St. Moritz: A Journey of Trains, Trails, and Rainbows

Arrival via Bernina Express

We began our adventure with a train journey from Italy aboard the Bernina Express. The guide warned us that we were now traveling from Italy, where posted train departures were closer to suggestions, to the Swiss-run train, which would follow an exacting schedule. And right he was! Our train was scheduled to depart at 12:17 p.m., and at 12:17 p.m., the train was pulling away from the station. As the train wound through the Alps, over bridges, and past glaciers, our mouths hung open at the scenic introduction to the beauty of St. Moritz. The conductor gave us chocolates in a container shaped like a train, and we admired the beauty through windows that took up almost the entire side of the railway cars.

Hiking and Humility

Foolishly, we told our guide that we were fit Americans who could easily handle a challenging hike in the Alps. Well, it turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, but our guide graciously adjusted the course while sparing our feelings, but none of the majestic views. While physically demanding, the views from the higher elevations were truly breathtaking, and we were delighted to be among the few hikers on the overcast day. It was a humbling reminder of nature's grandeur and our physical limits! And I don't begrudge a single step, since we were treated to views of glaciers, foliage, and cheeky wildflowers poking out on our blustery walk.

The Rainbow's Gift

One of the best moments during my time in St. Moritz was witnessing a vibrant rainbow. Rainbows have always held special meaning for me, symbolizing moments of significance and joy. I saw a rainbow while driving to take the LSATs. I recognize that this may not be everyone's pivotal life moment, but taking the test and performing well put me on a path to law school, and ultimately led to me meeting my husband, Dwight, so it shaped much of my future. I saw a rainbow again the evening when Dwight proposed, and I spotted another as a young mom, exhausted, holding a crying baby, and wondering if I would ever live up to being the mother I aspired to be. Somehow, the rainbow, then as now, was comforting, and it assured me that I was on the right path. Seeing one against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps felt particularly profound and added a magical touch to the trip.