The reasoning that sparked my journey this summer was the fact that Christopher was studying abroad in Belgium this summer. We agreed to travel to Switzerland and then I would spend some time in Belgium after!
The one warning I have about Switzerland is that it is incredibly expensive. When we first arrived in Genève, we stopped at a cafe and I paid six swiss francs (which were the equivalent of the euro at the time) for a cappucino. I was mortified since I had just come from Italy where cappucini were only 1.10 euros. After getting over that shock, we found out that we had serendipitously arrived during the Swiss independence day weekend. There was a festival near Lake Genève with many locals and tourists celebrating.
Genève
We spent a day in the city and took the train to Gruyères the next morning and explored the surrounding towns as well. Although you could definitely see the mountains in Geneve from afar, it was definitely not as accessible as this area of Switzerland. My goodness, it was all so beautiful and the food was remarkable (we both had fondue for the first time, gruyere cheese is bomb).
Gruyères
Montbovon
Montbovon was where we stayed during out last couple days in Switzerland. The farm was right by the mountains and there were trails right behind as well. If there is any view that will put your life in perspective, it is the grandiosity of a mountain. There is just a magnificent serenity and simplicity in the wilderness that you just can't experience in any other environment. I think John Muir said it best:
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
Our airbnb hosts had recommended a hike during the delicious breakfast they had prepared for us. The husband even drove us to the start of the hike. I was so gracious for these wonderful hosts who also picked us up from the train station to their home, and let us into their lives a little (they talked about their previous lines of work, their many travel adventures, including a trip to Vietnam, and their adorable pets) This hike was supposed to take us up the mountains but then down to Montreux where we needed to take the train to the Geneve airport. Of course, we got lost along the way and ended up in another town, Caux. It was a wonderful adventure nontheless and I am thankful to explore it all with my best friend.
Sights during our 5+ hour Col de Jaman hike
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” ― John Muir, Our National Parks
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