I am in Switzerland now. In the small town of Wengen. The train ride from Germany was one of the most beautiful I've taken. I passed through Zurich and Bern, to Interlaken and finally to Wengen (the only way there is by train) -there are no cars here (well, a few hotel transport vans and mini cargo trucks, haha).
The train passed several lakes and went by the Alps. At times we passed by and I heard water trickling, a mini-waterfall.
As the train began its incline into the mountain, I looked straight up and saw a handglider way up there. His rainbow sail/chute stood out.
Wengen is an altitude of 1300 m (4265 ft). It sits close to a very tall mountain -Jungfraujoch, aka the "Top of Europe" (3454 m / 11,333 ft), which is reachable by train. There's snow up there. The train ticket is expensive though, so I'm still debating whether to go up there.
Soon I reached Wengen station. I was concerned that it might be cold since my iPod weather app said it's 32 degrees in Wengen, but I knew it might be misreporting. Or thinking it's a higher altitude.
I step off and it's sunny and warm. Children are playing in the park. There's a life-size chess set whose pieces you pick up with both hands and carry to move. There's a great view of the surrounding Alps.
I take off my jacket. And wander to find my hotel (Edelweiss). The receptionist lady recognizes my name as Scottish and says she's from Scotland. The owner asks if I'm a hiker and I say yes, "and photographer," showing him my camera bag. He says that he's been trying to find a photographer to take pics of the hotel, but they are expensive. He indicated interest in purchasing photos of the hotel if I take them.
They give me tea.
I settle in my room, a cozy single bed room with a complimentary piece of Swiss chocolate.
I unpack then wander to find an ATM. I need some Swiss Francs! Luckily I find one of the two ATMs in Wengen and now I have Euros, British Pounds, Swiss Francs, and Dollar Bills (emergency cash) in my money belt. I love this thing. I never have to worry about losing the important stuff.
I return and after dinner at the hotel (and attempting to converse with an elderly lady in half German and half English) I retire to my bed.
My first full day in Wengen and I head to -where else? The tourist office. I retrieve countless pamphlets on hiking trails -thinking I can beat preparation itself?
I ask the girl, "What hiking trails do you recommend for good photos?"
"Trails less than an hour, because I'm carrying this stuff," I point to my four-pound tripod.
"Oh I recommend this trail," she shows me on the map. "It's an hour and a half but worth it. It has great panoramic views of the surrounding Alps." (To get here you take the Gondola up. Trail ends at Kleine Scheidegg, and you catch a train to Wengen.)
Gondola, here I come! I observe a cable car arriving. A man gets off and says, "You really notice the temperature difference."
A lady remarks, "It's just perfect up there."
My left hand is full. I want to return to the hotel and drop off my packet of pamphlets. Then bring just the two I need and maybe buy a bottle of water. It's 12:30pm. I do a quick calculation in my head.
Will I have time to catch the last train back to Wengen at 6:30pm? *cue suspense music* I really want to catch the one before it, at 5:30. A safety net, maybe?
By the time I go up it will be 1:30. A one and a half hour hike but I'm bringing my camera so better double it. Three hours.. That's 4:30? I should be fine.
So I take the gondola up. Wengen descents below me, it's all relative.
I snap a million pics out of the windows, which up close have tiny scratches and smudges. I put the lens as close to the window as possible to minimize the effect with far-focusing.
At the top the cable car rocks, comes to a stop, and me and the one other guy get out. Immediately I see Wengen far below, the orange roofs mere tiny boxes now, and to my left is a Swiss flag in the wind. Behind it are the pure white alps and atmospheric haze, as clouds envelop the top peak.
I stand there and take so many pictures the Gondola leaves and a second one arrives by the time I'm done.
I see a sign for 'Kleine Scheidegg' pointing to the right. But on the left I see a path up to a big hill that overlooks the surrounding area. Looks like a fifteen minute walk. I pull myself in that direction.
I climb the path and at the top I take a few more pics.. (surprised?) haha.
Somehow my mind says..hurry up, if you want to walk the hike. For some reason I fear missing the last train.
Because I don't want to be stick up here at night, when it gets cold!
Finally I begin my journey down. I look at my watch. 3:30.
The smooth path is easy to hike. I stop every seven steps to snap photos.
I say hi to some people as they pass from the other direction. Or should I say 'gutentag?' Or 'bonjour?
Anyway, I continue down the winding path. I spot shadows where snow (yes, snow) hides, reminding me, "I don't want to be stuck up here at night!"
I look at my watch, "5:25." the sign says, "ten minutes to the station." I decide to take the 6:30 train. Gives my time to explore the lookout post ahead. Where I take pictures of the Alps. And rare photos of myself.
Finally I get a ticket down.
"Area A," he says.
"When does the train leave?" I ask.
"One minute."
I run.
Haha. But It's just past six..there must be an extra train running today. See all that worry for nothing..
The train winds it's way down to Wengen and I emerge where I began.
My first day in Wengen.
There and back again.
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