SWITZERLAND

Olen


Sarah and Loren


Pat

Early the next morning (which was originally designated for sleeping in) we got a group of us together and embarked upon an adventure to Switzerland. The Fab Four (Ryan, Olen, Loren and Sarah) plus Pat, headed to the train station and picked a random city on the map of Switzerland. Our destination was Bellizona and we had no idea what we would find when we got there. About one hour later we were there, and it looked like we had hit the spontaneous jackpot. The first order of business was to get cash from the Bancomat because the Euro currency is not accepted in Switzerland. Since they are not part of the European Union, their currency is the Swiss Franks. At this point I had three types of currency in my wallet: U.S. Dollars, Euros and Swiss Franks. It was fun to open my wallet and see the crazy colors, but now I am wondering where all of that money went! In Europe they have these tiny cash elves that sneak into your wallet and steal all of your money without you knowing. It seems like I just withdrew money and then all of a sudden it is gone again! I am going to catch them one of these days…

Franks, colorful wallet, but still broke!

We went exploring through the castle and walked along the original Castle wall that originally blocked access through the valley. For lunch we stopped in the Mercato to pick up some picnic food and enjoy the nice weather outside. Like usual, we had freshly baked bread, some Swiss cheese, a little garlic sauce and of course some amazing Switzerland chocolate. After lunch we embarked on a journey to climb up the mountain to the other Castle.

My favorite contemporary piazza

Lookin good in Swissland

We had an amazing view of the valley, as well as the city below and it seemed like a great time to get a group picture! I set my camera up on a stone wall, pressed the timer button and ran to get into position for the picture. As the timer was counting down a huge gust of wind came up and blew my camera off the ledge and it began to bounce end over end down the hill. We were on the edge of a steep hill that led directly down into the valley and things were not looking good for Mr. Camera. “Don’t worry Mr. Camera, here I come!” I went running towards the camera, made a huge leap and grabbed it, but thanks to the laws of gravity both Mr. Camera and I were headed directly down the hill together. Before I hit the rocks below I was able to get my footing and stop myself before a potential disaster. I had a nice set of grass stains on my pants and my white shirt was now green. My camera managed to take a picture as it bounced down the hill, which I think is pretty hilarious. I was proud of my heroic rescue of my camera, but my friends were rolling on the ground laughing as the whole thing happened. They said I had a look of panic on my face as I rolled down the hill out of control. After I anchored my camera down I was able to get a good picture of the five of us.

Picture as camera rolls down hill

Reenactment of me rolling down the hill after I dove after my camera

Successful group picture

Once the excitement was over we enjoyed the view and the sunset before we ventured back down the hill. We ended up at a cool bar in the middle of town for a few drinks and then hopped back on the train and headed back home.

Enjoyed a few drinks

Train in Transit...


Waiting at the Swiss border...