Please prepare for landing

This weekend was my very first trip (with Jaclyn, Mara, and Victoria) to another European country and everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. To start off, our flight from Amsterdam to Geneva was delayed and as a result we ended up missing the last train to Interlaken. The next train out was not until 5:15A.M. so we had no choice but to kick it in the airport (believe me roaming around a deserted airport with friends is only entertaining for the first hour). After staying up all night we got on the overly expensive train and watched the sun come up as we coasted through the countryside of Switzerland. By 9A.M. we had arrived at our hostile in Interlaken and we were indulging in a delicious breakfast surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

try one: all extreme and ready to jump

Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Europe, and of course that’s why we went! Jaclyn, Mara, and Victoria were all set on skydiving, while I, too grounded to jump out of a helicopter 10,000 feet in the air, was excited about going into the chopper with them for the unmatched scenic views. The skydiving appointment was booked for 9:00AM, but because of our late arrival it was pushed back until 1:00PM. Once 1:00 slowly approached we were headed up the mountain to Lauterbrunnen, another village nestled in the mountainside. After signing their lives away, putting on the bright orange jump suits, prepping for the fall, and getting pumped up a thick layer of clouds began to cover the valley making the visibility impossible for skydiving. With disappointment we headed back to the hostile to rearrange another night in Interlaken with hopes of being able to jump Monday morning.

the glacier water was unreal

On Sunday, a national Swiss holiday forbidding aircraft to fly, the girls and I went out for a hike to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful mountains. We headed in the direction of Trummelbach Falls, which were waterfalls INSIDE the mountain. When we got there we were all awe struck. The melting glaciers, from the top of the mountains, are the source of the flowing water and one of the most beautiful creations of Mother Nature I’ve ever observed. The inside walls of the mountain are hollowed and eroded from the rushing water. I could also see how the rock had layers, which meant over centuries the waterfall eroded the rock and the amount of water flowing was once more forceful. I was absolutely fascinated. I also realized that the creeks that run down the mountains are from the glaciers, giving the water an unearthly clear blue tint.

the glacier water running down the inside of the mountain 

On our way out of the falls we got to talking to these three American retired travelers, one of which who has a son that is attending the same University in Colorado as Mara (small world right?). Well these three travelers gave us awesome tips about Germany and London as well as inspiration to continue to travel the world after our short semester ends. To conclude the day the girls and I headed back to the hostile where we cooked up some cheese fondue Swiss style. Here are a few pictures from the hike:

the hike was so serene

a small waterfall coming down the mountains

try two: Jaclyn with the instructor
after a successful landing

Yesterday, our last day, started off with extreme skydiving. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, nothing but sunshine and blue skies. Unfortunately for me the normal chopper they use was unavailable so they had to take a smaller one, which meant no room for me for the ride. But I did have the pleasure of watching my crazy friends soar to the ground as I held my breath nervously waiting for their parachutes to open. They all said it was an amazing experience and not too terrifying and most importantly Jaclyn made a graceful landing. They made it look so easy, who knows maybe I’ll be the one facing my fears and jumping out of a helicopter next time.

later Switzerland

Our trip to Geneva airport from Interlaken was much easier. Instead of buying train tickets we rented a car, for 1/4^th of the price, and Mara drove us safely through the country. When we got to Geneva of course our flight was delayed, but we eventually made it back home to Amsterdam. On Thursday the four of us are taking a train to Munich for Octoberfest. Who knows what extreme activities Munich has to offer.