Europe: Where Everything Looks Like a Postcard
When I was in the 7th grade, my teacher gave us a fascinating project: choose any European country and delve into its history, geography, politics, and more. I remember scanning the list of options, feeling a surge of excitement as I settled on Switzerland. Why Switzerland? I couldn’t quite say then, but it stood out amidst the sea of choices. As I embarked on my project, cutting out pictures and jotting down notes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. Switzerland seemed like a faraway dream, something I’d only read about in books or seen in pictures. Growing up in a family where spending money on luxuries wasn’t common, the idea of traveling to Switzerland felt like an extravagant fantasy.
Each photo I pasted into my project book held a piece of that dream. The towering Alps, serene lakes, and charming villages seemed almost unreal. Would I ever get to see these breathtaking landscapes with my own eyes? It felt surreal, like a distant possibility I dared not hope for. But little did I know, the seeds of fascination I planted in that 7th-grade project would one day bloom into a real-life adventure.
So, there I was, finally living my dream of exploring Switzerland all on my own. I hopped from Basel to Interlaken and then Zurich, soaking in every bit of the country's beauty along the way. And let me tell you, Switzerland's beauty is something else—it's like a painting come to life.
But what really made my trip unforgettable was the feeling of safety that surrounded me. For the first time in a long time, I was carefree while travelling alone. Navigating through Switzerland was a breeze, thanks to its amazing connectivity. It's like they built the whole country just to make traveling easy. Trains and cable cars crisscrossed the mountains, making it a cinch to get around.
Coming from vibrant India, where bustling energy often defines daily life, Switzerland felt like stepping into a serene oasis, a haven of tranquility and order. The infrastructure, the cleanliness, the order—it was all so impressive. And let's not forget those jaw-dropping landscapes. I swear, I tried not to blink, fearing I'd miss something incredible.
I made up my mind to try skydiving while in Interlaken. Standing there, on the edge of the plane, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepared to leap into the heart of the Alps. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins as I took that leap of faith. As I soared through the clouds, I felt like I was living in a dream.The moment I touched down on the clouds, I couldn’t help but tear up. The cold air nipped at my skin, but the thrill of the experience kept me warm inside. I couldn’t contain my excitement — I screamed at the top of my lungs, feeling like I was on top of the world.
But then, amidst the vastness of the sky, I realized something profound. There was no one around to hear my shouts. It was just me and the breathtaking scenery below. So, I took a moment to soak it all in — the lush meadows, the towering mountains, the two lakes merging into one stunning view. It was like witnessing magic unfold before my eyes.Skydiving in Interlaken wasn’t just an adventure; it was a spiritual experience. And I couldn’t have asked for better weather to make it all possible.
As I bid farewell to Switzerland, I carried with me more than just memories. I carried a newfound sense of possibility, a belief that dreams, no matter how distant they may seem, can indeed come true. And perhaps, just perhaps, the seeds of fascination I planted in that 7th-grade project were never meant to remain confined to the pages of a book — they were meant to blossom into an extraordinary journey of discovery.
