As
the previous entries describe, last weekend, I spent it in Interlaken (which
means between lakes), Switzerland which is in the middle of the Swiss Alps.
After getting enough courage to do a trip by myself and hearing enough
about Interlaken I bought tickets for my humble journey to Switzerland.
On the way to the train, I was stopped by two American girls who were also
on their way from Paris to Interlaken and had missed their two previous trains
and wanted me to take a picture of them in front of the train as proof.
I was quite amused. So, I took their picture and went on my way. After
various layovers, I got off the train and into Interlaken only to realize,
“I haven’t booked a hotel.” Luckily, I found the same two girls and asked
if I could bum a ride with them to whatever hotel they were going to. I
later found out that they were going to a hostel instead. (Quick note:
Hostels are usually for college aged kids that are backpacking all over Europe
can stay for CHEAP prices $16-20/night in a dorm type room.) So, around
midnight on Friday night, Balmer’s became my new home for the next two days.
I walked inside and was warmly greeted by an Astralian girl who had check in
soon before me and was sitting down with a bunch of other college kids in
front of the fireplace drinking beer. “Quite a cozy atmosphere,” I thought.
I then went about the check in procedure and opted for the single room since
I figured that my budget allowed for it. 🙂 40 CHF/night (~$20) I went
up to my room, dropped my bags and headed off downstairs and joined everyone for a house raid and interesting time with their cactus. After a few drinks and a few more friends, I headed off to bed.
The next morning, I had a great view of the houses around the area and got to explore more of Balmers.
Early morning, I signed up for paragliding, because I wasn’t ready for ski
diving yet. That was going to be tomorrow. So, before the pickup time,
I explore the beautiful city of Interlaken. There was a grand casino. (yes, those are clouds in the background, not my camera). I also took an impromptu nature hike.
And soon, I was supposed to go paragliding, so I trotted back to Balmers.
In the truck ride there, were the two girls I met in Paris, and 4 other girls
ready to be thrown into the air. The ride there and back was simply amazing!!! It was truely a winter wonderland. We took the cable car, to the top, above the clouds and had an even better view. The 2 Parisien girls went first and the 3 other girls and I waited
behind. We walked around until we found a great slate of snow and I said,
“This is the 2nd time EVER that I’ve gotten to play with snow.” “REALLY?!!”
The girls said. So, they showed me how to make a snow angel. I was quite happy. I even got to be a kid again. Afterwards, the girls and I made love notes to our admirers back home. (Jen, someone and someone.
I wish I was better with names.) Two of the paraglider pilots came back
(one apparetly couldn’t make it) and the other two girl went and Jen and
I stayed behind and had Swiss fondue for lunch. About an hour later they
were ready again and we trekked to the top of a high point and Jen and I hyped ourselves up to do what others have told us to do for a long time…go jump off a cliff!
And unfortunately, the weater did not permit us because there were too many clouds which
would not allow for a safe landing…I asked them about waiting and they
said that it could take until tomorrow. So, sadly, they walked back down.
(I decided to roll down the mountain instead since I was still enjoy playing
in the snow.) I then enjoyed the ride back home and chilled out with everyone else for another night at the hostel.
… DANG! I’m going to update this tomorrow, because I want to make it to a Thanksgiving dinner! Check back tomorrow for the rest!