Eins, Zwei, Drei...It's bobsled time!

I cannot believe that I went through with it, but tonight I went bobsledding! I completely felt like the guys in Cool Runnings...first time on ice! I thought we were going to tip over a few times. I think we went around about five or six turns and it took about 40 seconds--I was ready to go again, but I did not. I stayed an extra night in Innsbruck just so I could go bobsledding...and then one hour before I was supposed to be up there, I found out that the bus that goes up there had stopped for the night...it took 20 minutes to find that out and I ended up taking my first taxi in Europe. 16 Euros one way, but the driver was a speed demon so we made it up to the top in time. I got pretty nervous, but before I knew it I had a helmet on and was sitting in the sled, holding on for dear life. When I was done, I had to find a way back down to Innsbruck. I asked a few people and the second couple I asked said their friend was on his way up and I could have his taxi for the way back. When I got down to where the taxis would be, I saw about 15 guys...not bad looking. All of a sudden taxis started pouring in and they piled in. There were two guys left to wait for the next one. We decided to share one--they "invited" me along wiwth them. We got in the next taxi and I asked how much it was going to be--so I did not get taken for more money than quoted. The two guys said it was on them, but the cabbie said that their taxi was still on its way up the hill and they got out of the taxi---darn, that would have saved me 15 Euros :( Anyway, I had a great night and now I am going to bed!

Innsbruck Sights and Food!

I spent the next two days with the Colorado girls, Ashley and Kaylie and we picked up Kaylie's boyfriend Patrick at the train station. We all got Innsbruck cards and found out about bobsledding. Because tourist bobsledding did not run on Sunday, the others with me were not able to go and I stayed an extra day in Innsbruck. On Sunday we went to Olympic Park and saw mass skiers and guys practicing on the bobsled track--Skeleton does not appeal to me--laying on your stomach and sliding down a hill with serious turns and high speed.

We walked through a forest to get to the Gondola to ride to the top of the mountain. It was a nice ride and a great view from the top. We could see all of Innsbruck and its surrounding small towns.

We enjoyed a local beer at the restaurant at the top and then headed back down the hill. We hopped on the sightseer bus and did one loop to see where we might want to go the next day. We also walked the streets of Innsbruck and looked in all the windows--everything is closed on Sundays here. Finally we decided to look for a place to eat dinner and agreed on a local restaurant. The waiter did not like us much, but the food was good. We ordered a dessert that a girl at the info center had recommended. We did not know what it was so when the goblet came with a jam/fruit mixture and one spoon, we were all surprised. We stared at it for a while and then decided to carefully share the spoon and eat it--it was expensive after all. The waiter did not come back for some time so we could ask his for more spoons. The locals looked at us strange, but what were we supposed to do??? When the waiter came back, he was carrying a plate with egglike/funnelcake time masses and four forks. We all burst into uncontrollable laughter for quite some time. We realized that the plum preserves were to go on top of this plate---lost in translation. Biggest laugh of my trip so far!



The next day we all went to the Swarvoski Crystal museum and it was interesting to say the least. I was tempted to buy some things, but held back because I knew I did not need any new jewelry and had no place in my luggage for souvenirs. After the bus brought us back to town I said good bye to them and they left for Venice! I went to Schlos Ambros and walked around a bit. There were a few Peacocks running around on the grounds. After finishing at the palace I headed back to the hostel to relax before bobsledding.

Pictures from Schlos Ambros

The Ride to Ausria

I missed the 9am cable car down to Stechelberg which cased me to miss the 11:01 train to Innsbruck, Austria. Well, as the guy was printing my ticket, my train was leaving the station---and I ran to the platform as the train was leaving. I figured I would just get the next one in an hour so I went to get lunch. Afterward, I went back to the information desk to print a new timetable and she informed that I would have to change trains four times now instead of once...the slow pace that morning was not helpful.

I made all of my connections and sat on the last train an extra hour because of delays. On the 3rd conection I met a gal from Australia who was in Europe to ski for a few weeks. We had a nice time talking for the three hour train ride. I finally made it to Innsbruck at almost 8pm...tired, hungry and with no clue where the hostel was (I told them I would be there by 5pm so I was hoping they had not cancelled my reservation). I got directions on which busses to take--the first day is always nerveracking, especially in the dark. I was waiting to get a bus ticket and met two girls from Colorado who were looking for the same hostel. We all got bus tickets and made it to the hostel. We checked in together and they put us all in the same room. We were all starvng and the hostel was not located right down town so we made it to Milano pizzaria where they had English menus, but not English speaking waiters. We managed to get some good pizzas and made it back to the hostel.

I realize now that I did not take a single picture the whole day...amazingly enough!

To the top of Schilthorn

The next day I decided to take the cable car up to Schilthorn where there was a revolving restaurant. It took 3 cable car switches and putting up with stinky skiers, but I made it! The views were amazing and I could see the JungFrau, Monch, and Eiger mountains where I had been a few days earlier.

I headed back down the mountian, stopping at each stop along the way. I love it up here--any good job openings? It is at a slow pace and very peaceful!

A little after dinner as other guests were checking in, I ran into a French girl who was extremely helpful and very pleasant. She told me places to see in France and places to avoid. The rest of her party arrived and we all went out to the local restaurant--they had dinner, I had dessert! I tried a small bit of Pork Weinersnitzle and Raclette--local Swiss favorites! We all talked and laughed for a few hours and I got to know a little about each of them. Three were from Denmark, two from Brazil, one from Germany and one from France all up for a ski weekend.

View of Murren from the Cable Car

The Walk to Murren

My first morning in Gimmelwald was very lazy. After my 8:30 am breakfast feast with three nice Norweigen guys, I slowly prepared for my day. The views were just so breathtaking that I kept staring at the mountains and taking pictures.
I finally made the choice to wlk up to Murren--a 30 minute walk (so I was told) that was more like an hour on a narrow trail covered in snow. I made my way through town and stopped at the COOP (store)because making dinner was cheaper than going out to dinner. I packed my groceries back down the hill and stopped half way to have lunch.
I got a chance to meet a few of the locals!I relaxed the rest of the day and caught up on emails. I was sitting at the table and happened to look out the window as the sun was hitting the mountian over the clouds--best picture this trip!

Lots of New Posts

I started today's posts with Geneva so make sure you catch everything. I think you will need to click on "Older Posts".

My little home in Gimmelwald

I had to ride the train to Lauterbrunnen, then take a bus to Stechelberg and then a really cool Cable car up the steep hill (cliff) to where Gimmelwald is located.




I am in Room 1 of Easther's Guest house. It is quite quaint and comfy. My room is the size of a postage stamp, but I love it! Check out the view from my room window. This is no joke! This is what I will be waking up to for the next three days.



This is it for tonight so Gute Nacht! Tomorrow I will see what I feel like doing or maybe just read and play in the snow. I actually get to weat my snowpants tomorrow!!

Last Day in Interlaken

I spent my last day in Interlaken with Dan & Emily. We walked all around the town and ate lunch at hooters...a little different than in the States. We went into Chocolate shops and a CooCoo Clock shop. We contemplated which adventure sport we wanted to do most.

Melissa--Which one of these was the one on the Calendar?


And then back at the hostel we said Good Bye!I then headed for Gimmelwald. A small stop on the cable car route to the top of Schilthorn Mountain.

Where was I?

I am back from dinner and was able to converse in English with the other patrons and the waiter. More pictures...

The place with the TeePee was where I had to change trains. It was a happening place with all the skiers!! With snow everywhere and quite a few trails instead of driving to the store, just ski there! Fun!!!

I caught this picture as I was heading off the mountain. It is the sun hitting the mountains as the moon is peaking out. I have a clearer picture, but it is not as dramatic.

More of Jungfraujoch

Top of Europe --Jungfraujoch

On my second day in Interlaken, I decided to pay the big bucks to make my way to the Top of Europe--Jungfraujoch at over 11,000 feet. I left about 10ish and did not make it back to Interlaken unitl around 6pm. A long day for sure! The trip up to Jngfraujoch consists of trains, trams, and going through a long underground portion...about three hours up with quite a few stops along the way to see the different views.Once we got to our destination there were lots a places to visit. I chose to eat first...I thought I was getting lightheaded because I was hungry, but it turned out that it was just the altitutde and my poor lungs! I continued on to the plateau and the ice palace and up to the Sphinx observatory. I am just in awe at how beautiful it is and how peaceful!. I did not forget my sunblock and was very thankful. I put it on twice just because it was so bright and I could see others were red. I made the rounds of things to see and headed back down the hill. I had decided to make dinner again and try to do laundry and get in a shower...everything took a little longer than usual, but mission accomplished, I can smell clean another few days!!! I must admit that I have smelled some pretty bad smells while I have been here...including my feet! hahaha!
All in all an amazing day!

Interlaken...a place for new adventures

I stayed two nights in Interlaken. While there is not a whole lot to the town (which is a nice change), there are so many things you can do starting in Interlaken. You can go to the "Top of Europe" Jungfraujoch, Skydive, go paragliding, rent bikes, take the scenic train, eat at Hooters, roll down a hill in a ball, Canyon jump, etc.
I really wanted to go Skydiving, but ran out of time...and maybe a little nerves. I wandered through town for some time on my first day and then went back to the hostel--quite Americanized so to speak. My first adventure with co-ed dorms...I was a little surprised when I went to take a look at my room and there was a guy taking a nap in one of the bunks.

It worked out just fine! I made my own dinner in the self service kitchen!! A much cheaper alternative than $25. I had a quiet evening at the hostel and then went for a walk after dark...once I got away from the street lights, I could see the mountians in all their beautiful splender.

Even now I cannot find the words to describe how beautiful they were with the moonlight. wish you all were here to experience this with me!

More Geneva Switzerland

Is it Geneve or Geneva???? Depends who you are asking. In Switzerland it is spelled Geneve, but in America we call it Geneva. Just a few pics for you to enjjoy or pass over quickly!
All of my stuff crammed into a locker


Even in Switzerland. I did not eat at Dominos, but I sure was hungry for pizza.

A cool street, yes a street-- not just a walkway!