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A European Travelouge: Exploring Switzerland, Italy, France, and Germany – Ms.Gigi Benny, Dept of Social Science

Switzerland, a place I had always imagined as filled with snowy mountains and clear lakes. My journey began from there, together with my family.  The adventure kicked off at Mount Titlis, where I took the world’s first rotating cable car, the Rotair gondola, up to the peak. As we climbed, the Swiss Alps unfolded below, blanketed in snow as far as the eye could cover. The air was so fresh, and the view so endless, I felt like I was on top of the world. Standing on the summit bridge, with icy cliffs stretching on every side, felt like a thrill mixed with a deep sense of peace.

Down in the valley, Lake Lucerne offered a completely different vibe. I boarded a boat and drifted across its calm, green waters, surrounded by small villages and mountains. Nearby was Schwarzsee, a hidden little lake that seemed untouched by time, where everything felt quiet and still.

Zurich, gave a taste of Swiss city life. Zurich is known for its financial district, and walking along Bahnhofstrasse, I saw the grand Swiss National Bank building, which adds an air of sophistication to the city.

The adventure continued in Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, two towns that captured the essence of the Swiss Alps. Interlaken, cradled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. But Lauterbrunnen, with its 72 waterfalls, felt like a hidden treasure.

Crossing Italy, I arrived at Rome, where history lives on every street corner. At the Trevi Fountain, I was carried to a tradition that dates back centuries—tossing a coin over my left shoulder into the fountain, a gesture that is said to ensure my visit again to Rome. Watching my coin sink into the sparkling water, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet excitement at the thought of coming back to this ancient city. Just some feet away, the Pantheon awaited, an ancient temple from 126 AD. Its grand dome, open at the top to let in a single beam of light, gave the space an almost mystical feel, illuminating walls that have seen centuries passed by.

In Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica took my breath away with its grand architecture and magnificent art. Climbing to the top of Michelangelo’s dome rewarded me with a stunning view over Rome, and every inch of the basilica held stories in its sculptures and frescoes. As I stood before the iconic Colosseum, Rome’s rich history unfolded before me.

From there, Venice rose like a dream from the sea. In St. Mark’s Square, with the grand St. Mark’s Basilica and its Eastern-inspired domes glinting under the sun, I felt like I had entered another world. In Venice the gentle waves rocked the boat as we were passing under arched bridges and gliding by centuries-old palaces. It felt like we were exploring a floating city, surrounded by history and beauty. Along the canals, shops displayed Murano glass artwork. The colorful glass vases, jewellery, and tiny figures looked like a little treasure, crafted with care and skill.

In France we went to Paris, and my first sight of the Arc de Triomphe was both inspiring and familiar. Commissioned by Napoleon in the early 1800s to honour his victorious army, it reminded me of India Gate in India.

The Eiffel Tower awaited, and ascending it at sunset was a dream come true. From the top, Paris stretched below, bathed in a soft golden glow that slowly transformed as the lights of the City of Lights flickered on. The next day, I stepped into the Louvre Museum, where centuries of art waited to be discovered.

A short walk led us to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with towering spires and intricate stained glass. The next visit in Paris was St. Vincent de Paul Church, a church dedicated to helping the poor and pronouncing its message of compassion and simplicity.

In Paris, the Sacred Heart Basilica’s intricate mosaics, beautiful stained glass, and majestic dome inspired reverence. From the top, the breathtaking city views stretched out, a canvas of Parisian charm.

Finally, we went to Germany, where the natural power of Rhine Falls awaited. Near the charming city of Konstanz, Rhine Falls is one of Europe’s largest waterfalls. The roar of the water and the mist in the air made me feel completely thrilled and chilled, and the sight of the powerful river crashing over the rocks was unforgettable.

Each place we visited, offered something unique—from Switzerland’s serene mountains to Italy’s ancient wonders, France’s artistic treasures, and Germany’s natural beauty. This journey through Europe has left me with memories that feel like the enjoyment of a lifetime in just two weeks. Each city, each sight, is now a part of me, a chapter in a story I’ll keep in mind forever.