Switzerland

(16/6/15) I simply will not have the words to explain the beauty of this place. We stayed in a little village called Lauterbrunnen Valley. 

When we stepped off the bus we were hit with a burst of crisp, fresh air. The cliffs and mountains on either side of the valley had waterfalls cascading down to the lush greenery below. The houses are all traditional and quaint - you won't see any high rises or office buildings in Switzerland. From our hostel we could hear sheep and goats roaming in the hills, each of them with their own tinkling bell, which had the beautiful effect of wind chimes in the air each time they moved. Gorgeous planters of flowers blossomed in each window sill of the houses and the businesses that lined the streets, and at the very front of our hostel a freezing cold river ran past where people would put their drinks - as it was colder than a fridge! 

The first night we had a pyjama party in the bar at the hostel. It was a strange thing moving from a loud, noisy, beer and cider and dancing filled bar to step outside to the serenity and extreme picturesque surroundings of the Swiss Alps and the valley. 

We had a full day to enjoy Switzerland on Wednesday, so what was the first thing we decided to do? Fly 12000feet into the air in a helicopter and then JUMP OUT!!! That's right, we went skydiving over the Swiss Alps. Could there be a better place to do such a thing!? I think not!! It was truly the most awesome experience: thrilling, beautiful, and awe inspiring all at once - and the fact that we did it together made it so much more special. We were even waving to one another as the parachutes opened and we floated past the gorgeous waterfalls and mountains. Truly sensational. 

After that we hiked up behind one of the waterfalls - Archie came along for the trip - and had a packed picnic lunch looking out over the valley. We went into the Main Street of the village after that, and Michael had a U-boot (pronounced "you boat") which was a little submarine of schnapps submerged in beer! I also had a hot chocolate with schnapps, which was lovely. Michael and I went to look at the shops, and Michaels honeymoon present was purchased: a gorgeous Swiss watch! He is now the official time keeper of the trip ^.^ 

After that we went back to the hostel and out our feet, AND a few ciders and beers, into the river (our feet only lasted ten seconds in there before it became too painful from the cold) and had some drinks before dinner was served (mmmmm potato rosti and apple strudel) and the off to bed after a loooong and exciting day! 

We were so sad the be leaving the next day, but the clouds cleared away and rewarded us with a lovely view of the mountains as we drove away on our way to Italy. Goodbye Switzerland - we adore you!!!!! See you when we retire ;-)