Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Interlaken - Tag Zwei

...continued from Interlaken - Tag Eins

Woke up bright and early to check the weather channel. Although, we didn't even need to hear the forecast. It was still raining outside. Ugh! We still turned on the TV to see the live video from the top of Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. You couldn't even see the mountain. It just looked like one big cloud. Not happy, we set off to breakfast. As we were eating our European breakfast (yum yum), the clouds started lifting and the sun started shining. Somebody must have been looking out for us.

We caught the train to Lauterbrunnen again, but this time switched over to arrive in Wengen. From there, we cable car-ed it up to Männlichen where we started the hike over to Kleine Scheidegg. This hike was definitely more touristy than the day before, but maybe it had to do with the weather. Again, we walked along this beautiful trail, but this time with the Eiger staring down at us. What a sight! I happily strolled through the countryside snacking on my Hot Tamales and taking as many pictures as possible when the sun came out to visit. Other people stopped and had their picnic lunches where tables were available. We just powered through enjoying the scenery. I think deep down we were just ready to step foot on the "Top of Europe".

There is something about Kleine Scheidegg. It is an adorable, little town. Maybe it was the hike to get there, but I think if we went back, I would want to stay there instead of Interlaken.

From there, we boarded the train to Jungfraujoch -- the highest rail station in Europe, also known as the "Top of Europe". The train made a few stops along the way where you could jump out and take pictures of the glacier and the mountaintops. There were also hikes throughout this area. Another thing I would do if we ever go back. We just didn't have enough time for everything this trip.

Finally, after an hour or so train ride to the top, we made it to Jungfraujoch. The annoying part was having to find your way through the tourist center to actually see the mountain. It felt like Vegas, where you have to go through the casino no matter where you are trying to get in the hotel. We found our way to the terrace view. I had bundled up ready for the cold weather and went out on the observation deck.

Have you ever seen "The Bucket List"? You know the item on their list that says, "to see something truly majestic"? This was it. This was my "truly majestic". Again, I just don't have the words. I was at the top of the Alps, the top of Europe and in utter amazement. Breathtaking. Magnificent. Majestic.

We were on a bit of a time crunch, since we had to get back to Zurich tonight and it takes two and a half hours to get down the mountain and then another two to get back to Zurich. We made our way back into the tourist trap, bought a few postcards, and mailed them to some select special people. This is also the highest post office -- I want to say in the world, but can't be certain. Josh would know.

Go check your mail. Maybe there will be a surprise for you.

Lastly, we went to the plateau observation area. We definitely saved the best for last. The whole day everything just kept escalating on how amazing something could be. It was like a competition, each view beating the last. We walked out into the open air, feet on the snow, and I took a deep breath. Breathing in this sight.

Watching Josh take pictures like a mad man just made me happier. He was so excited. I love seeing him this happy.

We both didn't want to leave, but it was time. We had a long trip ahead of us, and to be honest, I was spent. I needed the hiking boots off and some food to tide me over. We made it back to Interlaken taking a different route than before through Grindelwald and boarded the train to Zurich.

I know these posts don't do justice to what we saw, but hopefully it lights a fire under you to visit. To see more pictures, you can always visit our Flickr pages here and here.

1 comment:

  1. If these posts don't do justice to what you saw, I just can't even imagine how incredible the sights must be!! Wanna go...wanna go!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.