The Swiss countryside is like nothing I have ever seen before. Where I am staying, I can look out a window and see three mountains. If I go stand out in the street, there are mountains all around me. I’m on a little island in the middle of two rivers. I can walk five minutes and be standing next to some of the most beautiful blue water I have ever seen.
I met another American in Paris, who is living there for a few months and daytrading to support himself. When I told him that I was coming to Switzerland, he decided to take a week off to come join me. It’s been nice to have a friend along for a bit.
Yesterday, we went for a short hike up the “small hill.” It was only about 1300 meters (I’m really not sure exactly how high it was I just know it took about three hours to get up, and an hour and fifteen minutes to get down). Dan and I did some number crunching and estimated that it was just about a ten mile hike. At the top there was this nice little restaurant that served us “Lemonade” (Sprite), and french fries. The view was just awesome.
The downside of Switzerland is that it is very expensive. The Swiss Franc and the US dollar nearly have a one to one conversion rate (which is a very nice change), but everything costs nearly 50% more than in the US. Some things more… for instance, a Big Mac here (not that I’ve eaten any McDonalds) costs 12.50 Francs. Yes, that’s about $13.00. I nearly crapped myself when I saw that. The beer isn’t that expensive though. It’s very comparable to a beer in the States, but soda is very expensive. A 50ml bottle of Coke costs nearly $3.00, while you can get a big bottle of beer or wine for the same amount.
The place I’m staying is actually a hotel. They charge something like $25/night to stay here, but if you are a couchsurfer, then they let you stay for free, although the room isn’t as luxurious. Everyone gets full access to all the things offered here though no matter if you are paying or staying for free, so we have been buying most of our food at the supermarket and making it in the kitchen.
One of the hardest things now is speaking proper English. I don’t know what it is about being in a foreign country, but after trying to speak French for a week, I find that it is much harder to speak proper English. All of my sentences get mixed up, and trying to find words is a little harder (especially for someone who already isn’t the most articulate person in the world). Typing this little entry has already taken me a half hour (but I’m also doing other things while typing).
Well, I am also posting new pics of the mountains, so you will get a chance to see what I am experiencing.
I’m going to the lake now.
The pictures are great, I wish I were there. I’m glad you met someone to travel with for a while. Have a good time and be careful.
One of the hardest things now is speaking proper English. I don’t know what it is about being in a foreign country, but after trying to speak French for a week, I find that it is much harder to speak proper English. All of my sentences get mixed up, and trying to find words is a little harder
Speaking of people with a messed up way of talking, have you been enjoying Schweizer-Deutsch? ^_^ Not, I guess, that you would actually recognize how hilarious it is…never mind.
Ain’t that the truth? After awhile, I felt like I could speak neither English nor German correctly and was just floundering in a sea of words with no meaning and no relation to one another. It was depressing, but fun sometimes.
I miss Switzerland. Yes, it is crazy expensive there. CRAZY. But it’s so beautiful! Even if you were articulate (^_~), words can’t express it.
And Limonade isn’t really Sprite, it’s just more like Sprite than lemonade. But it’s so delicious. Have you had Apfelschorle? It’s fizzy apple juice, basically, and I miss it so!
Uggh, I am so jealous!!! lol, I’m glad you’re having a great time, though! ^_^
Wow, beautiful picts. I am so glad you decided to take a camera. 🙂
Hey babe, your pics are just beautiful.
Wish I was there.
Switzerland is beautiful country.
And I must say you have a great eye too!!!
Thanks for sharing with me your journey.
Can’t wait to see more.
Have fun and be safe.
Later babe
Whit, I’ll bring the pics on a flashdrive whenever I come visit, so that you can see them.