Vals, Switzerland

“In the home of their own beings, they are peacefully and comfortably at ease. They are blissful, enjoying pleasures, and eternally joyful; they are wealthy, and the greatest kings; they center their minds on the Guru’s Feet.” -Sri Guru Granth Sahib

The perfect time to climb the hills of Vals, Switzerland happens in early July. I can breathe the fresh alpine air, smell the sweet earth, feel the crisp breeze coming down the Valser peek, and taste my sweat after rushing up hills of peaceful nature. It is my yearly pilgrimage, and the journey renews my senses, as I rest my tired body.

Water flows like milk; vivid colors of nature paint a perfect picture every second.

I do nothing here. I unload my bags and my mind. I simply sit or walk. I do nothing when I visit Vals, except, perhaps, eat. At times, my simple strolls around the village can be exhausting, unlike strolling around the West Village in New York. Visually exhausting, my senses are shocked with freshness and natural beauties all around.

I enjoy the landscape’s the minimal qualities, and soon I am exhausted. One’s vacation shouldn’t have to be complex. It can be simple and minimal. Nature isn’t complicated. Sometimes a vacation should be like that: organic.

Vals may be the connecting dot in between here and there for me. I need a place to return and refuel, a village to visit for nurturing. Everyone should have his or her own Vals, an oasis to visit for its peacefulness, for its replenishing qualities.