Today is Swiss Day! I have no idea what the holiday is about, but I guess it's like our 4th of July celebration, except with better food and better beer. I woke up this morning to crystal clear skies so I knew I had to go up to the Schilthorn to see the amazing views. And the views certainly were spectacular, the mountains seemed so close that it felt like I could have reached out an touched them. After taking what must have been hundreds of pictures I began the hike back down to Gimmelwald. This morning after finding out prices for the gondola, I decided I could only afford to take the gondola one-way, I have no idea what I was thinking! My knees will never be the same... The hostel threw a party today with food and beer and a fabulous fireworks display. The hostel was the center of all the festivities in Gimmelwald, probably because, besides the barns, it is the biggest building in the village. I met an amazing Australian, Becky and two Americans, Eric and Jon. We spent the night eating, talking and playing cards, until we were told to go outside for the parade. After a bit of confusion I realized that we were the parade! The owners of the hostel handed out Swiss lanterns and we paraded around the village. The contrast of the Swiss lanterns against the dark sky was eerily beautiful.