no reservations

I have been back from Europe for a week and I have been trying hard to think about how to encapsulate my six-week adventure but, the truth is, no words can describe the experiences I had.

So, until I feel comfortable writing all my thoughts down, I will echo Anthony Bordain's parting words from the finale of the television series, No Reservations.

"If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody."

"Open your mind, get up off the couch, move."

yes, please.

Every so often, I find myself trapped in the mundane confines of a stereotypical life.  People like Josh and Jessa inspire me.  Why not buy an airstream and travel across the country?  Sounds dreamy to me.

"The hardest part of doing something interesting is just getting started. If we can convince ourselves that we can put our coats on and backpacks and get out the door, then great things happen.”

If you are like me and can't get enough of this cute family, check out their instagram.

Rochers de Naye: No Regrets

My schedule here is a little wacky.  Each day has consisted of something new.  Monday I slept in. Tuesday morning I woke up at 6:00 and attempted a morning run.  Bad idea.  A, I am out of shape. B, I am living at a very different altitude than the one I am use to in Hawaii.  C, it was freezing.

Breakfast is served from 7:45am to 8:30am.  After breakfast, I then head off to trainings which start around 9:30am. There have been about three trainings a day, each lasting about two hours.  One in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.  In between I have been squeezing in naps and down time.  I'm trying very hard to balance my down time and any sort of social life.  I want to take advantage of the time I have to interact with all these wonderful people but, by the same token, I want to take advantage of any time I can have to myself.  I'm still working that one out.

Last night presented us interns with our wackiest schedule yet.  When Rob (one of our intern directors) suggested we wake up at 1:45am to go on a hike, I was a little surprised.  I was tempted to stay in bed, catch up on the sleep I seem to still be needing and wake up at the usual 7:00am (that was definitely the warmer of the two options). However, I knew it was something I wouldn't want to miss out on and I would regret not going. So, my roommates and I woke up at 1:45am and set off.  I don't know what I expected but, the hike definitely exceeded any exceptions I may have had.  Saying that I was on "Cloud Nine" would probably fit my reaction to the hike perfectly.  I love hiking, I am use to pretty mountains, I enjoy being outside but, this sunrise hike trumped anything I have ever done. 

The mountains here are spectacular.  Besides the absence of large castles, I felt as if I was walking through Rivendell, straight out of Lord of the Rings.  Stone pathways, thousands of trees, rolling hills, and (removing ourselves from the Lord of the Rings imagery) there are numerous cottages spread throughout the woods and hills that fit perfectly any stereotype you may have of a "swiss cottage"--Cute paneled wood, intricate hand carved railings, green shutters and smoke rising out of the chimney. I'm talking about picture-perfect beauty, I am constantly having to ask myself if this is real life. 

We arrived at the summit of Rochers de Naye after about three hours of hiking.  I have survived cold temperatures before but at least those times, I have been properly outfitted.  Ladies and gents, it was bitter cold and howling wind.  There was snow on the ground and I swear ice was falling out of my nose.  My fingers and toes are still unthawing.  The sun came up and the view was breathtaking.  Although I was cold, the smile could not be wiped off my face and my heart felt on fire.  I love nature.  I love God.  And I love connecting the two.  I am so thankful that my parents have instilled a love of the outdoors in me.  Without it, I probably wouldn't have made it very far this morning.  I took my film camera up and I can't wait to get the pictures developed once I get home to Utah.  But, for now, these photos will have to do.

 

As silly as it sounds, I learned a lot from this hike.  Waking up at 1:45am in the morning for thirteen miles and seven hours of hiking can teach you a lot about yourself.

I realized my potential to be positive and how big of a difference it makes in the enjoyment of an experience.  Both for oneself and those around.

I learned how good it feels to help people who may be having a hard time making it up or down the mountain (literally and figuratively).  At one point, I was helping my new friend Rana down the moment and as I held her hand, I felt so much peace and happiness in my soul.  Five days ago, this girl and I had never met.  She was living her life in Egypt and I was doing my thing in Provo, Utah.  Today's hike connected us.  It connected us as interns, as friends, and as Children of God.

I talked with multiple people about religion and faith this morning. The idea of religion and remaining committed and devoted to an idea or being more powerful than ourselves amazes me. When I first arrived here, I felt lonely and that I was lacking spiritual connectedness.  I have rarely had the opportunity or experience of being the only Mormon in a large group of people so, my faith is being put to the test.  I realized today that although I will continue to attend my Sunday sacrament meetings and that I will always read my scriptures and pray, we can connect to God through the sunrise, the smile of another, a helping hand or a conversation.  

When we started the hike, it was very dark.  Although it was hard to see much of anything, through hard work and by putting one foot in front of the other, we eventually ended up at our destination and boy, was it an amazing one.  However, that's not to say the road wasn't steep or rocky.  I think life is kind of like that, at least that is what I keep telling myself.  At times, things will get tough and the mountains we climb can be steep.  We may fall or slip but, through endurance, the journey will be accomplished.

I'm thankful that my journey in life has led me to Caux, Switzerland.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring but, by taking life one step at a time, relying on the help of others and the Lord, and by finding joy in the journey, I know I will one day arrive at my destination in safety. And boy, I know it will be good one.  

Caux, Switzerland

I feel as if I am categorizing myself among the group of young girls who have decided to serve missions for my church--

"Hey, everyone.  Read my blog about my adventures in a foreign land!!".

I believe the whole idea to be very cliche (I mean, who hasn't spent at least some time abroad these days). I will be bold enough to admit that I am in no way original and I can hardly deem myself a well-informed, world traveler.  But, without any further disclaimer, I will write about my experiences here in Europe. And if you are here,  I assume you want to be reading my mundane thoughts so, be my guest and please, read on.

I arrived in Geneva Switzerland at around 7:30am yesterday morning.  The flight over here was long. When I boarded the plane, I passed all the first-class passengers and holy crap was I jealous.  Beds people, they had beds...AND televisions with 32" screens.  Ok, that is probably a slight exaggeration but, needless to say, they were a lot bigger than my Pocket GameBoy screen.  But, hey, I was treated to some overcooked pasta, a dry roll, a bag of pretzels and endless amounts of apple juice.  So, my life is good, really good.

I then proceeded to the train station where I bought my ticket to Caux.  I got on the train, met some friends, and made my way to my destination.  I was lucky enough to sit by a girl from Colorado and to be on the same train as a fellow intern.  I felt very blessed on my journey here.  I didn't get "taken", no one tried to rob me, I made all my connections.  I arrived tired but, in safety (knock on wood).  

I am in awe at the beauty that surrounds me.  The Caux conference center is literally a castle which overlooks Lake Geneva.  Towering mountains and green hills are on either side of me.  It is gorgeous.  Yesterday I ventured to Montreux with around ten of the interns that had already arrived. Montreux is a cute little town at the base of the mountain.  We walked by the lake and familiarized ourselves with our new stomping grounds.  Although I was very tired, disoriented and everything felt blurry, I still had a great time seeing the sights and getting to know the other interns.

I am working with people from America, Kenya, China, Korea, Lebanon, Egypt, Colombia, Ireland, Austria, Romania, Lithuania, Maldova, Ukraine, Tunisia, Australia, and France.  I feel so blessed to be having this opportunity.  We had a discussion earlier today and I was so inspired by these individuals. Everyone's story is unique and I am excited to be spending time with these people who all have dreams of changing the world and making a difference.  I am already wishing I had more time to spend with them.  Four weeks just doesn't seem like enough.  

I am excited for the adventures that lie ahead.  I know I will learn a lot over the course of this internship and that this will help me become the type of person I want to be.  This is exactly where I need to be right now and I know that the growth that will come from this month will be paramount to my future successes.  

Now, time to take a nap.  It's currently 1:17am in Hawaii, 4:17 am in California, 5:17am in Utah, and 1:17pm here in Switzerland.  My body is hating me for all the time zones I have been jumping through lately.  I doesn't know when to stay awake and when to close my eyes.  Last night, I was writing in my journal and I literally started writing nonsense which had to be scribbled out.   My nightly prayer turned into a dream and I woke up kneeling with drool falling out of my mouth.  Too much information?  I told you this was your choice to be reading...

So, before I start talking nonsense or spilling my inner thoughts on this public domain, au revoir.

old man, take a look at my life

i just got back from my weekend excursion to colorado.  i love spending time with my family and i love visiting new places.  we spent the weekend in denver where we cheered on the rockies, ate some good food, visited vail, and of course, watched neil young perform in one of the most beautiful venues i have ever been to.

 

 

also, the alabama shakes opened for neil young and i was sold on their talent with this tune.

the cold ground

there is a thrill so real and powerful that comes from living near the ocean.  the salt water gives me an exhilaration that i will never feel elsewhere.  but, as i have spent my time living thousands of miles away from home i have realized where my heart lies.  i am a mountain girl.  the red rock, the clear starry nights, the towering mountains, rolling hills, the wildlife, and trees that reach endlessly toward the sky are my lifeline.  they give me the freedom and independence a girl needs.  i don't know if i'll ever be able to love a man the way i love the great-outdoors.  we are all products of our environments and mine just happens to be mule rides, tents, hiking boots, mosquito bites, and dirt underneath my fingernails.

  

{images via}

taking it easy