Interlaken

Raining just a bit, so will take the time to write a bit more...

After the night train and a connection from Bern, Emily and I arrived in Interlaken around noon. Checked our bags and had a change of clothes then I went off for a hike up Harder Kulm. Not a hard hike, but a very enjoyable and rewarding one with a fantastic view of the valley that Interlaken and its lakes sit in. Only an hour and a half up and about an hour down. At the top treated myself to an apple tart with a bit of ice cream. Solid snack.

Got to the hostel again and took a much needed shower. Went with Em and some Canadian girls and a Scotsman and hit up the hostel's happy hour, two for one. Turned into quite the night, drinking games all around.

Next morning struggled to get up but then rented a bike. Tried to recreate the bike ride I had done from four years ago and did quite well on it. Absolutely beautiful ride although quite an elevation change. Made the mistake of taking a gondola to Gimmelwald as oppose to Murren, which is about a 400m difference in elevation, over a short distance. I had to walk my bike up most of it and the thin air didn't help. On the trail down, managed to get lost and found myself on a hiking trail rather than a biking trail. Really steep with giant ledges off to the sides and roots and rocks all over the trail. Nearly died a few times and had to walk my bike over long stretches as it was just too steep to ride. Definitely fun though. Got back to the hostel and started up happy hour all over again although considerably a lesser night. Quite the commotion at the hostel though as a few guests managed to get quite drunk. Hostel culture has it's ups and downs.

On Wednesday, Emily and I woke up and chilled around for a bit until a bus came around 12 to take us skydiving. Yes, skydiving. We got there and suited up immediately and within 10 minutes were in the plane. The ride up was fantastic with beautiful views of Interlaken. When the time came, I was right by the door. The guy I was diving with told me to stick my legs over the side. 3, 2, 1. Out the door. Didn't even have time to think about it. What a rush. It doesn't really hit you a first that you just jumped out of a plane, then about 10 seconds in you realize you're freefalling. So good. Wish I could upload the video but I left it in Interlaken so will have that mailed home. Emily had a blast as well. Celebrated with a few beers that night as well.

Yesterday spent most of the day in transit from Interlaken to Amsterdam. Arrived around 8pm and then made our way on a walkabout throughout the city. Visited a coffeeshop and well that was that.

Went to the Rijksmuseum today which houses some fantastic art of particular Dutch historical relevance. Spent the rest of the day walking around and planning on meeting up tonight with some Canadian friends from Barcelona and perhaps the cute Aussie chic I had met in Dublin.

Having a great time, needless to say.