Davos Platz. Rooms are heated with double beds (alone in the room) and your own bathroom with shower.
  • -The room contains a private safe that the hotel will gladly provide you with the key for a mere 1.5 SFr/day. Again I cannot stress enough the importance of always having your 1, 2, and 3’s always on your person! (Passport-ticket-money). The hotel will not be responsible for any lost items!
  • -Breakfast is free, served until 11:00.
  • -Swimming pool is both heated & free.
  • -Small gym available for extra charge.
    •
  • -Hotel restaurants: Scala (Italian) – Zauberberg (Chinese). Ask the hotel about their discount vouchers.... (25.00 SFr for the Chinese Restaurant).
  • -Internet available in the lobby for 5.00 SFr/ 20 minutes. Acceptable speed. Otherwise you can connect in your room via their data connection using your own laptop, (I have no idea that will cost) ISP not included. Or even better AO has arranged a business center at the Kongress building, free for course participants. Lightning speed.
  • -Coop mini-mart is right beside the hotel & is open until 23:00 every night.
    •
    • The Course:
  • -The trip To & From the Kongress building where the course is held is easily achieved by buses that pass almost every 10 minutes and are free with your hotel pass ( no one will ask you for it, but keep it on you just in case) .
  • -First day: Registration & Receiving Case with Coarse program & other Booklets.
  • -Daily Program :
  • -Morning 08:00 to 12:00 (Lectures & Workshops).
  • -Evening 16:00 to 20:00 (Lectures & Workshops).
  • -Coffee breaks available.
  • -Discussion sessions will be scheduled.
  • -Don't be shy; speak your mind in the debates & discussion groups. It's the best way to learn.... No one will bite.
  • -Daily from 12:00 to 16:00
    •
  • -For the Skiers, Time has been set aside from 12:00 to 16:00 everyday for that. They say the sloaps are beautiful. Although every other day you could see somebody new on crutches! So, unless you're really into it, I would suggest against it, In favor of saving life & limb for the course that is! ........ You can just tell I'm not a fan of skiing!? ....... I have my stories & reasons!
  • -For those of you who agree with me, The AO organizers have kindly arranged for us (so called non-skiers) Afternoon activities consisting of extra lectures, case presentations & interactive debates! Extending from 13:30 to 15:35, giving you enough time to have lunch & come back.
  • -Certificates can be claimed on the day before last (unfortunately no one informed us) not doing so will mean you having to wait until late on the last day to claim them..... Unless you find someone to assist you. ... Thank you Claud!
    • The Town:
  • -Facilities: like Banks, ATMs, Supermarkets & Travel agents are all available if needed.
  • -Restaurants are plenty & various, although not all open for dinner. My favorites: Scala - Italian / Chocholino - traditional / Coop Center Cafeteria - help yourself / Turkish Kebab & Falafel deli behind Coop center - Kebab Sandwiches.
  • -Shopping: All kinds of shops exist, Sports - Watches - Electronics - Chocolates - Souvenirs -..... My take on the shops, very expensive! Electronics are definitely cheaper at home; Even the Swiss watches are a rip off if I've ever seen one! Only thing I bought -besides the food- was one of those Swiss army knives as a gift (although most are available at home for less, but not all models) & some nice sweaters for my Mom & Sister. And as long as I have mentioned ladies clothing, the nicest & one of the cheapest is Charles Vogel’s Model, the one on the corner in front of the Coop center in Platz.
  • -I tried looking for one of those neck bands you can attach your I.D. to & have written on it DAVOS ( without a cross on it ) but I couldn't find one, So if any of you while being there happen to see one I'd appreciate one please, and I'll be glad to pay for the inconvenience.
    • Must do's while in Davos:
  • -Past Davos Dorf, in a place called Wolfgang there is a very beautifully situated Lake. Complete with Ducks & Swans. Yes you read it correctly, Ducks & Swans! How & why they remain there & not fly away to Maui or some other tropical retreat is still a mystery to me!? The lake is surrounded by a walking path which is packed with sitting benches & some the most cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen, Also useful for refuge from the cold ( heated ). ...... But consider yourself warned, it is a very very long path, taking almost 1.5 hours to complete at normal walking pace… Mid way around are a couple of nice Restaurants if you'd like to eat or just have something warm to drink.
  • -You might be invited by Mathys, But if not you may wanna consider going up to one of the mountain top Restaurants ( Stag horn ) preferably during the day, The view is Breathtaking.
  • -All in all, NOT MUCH TO DO IN DAVOS!
    • The trip back home:
  • -Arrange your suitcases well ahead of time, Remember No sharps in carry-on luggage!
  • -Our Zurich / Riyadh flight was to takeoff at 12:35, So in order to be in the airport on time we had to leave Davos no latter than 06:00 , this would allow you enough time to catch connecting trains & arrive in enough time to check-in and do some last minute shopping. Personally I like allowing extra time for those sometimes unplanned delaying circumstance? .... "If something can go wrong...."
  • -This means Checking out of the Hotel the night before, No one is available at that early of a time.
  • -Again a taxi is a good idea for the trip to the Train station.
  • -Hopefully you still have your train ticket.
  • -Be sure to check your room before you leave for any forgotten items.
  • -It may be worth the effort to check train schedules beforehand, if you’re leaving on a Weekend schedules differ from Weekdays..... We learned that the hard way!
    • Return route:
  • -Davos Platz - Landquart, there I believe lane #2 will allow you to connect to Zurich HB. In Zurich HB, lane #17 will take you to Zurich Airport. Although it's a long 3 hours I suggest you avoid sleeping or you might find yourself in Geneva!
  • -In Zurich Check-in & go through the passport check, all the Duty free Shops are beyond.
    • Important Points:
  • -You are there to benefit from the course; What ever else you want to do should not interfere with that!
  • -Be sure to know your schedule at work the day following your return, there’s nothing worse than having to be on-call that day! (Try to arrange avoiding that beforehand).
  • -Always keep your Passport, Ticket & Funds on your person.
  • -Asking about what you don't know is most always a good policy.
  • -Sunrise is late & sunset is very early, it is near impossible to find any English newspapers or magazines. There is nothing much to do at night. So, if you're on Anti-Depressive Medications you may wanna consider increasing the dose! Otherwise bring something to pass the time with. I.e. Books, Magazines or a Gameboy...
  • -It would be more than nice to document your experience as i did, so others can benefit from yours too.

    • P.S. If you have any questions regarding anything about my trip please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    Sabig.
       

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