Nestled within the embrace of the alpine air, mixed with the mingling scents of rich chocolate and warm melted cheese in fondue, Switzerland has left an indelible mark on my sixteen years of world travel. Traversing through fifteen countries, none have captured my heart quite like the land of the Alps. It was amidst these majestic peaks of the Alps mountains that I first tasted the exquisite chocolate, savored the crisp mountain air, and immersed myself in the charming culture of its small towns. One particular trip stands out vividly in my memory- my first ski excursion to Switzerland as a sixth-grader. Accompanied by my schoolmates and teachers, this journey not only introduced me to the thrill of skiing but also instilled in me the spirit of embracing risks.
Upon landing, I was greeted by a juxtaposition of sunny skies and cold air, the crispness of the air enveloping me like a comforting embrace. As we ventured into the village near the ski range, the iconic peaks loomed before us, igniting a sense of anticipation and excitement in my young heart. I eagerly awaited the adventures that lay ahead as I breathed the fresh, icy air through my nose. As we were settling into our cozy Airbnb, we were introduced to our ski instructors, who would serve as our guides through a week of exhilarating experiences. Each crunch beneath my boots heralded the promise of adventure when I stepped onto the snow-covered terrain for the first time. of adventure. The first few days went great for me, and I was able to enjoy skiing with newfound confidence and the surreal view of the Alps with the pristine snow.
However, amidst the bliss of my alpine escapades, challenges arose. Trying to get on a single-lined rope tow properly on a slippery snow field was a formidable obstacle that tested my balance and resolve. I saw people in front of me slipping down the route and others tripping down. This made me have sweaty hands when I was holding on to the rope tow while going up the hill. I failed multiple times; though plagued by nerves and nervousness, I persevered, reminding myself that every stumble was a step toward growth. When I dared to conquer an advanced slope, fear and excitement intertwined as I hurtled down the mountain, only to collide with another skier in a moment of recklessness and loss of balance. My ski poles were gone, and I was miserably lying down on the ground. I got up with my ski pole and felt some people staring at me with worried glances, but my ski instructor came to me with a smile saying that it was okay.
Reflecting on the day’s events over dinner, I found myself adorned with the ‘troublemaker’ necklace, a humorous yet poignant reminder of the day’s mishap. A little bell on the necklace with a red ribbon tied onto it, reminding me of a cowbell, was given. The following day, adorned with the necklace, I approached the slopes with heightened caution, learning from past mistakes and ensuring the safety of myself and others. The chiming sound of the bell when skiing down the slopes reminded me to stay attentive: I looked where I was going, slowed down at the end of the slope, and scanned people around me. Our ski instructor noticed me finding a balance between risk-taking and caution, resulting in no more collisions. Eventually, the symbolic necklace found its way into the hands of a friend, who, like me, encountered a similar mishap. Removing the necklace, I felt a sense of accomplishment and liberation from the jingling reminder, knowing that I had embraced both adventure and responsibility on the slopes.
In retrospect, I learned invaluable lessons from the adversity I faced. While the incident may have initially stung with embarrassment, it served as a poignant reminder to remain vigilant and attentive to my surroundings.
This ski trip epitomized the essence of risk-taking, igniting me with a spirited adventure that has since defined my pursuits. From soaring over Victoria Falls on a zip line to paragliding over Swiss valleys, each subsequent escapade has been emboldened by the courage and curiosity solidified amidst the Swiss Alps.
In hindsight, this journey was not merely a ski trip but a rite of passage — an odyssey that shaped not only my travels but also my outlook on life’s myriad adventures. Switzerland remains etched in my heart as more than a destination; it is a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unknown and seizing every opportunity that lies beyond the horizon.
By: Hailey Sung
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