I have continued to be mystified by how beautifully the universe and our adventure seem to be weaving into an irreplaceable story. We had lusted to visit Switzerland, but knowing how expensive of a country it is, and how tight our budget was for the months traveling, we had come to the harsh reality it would be okay to pass on the country this trip despite the amazing photos we scrolled through on Google. However, just by happenchance, as we excitedly began sharing on social media the beginning of our trip plans, Sarah received a casual message from someone she met in the Philippines. Sarah and Carina met while on a New Years Eve trip two years ago, who was studying in Singapore, and who just so happened to have taken a job in Zurich, moving from Munich last year. She offered us a place to stay and indicated it was a a must to come visit for some time. Change of plans. Looked like Switzerland was making the list and we now had committed to staying 10 days in Zurich, with a friend, and embarking on day trips and a weekend adventures with her to Lenzerheide.

The Google images did not prepare me for the utter beauty and experience of being here. Arriving in Zurich after another adventurous and sleepless bus ride from Barcelona, we were happy to see a Starbucks and easily understood public transportation. We arrived in the morning around when everyone was commuting to school and work. The younger kids giggled getting onto the tram on their way to school. Business attire and frantic phone calls were prevalent as we were struggling to stay awake and start to absorb the beautiuful downtown and the quaint buildings along Lake Zurich. Little did we know how impressed we would become as we continued to explore and have opportunities to see things from above, in the mountains.

I tried to capture in some of the short videos and pictures I have shared on my social media what we experienced during our first real hike in Lenzerheide over the weekend. Every time I tried to capture the beauty, I would look at my phone, and feel dissapointed that the images just could not truly depict the essence of these moments. I continued to try along our way to snap some shots and of course occasionally catch my breath during steep climbs. The clean, crisp, and fall like air helped me recover during the challenging hike (climbing to 10,000 feet, at a pretty steep pace). Every corner we turned, every step we took, proved even more beautiful, and more energizing despite the natural exhaustion we were feeling from CrossFit and other smaller hikes within Zurich we had enjoyed. I can still hear the cow bells ringing and the sound of pebbles of the few groups of mountain bikers we came across on the trails. The waterfall we decided to take a detour to was rushing down, with water so clean I am confident we could have drank straight from there. My fear of open heights was challenged through climbing alongside a very narrow path along rocks, gripping and leaning on the support of Sarah and Carina talking me through some of my hand and step placements. The climb up back to the path from the waterfall was equally as challenging for me, but again, I had the encouragement, support, and motivation from my gals. It is remarkable what others are able to inspire and motivate within you, supporting you to push your own boundaries, and experiencing the same joy when you all make it together. As the hike continued, we kept winding our way up and seeing more remarkable views that took us to the very top, where we thoroughly enjoyed a simple and well deserved picnic. At 5 hours into the hike, we were all very glad to take a break for nourishment and look around in awe of the mountains. The hike down was a different route and we were able to see where some of the ski slopes would be soon in the winter, and heard the nearby town roaring with the World Cup Finals for the Mountain Biking. It just so happened to be occurring the weekend we were there, for the first time ever. Thousands of people would be in attendance, and we had decided to of course attend on Sunday to enjoy the experience as well before heading back into the city. I thought I had seen the most beautiful place I had ever experienced. Though still at the very top of my list, I would soon prove to be in more astonishment all so soon again after our girls weekend away.

We decided to take another day trip with a friend of Carina’s, Vincent, who was in town just passing by for a night and willing to drive us towards his destination and join us for a casual hike. My expectations were to hopefully see another quaint town and village, and find a short hike that might be easier on my legs as they seemed to feel heavy and still unable to recover from all of the wonderful activities we had been so blessed to experience. I had again Googled some information and images, and there was nothing that could have prepared us to feast our eyes on the beauty we experienced in Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Schiedegg. From parking in the town, and just a few moments into the steep climb as we made our way up to Wengen, I was utterly speechless. Not realizing what was going to be on the other side of this mountain and the views to come, I must have said “I am in awe” or “I cannot believe how pretty this is” 100 times. How lucky were we to be in such a magnificent place, so small compared to these vast mountains, and learning of the rich history of those who bravely explored the region so long ago. The history in Europe in general blows my mind, let alone those who came across the mountains so monstrous and were inclined to continue exploring the land.

At the top of Klein Schiedegg, we again took time for a lovely picnic, much like that in Linderheide, and took almost an hour just to enjoy the beauty and reflect on our fortune. It just so happened Vincent was going to be headed in the direction of this hike, which was a potential location recommended to us, but how perfect for him to be able to drive us, and join for our hike. Not only to support the actual hike, but he is now someone I will be exploring further ideas of our roles in technology and various experiences in the workplace (especially considering how dynamic interactions are in many home office locations in Europe with their extremely diverse makeup). As a fellow engineer like Carina, he focuses on Internet of Things with regards to energy as a consultant for IBM. Though we were able to discuss many different ideas, workplace challenges, and the unique dynamics in his office in Munich, I look forward to sharing more in our exploratory interview I plan on having to deepen understanding and gain another perspective.

The hike continued to leave us speechless. There was such perfection in the clouds passing by the peaks of the mountains, looking down to the valleys and small towns scattered along the lakes and rivers, the slight breeze that amplified the goose bumps the mountains already had given us just by their mere existence. The glaciers in a distance had some frozen waterfalls and glisten as the sun continued to bless us with its presence. What a remarkable place. I thought I had seen the truest beauty, but I am confident this day, will be extremely hard to top. The overwhelming sense of belonging in a place at just the right time carried with me back to Zurich, and the peace within remains. I am still in awe of this big world we are just barely exploring. No matter where you are, take a look around and show gratitude. We are so blessed to be where we are, in this moment, in the present. We have such a hard time with the present and presence. I know I continue to work on my ability to be here now every day. Though not perfect, I hope to continue along this journey with continued gratitude, understanding, and appreciation for everything I am seeing, experiencing, and understanding.

We were told we would not want to leave Switzerland. I sure will miss the Swiss and all of the potential hikes and places I would love to explore. I think I will have to return sometime, maybe experience the beauty in another season to see another perspective.

Thank you Switzerland, Carina, and the universe for allowing this to all come into fruition. I continue to learn so much and am in debt to all those we are so blessed to learn from and experience life with along the way. A heartfelt thank you.

Bis spöter, Switzerland