Switzerland So Far: June 14 to June 30

Wilderswil hike

Hike views

Interlaken

Bern

Bern

Eistein's House in Bern

Gardening with Fabi and Olly

I have picked lots of berries

Swiss sausage (very good)

Library in Burgdorf that I <3

My room :)

I've loved walking and biking

Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee hike

Oeschinensee hike

Oeschinensee hike

Swimming in Oeschinen Lake

Swimming again

Oeschinensee

The amount of time I've been away is unquantifiable and incomprehensible. While the day I left seems forever ago, I find it equally hard to believe it's almost July. Regardless, this has been an extremely enjoyable summer thus far!

The first two weeks of my trip I became accustomed to an upbeat and ever changing nomadic lifestyle. Things are calmer now that I'm at a homestay for a total of three weeks. I am living in a German-speaking region of Switzerland in a small village near Bern. Gardening, cooking, and doing chores in the household, I work for about five hours a day. During the other portions of my day, I am getting to know myself better through all of the reading, writing, podcast-listening, and reflection I've been doing. I've really enjoyed taking peaceful walks along the river. :)

I have also learned ample amounts through the people around me. My hosts, David and Fabi, are very innovative, hold a deep value for community, and adore their cats, Pepo and Felipe. They share a strong sense of purpose, and are highly spiritual. Olly, another volunteer, is from England. He is wrapping up a year off from school and after this summer is returning to his pursuit to become a doctor. He has an avid fascination with the efficiency of public transport and loves to talk to strangers any chance he gets. Olly and I have spent time together on our free days doing hikes in Wilderswil and Kandersteg, along with exploring the nearby cities of Burgdorf, Kirchberg, and Bern. Lastly, just yesterday Aria and Kailin from Ohio arrived. They are both very kind, and bring rejuvenating energy to the familial unit we continue to form in the house.

At this point in my trip I would describe myself as content, intuitive, relaxed, and introspective. I have only five days left at the homestay before I am off to Austria, Germany, and then back to Ireland before heading home.