One perfect Moment

Just a few days ago I was climbing 297 steps to the top of a Bell Tower in Munich to see the Swiss Alps. Our small group over came claustrophobia and a fear heights in order to see the beautiful mountainous backdrop. Directly below, orange rooftops and the sound of street performers playing the accordion heightened the magic of what we were experiencing. From this view we finally saw, felt, and listened to the authenticity of Munich's old world charm. We were packed into a caged enclosure like chickens yet the atmosphere was calm and quiet. It was as if we were all entranced by the spirit of Munich. Looking out across the landscape I could only imagine how many people will never experience this moment. It humbled me to realize how lucky this group of 21 student are to have the opportunity to see the world from this view. Germany's frictional past drifted away as the beauty of the city swept in to take its place. 

Three short, rainy days later after a two hour train ride we arrived in a whole new part of Bavaria and quite possibly a whole new world. The cloudy mystique set the tone for the fairytale we were about to experience. As we stepped off the train and stampeded past other tourists to get seats on the bus we almost missed our first view of the Swiss Alps. The mountain tops were powdered in perfect white snow. It was a view that cannot be replicated or described in pictures or words. The magic of the mountains can only be described as a feeling. I was breathing in pockets of cool, pure, refreshing air. Parts of the village felt untouched from times when Monarchies ruled the kingdom. Although we were surrounded by souvenir shops and buses hauling lazy tourists (like ourselves) up the mountain, it was hard not to be moved by the purity of the landscape. 

Will and I came prepared to share the romantic experience of the castle. As we walked across the crowded bridge to catch a glimpse of the castle, we noticed the inscribed locks lining the bridge. I pulled out a small lock from my purse inscribed "WL+KH 2013" and clasped the lock around the wire of the bridge. Destiny informed Will and Myself that in order to avoid a bad love spell we had to throw away the keys. As symbolic insurance of our love, we tossed the keys over the bridge into the rushing stream below. 

The beauty of the castle was no match for the beauty of that moment. I will never forget the magic of the mountains for giving us one perfect moment.