{To view Part I (Paris), click HERE. To view Part II (Strasbourg and Chartres), click HERE.}

The final portion of our European adventure involved exploring parts of Switzerland. I have to admit, these are the days I remember most fondly simply because our pace was slowed, our itinerary  lightened, and then there were the views. In my last post I mentioned the privilege of witnessing some of the greatest creations on earth, both of men and of God–this would be the part most notably fashioned by the hand of The Almighty. It was majestic.

I spent much time riding the Swiss buses contemplating how I could just stay….forever.

We took a train from Strasbourg, France to an area near Zurich. The gentle ride gave us all a time to recoup and regather before exploring this next culture. I spent my traveling hours enjoying the calmness and devouring a book.

Rain began as we approached our station. We had a bit of transportation confusion with trains, buses, etc. for our group of 27, but we were all so thrilled to be in Switzerland.

Looking out at the terrain, my initial thought was noticing the odd juxtaposition of modern development beside sweeping green country, sprinkled with traditional Swiss style homes. I much preferred the scenes with only traditional homes and rural views…

On July 27th I woke up a year older, and without my husband or children. The kids messaged me a funny video wishing me a happy birthday from Canada where they were currently vacationing. What a strange birthday; separated from my family and none of us in the U.S.!

Our day began early with a quick Swiss breakfast in our quaint hotel, and then boarding a large bus for a long day of sightseeing. I had been especially looking forward to this day in our trip, as we were venturing to one of the highest peaks in the world accessible by train.

Before reaching our first train station beginning our long ascent into the Alps, we passed through the beautiful city of Interlaken.

After a nice break, we began the journey up Jungfrau, one of the highest summits in the Bernese Alps standing at 13, 642 ft. From my previous research I learned that the outcome of this trek would be unpredictable. Reviewers reaching the summit claimed that “this is a sight to see before you die, one of the most beautiful places on earth,” if it is a clear day. And if it’s foggy, well, you see a whole lot of nothing. I was kicking myself for investigating…and praying for clear skies!

Goodness gracious, these houses and hotels…I could hardly handle it! They’re just so adorable.

Let me just say, my photos do this countryside NO justice. You just can’t capture how vastly beautiful this land is…especially photographing through your train window, but we all tried.

On the way up, the train stops for a few minutes at two other stations, Eigerwand and Eismeer, where passengers can see through the holes excavated from the mountain. The journey from that last point to the top is all underground (yes, frightening), until you reach the final destination. The Jungfraujoch, at (11,332 ft) above sea level, is the highest railway station in Europe.

Looking out the window at a stop we noticed there was very minimal visibility. Still, they told us conditions on top of the mountain could be completely different. We hoped.

Finally, we arrived to the summit and decided to first go find something to eat. We sat in a beautiful restaurant that overlooked the Alps. It seemed a bit surreal, and this feeling was manifested more by the lack of oxygen that was so evident. I felt dizzy. Food and water seemed to help this subside.

At first the fog was SO THICK and I figured visibility would be low, but while we had lunch the clouds began to part. Then, I spotted blue sky! It continued to clear….and WHAT A VIEW.

Lord, your creation is a marvelous work…

Isa 40:26- Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

Descending, we continued to soak up the rolling green hills that seemed to be hiding beneath the stature of the grand mountains. I dreamed of life in a modest dwelling, right there in that valley. Can you imagine peering out your window to that scene each day? Would you, could you tire of that view??

Ahhhh…It was the most grand birthday.

The next two days we spent time exploring the cities of Zurich and Lucerne. Just like in the mountains, I couldn’t believe how clean and crystal clear the lakes were, and such a striking color of blue green…

Zurich was lovely, but I was blown away with the high prices. My simple lunch of a water and bowl of broth (I’m not kidding) was around $50. Lucerne seemed more cozy and old world, which I enjoyed more.

This trip was so meaningful to me, and my parents truly gave me one of the best gifts possible…experience. I am incredibly grateful to them.

We made glorious memories across the world, and I celebrated a new year of life while standing on top of the Earth. Did I mention everyone at the rail station breaking out in happy birthday to me? *blush*

Seriously, what more could one ask for…

{For Part I of my Euro Trip, click HERE. Special thanks to my father for his knowledge and help on this write up.}

During my time abroad last July, I was fortunate to see some of the greatest works of art, both of God and man. We took a day trip from Paris to visit the lovely little town of Chartres, about 50 miles outside of Paris. After our days of running around a busy city, the train ride was a blessed relief to the aching backs and swollen feet in our group of 27. At first glimpse Chartres would seem to be a colorful, sleepy little town. Its quaint feel seemed quintessential Europe, and reminded my father more of what Paris felt like a decade ago.  It was filled with sidewalk cafes and well-dressed patrons who were not in a hurry, but were rather content to abide in the shadow of the magnificent edifice that occupied the highest and most prominent few acres in town–the cathedral.  Before we entered, our group congregated outside the grand northern facade. My father, a natural born lover of history, shared his knowledge of the cathedral with us.

Below are some facts shared by my father:

Chartres Cathedral is one of the earliest and finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The church was considered a very important project as it was to house the tunic of Mother Mary which is considered one of the most important artifacts in the Catholic Church, and was legendarily brought there by Charlemagne. It took only 56 years to build Chartres Cathedral (from 1194-1250 AD), while every other great cathedral of Europe took hundreds of years to build. It became a pilgrimage site for the illiterate masses and the whole gospel of Christ is written on the stain glass windows and the bas-relief sculpture that are continuous both inside and outside the building. The cathedral also became a medieval university and center for the arts, philosophy, politics and trade. It was also a hospital for the sick during the bubonic plague epidemic of the 14th century.

I enjoyed the sweet town of Chartres, and would love to return for a week next time. In fact I think I’d like that apartment with the balcony below….

Leaving France and heading towards Switzerland we stopped at our next town, Strasbourg, which is an international city on the Rhine River next to the German border. It did not take very long to get there on the Eurostar train from Paris, which cruised between 160 and 180 mph. The center of the old town is actually an island in the Rhine River. The first permanent settlement on this location was erected by the Romans during the reign of Augustus. Buildings in the old city are mainly “half- timber” architecture, which is very rustic with a Germanic feel.

On the highest prominence in town stands the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral. It is a full 466 feet and was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. Entering late in the day we only ended up having a few minutes inside, but it was enough time to be left in awe. Walking around and admiring this work of art I couldn’t help but dwell on the people who dedicated themselves and their lives to this creation–their skill, faith, and sheer perseverance.

And in my father’s words…

“These glorious cathedrals of Europe occupy acres of land. Who leveled the ground? Who carved the stones? Who designed the 60 foot stained glass windows? Who built the wood scaffolding on both the inside and outside of the churches that possibly had to stand for hundreds of years until construction was complete? Who built the ancient pulley system which hoisted up sculpted stones that may have weighed tons for hundreds of feet? These sacred artistic and architectural masterpieces are an everlasting monument to what man can do, if his intentions are selfless and noble.”

We had a relaxing time wandering the streets of Strasbourg during that afternoon and evening. Our group split up to shop and try different restaurants, cafes, while I searched for the best looking gelato. Priorities.

Each night after dark there is a beautiful light show on the face of the cathedral. Part of our group decided to camp out for a few hours to secure front row seats for the show. Each time I would circle back to the square it made me laugh as they were all enjoying their next course. ;)

While making my way up this side street I was awestruck with the grandeur in front of me….

And then at dusk, it was magnified more (see bottom right photo). I knew my father was still guarding his seat at the base of the cathedral and had no idea of this vantage point. I rushed over and asked him to accompany me down the nearby side street, keeping his back to the cathedral. We strolled down the hill to the square of the old town, and when the view was just right I told him to turn around. He was moved beyond words….

We walked back up the hill, stopping to admire and comment on the scene a few times along the way. Quite a moment that I will not soon forget.