Everyone knows the old saying, “time flies when you’re having fun.” I have heard this phrase my whole entire life, but I never truly understood the meaning until this summer. I cannot believe that it is already July, and the end of the summer semester is coming soon. While I have been reflecting on one of the best summers of my life, amazing memories come rushing to my head. The Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program has been an amazing experience for many different reasons. I have loved the things we have done as part of the program, as well as the things I have been able to do outside of the planned program events. One of my favorite parts of this program is the freedom to travel on many of the weekends and pursue personal travel. I was thinking just the other day how fortunate we all are to not only get to experience Italy with the program but also take full advantage of the nearness of so many other countries. I could not say which personal travel trip has been my favorite because they are all so unique. However, I would like to share about my weekend in Interlaken, Switzerland. This trip was full of beautiful sights and adventures. Upon arriving, I knew we were in for a treat. Interlaken is a town that is completely surrounded by the prettiest mountains and greenest grass. Just beyond this, I saw the beautiful snow capped mountains in the distance. I had heard such wonderful things about this place that I had to visit for myself. Amongst the kayaking, hiking through waterfalls, and bike riding, I somehow found the time, and courage, to try hang gliding. At first, I have to say, I was extremely nervous. After we made it to the top of the mountain and I looked below, my nerves set in even more. I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. We set up all of the equipment, and it was time to fly. The only advice I was given was to have fun and to not stop running. I grabbed onto the handles and we were off. I cannot put into words this feeling of being so high and literally soaring through the air, but if I had to choose a word, I would say this experience was absolutely breathtaking. While I was still very nervous when we were in the sky, my nerves began to simmer and I was able to enjoy the view and the rush that comes with flying. This whole weekend was so much fun, but jumping off of a cliff and flying was absolutely a highlight. I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel while in Europe and explore as many places as possible while they are so close. I truly believe personal travel has been just as much of a learning experience as the planned aspects of the program. I am thankful that the faculty has built in the time for us students to see as much as we can see while abroad.
Ciao!
Abby Cook

Hang glide over the Swiss Alps?? Don’t mind if I do.