I GOT TO SEE THE EIGER!

Yesterday morning we all hopped on bikes and travelled about 8 miles from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. It took us about 2 hours because we stopped almost every 100 yards to take pictures or just awe at the scenery. It was simply unbelievable and I have about 150 pictures to prove it. And let me just say that this biking was MOUNTAIN biking. Trails made of gravel and dirt comprised the majority of the trip and as we travelled toward Lauterbrunnen, the grade continually rose. (Lauterbrunnen is about 2,000 feet above Interlaken.) Needless to say, the ride back was a breeze!

We arrived in Lauterbrunnen just before 1 and had lunch at some little (overpriced) cafe with the Eiger rising behind me. Waterfalls and giant peaks littered the surroundings and I felt so relaxed there, despite pure exhaustion from the ride. The Eiger is majestic (even though that sounds so trite) and incredibly impressive.

After we returned the bikes, we sat at a little cafe for a drink with every other American in Interlaken. No, I take that back. We sat at the cafe with every spoiled, rich Americano frat boy and sorority girl in Interlaken. Ugh, it was nauseating. Amusing but nauseating.

We got in the car and drove to Lucerne, where I am now sitting in my hotel room blogging. We arrived later than expected yesterday and had to rush to get ready and make it to dinner by 7. We met up with the rest of the group and the bride and groom, of course, and had a lovely dinner. Then, much to my dismay, someone had the idea that we should all go sing karaoke. Trudging over to the bar down the street, a couple of the guys started out the night with Roxanne, and it only got weirder from there. One guy sang "I'm A Barbie Girl" and it was HYSTERICAL! I almost peed my pants it was so great. Somehow I was roped into performing with the girls (thank God it was a group effort) but I will leave out details. Then, after a few more beers (and a shot of Vodka) I decided to do a duet which turned out to be a lot of fun, but I hope to erase that from my mind very soon! Again, I won't be giving out song titles for fear of being mocked for the rest of my existence.

At 2:00 a.m., the bartender gave us the "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here" speech, so the girls went one way and the guys went the other. Venturing back to one of the hotels (we're all in various locales), we tried to go to the bar but they were closed as well. We ran into some rich, snotty, 18-year old American boys who are in Switzerland finishing high school and they offered us some of their champagne. So we enjoyed their company for about twenty minutes and decided it was time to go. After that, we just hung out and talked and laughed and K enjoyed her last night as a "free woman."

Tonight is the wedding (5:30 p.m.) and then out for more partying. Tomorrow we're up early to drive back to Interlaken for an adventure. This was an unplanned adventure and I am a little hesitant, but have been talked in to it by everyone else. I'll let you know what it is tomorrow (or Monday) if I go through with it. I've already sort of committed, but we'll see. After the adventure, it's in the car for a long drive to Weisbaden with a stop in Heidelberg. Monday it's up early to drive to Frankfurt and come home!