A mistake I'm glad I made.

This morning I made a 'mistake' that allowed me to have one of the most beautiful mornings I have had here in Switzerland. I woke up at 7:30 having to go to the bathroom with all intentions of going back to bed. Usually the apartment is really quiet in the morning, but today was different. My host sister Celine was getting ready for a floor ball tournament and my host mom was up helping her. But because we only have one bathroom and they were using it, I had to wait my turn. When they were finished, I was still in the hallway waiting and my host mom came up to me and asked if I wanted to go with her for a hike into the Jura Mountains in an hour. My first though was "Absolutely not. Not after the Alps. I don't think I could do that again if I tried." But I knew that I did not come to Switzerland to sit around and do nothing. I can sleep any other time, but I can't go hiking in SWITZERLAND everyday. She took me outside onto the balcony and showed me where we would go and explained the hike to me. Although I was reluctant at first, I said "Yes, absolutely! I would love to come with you!" and the more I thought about it, I actually did want to.

Within the hour we were changed, had our hiking boots on and were getting into the car to drive to the starting point. We drove for about half an hour through the tunnel to the other side of the Jura. We live on one side, but had to get to the other side to begin our hike. When we got to the starting point, there were a lot of cars parked because it was such a beautiful morning. We began our ascent and we talked and talked - in German :) - and eventually reached the first look out point. She explained to me the history of the place and then we continued up to the top. It wasn't a very long hike, but it was absolutely beautiful and I am so glad I went with her. We sat at the top for a little while and looked out. We could see the Alps in the distance and I took picture after picture after picture. But it was ok because I was wearing a Canada shirt, so people knew I was a tourist...

My host mom kept telling me that she often does this alone, so she is happy that I went with her today and asked if I would go again, and I obviously agreed. She also said that when my brother gets here in February he will have to come with us as well! I must say, she is quite excited to have a hiking partner. 

Not the best photo of me, but here we are together at the top of the mountain.
Aren't we cute?!

After we finished our hike, we drove 20 minutes through the mountains and stopped at a beautiful restaurant atop another peak of the Jura Mountain range. We had a chocolate croissant and drank some orange juice. It was a beautiful, beautiful morning. Who needs sleep anyways?!

I am so happy that I made the "mistake" of waking up so early this morning but I am sad to know that next time I make the same mistake, it won't lead to such a beautiful morning...

Now off to Luzern for the afternoon with some friends!

Until later with much love from Switzerland,

Madi