Aside from Canada, my first trip out of USA was in July 1982, mostly solo through Switzerland and a trip to Germany, but linked up with my brother during his FISM magic competition during the first week. The second week I set off on my own, often deciding a destination based upon discussion the evening prior at the hostel.

Photos were taken with the Canon FTb that I had purchased at age 15 for $250 - roughly $1000 in today's dollars. At the time I had the standard 50mm lens and a 135mm telephoto - and a 2x doubler that provided a powerful 270mm lens also. I did not have a zoom lens, so I spent a lot of time swapping the lenses. Also the shutter exposure had to be manually set to match the meter.

Flights First day in Zurich Train from Zurich to Lausanne Hanging out in Lausanne FISM competition in Lausanne Geneva Zermatt / Matterhorn Frankfurt and Gelnhausen, Germany Final day in Zurich

I don't have photos, but based upon recommendations from hostel guests, I went to Interlaken and stayed at the famous Balmers Hostel www.balmers.com. The next morning I joined about four others and hiked up the roads at the base of the Eiger mountain south of town. I went to a disco in Interlaken. But I asked a girl to dance and she said no, so it wasn't much fun. (One photo of my solo travel after leaving Interlaken is below.)

Jay and Kim in front of Palace de Bealeau, Lausanne, Switzerland