Blanketed in Snow

Something I've learned: It's good to be careful when hyping up a place, restaurant, or excursion, because chances are, when someone visits you, they'll want to go to the place you've spoken so highly of.

Fortunately for me, many of the places I have raved about on my little blog really are fantastic, so when my parents visited and wanted to see these places for themselves, I didn't mind a repeat visit in the least. After moving to Switzerland, one of the first day-trips Ben and I went on was to the Gruyere region. We had a fantastic time walking around the brilliant green hills, watching the cows with their laughably large cow bells, and enjoying spectacular views of the already-snowcapped Swiss Alps. In addition to taking in the scenery, Ben and I also visited the medieval Gruyere Castle, and took a tour of La Maison Gruyere, home to my all-time favorite gruyere cheese.

When my parents and I decided to take a day trip to the Gruyere, I had imagined that our trip would be very similar to mine and Ben's. The difference, however, was spectacular. Rather than lush green fields, the entire landscape was blanketed in thick, white snow. The Gruyere was transformed into a winter wonderland and I was reminded that often, seeing a familiar place at a new time of year is almost like seeing a new place altogether.

train ride to the grueyre: my parents searching for cognates
in an attempt to decipher a french newspaper.

passing through gorgeous snow-covered vineyards.

perfectly straight rows of grape plants , trimmed back for
the season. 

my beautiful mommy enjoying a snowy train ride to the
gruyere!

the gruyere, blanketed in snow. 

I love the contrast of the bright white snow and the brilliant
blue sky. 

can you spot the gruyere castle on the hill?

late afternoon moon. 

the charming village of broc, located inside the gruyere
region.