my fondest travel memory.
Two Eurotrips with some best friends combined with (going on) two years living in Europe makes picking one memory that sticks out above all others seems unfair. I won’t call this the best travel memory I have, but it certainly sure is one of them. When I look back on this entire afternoon, I cannot help but smile and turn on a particular song.
It was a beautiful June afternoon in majestic Interlaken, Switzerland. Maybe you’ve heard of it? If not, it’s the ultimate backpackers city. There are two hostels, Balmer’s Herberge (my personal favorite) and Funny Farm that eager, adventure-seeking backpackers fill come summertime. During the day, travelers find themselves, canyoning, skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, paragliding, hiking, at the Top of Europe, or, my personal favorite, hang gliding with Bernie & Ed.
Jonathan and I had been traveling for nearly two weeks and arrived in Interlaken after a long overnight ride from Barcelona. We were particularly excited for Interlaken because we’d been spending time among the hustle and bustle of big cities and it was sure to be a nice break. We were even more excited to meet up with the other half of our Eurotrip gang, Katie and Christin, who would join us for the rest of the trip. Upon our arrival, we had a chance to see some friends who were studying abroad in Prague and they insisted that we go hang gliding with Bernie and Ed. They could not stop raving about it. So, the second Katie and Christin arrived, we booked hang gliding and off we went. There was a group of about 7-8 of us in the van and they could only take two to the top at the time. Apparently, we look like quite the easy going crew, so we were told we’d be going last and to grab beers from the fridge. Drinking in Switzerland isn’t cheap, so we gladly accepted our beer (or four).
There wasn’t time for me to go that day, so I ended up being booked for the next day and no one seemed to mind because everyone was so excited to go back and hang out with Bernie and Ed (these guys define cool, seriously). So, after a morning of canyoning, we were back to our fave guys for me to finally go hang gliding. Despite my fear of heights, I really could not feel nervous. I’d been paragliding before and knew how relaxing it was, so how scary could hang gliding be? Plus, a couple beers eased some fear, too. At the top of the mountain, I of course got the nervous-pees and asked to use the bathroom. Ed directed me “down the hall and to the left” (aka go in the forest). I was amused. After practicing running together only once, we (yes, I helped) assembled the kite, and off we soared! The scenery in Interlaken is unrivaled and Ed and Bernie made the experience extra special. At one point, Ed asked if I liked trees. Confused, I responded, well, yeah. Next thing I knew, we were nose diving at a huge patch of forest. We had a blast snapping photos, flying no hands, and doing spins. I HIGHLY recommend hang gliding to anyone who has the opportunity.
Once we were back on the ground, the fun wasn’t over. More beers and the schnapps came out, and next thing I know, we were all jamming to one of the most ridiculous songs ever recorded “Too Many Dicks on the Dancefloor” by Flight of the Concords. We had it on repeat, all dancing and literally rocking the van whilst yelling the lyrics. After this moment, we considered ditching the rest of our trip and never leaving Interlaken. Not even kidding. It was that good. We also played the song at least 5x per day for the rest of the trip.
Sipping from the Balmer’s fountains before our Hang Gliding adventure – Bernie & Ed picked us up from our hostel
eager group
just enjoying a pre-flying brew
Jonathan called Bernie’s wife to wish her a happy anniversary and tell him sorry that we were making him late for dinner.
thrill-seekers all-around
Make sure to ask them to fly you over the lake!
Bah, so cool! And I love that little boy!
I know – like little Swiss boy – I want one (for the day, then I can send him back to his parents).
Some of the students in my program went to Interlaken but I never made it…I heard it was fantastic and all your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Also, any trip with Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor as its soundtrack is bound to be an excellent trip.
It’s definitely a super popular stop for the students – and for so many good reasons!
WOW you really did it! I can’t believe how brave you are
)
I’m a lot of things, but I promise brave isn’t one of them! These guys just make you feel so at ease!
Ahh this is so cool! I want to go to Interlaken and I want to hang glide! The pictures and the town remind me of Queenstown, New Zealand!
I also heard you can hang glide over Neuschwanstein – if it’s true, that would be freaking awesome!
That hang-gliding photo is AMAZING!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
WOW, those photos are amazing, I am going to have to add hang gliding to my bucket list!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
You should definitely add it to the list – it’s one of those activities you don’t necessarily think about, but the experience is out of this world!
This is the most terrifying blog entry I have ever viewed. I am SO SCARED of hang gliding. I’m not even checking the video because I might start screaming at my desk. I am just going to live my life vicariously through you. I have officially been hang gliding now. Check. So adventurous.
I am a HUGE wimp so it’s definitely not as scary as I bet you imagine!
flight of the concords is one of my favorite shoes. hahaha that song is awesome. and these pictures. so amazing but scary. and I am dying to go to Interlaken!
Y’all should add it to your trip this summer! It’s only a 2 or three hour ride from me so I’m sure wherever y’all are (when you choose Germany) you won’t be far!!
Wow, that looks like an amazing experience!! I’ve never been to Interlaken but I’ve heard of it because my train home from work goes there
You should just ride it all the way someday – amazing place! I’ve been three times and every time I never want to leave.
You know that travel bug I’ve been talking about? Yeah…you’re not doing anything to help it with these pictures!!!
Flight of the Concords is so hilarious. I haven’t watched it in forever!
dancingwithashley.blogspot.com
Don’t worry, I think my Switzerland posts are over for a little while
I’ve actually never seen the show, which is such a shame due to the epic memories associated with this one song. I need to check it out for sure.
so fun!!! i have only been hangliding in north carolina. um this sure as heck beats that!!!
I also heard it’s possible to go and fly over Neuschwanstein – that would be pretty awesome as well!
You are so brave and cool!
This looks really really cool!!!