And we're off!

Thinking back, it seemed like this trip was nothing more than a dream, something distant that might never come about. Maybe I was trying to live in the present, or thinking about it made me nervous. Maybe I didn’t want to think about the fact that I would be leaving almost everything I have known and loved for four months. But now I’m living it, loving it, and feel ready for what’s in store. So far, saying goodbye has been the hardest part. Since then my focus has been on the present and what lies ahead in the next four months.
Thankfully, I can say that everything has been smooth sailing so far. After bidding my mother farewell at the airport, I made it through security without any hassle, found the gate and my group, and had a short wait for the airplane. I suppose that this is an ideal time to introduce the group I am traveling with in Europe. It is I, Zach Merten, David Sandager, and Colleen Smith, all juniors at CSB/SJU that are studying abroad in South Africa.
The flight was uneventful, we got our baggage right away, and it seemed like they didn’t even have customs or immigration in the Netherlands. It was shortly after 6:00am on Friday morning when we left the airport and we were scheduled to catch an 8:30pm train out of Amsterdam, so unfortunately we didn’t have a hostel to leave our luggage at. We spent most of the day on Friday walking around Amsterdam, which was not as enjoyable as it could have been with our luggage on our backs and a light rain falling. The highlight of Amsterdam was definitely the Anne Frank house. If you are not familiar with Anne Frank, she was a Jewish girl that spent about two years of World War II with her family in hiding from the Germans. She kept a detailed diary on her experiences, which her father published after the war. Other than that, we had some morning coffee and then lunch in some neat little cafes, then spent some time warming up and playing cards in the Amsterdam public library. We spent Friday night on an overnight train to Zurich, Switzerland and arrived around 8:30am on Saturday morning. There to meet us at the train station was Zach’s uncle, also named David (not to be confused with David in our group). It was about a 15 minute car ride to his home where we got to freshen up a bit, something that was much needed. Before long we were on the road again, off to check out the Swiss Alps. We saw some good sights in the car, but the best was a place called Pilatus Luzern, where we took a tram to one of the highest peaks in the area. It was mostly overcast and snowy on the way up and for the first little while when we were at the top, so I didn’t think too much of it. But about a half hour into our time at the top, the snow and fog moved out and all around us was one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen! Just take a look at the pictures and see for yourself! After that, we went back to David’s house, took a much needed nap, and then went out for dinner at a small local restaurant. The food was delicious and the company was even better. Two hours later we were on our way back, and after some intense cribbage, hit the sack. I can’t remember a time when I slept longer and better than last night. Today has been pretty laid back. We went and saw a beautiful cathedral in a small town about 20 minutes away, and are now getting ready to catch our overnight train to Rome. So far, the trip has been very close to ideal. David has shown us unbelievable hospitality and everything has gone like clockwork. I can only hope the next week goes as well!
Sending all my love from Europe,
Kirby

Ok, and since I can't figure out how to put captions for the pictures, I will just do it here.

Top Picture: Sweet architecture along one of the canals in Amsterdam!

Second Picture: View on the outskirts of Zurich with the Swiss Alps in the background.

Third Picture: Top of the mountain in the Swiss Alps. Pretty chilly, but well worth the scenery!

Fourth Picture: Myself with an amazing view of the Swiss Alps in the background.

Final Picture: I definitely like taking pictures of scenery. This is one of my favorites taken in the tram on our way down the mountain.