Next Time I Go

The vibrant green plains stand against the Alps’ sharp, snowy angles. The contrast is breathtaking. Switzerland’s landscapes are as diverse as its inhabitants. Its rich history is interwoven with a modern patchwork of people and culture.

Located in west-central Europe, Switzerland is landlocked. It borders Italy, France, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. The Jura Mountains cover the west and northwest before leading into the Swiss Plateau. Most of the territory then transitions into the Swiss Alps. They cover approximately 60% of Switzerland’s total land area. Most residents live along the Swiss Plateau, but the Alps are never far from view.

These snow-capped peaks and massive glaciers slowly melt into cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers. Two major European river systems originate in Switzerland: the Rhône and the Rhine. They traverse the landscape toward the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea, respectively. Some of Europe’s largest lakes also dominate the terrain. The greatest is Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman, as it is known outside Geneva itself.

Opa!  When you think about Greece, what do you think of first?  Cradle of Western Civilization?  Democracy?  Philosophy? Olympic Games?  Trojan Horses?  Big Fat Greek Weddings?  I think you can check all the above as Greece has everything.  History.  Culture.  People.  Food.  I could write an article just listing the wonderful things about Greece and fill up pages.  What’s amazing about Greece is that you don’t have to choose one thing that you love about it.  For me, I’m going to check all the above when I talk about Greece.