Nathan Barba: Fired Up After My Trip to Switzerland
From Zurich to Lugano: Nathan Barba’s journey through Switzerland’s natural wonders and engineering marvels
I recently returned to San Francisco after an incredible trip to Switzerland. To put it mildly, I discovered the true meaning of “clean” and my god, the United States is sorely falling behind.
I was eager to explore a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine environment. The moment my plane touched down in Zurich I was ready to explore. The journey that followed exceeded all my expectations.
To be honest, I could’ve written a lot more here about my travels in this heavenly little nation, but for the purposes of the blogosphere, I’ve trimmed it to a few notable highlights.
The first experience that took my breath away was the beautiful 2.5-hour drive from Zurich to Chironico in Ticino, the Italian region of Switzerland where I stayed. The route itself was out of this world, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the lush greenery, quaint villages, and majestic mountains of the Swiss countryside. Every turn revealed a new postcard-perfect scene, each more stunning than the last, creating a drive that was nothing short of magical.
Be warned: they take speeding very seriously and have automatic cameras set up everywhere along the freeways. Admittedly, I got carried away by the scenery and was welcomed to two speeding tickets from Swiss law enforcement upon my return. My checking account might beg to differ, but I think it was worth it.
Upon reaching Chironico, I went on some of the most invigorating hikes I’ve ever experienced. The trails were challenging but rewarding and offered multiple breath-taking vistas. Each step was like a journey into Narnia — a world untouched by time where nature and old stone structures reigned supreme.
Taking advantage of Switzerland’s natural beauty wasn’t the only highlight. If you’ve read anything about Swiss cuisine, you know its top-notch and definitely worth the calories (I put on a few pounds, no shame). From the rich and creamy fondue to the delicate pastries, every meal was fantastic. One afternoon in particular stands out: dining al fresco with a view of the Alps, savoring a Bolognese pasta with Tiramisu to boot. It was as delicious as the scenery was beautiful. It’s no wonder that the Swiss take such pride in their culinary traditions.
Stupidly, I forgot to take a picture of the food, but this image of the view I was eating in front of should suffice:
One place that truly captivated me was Lugano. This charming city nestled on the shores of its namesake lake, is a paradise for nature lovers and urban explorers alike. The blend of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair gives Lugano a unique character that beams with serenity. Strolling along the lake with the mountains reflecting in the water was a moment of pure bliss — the ultimate escape I was searching for.
Something else that left a lasting impression was the Gotthard Tunnel. As someone who appreciates great engineering feats, I was in awe of this 57-kilometer marvel. The tunnel is not just a means of connecting different parts of the country; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Driving through it, I couldn’t help but marvel at the skill and vision that made such an incredible structure possible. Something that caught my eye was entering the tunnel to signage in German and exiting the tunnel to signage in Italian. So much cultural diversity within such a small geographic area.
I cannot stress enough how clean this country is. As someone who has spent significant time cleaning beaches along the San Francisco Bay, I have a deep appreciation for well-preserved natural spaces. In my book, Switzerland ranks number one with its spotless streets and pristine environments — a revelation in environmental conservation. The commitment to cleanliness and sustainability is evident everywhere you look, setting a standard that many other countries would do well to follow (I’m looking at you, America).
And that was ultimately my biggest takeaway: a small country’s dedication to environmental conservation. Oddly, it’s not unlike the surprising environmental insights I gained from Jep Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame, which I previously shared in a blog. Jep’s unexpected passion for nature conservation mirrors my own, and it was inspiring to see how different walks of life can converge on this critical issue.
As I sit in my apartment in San Francisco, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of responsibility. My apology to nature for our collective impact on the planet takes on new urgency after witnessing the drop-dead beauty of Switzerland. This trip refueled my commitment to environmental advocacy, reminding me that every effort counts in preserving the natural wonders of our world.
I leave Switzerland with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit fired up to continue my journey of exploration and advocacy.
