Switzerland

Fresh from a meal on the lakefront here at Cannobio, I feel content after an enjoyable day out in Switzerland. Shortly after typing up my last entry, I strolled back over to the campsite to dump off some of my things, and head for a trek, but after bumping into a couple of others from the demo team, ended up joining the others (minus Sam and Scouser Danny) for a drive to Switerland to the spot where James Bond bungeed off in Goldeneye. It was good fun driving along the mountain roads, in the brilliant sunshine, gazing out over the turquoise blue lake. Across the border, and the scenery was similar for many miles. Nearing the destination, the landscape began to become even more spectacular, and on arrival to the dam, we were dumbstruck by the scenery and the sheer drop of the jump. Andy and Geordie Dan (the two wanting to splurge the money) were somewhat disappointed/relieved to find that the jumps were only available on the weekend (when we will be working). However, it wasn't a wasted trip, as we took tonnes of photos of the exquisite scenery and Paul then drove us further into the Swiss countryside, where we stopped at various spots that looked especially beautiful, once at a stream that had amazingly clear water. We went paddling, and took yet more photos... and then further until we reached somewhere higher into the mountains where there were cowbells to be heard, a wobbly footbridge across a river, and a church. We explored around, before heading back to Italy for dinner on the lakefront. Dinner was enjoyable, especially as the two who usually dominate the conversation with their twatty observations and loutiness weren't present (yeah, I'm not their biggest fan at the moment). We spent hours, debating (a few of the guys have taken to grinning at me and saying 'Mel, what are your views?' when a contraversial subject comes up, as they're noticing how opinionated I am now....), and covering a whole spectrum of subjects, whilst evening became sunrise, which faded into a beautiful moonlit night. By the end we could see lightening flashing in the distance, and we finished our meals with a cappuccino, and headed to the net cafe. I am glad I decided to join the guys out today, as I got to know them a lot better, and the atmosphere was greatly improved without the other two. Andy and Ronnie are both thinking of leaving Demo in a couple of weeks, when we get paid, and just travelling. Andy is happy to have finally been able to leave the millitary after 5 years and wanted to hear stories of my travels. Of course, I haven't been half as many places as most people, but it was enough to wet his appetite for adventure, and he seems pretty excited to begin his own travels. Just talking about the Middle East again left me aching for adventure and excitement. Ahhhh... maybe Morocco next year, eh? Well, this PC isn't letting me start new paragraphs, and I'm feeling considerably drowsy, so I'm going to chip. Not sure when I'll be online again. Maybe when I get to Lake Garda later on next week. Til then, cheerio folks xx