Starting on Friday afternoon we embarked with our newly found friend and bus driver Dimitri to the small German speaking town of Andermatt, Switzerland. The drive to Andermatt was just as great as being in the town itself, driving up mountains and literally being the clouds was so beautiful. At one point the road was even blocked with a large herd of sheep that two men were trying to herd off the road. Andermatt is known as one of the go to places in Switzerland for skiing and snow fun but, we had the opportunity to go throughout town and eat dinner wherever we pleased. I stopped at a small dinner cafe with three or so friends and ending up eating with a couple of other students at the cafe! To fulfill our mission of being "swiss" we had a flammkuchen with ham which was absolutely delicious and shared an apfelstrudel for dessert. Some of the best food I have ever eaten was in that small town. As we embarked onward on our tour we left Andermatt and went to our first hostel in Lucerne Switzerland. The hostel was nice and some students had the opportunity to go and experience the night life of the town.
The next morning we gathered our belongings and went on our way to the Rütli Meadow where Switzerland was first formed. Although we were under the impression the meadow would be a small 15 minute walk away it was actually 50 minute hike down a mountain and up a mountain. As we were on a very set time schedule we walked as far as we could down the mountain and then back up. My friends and I walked father than most down the mountain but let me tell you, walking back up the mountain was no easy task. The views were beautiful and the moments with friends were memorable. It was a great trip even though we didn't see the meadow, it's not about the destination it's about enjoying the journey.
After Rütli we drove to the town on Brunnen and toured the famous Victorianox Swiss Army Knife factory. The factory was so informative and very up to date on technology. We learned about how the company came to be and saw the progression of Army Knives from when they first were created to present day. After our tour we had the opportunity to purchase our own knife. Many of my friends purchased knives and we had a great time seeing where the knives are made and the process of making them. We then had time to have lunch in town and I sat at a small outdoor cafe with friends.
When I was a child I had the opportunity to visit Gruyere with my family, coming back was so odd because I remember doing things or being places with them and it all felt very familiar. I really enjoyed Gruyere because of that feeling and also because I was able to use my french! I asked people for directions and ordered food small tasks perhaps but the ability to practice a language will always make me happy. In my free time at Gruyere I had fondue with friends and walked around the town it was gorgeous and I will always have place for that town in my heart.
On our last leg of the trip we stopped at Gruyere once more to explore the town and relax before our long drive home. I enjoyed a Coca Cola and walked around the town with friends and by myself. Listening to languages and looking at the gorgeous place surrounding me.
Driving home I sat on the bus and thought about what I had just done and all the things I saw. I feel so blessed to be able to have such fulfilling and beautiful experiences. I chose to go to Franklin because I knew that I would get a great education but I would also experience the world around me, connecting my education to the world. If I could tell my friends or family anything it would be that I am so happy. As one of my major trips here at Franklin and in Switzerland so far, the Swiss Bus Tour was truly a blast.
Love Jamie
