My Home Away From Home

I was here in Switzerland in 2008 when I was backpacking through Europe and fell in love with Interlaken. I fell in love with waking up to the sight of the Swiss Alps every morning and meeting lovely people all the time. I became really close with the staff of the Funny Farm. It was the best hostel.

The staff made you feel like family especially those who stayed extended periods of time. My cousin and I tried to leave to another city but we missed it too much after being away for 2 days and came back. I kept my friendships with them over the years and now I'm finally back here.

I strongly believe in being a man/woman of your word. If you say you're going to do something, do it. I said I would be back and I followed through. It may have taken me a while because of school but it was definitely worth the wait. I'm now an Italian citizen, which took about 3-4 years to get too so I can stay here as long as I want without worrying about visas and also find work.

When I was on the plane landing into Zurich, when I saw the landscape below, I started to choke up. I could not believe how beautiful this place is. I feel like I'm still in denial that I'm here when I look how beautiful everything is. I stayed in Zurich with a good friend of mine Levin, who is a well known singer in his area. He's really talented, it was surreal to see his talent come so effortlessly.

Thank you so much Levin for your generous hospitality, I really appreciate it.

Yesterday,  Levin drove me to Interlaken where I met up with my friend Roger whom I have not seen in 6 years. It was so lovely to see him again. He offered for me to stay here in Brienz until I find some work and a place, which is so sweet of him. I will be heading to Interlaken tomorrow to meet up with some old friends to look around for work.

Brienz is so beautiful, I really enjoyed my time there. I stayed there a few days and then yesterday I came to the hostel to see who was around. Roger made lovely dinners and we caught up on things and had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed hanging out with him again, brought back old/good memories.

Thank you Roge for everything, you truly are a beautiful person with a big heart. It was lovely seeing you again and catching up on lost time.

I came to Interlaken and they remembered me the moment I walked in, it was such a welcoming feeling. They gave me a job and a free flat.  This hostel has a very special place in my heart. The year I was here was the best year they said they ever had and it truly was. I'm not sure if it will ever be like that again but in a way I'm sad but at the same time, I'm glad because only those who were there that year will know that experience. It reminds me a bit of the movie "The Beach", finding a little paradise with great company. Its great but it always is short lived, but the memories will live on forever.

Now that I'm sitting in the lobby of the Hotel Mattenhoff, drinking a glass of wine as I write this blog, I have many mixed emotions. I'm still adjusting to everything here even though a lot of I remember. Adjusting to being a traveler again, realizing I only bought a one way ticket, not knowing the language but I will learn, being a solo female traveler etc.

I don't mind being alone at all, but last time I backpacked I had my cousin to talk to and figure things out with. But I'm glad I have friends here, I'm sure once the season starts things will be more lively. I think my mind is still trying to process what I did, buying choosing to travel the world and actually being here in Interlaken again doing it.

I'm happy for sure, my soul feels like it is in the right place. I can't describe it, its the ambiance of walking into a place 6 years later and welcomed as if you never left. Its quite a feeling. I'm so grateful for the people I have met during my past travels and some new friendships whom I met online and was finally able to hang out with. The key to successful budget travel is to network and make friends. These people have given me more than I could ask for.

Its amazing what faith and trust does for you. Leap and the world will throw you a net. It has been catching me every time I leap. It is a beautiful thing.

For those who want to embark on a similar journey, please do it. It doesn't necessarily have to be traveling the world, I mean it could be but if its leaving a unhealthy relationship, leaving a shitty job or wanting just more out of life, just do it. You are so important and your happiness should always be number 1. Its time for you to be selfish, that word may have some negative connotation but how can you be happy when you are not doing things for yourself or that you absolutely love. When you do things you love and follow your dreams, you bring goodness to you. You attract beautiful things into your life. You are what you love, not what loves you.

I do not know what will come of this whole experience or how long I will travel for but I do not miss New Jersey at all. Haven't thought about it actually. I miss my family yes, but they know I'm a free spirit and this makes me happy. I was feeling a bit anxious when I started writing this but after me being honest with you all made me feel at ease.

I just gotta let it be and let things happen as they come. But believe me, I see signs every day from the Universe letting me know that everything will be alright. When you let your soul drive you to where you need to be thats when unbelievable things align for you.

Can't wait for what comes next.

Be sure to like Funny Farm's Facebook page, which I manage. :)

If you are coming to Switzerland, come by the Funny Farm!! You won't regret it.