Switzing It Up

Trip Start Sep 06, 2008

Trip End Oct 29, 2008

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Flag of Switzerland Lauterbrunnen, Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Today, I went hiking in the SWISS ALPS :)

It is very different from the Canadian Rockies. The Swiss Alps are warmer, more green and BIGGER. They are also more heavily populated and every house has a pasture of sheep or cows with cowbells on. I am staying in a little town called Lauterbrunnen, which is in an area of Interlakken in the Berner Oberland. It is absolutely beautiful. It is nice because it isn't too busy here with tourists but many of the trails are closed because it is almost winter. I woke up early and packed a lunch so I could hike up to the top of a mountain, but basically anything high was closed the tourist information office said. I took a lift up to Murren, and then did a hike called the Northface Hike, which was the hardest hike available. It had the scenic view of the Northern Alps, which are the biggest and covered with snow. The largest, is called Jungfru, which is 4107 m high. The autumn leaves are also turning here, so it is a beautiful mosaic of bright reds and yellows spotting the green alp trees. The entire hike, I heard the music of waterfalls and cow/sheep bells. The area has 72 waterfalls. After coming back to Lauterbrunnen, I visited the Staubbachfall, which is the largest freefalling waterfall in Europe and it inspired a famous poem by Goeth. I hiked up, climbed some steps so I could get a view under the waterfall.

The houses are characteristic of German houses, and they speak Germann and French here. I am mostly conversing in French, and it is so nice to actually understand what is happening.

On my way to Switzerland by train, the train's front lights went out and the train was delayed 25 minutes because it runs through dark tunnels through the mountains, and lights are definately required. But I was glad I could figure out what happened because it was in French. I still ended up making my required connections. The train ride was the most beautiful of them all yet.

PS - I ate lots of Swiss cheese and chocolate.....yummy!

Love you,

Mal

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Beauty	BIG ALPS	Nice look	Staubbachfalls
Swiss Autumn

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Comments

bettybecker on Oct 8, 2008 at 05:57PM

It's Me Again!
That sounds so cool!!! I wish I was there with you! With all of your descriptions of the countryside, etc. it really seems like a beautiful place. I wouldn't do so well with the speaking part of it though - German and French are not my strong suits. Anyway, take care and have fun!!!
Love, Betty

P.S. Got your postcard today from when you were at the Colliseum. We'll pass on the other two.

humboldt on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:39AM

Dear Yoddler Mal
This will be your other attempt at something new!This is one country I'd love to visit, too. Thanks for the update and pictures of the area and all I've ever read about that country the one thing I'd always imagined was its beautiful scenery, wow! Thankyou for the card dfrom the gladiator scene area. I'll tell you about abook I read about those days sometime!Grandpa and I are fine and weare hoping to see family over the weekend to helpus eat turkey and pumpkin pie!
Thankyou once again for the card!Do enjoy the beauty you see around you1
Love Grams and Gramps

humboldt on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:06PM

Hi Mallory
I agree that Switzerland is one of the most
beautiful countries of the world with its rolling hills, mountains and greenery. The pastoral scenery is just the best. We're getting ready for winter here, it's cold and rainy now. You'll be really fit hiking 20to 25 k's a day. There is no better way to see the countryside.
Happy Thanksgiving day to you. We are truly thankful to have you as a granddaughter. Love Grandpa

humboldt on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:28PM

Bonjour Mallory!
Wow! How great your experience must be! You are experiencing the world and having a great time! Everything sounds fascinating in your life! I'm so happy for you and just a wee bit jealous! We're at Grandma and Grandpa's for Thanksgiving, eating all the good food! Things are going well - busy with work and TJ's and Tori's activities. Tori starts soccer this week; Tj starts hockey this week as well! I can't wait to see you. Have a fun filled holiday and learn lots!
Auntie Cheri

humboldt on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:28PM