I heart Switzerland.

Amazing. I don’t think I will truly be able to describe to you how much I loved Switzerland. At times it could be quite unsettling because it was so…perfect. Everyone using their bikes, or walking on pristinely maintained trail systems, the wonderful trains which were always on time (usually to the minute), the lack of garbage anywhere on the streets, the Alps (my absolute favorite part of Switzerland), the beautiful cities, and of course the chocolate.


Our “home” was in a little town outside of Zug (about 40 minutes away from Zurich by train) which was an incredibly charming place surrounded by beautiful rolling green hills  and a gorgeous lake. We had easy access to the train and enjoyed walking or running in the Swiss countryside in the morning (there was an amazing trail system which offered great running/walking/biking access). And there was a beach on the lake not too far away which provided great people watching and beautiful views! It was an idyllic place. I think I could have stayed there forever.  Too bad it was incredibly expensive...and I don't know German.

Upon my arrival we immediately embarked upon an ambitious couple of days of hiking (courtesy of Chuck’s planning) in the Alps. Michelle and I were unaware of how long and far we were going but the views made up for the long uphills and ambitious downhills. I don’t know if the pictures do it justice but the Alps are one of the most amazing places I’ve probably ever been in my life. Every view is breathtaking. I could probably have spent my entire time hiking in these majestic mountains.

After our hike (feeling a bit sore and tired and wet since it had rained our last night), we made our way to Zurich to meet my friend Jennifer who was joining us for a few days and spent the next week sightseeing. We headed to Lucerne where we took a walking tour and enjoyed this beautiful little city on the water which was only about an hour from Zug. The next day we all took the train down south to Locarno which is on Lake Maggiore near Lake Como (no George Clooney sightings although the rumor was he was in the vicinity during our stay). This area is steeped in the Italian influence of Switzerland since it sits right on the border of Italy (it is only about 40 km from Milan). We loved a little village called Ascona and took a morning walk there to see the market. Jennifer and I also took a boat tour to a little village called Bellinzona (didn't love this village but the views fron the boat were great) and we also stopped on a little island with a beautiful botanical garden.

After spending a couple of days in Locarno we headed back to our home base and then took a day trip to the city of Bern where I had high hopes of seeing the parliament in action. Unfortunately that didn’t work out but we enjoyed the city anyway. Bern sits on the river where people can swim and relax and the city offers amazing architecture and city life. After visiting Bern, Jennifer and I then headed back to the Alps for another hiking day and were rewarded with probably the clearest skies of the week as we hiked to a little village called Gimmerwald (complete with a walk under a waterfall).

We ended the week by spending the day in Zurich shopping (mostly window shopping) and heading back to Lucerne for an outdoor evening concert on the lake (hoping to catch a glimpse of De La Sol) and then Jennifer headed back home.

Michelle, Chuck and I decided to head to France for a couple of days (I’m telling you the train systems offer easy access to most any nearby country – it’s awesome). We ended up in the cutest of cute towns, Strasbourg, France. We loved this place! Cheap wine and good beer plus a bustling outdoor market filled with great people and beautiful things? What more could you ask for (oh, and there was the really cheap hostel we stumbled upon which justified our little mini-vacation).  We were in heaven! We stayed for the weekend and reluctantly left stopping at a quaint little town also in France called Colmar on the way back to Zug.

Out last couple of days we took a bike ride around the lake near Zug (stunning!) and I picked out my dream house so that I know where to live when I make enough money to move to Switzerland. Then we enjoyed spending Switerland’s Independence Day (August 1) on the lake watching fireworks and having a picnic (almost like our 4th of July). A perfect end to a truly perfect vacation.

And, yes, I reminisced about Peace Corps life. It was so great to be with Michelle and Chuck and I’m already wondering when we will have our next “family” vacation. But first the rest of my life…

Sorry for the abundance of pictures but I just couldn't get enough.  Hope you enjoy!