We did in fact go to Murren the next day. We had a good breakfast of yoghurt and scrambled eggs with onion, tomatoes, red peppers, and bacon, and then we headed out for the mountains, despite the chilly air and drizzling rain. We knew the hike went straight up for a while, but we didn't realize from the map that it went actually straight up for almost the whole hike; we gained 3,000 feet of elevation in just two hours, and we crossed over 20 streams and waterfalls, and through the evergreens and fog, we occasionally caught glimpses of the valley or the waterfalls and mountains across the valley. The hike was beautiful, and we eventually hike up hi enough to be walking on snow, yet it continued to rain. at the top we arrived at tiny little murren, which was pretty much closed down since we are in the opposite of tourist season. We did find a cafe though, which was great because we really needed some water and a hot drink. So soaking wet, we walked into this little cafe and got coffees and bottles of water. Little did we know that the water cost 5.00!!! for half a liter. it was definitely the most expensive water I have ever bought and hopefully ever will buy. but it was delicious.
A little while later, we caught the train over to the cable car station and took that down to Lauterbrunnen, where we headed back to our room only to realize that I had left the key in the room and we were locked out until the receptionist desk reopened in an hour and a half. this was pretty bad on my part because we were cold and wet and wanted to shower. so we made some hot chai tea and played scrabble and chess until it opened again, when we happily went to our room. I don't think I mentioned it yet, but last night after returning from the cafe, we made pasta for dinner and drank some wine and watched the sound of music in our loft while snacking on apples and Gruyere cheese. We both happen to love that movie--in fact we both remember it being our very favorite movie as children, and with a tiny little bit of help from the wine, we enjoyed it just as much as ever! plus it was totally fitting considering that we were sitting there in a loft nestled in the Alps, surrounded by the very mountains they hiked over to safety.
The next morning we packed up and very sorrowfully left our hostel, but upon leaving, the owner gave us each a bar of swiss chocolate, and mine had hazlenuts! so so nice, we were just thrilled. Upon arrival 4 hours and 3 trains later in Geneva, we were picked up by Anya's college friend's mother and her sons, and they took us back to their house where we had a delicious lunch of fresh french baguettes (because were no longer in Geneva but just across the border into france) with a cheese plate, including my favorite, very fancy Gruyere. we had a nice afternoon until we heard a crazy crying noise outside, either a bird or a small child, only to find that it was a deer being attacked by someone's husky. really sad, but luckily, I didn't see any of it. The deer did survive, but the boys doubted it would last too long, although it had enough energy to run away. After a delicious dinner of melted cheese, mushrooms, salami, and potatoes, we hopped in the hot tub! and we had a desert of this special french plum pie which was spectacular. From the hot tub I saw a shooting star and the Alps in the distance. It was a beautiful evening. I am now back in Copenhagen which is cold and rainy, and although its 3.30 it is getting dark. oh well. My adventures were more exciting and more beautiful than I could have possibly imagined, and I am so so so thankful for these opportunities that I have had.
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