I don’t have much experience with Swiss Summers, but this Summer has been hot!  The past few weeks have regularly reached 30C (86F) and higher, and this particular spoiled American has been used to the luxury of central air for too many years.  That, along with being one who thrives in cold climates, makes these past few days a bit more challenging for me than they should be.  But I’m getting better, and acclimating slowly but surely.  I remember melting when the temp reached 25C earlier this Spring, and now at 25C I can envision a nice cool mountain breeze caressing my face as the trees gently rustle in the wind, a completely refreshing experience.  As with all things, it’s all relative and about perspective.  As I adjust to non-A/C life, I notice these differences less and less.  I suspect next Summer won’t be an issue at all

However, the hot weather is a PERFECT excuse to escape away to the mountains for some hiking!  I am going to have to make sure to do some trips up to the higher elevations this summer – does anyone have any suggestions for some beautiful hikes up in the Swiss Alps that are a must-do during the Summer months? The mountains in my view aren’t snowcapped anymore, but I would love to see some snowy mountains again, like these off in the distance from an earlier trip to Gruyères a few months ago:

Continue reading Refreshing Summer Drinks: Coconut Iced Tea & Coffee