-
Loving lucerne
Along the shores of Lake Lucerne, ringed with snow-capped peaks, couples promenade arm-in-arm as the sun dips behind the mountains. Families, catching the last light, head home pushing strollers past docks decked with flower boxes spilling red geraniums. Seagulls swoop across colorful boatyards and swans skim across the cobalt lake, floating above the world of…
-
Cliff jumping in a blizzard in interlaken, Switzerland
My first impression of Switzerland was the clean, invigorating Alpine air and incredible mountain scenery. But I was looking for high-adrenoline adventure. After our 8-hour bus ride from Florence with lots of other students, we checked into a spotless student hostel and bundled up for snow fun. The modern network of cog railways and cable…
-
First hour, first day in europe at the frankfurt airport
The two weeks before my departure were a whirlwind of activity and emotions: stress, excitement, anxiety, parties, sad goodbyes, painful packing and uncomfortable unpacking. Great. I can order a beer at age 20 here. My jet lag remedy. I’ve heard some people drink a cold beer in a hot shower to minimize the agonizing…
-
First hour, first day in europe at the frankfurt airport
The two weeks before my departure were a whirlwind of activity and emotions: stress, excitement, anxiety, parties, sad goodbyes, painful packing and uncomfortable unpacking. Great. I can order a beer at age 20 here. My jet lag remedy. I’ve heard some people drink a cold beer in a hot shower to minimize the agonizing…
-
Adenaline rush and hiker’s heaven in the Swiss Alps
For adventure addicts, Interlaken Switzerland is the perfect place to set up base camp. You’ll see hand gliders land in the town square every afternoon (in good weather). Vendors along the main street have booths offering hang-gliding, scooter bike, mountain biking and climbing excursions. It’s so easy to do get an adrenaline rush in the…
-
The top of europe and the alps
I could see France, Germany and Italy from the observation terrace perched above a 14-mile long sea of ice in the Alps. Did I climb there? No it’s easy with the Swiss Jungfrau Railway. If you love mountains and train travel, there’s no place where it’s more reliable, clean and spectacular than in Switzerland. From…
-
Packing for europe – swiss cities and the alps
I’ll admit that packing for Europe takes effort to select fashionable and functional clothes that are also comfortable. So my packing list for different countries and activities varies. If you’re going to Paris, you’ll select stylish clothing in your closet, if you’re going to Switzerland, as I am in a few weeks, you’ll want stylish…