Switzerland is my favorite place. I have visited twice with my family, and I have set foot on the cities of Zurich, Zug, Davos, Basel, and more.

The skiing is one of a kind; the powder is soft and airy, and the air is thin and fresh. I took a tram up to the middle of the mountain and a lift the rest of the way; that’s how tall the mountain is. When at the top of the mountain, I couldn’t see anything because I was suspended above the clouds.

One day, my family and I were walking through the town of Basel, looking for a place to eat. We got on the train and noticed something very strange. About half of the people on the train were in elaborate, colorful, and over-the-top costumes. This was during our first trip to Switzerland, so we were confused, which led us to believe that maybe dressing that way was just part of the culture. When we got off the train, however, we were enveloped in a sea of colorful costumes marching down the street. We hurried to the sidewalk to watch the parade. I later found out that what I was seeing is known as the Carnival of Basel, a festivity that takes place every year in February and March. It was so nice to get to stumble upon a tradition and see a little glimpse of what the Swiss people celebrate and are passionate about.

Switzerland will always hold some of my favorite memories, and I can’t wait to go back.