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a sweet humming - by jennifer tsai - jenn's journal

jennifertsai.substack.com · 2,008 words · saved by 4 readers

The mountains in Switzerland are vast, expansive. When I landed at the Geneva airport in May, I noticed the mellow blue grooves lining the sky, the sun peeking through with an apricot orange — forgiving. At Rigi, lush green blankets soften the ridges, golden dandelions sprinkled on like Confectioner’s sugar. It feels like a painting. It’s to be enjoyed as a spectator, not challenged. It’s unlike how I race through the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, or trek up flights of stairs at Stawamus Chief in Squamish. I tell M.C. that the hikes here are lighthearted and participatory. The mountains at home are bold and daring, a quest to overcome — the views are saved for the end, the final Summit. My solo summer in Switzerland was an era where I learned to navigate my internal landscape. I became untethered from my identity, lost my regular swing, and then fumbled to gain momentum again. I thought I got over the loneliness and angst of moving to a new place, but this was different. Geneva is quiet,

a sweet humming Songs on repeat: on solitude, slowness, and a summer in Switzerland. jennifer tsai Jan 01, 2024 16 2 Share The mountains in Switzerland are vast, expansive. When I landed at the Geneva airport in May, I noticed the mellow blue grooves lining the sky, the sun peeking through with an apricot orange — forgiving . At Rigi, lush green blankets soften the ridges, golden dandelions sprinkled on like Confectioner’s sugar. It feels like a painting . It’s to be enjoyed as a spectator, not challenged. It’s unlike how I race through the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, or trek up flights of stai

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