(Not) Getting Lost in the Alps!

After a delicious quiche and cappuccino for breakfast on Friday, we couldn't really decide on a plan of attack for our final full day together. Should we wander? Should we visit another mountain? So what did we do...We wandered on a mountain top!

We hopped on a train to Uetliberg which is the highest point in the Zurich Alps at 873 meters (2864 feet) above sea level. The 30 minute train ride is beautiful, and the view at the peak is truly panoramic. A heavy snow had fallen overnight, so every tree and branch looked like someone had carefully taken the time to brush a layer of pure white paint on it. It was nothing but picturesque. We watched families and their dogs who had brought sleds for the 3.1 km paths that go all the way down the mountain. We even adventured off the main path a bit to take in some more breathtaking views, but we were careful not to wander ourselves lost! The serenity and quiet off the path was wonderful.

Churches, bookstores, and grocery stores have been must-sees in all cities, so it was without question that Melissa showed me her favorite grocery store from when she studied abroad in Zurich. I learned that shoppers are responsible for weighing their fruit and veggies before they get to the check out lanes. There are machines where you select the appropriate item number, place the fruit in a scale, and a label pops out. It's a simple act that saves time and keeps the lines shorter at check-out. We practiced by buying an orange that happened to be a perfect addition to spruce up some store-bought, bottled gluhwein. If you think hotel coffee pots are just for coffee, think again ;-)

The rest of our day was spent doing what we do best: wandering, eating, and finding pretty views. We filled ourselves with pasta for lunch, walked along the river, watched a beautiful sunset, and then warmed ourselves up with ice cream at Melissa's favorite ice cream store in Zurich. We overlooked a traditional swiss dinner and opted for some yummy Indian cuisine. Navigating an Indian menu written in German is quite a puzzle! We have our spending system down to such an art that we had just enough Swiss francs left over to try the new, hip "hugo" drink. Several of our new insta-friends had mentioned it, and we're definitely bringing this one back to the States... get ready, Minneapolis! All in all, Friday was another day on this journey different than the day before, but enjoyed just as much.

Beautiful Sunset

Typical Pre-Dinner Appetizer

Traditional Swiss Cuisine... Not.

As I boarded my flight back to the States on Saturday morning, I kept waiting for someone to take the aisle seat next to me. Melissa and I have been each other's shadow over the last three weeks, rarely separated by more than a room. I really wasn't looking forward to sitting next to a stranger for a 9+ hour flight. I held my breath as each person passed, but no one sat down. I trust you all agree this means that no one can fill the spot in our friendship!

Keep reading because Melissa will be bringing in the anchor as she travels through Germany for one more week. For all those who have followed and supported us, thank you.  Cheers to many more laps!

The trophy of the victory lap.... Friendship.

Love,
Alysa and Melissa