Postcard from Switzerland
In the midst of the go-go-go, it is important to find ways to reconnect with yourself.
As exhilarating as studying abroad is, finding time to disconnect and focus on just being is important. Switzerland was the perfect disconnect for me.
Day 1
Our trip to Switzerland began Thursday evening when I hopped on the Aerobus in front of the CEA CAPA building, bound for the airport right after class. “For those studying abroad in Barcelona, the least expensive and easiest way to get to the airport is the Aerobus.” This was the first time we flew out of Terminal 2 on EasyJet, and it was a challenge. Both my friend Morgan and I had to shove our bags into a small compartment, where ten other girls traveling with us were in the same boat. AND…we all had to pay. Upon arrival in Geneva, we boarded a coach bus and began the long journey to Interlaken. We arrived at the Hey Hotel around 3 a.m. and immediately fell into bed.
Day 2
Friday began with a 6:30 a.m. wakeup call. We were exhausted but eager to get on the slopes. Breakfast at the lobby buffet was delicious, but most importantly, it was FREE. We walked with the group to a local rental shop called Outdoor, rented our gear, and hopped on a train up the mountain. The train was nearly silent, and people stared out the windows in awe of the views. Within minutes of arriving at the lodge, we were on the chairlift heading up the mountain.
One of the guys we traveled with had never tried on a pair of skis in his life. Let’s just say Switzerland may not have been the best place to start. After about 30 wipeouts on the first run of the day, we decided to take a break and have a drink. My friends and I grabbed a table outside one of the ski-up bars on the mountain and ordered ciders and traditional Swiss hash browns. After lunch, we went back up the mountain and continued skiing, taking in the scenery and all its beauty every chance we got. I like to think that I am a fairly good skier, but the Switzerland mountains did everything possible to prove me wrong. Skiing in Switzerland was hands down one of the coolest experiences of my life.
After we finished skiing for the day we met our friend Izzy for the famous chocolate-covered strawberries at Funky Chocolate. As a fruit and chocolate lover, I strongly recommend everyone that who visits Switzerland buys a cup full of chocolate-covered strawberries. Next, we went back to the hotel and relaxed before grabbing dinner at Hüsi Bierhaus, also a 10/10 recommendation. After finishing our delicious dinner and a couple of drinks and were ready to head to bed for the night.
Day 3
Saturday morning started off with a quick and delicious hotel breakfast followed by an exhilarating hike. We walked to a beautiful vantage point on Lake Brienzersee. As you can see from the pictures, it was unlike anything I have experienced in my life. We stood there taking in the scenery, talking about how lucky we were to be in a spot so peaceful and beautiful. On our walk home, we stopped at the rooftop bar Top of the Hotel Metropole for wine and charcuterie. We spent the whole lunch with our phones in our purses, chatting while we took in the views. My friends and I shopped, and I picked out my commemorative postcard. We went back to the hotel, took a nap, and got ready for dinner. Dinner at Fondue Villa & Garden was incredible, and I would suggest anyone going to Interlaken make a reservation ahead of time. We were a bit late to the punch, but fortunately, the restaurant went above and beyond and set us at a table in the back. It ended up being the best thing that could have happened as the workers at the restaurant came and sat at our table in between helping the guests. After dinner, we walked back to the Hüsi Bierhaus to meet our friends for drinks to end a successful day.
Day 4
Sunday we were up and at them early so we could make the most of our short day. We checked out of our hotel and grabbed brunch at Velo Cafe. We had a wonderful breakfast overlooking the mountains enjoying our last moments there.
I had dreamed about this trip for a long time, but I never expected to fall in love with a place as much as I did in Switzerland. In the midst of this beautiful nature, I was able to fully disconnect and feel inner peace. For all those going abroad, I strongly suggest visiting Switzerland. As amazing and exhausting as traveling abroad is, I didn’t realize how much I needed this mental break. Switzerland was a weekend of simply being.
Stay tuned for a Postcard from Milan!
Julia
