Week 4 - Zurich, Switzerland

A place of rest, Zurich is still very much a city, one that I'm obsessed with the aesthetic of. However, it offered the most drastic change compared to the other four locations I spent my time in. The city center was especially welcoming with a crystal-clear lake that could draw anyone who looked at it for too long into its depths. Those who are fortunate enough to call Zurich home take advantage of this. Anytime I'd walk around the center I'd see a whole variety of people sitting along the water's edge. I found myself particularly fond of the atmosphere around lunchtime. People resting on blankets set on green grass, coworkers having meals together, couples holding hands while sitting on benches, kids running up and down the paths-everywhere you looked was someone enjoying what the city offered. My only complaint is that I don't have a job that pays well enough to experience this any more than what I was given. 

The city is often labeled as 'rich and quiet' and while after a week there I'm willing to pay the cash to experience the 'quiet' that wasn't a luxury I was able to have on my travels. The cost is the one glaring downside of experiencing this amazing country, especially if you're a foodie like me. It's a constant thorn in your side while adventuring, one that makes me miss Florence all the more. Of course, no location can be perfect, but it can be picturesque. 

What Switzerland had to offer me was by far the most breathtaking day of travel in the form of a journey to the top of Rigi. A short aerial tram ride takes you the base of a village that hosts the cogwheel train station, though there's no need to rush yourself up the mountain. The view offered from the small village is nothing to sneeze at, and a little bit of exploration offers a whole host of opportunity. What caught my eye first was a small home sitting a little way down a paved path, and after trotting my way along and capturing this:

More Photos: maddox_nunn Instagram

All I could think to myself was: I want to live here. After walking back up along the path I had a few more fun little encounters. The first with a team of horses resting across the railway station, which further amplified the 'aesthetic.' Then one with a group of alpine cows who made the trek up the mountain on foot. The group of people (and the most adorable dog) leading them up the mountain were incredibly friendly which allowed me to get rather close for another amazing photo. After one of the cows tried to give a little nibble to my hair, I kept making my way along and something else caught my eye. 

There was a cross planted along the side of the path that I missed previously. Praise God for curiosity. I was very happy with the little adventure I had so far, but this topped it off. Standing before the cross another feeling washed over me, one that the streets of Zurich (or any city for that matter) couldn't provide: peace.

Live life from @_hisperspective

After the perfect end to my village adventure our cogwheel train pulled into the station, and we made the half hour ride to the summit. The weather was perfect, and the ride to the top was soothing in its own right. Sitting with a group of friends chatting as the view from the window gradually changed, you're filled with anticipation of what awaits you at the top. As the train doors opened the excitement was represented in the best way possible-a snowball fight! I didn't realize it was a bucket list item until I got the chance to cross it off. After getting pelted once or twice the excitement fizzled out and was quickly replaced with a different sensation. 

Awe, the steam coming off of the lakes down below, the towns nestled next to them, the endless wilderness that blends into the clouds and then turns into the horizon. A mountain guide ended up approaching me a little while later and said this was the perfect day. 

Perfect coming from me doesn't mean much, but perfect coming from someone who experiences this daily-that put into perspective just how lucky I was to be experiencing this. I spent the rest of my time wandering the mountain by myself, taking photos as usual, but also reflecting.

To be lost in thought on a mountaintop-now that's something I'd do a million times over.