Spring Break 2012 Part 1: MOUNTAINS!!

I have to ask, how has this much time already passed? It seems like yesterday that I was coming off the plane in Heathrow, not really sure as to what time/day it was. Now I'm sitting on my bed in my flat that first felt like a weird hotel-camp hybrid, and now feels like home. Spring break has come and gone, and what a trip it was.

After a lovely 4:15AM wakeup call on the first day of our trip, the five of us Spring Break travelers were off to Gatwick Airport. Transportation to Switzerland included a cab to the train station, a train to the airport, and then finally the plane to Zurich. After that was another train to Interlaken, so needless to say by the end of that first day I think all of us were asleep by 10PM. Never in my life did I honestly think I would set foot in the Swiss Alps. Basically after ten minutes of hiking, I was hooked. The mountains were beautiful, the best of the best. They were pointy, snow covered, and monstrous. I could not hide my excitement, as noted in this picture:

How was this real life?!

The hike we took the first day was only supposed to be a small hike around a surrounding village, but it turned into a hike half way up one of the mountains. It was worth every almost (and actual) slip and mud stains that coated the bottoms of my pant-legs and tennis shoes. The weather could not have been better. Blue skies, and mild temperatures. We spent both days outside, which was wonderful. The first afternoon we went down to one of the lakes near Interlaken, and just sat and enjoyed.

 

The next day we went hiking higher up in the mountains. We took a tram up, which kind of felt like a roller coaster. The view from up in the mountains was different, but just as amazing. We went on an hour long hike from the tram stop to a small touristy village where we ate lunch at a place called the Edelweiss Cafe. We sat outside (loved the nice weather!) and had an awesome view of the mountains:

It was pretty much a straight drop down right after this safety bar! It was a little unnerving, especially because I had the seat closest to the railing. The rest of the day was spent hiking around the area, and taking in the sights. There were lots of little cabins around, which I think would be a fun place to go back and stay.

Overall I would say Switzerland was my favorite place we went over break. It was relaxing, beautiful, and just what I needed in a spring break. Basically, the one thing I have to say for this whole trip is, "I love mountains!!!"