Swiss adventures

After my program ended, Whitney and I jetted off to Switzerland for the week. We spent the first few days with my aunt Anni at her place in Zurich. I didn’t realize how outdoor oriented Switzerland is. Whitney and I spent the days exploring towns near Zurich. We took ferries and trains around. We visited the Lindt chocolate factory and filled up on chocolate, took the wrong bus and wandered around quaint villages, and walked along the stunning lakes in the spring sun. We enjoyed intellectually stimulating conversations over homemade dinner with Anni and got an insight into the Swiss way of life.

On the ferry

Our train from Zurich to Lugano went through the Swiss Alps which were absolutely beautiful!

We then travelled to Lugano, which borders Italy, to visit Whitney’s friend Greg who goes to school at Franklin College. Lugano was an interesting town since it was located in Switzerland, was populated by Italian people and looked like Hawaii! The town is built on a large hill, so Whit and I got a great workout climbing up and down. Our reward was multiple cones of gelato! We explored lakeside park, ate homemade chili at a Franklin event, and did puzzles in our hostel to pass the time. It was a great last few days together.

The entire week was relaxing and rejuvenating, which was much needed after a non-stop last week in London. Next, I’m off to Marrakech to shake things up a bit!

Last thoughts in London

My program wraps up today. I just got home from our farewell event. We had an incredible high tea and I got to share it with the people who mean the most to me here. This adventure has flown by – its already been four months and it feels like only weeks. I had incredible experiences, made life long friends and learned a ton about myself and a new culture.

Here is a quick recap of my last month in London.

I spent Easter in Prague with Liz and Allyson. We had an incredible trip: saw Kacy, ate delicious food and explored the beautiful city. We went on two tours of the city and I learned so much about the history of Prague.

One Friday, my British Youth Culture took a day trip to Brighton. The weather was gorgeous and made it the perfect day for a seaside visit. We went on a walking tour, ate fish and chips, fresh crab sandwiches, ice cream, walked along the Brighton Pier, sifted through vintage clothing stores and visited the architecturally beautiful Palace.

I spent my last three weekends in London. The weather was sunny and warm. I spent a good amount of time in parks reading or hanging out with friends. I wrapped up the last of my touristy activities. I saw Wicked with Liz and Allyson and Enron with Brian, Eric, and Nick. Wicked’s music was great and Enron was a hilarious satire. I tried to spend as much time with my friends as possible, since we go home to places all over the US. I ate food from all over the world including Indian curry, homemade Italian pasta, Mediterranean kebabs, and good old American style burgers.

Tomorrow I head off on an exciting two week adventure through Switzerland, Morocco, and Turkey!

London is an international city with endless things to explore and culture to experience. I loved my time here and can’t wait to come back someday!