Today was one of the best day-trips we've ever taken! We went to Val Verzasca near Locarno which is still in the Italian part of Switzerland, and which seems to be sort of a local hang-out on hot summer days. There are hiking trails among rustico (small, rustic, stone houses built on the mountain-sides that tourists can now rent out), waterfalls, and lots of bridges. Most of the new faculty went on the trip. It took about an hour to get to on a bus - yes, they drive actual coaches on these crazy roads! And then we had to get off the bus because the road became too narrow - so a few seasoned faculty drove us up a very treacherous road with no guardrails - they had to fold in the side mirrors so they didn't scrape along the stone walls on one side! Once we arrived at the trail head, it was about a 45-minute hike to the waterfall and pool. We saw some beautiful scenery along the way, which is what you see in the background of the first two pictures. The third is a shot of the bottom of the waterfall and the pool below. The water, by the way, was FREEZING. Seriously, someone said it was probably in the 40s. We chilled a bottle of white wine in it while we were swimming.
Now, the next part - you won't believe it! David and I swam across the pool, climbed up the side of the ravine with a few others and jumped off! It was amazing! I'm really trying to do it all, see it all, and experience it all while we're here, and this was one of those times! The last picture is of us right after taking the plunge. :) You'll have to see the next post for the rest of the pictures because it only lets me attach 5 at a time....
Today was one of the best day-trips we've ever taken! We went to Val Verzasca near Locarno which is still in the Italian part of Switzerland, and which seems to be sort of a local hang-out on hot summer days. There are hiking trails among rustico (small, rustic, stone houses built on the mountain-sides that tourists can now rent out), waterfalls, and lots of bridges. Most of the new faculty went on the trip. It took about an hour to get to on a bus - yes, they drive actual coaches on these crazy roads! And then we had to get off the bus because the road became too narrow - so a few seasoned faculty drove us up a very treacherous road with no guardrails - they had to fold in the side mirrors so they didn't scrape along the stone walls on one side! Once we arrived at the trail head, it was about a 45-minute hike to the waterfall and pool. We saw some beautiful scenery along the way, which is what you see in the background of the first two pictures. The third is a shot of the bottom of the waterfall and the pool below. The water, by the way, was FREEZING. Seriously, someone said it was probably in the 40s. We chilled a bottle of white wine in it while we were swimming.
Now, the next part - you won't believe it! David and I swam across the pool, climbed up the side of the ravine with a few others and jumped off! It was amazing! I'm really trying to do it all, see it all, and experience it all while we're here, and this was one of those times! The last picture is of us right after taking the plunge. :) You'll have to see the next post for the rest of the pictures because it only lets me attach 5 at a time....
3 comments:
what an amazing day!!! SO jealous :)
We're so happy for you guys!
Wow! Good for the both of you for taking advantage of the moment and getting out there to enjoy yourselves! What a beautiful country! I'm so freakin' jealous right now. YOu're doing a great job with the blog by the way. I think you've discovered the inner-blogger in you. We are so enjoying reading about your trip; keep it up!
Wow!!! I am soo happy for you both- it looks like you are having an amazing time. The pictures are gorgeous!!! Keep posting :)
Post a Comment