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15 - 17 June : Amongst the Alps

Paragliding the Swiss

Trippin'.
Switzerland is not to be missed for those who are into extreme outdoor activities-- white water rafting, skydiving, paragliding, etc. The only downfall if you're backpacking is it's a bit out of the way. Wish I'd done further research prior to the trip about flights in and out of Switzerland. It would have made the trip smoother and much faster. We took a one- stop train ride into Interlaken, but had to take a 2- stop, nearly a whole days worth of train ride to get out and into Nice, France.
With that said, considered the gateway to the Alps, Interlaken is a sight to be seen-- wonderous and almost mythical. We stayed in a hostel that was truly meant for the outdoorsy people. It felt like Summer camp all over again.
We decided instead of skydiving, mostly because of the cost, that we should paraglide instead. You get the same feeling only in slow motion in my opinion. We booked with our hostel and was on our way. So glad that we did because there is no better way to see Switzerland than from in the air-- beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and small villages below. The best part of paragliding was running down the steep hill with a 200 lbs Swiss man on your back. Well, I mostly hang while he ran-- picture a mother kangeroo carrying her baby joey but instead of hopping.. running. After an eventful day, we went Swiss and Fondue'd the night away. It was romantic and expensive.

Sleeping: Balmer's Herberge Hostel

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