The start of classes, and a little taste of Interlaken, Switzerland
Discover the world.. Discover yourself: PART TWO 2/5/2012
Hey guys, so I know it’s been a while since I have posted, but this week has been super busy just trying to adapt to my new life and culture surrounding me. In any event, I apologize to any of my followers who may have an interest in my travels or experiences.
Anywaysss, the start of classes have officially taken flight, and so far they seem to hold my interest well enough… well for now, until the work load picks up that is. I am currently studying Psychology with an English minor, so most of my classes are quite intriguing to begin with, which has left me feeling pretty psyched about what new there is to learn this semester. Here at Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, I am enrolled in five classes: Social Psychology, Child Psychology, Italian, Italian Grand Tour, and Pairing Food and Wine; which will be one of the most amazing classes that I’m taking, considering my infatuation with food, and thirst for learning all about the different wines. My Italian course is also something that I am not used to, since the only other language I have learned is Spanish, and I only have about two years under my belt. I am certainly hungry for culture however, and plan on putting fourth all efforts to try to learn the language as a second nature. It is the most beautiful flowing language that I have ever heard, and I would love nothing more than to make it my second language.
My professors are some of the nicest people I have met thus far, which is great, especially my Social Psych professor, who happened to grow up in the same area as I did, and moved to Italy after meeting and marrying an italian man. How convenient, I thought, after she went on and on about her glorious life experiences, and travels. Nevertheless, I really think we will get along well, as I was able to sense just as strong of a love for the differences between people, and the way we think, as I attain.
Aside from classes, some of the main highlights of the week included my first Gelato experience in Italy, and of course visiting the beautiful city of Interlaken, Switzerland!
Now I really don’t normally eat ice cream, or really any of the high calorie foods here mainly because I have a weight preference that I try to maintain, but the Gelato here is undoubtedly the lightest, most delicious kind of cream there is. Their gelato is the perfect combination of creamy and thick, and also rich full of flavor. I have heard that it is better than ice cream because all of the ingredients are fresh and real, leaving the customer with a satisfying dessert to tingle their taste buds. Choosing the unique flavors of Pistachio, and berry, I was in all my glory as I licked every part of the bowl clean.
“Bus leaves at 8PM, meet at the train station”, is what my friend Heather reminded me of just hours before our departure to Interlaken, Switzerland. Having booked with a fantastic Travel group known as Bus2alps, I had somewhat of an idea what to expect from this weekend, but I had no idea I would meet half of the amazing people I met, and view one of the most gorgeous places to be during the winter time. 8 hours, three movies, and one dinner stop later, we arrived at approximately 3:45AM at a hostel in Interlaken, tired, worn down, and ready to check in and get to bed to begin our adventures for the weekend. Bunked with about five other girls, we all washed our faces, and passed out before any of us could even greet each other.
Much of the weekend consisted of activities booked, exploring the city, and meeting back at the hostel for happy hour and hanging with friends at the bar all night.
Unfortunately, I was pretty exhausted all weekend, which altered my ability to drink, and keep up with the rest of the kids down in the bar, but, I managed.. and still maintained myself enough to enjoy other’s company.
However, the scenic view of this place was absolutely incredible. When we got there, it was freezing, and snowing. The white, fluffy, powder covered the ground gently, and it wasn’t an abundance of snow, that was ridiculous to walk around in, but just the right amount to allow for the most memorable photographs one could take. I could not quite put my finger on it, but there was something about this little city that settled well with me. The town, the hostel, the people, it was all so peaceful. It felt like the perfect get away, and I am certainly glad that I decided to book this trip myself, without people I had already known, because the way I see it, you learn from every new person you meet.. and traveling with people you already know, may alter that opportunity to grow as an independent person.
My peace was certainly shook on Saturday however, when I finally decided to grow some balls and go Para-gliding. A friend and I spent about two hours that morning.. deciding between Canyon-jumping, or para-gliding, and.. well, we decided not to risk our lives entirely that day, so para-gliding it was. The view while up there was indescribable, and I will only be able to show you how beautiful it truly was with the pictures I took, so brace yourselves! Although, truthfully a picture can never quite capture the beauty of having been there. We took flight, and I felt completely at ease. Aside from the cold and strong winds pressing against my face, I strangely enough felt safe flying high through the air. It was amazing, and minus a little altitude sickness after landing, I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a very thrilling, yet calming experience.. with a great high of adrenaline, yet not as intense as canyon-jumping would have been, so overall I was pretty pleased with my choice in activity.
I know I have overdone my limit, but there is just so much that I want to say all at once.. all I know is coming home from such a combination of a relaxing, yet exciting weekend, I became slightly depressed when the bus turned that corner, reaching the city of Florence. As much as I love Italy thus far, it had felt as if our vacation had ended, and as never ceasing to fail, it was time to return to the noise and business of city life and responsibility, to leave us with a sense of balance, and appreciation for these small, yet fulfilling trips taken. Returning to Switzerland is a must, but for now.. Venice Carnivale will be an entirely different experience worth waiting for.
That’s all for now… thanks for reading and enjoy the Pics!