the Alps


Jun 22 2009

Notes from the Swiss Alps

Published by Kate under Travel

Swiss Alps--photo by Kate

Swiss Alps--photo by Kate

Switzerland is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

In some ways, the beauty here is almost frustrating. I can’t find the words to describe how amazing it is, and constantly find myself saying, “Oh, that’s so pretty,” “Wow, look at that,” or something similarly inadequate.

Sometimes, it’s so darn pretty here that it’s nearly comical. Yesterday, on the train from Lucerne to Lugano, there was a lush green valley to my right with a crystal-clear brook running through it, and tiny colorful houses all around. On my left was a mountain rising sharply, towering over the train. Emerald green, covered with countless evergreens, two glacier-fed waterfalls tumbled down its sides. At a rocky precipice near the base, the waterfalls came near each other; they had the audacity to crash off the rocks and meet, mid-air, over a grotto of craggy rocks. I think I saw a rainbow.

It was all so ridiculously beautiful, all I could do was laugh. Where did this place come from? I began to wonder if this was some kind of Toblerone-induced mirage.

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Jun 12 2009

Notes from Zürich

photo by Kate

Classic Switzerland--photo by Kate

Notes from Zürich:

I have one serious recommendation for visitors to Zürich: eat as much chocolate as you can. Since waking up to a Toblerone on the empty seat next to me on the airplane, to the Swiss chocolate ice cream I just had at the Mövenpick, to the shared café mocha from this afternoon, every taste has been simply amazing. Take every opportunity you have to eat this stuff. They really know what they are doing here in Switzerland.

Also recommended: checking out the Freitag flagship store, located just past the hipster Züri-West neighborhood. Made of stacked shipping containers to create a 7-story building, after browsing their awesome bags, you can climb up to the rooftop. Enjoy a great view of Zürich and an even better glimpse of the Alps through the binoculars provided.

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