I apologize; I've been so busy lately! I don't even know where to begin.
I went to Switzerland for a long weekend mid-November with four friends. We flew into Geneva and headed straight to Interlaken… a small town located between two lakes, hence the name. The train ride was incredible. We were riding through the mountains gazing at small towns down below.
Interlaken: what a peaceful, picturesque, little place. The mountains surrounded us on all ends and the air was so fresh! The water fountains throughout provided the most delicious water I have ever tasted! It was a nice change to be somewhere other than a large city with tall buildings and a gray atmosphere… not that Amsterdam is anything of the sort, but everywhere else I have visited has been so "citylike." We rented scooters and rode through the mountains. We visited two smaller towns neighboring Interlaken. Honestly, I have never been so cold in my life as I was on that scooter. We got back to our hostel and our legs felt like jello they were so numb. Anyway, it was so worth it… a great way to get around and see the area.
However, this small adventure was not even comparable to the one I had in store. After emailing my Dad to gain some reassurance of the crazy idea, I decided to go skydiving. When else would I have the opportunity to skydive over the Swiss Alps? I was hesitant at first, but after reading the response from good ole' pops that included the quote from the ten commandments of attitudes, there was no doubt in my mind as to getting on that plane.
"You will seldom experience regret for anything you've done; it's what you don't do that will torment you."
The sky did not have a cloud in it. I don't think I could have picked a more perfect day to fall out of a plane. People always say they "jump" out of a plane. I definitely consider it falling. The ride up in the plane alone was absolutely breathtaking. The mountain tops were covered in snow. It was like gazing down at a winter wonderland. I was calm the entire time…until I realized that my life was COMPLETELY in someone else's hands. Even then, I really kept my cool. I figure, they're trained to do this sort of thing, right? Of course, I was the last to go. I waited in anticipation to approach the small stoop outside the plane. There are no words to describe the feeling of falling out of a plane. What a rush! Call me crazy, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The freefall was approximately 40 seconds and then the parachute was released. It was then a relaxing float through the air, including some 360s, where I was able to take in the surroundings. It was worth every penny and I wouldn't take it back… Thanks for the support, Dad!
Back to Geneva. Eh, it was okay. We had nice weather when we arrived which is always a plus! The area along the water was nice! One of the main attractions of the city is some big water fountain. Luckily, we arrived just in time. I was taking some pictures and all of a sudden, I noticed the fountain was becoming a bit blurry. Then, it was gone. Apparently, it was that time of year where they turn off the fountain for about two weeks to clean it and whatnot. At least we saw it!
Now back to Amsterdam! My Mom came to visit for a week! It was SO nice to see her. I bought her a bike before her arrival so she could really fit into the Dutch lifestyle. I refused to let her ride around on a bright red, "rent-a-bike." My time with her could not have been more perfect. We have been to Amsterdam together before, so we were able to avoid the touristy things for the most part. I was really able to show her my life here. We hit up some of my favorite markets, did a little shopping, and made some fun memories over dinner at restaurants throughout the city… just to list a bit. The first snow of the season came while she was here! Very unexpected… for me at least. I was sad to see her go!
Shortly after her departure, I was off to Italy! I spent Thanksgiving in Venice with my friend Caroline and her family. I loved Venice… and I think I got out just in time. Don't know if you have been up with the news, but check out the floods right now! The city was so pretty! We did a lot of shopping in the stores and markets and took a gondola ride through the canals! Caroline, her two brothers, and I attempted to hit up the casino one night. I wish I could say I left with a ton of money, but in reality, it was super lame. Instead, we ended up wandering the streets, but that was really fine with me. Through all this traveling, I think I've realized it's one of my favorite things to do.
After Venice, I headed back to Florence, where Caroline studies! I was cursed with some bad weather but was still able to enjoy the city. The view from Piazzale Michelangelo was my favorite! I bought a really nice leather bag too. I was told I wasn't allowed to leave Florence without buying something leather! I'm also a sucker for Italian food… basically I was in heaven!
Now back to reality, back to school… I'm now finishing up the semester. Less than two weeks left. I fly home on the 18th. I am so excited to come home, but I'm really going to miss this place. Every time I went on a trip, I really looked forward to returning to Amsterdam. It's still my favorite city! The weather has been iffy lately. I have NEVER been one to complain about snow, but it's really no fun riding my bike through it everyday. It's not even the good snow, the kind that sticks. It's wet and cold. We had some sunshine today though which was awesome!
Hope all is well back at home and everyone's getting in the holiday spirit! Let me know how you are! Miss you all!
Love,
Libby
