Mount Titlis

Despite my deep dislike for cold weather, I couldn't resist the allure of Switzerland's snowy mountains. Our bus journey began in Lucerne, a town that left me in awe with its stunning architecture, family-friendly vibe, and vibrant atmosphere. The iconic Chapel Bridge immediately caught my attention and strolling across it became an absolute must-do experience. During my forty-minute exploration in Lucerne, I made my way towards Seebrücke, known for its view of the Reuss River and the Chapel Bridge. As I walked down the bridge, I was greeted by a lovely fruit and vegetable market. The peaceful stroll offered a mix of warm sunlight on one side and a refreshing cool breeze on the other. The crystal-clear water of the Reuss River beautifully reflected the city and surrounding mountains, with swimmers enjoying its coolness in the distance. On my way back, I encountered a group of talented Swiss musicians dressed in white, captivating a crowd of enthusiastic tourists. It took me a few seconds before I realised, I was bopping my head to the music a little too... openly. Lucerne was an absolute gem, not just because of the iconic Chapel Bridge, stunning river, and picturesque cruises. It was the people who truly made it special. Everywhere you looked, there was happiness and joy. Families enjoying picnics, university students radiating positive vibes. Even at McDonald's, when I needed the toilet code, a group of teenagers shouted it out to me without hesitation.

Our next stop was Engelberg, where we embarked on the famous cable car ride to Titlis. Engelberg was a sight to behold, with majestic mountain peaks, paragliders soaring through the sky, and a peaceful stream flowing right by the cable car entrance. It was a cosy and picturesque village that added to the overall charm of our adventure.

Ascending the cable car to the majestic Titlis Mountains left everyone in awe. As we reached the snow-capped peaks, skiers gracefully glided down, disappearing behind the rugged rock formations. Lost in the incredible view, I unintentionally neglected the couple sharing the cable car with me. Breaking the silence, they curiously asked, 'Are you Indian?' With a smile, I replied, 'No.' Detecting my accent, they tried again, 'British?' I nodded, sparking a friendly conversation amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

Exploring the mountain was an absolute delight! The first floor offered a tantalizing array of ice cream and gelato flavours. From Blueberry Cheesecake to Maple Walnut the creamy texture, the delightful crunch of macadamia, and the soft bits of cheesecake created a dessert experience like no other. But the real adventure awaited on the top floor. Trekking through the snow-covered mountain was a breeze, but the descent proved to be quite challenging. As I soaked in the scenery of the Titlis Mountains for twenty magical minutes, my trusty Insta360 camera captured every corner of the enchanting landscape. However, going back down proved slippery, and I had to warn others about the difficulty, especially for those in heels or with children. Who wears heels on a mountain? With no other option, I decided to embrace the fun and slid down the mountain on my coat-turned-seat. It worked like a charm, and the best part was that my coat only got wet on the outside, so I could put it back on without any discomfort. I saw one family with a two-year-old going up and had to warn them about the difficulty of getting back down.

Now to the adrenaline-pumping adventure on the cliff walk! This suspension bridge, perched over 3000 meters high and stretching 100 meters long, offers a unique perspective of the mountains. As I made my way across the bridge, I couldn't help but feel a bit shaky, especially with a kid running around, showing off their fearlessness. But once I reached the end, the view was alluring. On one side of me, two American girls striking the most random poses for their pictures, while in the corner, a group of Afghans were enjoying a cosy tea break. I recognised some of their Farsi words my parents sometimes communicate in. The Ice Flyer glacier chair lift station was equally fascinating. Standing in line, I had no idea what I was queuing up for, but the sight of giant chair lifts whisking people away and bringing them back within minutes intrigued me. When it was finally my turn, I was swept off my feet, literally! The chair lift took me on a scenic ride over the mountains, offering a whole new perspective of Titlis. I couldn't resist waving at the returnees, exchanging smiles and even witnessing a few nervous glances downward.

As I made my way back to the cable car, I found myself grouped with the Afghans I had encountered earlier on the cliff walk. They were curious about my origins, and when I mentioned London, they asked about my original heritage. I replied, 'Same as you.' Our conversation continued in Urdu, as we explored our shared cultural connections. They shared how life has become safer in Afghanistan since the war ended, a sentiment echoed by my customers I've met in London. We also discussed life in London and their friend's employment struggles there. In a light-hearted moment, they playfully invited me to Afghanistan, and I responded with a hopeful 'maybe one day'. It was a meaningful exchange that highlighted the power of travel and the bonds we can form across borders.

We accidentally got off at the wrong stop, but something amazing caught my eye. People of all ages were sliding down snowy hills on snow tubes. Despite having limited time, I couldn't resist the temptation. I left my bag with a friendly South Indian couple, grabbed a snow tube, and eagerly joined in the fun. The ride was wild and bumpy, but the adrenaline rush was worth it. I even tried capturing the moment on my Insta360 camera, but the angle ended up just a bumpy video of my crotch, so I had to delete the video. It was a carefree and exhilarating experience that reminded me to embrace my inner child. As I made my way back, I caught another glimpse of the majestic mountains, this time surrounded by lush greenery. I approached the Afghans I had met earlier and asked if we could take a together. They happily agreed. I also captured a lovely picture of two of them looking out into the mountains.