Monday 12th August 2024 🚂

Day 12

After waking up to a freezing cold room at 5.20, the 19 bleary-eyed Rangers and Leaders headed for Florence station. We were all excited to leave the heat, and get to Our Chalet. We boarded the train, but only to discover that the carriage had no aircon. We were going to move, thanks to a lovely conductor, but half of us were asleep and recovering from our early start! Unfortunately, the train was delayed but luckily the time was made up and we arrived at the Milan station on time. 

When the platform was announced for the next train, to Zurich, we all raced to be the first on. However, there was a lot of confusion as there were two carriage 7s. After putting the bags up and taking them down a few times, we squeezed our way through some slightly confused passengers whilst politely screaming at them to move. When we finally got off the train we ran up the platform to the other carriage 7. The conductor did not seem best pleased. After a very eventful start, we found our seats and sat down. However one of the train groups (Emma's group) didn't get onto the other train so they were stuck on the other side. We worked out that the trains were connected, just that we couldn't go through to see them. Whilst all that was going on, Liv and Nicky’s group were also stuck on the wrong train and as equally confused as the rest. Poor Nicky managed to get hit on the head by a bike rack and rendered useless (she is absolutely fine now!) 

Finally, we were sat down. Many napped, others admired the beautiful Swiss country and we played card games. Alice finally worked out how to use her camera properly (even after 12 days!). 

When we got to Zurich, Fiona almost fell down the escalator due to some passerby pushing through. Arriving at the next platform, we were delighted to find out that the next train was a double decker one! We went for a little explore and almost broke into first class (oops). 

After putting the crocs into sports mode (yes Mum) and getting into serious mode, we sprinted through Bern station to get to the next train to Frutigen. However, we got separated from the others. Whilst on the train, we saw rain and lightning! Cracks of thunder boomed overhead. This was a relief as we've been sat in very hot trains all day (and the 39° heat yesterday). 

Whilst the other groups were catching up, we had to find ways to entertain ourselves, including dancing and watching the lightning.

When they arrived, we had to take the bus up the hill, just to wait for a taxi. 

Squashing into the taxi we drove up the hill to Our Chalet. In the third taxi, was our saviour - the pizza!

 

The views at Our Chalet are beautiful, and we are all looking forward to properly exploring tomorrow. The chalet is situated in between the Alps, which were lit up by a huge rainbow.  We watched the gorgeous sunset over the mountains and settled in for bed.

Until next time 

Team Inter-Rail 🚂

~Eloise