Switzerland: Maybe This Is Destiny

Never did I ever imagine I would visit the number one place on my bucket list, let alone go there as a solo traveler. I was scared, nervous, and confused, but very excited. At first, I asked myself a few questions before I arrived: What am I doing here alone? How could I enjoy a trip without my family? Coming to London to study abroad was the first time I left my family, so studying abroad and going on my first solo trip was scary. Being somewhere else made me think of the growing distance between them and me. But, there was something about this country I was soon about to explore. Switzerland helped me regain hope and peace within myself. I never thought about destiny before coming, but places like Zürich and Jungfraujoch changed my perspective. My time traveling alone has made me realize that it’s okay to reach for the stars when my family wants me to stay closer. As long as I believe in this process, everything will be okay. Because of Switzerland, I believe in destiny and that studying abroad is exactly the experience I should be having at this time of my life.

Where to Visit?

Zürich - The Largest City in Switzerland

The first destination I visited was Zürich. With so many people passing through and exploring the city, I felt safe and never once afraid to take this unknown path alone. It was a bit gloomy on this day, but the view was still extraordinary and unforgettable. The water was crystal clear and the air felt so refreshing. No matter what the weather is or time of day, one should definitely make a stop at this landmark. You get a spectacular view of the Limmat River, the Old Town, and Grossmünster Church! That feeling of tranquility from just being at this location is surreal.

I say that if you have the chance to visit Zürich, you must try their chocolates! As I was strolling down the peaceful streets of the city, I encountered Confiserie Teuscher, and the clerk informed me about the different chocolates. They have a variety for every taste bud out there. You can get a box of chocolates, but if you are overwhelmed by that amount like I was, you can select a few or just even one piece. As I let my intuition take charge of my unknown journey, I came across a pastry shop. Schokokuss Pascal et Katy offers a variety and a ton of sweets, such as churros, ice cream, and many other desserts. I was overwhelmed by the number of macaron flavors. I knew I had to try the raspberry that the clerk recommended, and I also knew that I wanted nutella. I was so happy with my decision. They tasted so good! I wish I had tried more flavors!

Jungfraujoch - “Top of Europe” 

Visiting Jungfraujoch was the highlight of my trip. It is also known as the “Top of Europe” because it is the highest-altitude train station in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea level. I arrived by taking the cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch. I was in awe of the snowy mountains as I went through the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass. I have never seen anything like it before. Everything was so peaceful; everything was silent. Once I arrived in Jungfraujoch, I visited the Sphinx Observatory, an astronomical observatory, where I viewed the breathtaking panoramas of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger! The mountains had all my attention, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful life was.

Final Thoughts

I am so happy and grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Switzerland. Although I was initially scared, I knew that as long as I stayed alert and trusted my intuition, I would be okay. I am proud of myself for going on this trip alone. Back in New York, I don’t think I would have ever made a decision like this. It is studying abroad that is making all the difference by allowing me to grow, become more independent, and constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone. It's scary, but I would not trade this experience for anything else. Studying abroad is allowing me to see the world from a different perspective. Every new thing I see and learn is expanding and changing my world. Wherever this unknown journey leads me, I will be thankful. I will continue to reach for the stars and have no regrets.