Switzerland-Bern/ Uetliberg

5-06-2011

After a bit of a hectic night of trying to book tickets to South America, some hotels in Germany and a cruise in the Galapagos, we decided to take it slow today.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, was a slow city today, most likely because of it being Sunday. Nearly all the shops were closed with minimal traffic on the streets, making it easy to stroll around. Walked along the main street, passing the multiple fountains - the bagpiper, the ogre, the bear, Samson, Justice and a few others. As we came near the prison gate, an old fashioned steam engine crossed it, giving the city a very old feel. Lovely clock tower, a model of a man strikes the bell every hour and a variety of other contraptions go off as well. Fun to watch .

Einstein's house is hidden among the shops. Lived here when he discovered the theory of relativity.

The sun was out and so were the bears at the pit. They are the mascots of Bern , two were frolicking while the other two were lazing in the sun. Felt a bit bad for the bears as they are in a confined space, maybe they are moved around , not sure. Sat by and watched the strong currents of the Aare River flowing.

Stopped by the cathedral, a stained glass window has a picture of a bear as well as one on the ceiling. Then the parliament, there was a massive iron spider being displayed in the square but the best was the water jets from the ground. Toddlers and children ran through the water, some a bit scared others fearlessly . Then the rain started but we were back at the train station by then.

There were some soldiers at the ground floor near the trains, along with the clock, the train timetable board, the sunlight streaming through the glass showing up the dust in the air it transported us to an old war movie. On the other side was the loud live music of the Thai Festival with the mouth watering food smell.

At the Sprungli in the train station the lady serving us reminded me of Mr. Bean in Love Actually. We had a few minutes to catch our train and were buying Truffes du Jour. First the explanation, had to be eaten within three days, we told her we would consume them today itself. She took our order and then started an elaborate packing process, the paper to cushion them, the ribbon around the box and then tag. Had to sprint to the train.

We had not been to Uetliberg as we took a break day earlier. The sun was shining in Zurich so we went up the hill. Really good day to see Zurich from the tower up there , the lake and the mountains were crystal clear.

Forgot to write about a cute thing in Spain. In Seville at the pedestrian crossing, on the green light a man is shown walking along with a timer, when there are seven seconds left he starts running. A lot of times I stopped just to watch him run.

Good day , a bit more relaxed.



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