This past weekend I had an opportunity to do something that I have never done before: travel alone. Growing up in a large extended family, I have always been told about the places we were visiting but never were allowed to give my own opinion in what I wanted to do. Traveling alone and that too in Switzerland was out of my thoughts. I never would have imagined that I would get a chance to go to this BEAUTIFUL country and eat all the chocolate I want (even though it did hurt my wallet). From Milan, I left for Zurich on Saturday. On the train ride, there were so many mountains filled with green trees, waterfalls at every corner, colorful houses, a stream of water passing by, horses, and so much more. Seeing of all this just made me want to live there! When arriving in Zurich, I could already feel the different ambiance that I was in. Different foods, language, transportation, the smell in air, and buildings made me want to go around this welcoming city. Though on the first day I was able to make it outside in the city despite rain in the forecast, it started pouring as soon as I finished my lunch and when I began my exploration. As I stood on the side, I saw that I was on the shopping district so instead of waiting for the rain to stop I went to a mall and gave my wallet a big shock. Later as the rain stopped a little, I was able to roam around the streets and main city center. As the day came to an end, I also stopped by a café to take a little break during my exploration. The next day I started early but instead of at Zurich, I went to Lucerne. On my way there, I got to grasp the actual beauty of Switzerland: small lakes, beautiful houses in middle of nowhere, sheeps roaming around farmland, and just the greenery surrounding the land that made everything so beautiful. Having been living in Milan and visiting other urban cities, now getting to see a beautiful rural side of Europe just presented the many qualities that Europe has. Switzerland was really a great solo adventure. Finding the quality time for myself was worth it as it gave me the independence and confidence that I have wanted to engulf. I still remember my last day at Zurich when I was sitting by the lake, watching ducks and swans, and quietly working on my sketchbook. That peaceful moment in a tranquil environment was what I had wanted to do. With this great of an experience, I can’t wait to continue with it when I travel to London and Paris alone after the program.
