Wochenende in der Schweiz

I never thought that I was the kind of person who would purchase a plane ticket at the last minute (literally), but that’s exactly what happened this past weekend. It was a national holiday on Monday in Germany, meaning that everyone had a long weekend. I decided to take full advantage and even though it was a little expensive (last minute things tend to be so), I found myself flying to Switzerland on Friday night.

There are honestly so many words that could be said, but are hard to even piece together about how much I enjoying this trip. The country is so magnificently beautiful and I got to spend good quality time with some dear people. From the city to the country, and the constant Swiss safari (aka, how many milk cows can you count), everything was amazing. It was a blessing in every way…

A few highlights:

1.) I drove a manual car (second time ever) on a highway (first time ever) in Switzerland AT NIGHT. And, praise God, we got home safely. Considering getting a manual for my next car now. What do you think mom? *wink wink*

2.) I met a hang drum player, with both the original and second generation version of the instrument called a gubal. (Learn more about these rare instruments here and visit the official website here.) Yes, I did fan-girl for a good 20 minutes. You can see a video I took of him playing and explaining the difference between the two instruments here.

Gubal Player in Gruyères

3.) In a country (I was told) where police are apparently rare to spot, I saw 7 cars in one day. ;-P

4.) While hiking in Gasterntal, I saw two female Alpine Ibex (mountain goats) after having expressed the day before how I would love to see one. I tried to take a picture, but my camera couldn’t zoom that far…

Gasterntal Valley

5.) We picked up a hitchhiker near Bern who was heading in our same direction (Lucerne) who is originally from South Korea and has been traveling around Western Europe for almost two months. Sweet guy, I hope he enjoys his last couple of weeks!

Our awesome hitchhiker!

6.) And of course, spending time with my wonderful hosts. You filled my heart with joy and belonging – thanks for everything.

I’m going to let my pictures do the rest of the talking – enjoy!

Gruyères Garten

Gruyères

Hermitage

Swiss Alps

Zytglogge – famous clock tower that every half hour rings and the figurines move.

A 500 or so year old fountain – with potable water!

In Bern, not only do you have regular shopping, but Underground shopping. The trap doors open to reveal steps that lead into a hidden store.

Catholic Grotto

Stabbachfall in Lauterbrunnen. Absolutely stunning.

One of the outside sections of the Trümmelbachfälle.

Lauterbrunnen, a village near Interlaken.

Just too adorable to not post.

Gasterntal

Swiss Village by Night

Just about the extent of fauna one will find – but they’re super cute, so it doesn’t matter.

Kapellbrücke – apparently it’s been burned and rebuilt about 4 times.

Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument): In honor of the hundreds of Swiss who died fighting the French during the French Revolution in 1792.

Street in Bern, capital of Switzerland.

Ueberstorf

Thunersee (Lake Thun)

Actually got S to do the Yonder stance!

Swiss Sunset

It truly was a weekend to remember.The only regret I have is that my trip was too short… Well, I guess that just means I’ll have to come back, won’t I? If the Lord allows, I certainly hope I will. Now I am back in Berlin, working and exploring. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and be sure to continuing following me on my adventure! May God bless you all.

-Wandering Minstrelette