Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3c8VjX3gsFv8GW4b7
The two major cities I visted were Zurich and Lucerne, which both sit next to beautiful lakes and are surrounded by picturesque mountains. The Alps are stunning and very different from the mountains around Seattle because almost every major valley has paved roads, towns, and farms throughout. Many mountains have gondolas that can take you well above treeline, so it’s quite easy to see spectacular views. I rarely had to think about if I had enough food and water because when you’re in the alps you’re never far from civilization. Traditional dairy farms are found all throughout the mountains and valleys. I was shocked to hear just how loud cow bells are. Even from a distance from which cows look ants I could often hear the constant jangling. A warm showers host I stayed with told me that the dairy industry is heavily subsidized and protected by tariffs on imports so that this traditional lifestyle for dairy farmers can be preserved.
Bicycling over the mountain passes got me in the best cardio shape of my life. On days when I hiked instead of bicycled I was alarmed at how I just didn’t seem to ever get tired.
