Day 5 -
NOT QUITE HOW WE ENVISIONED OUR THURSDAY TO START OFF -
On the train to Bern, I nodded off and only woke when for some unknown reason, we had to change at Olten; we couldn't decipher the German announcement. It was only when everyone else dashed off that Mum piped up in confusion at the commotion and we were informed that we had to get off. We ran after the sharply dressed men and women hot on their heels to ensure we didn't miss the replacement train service. It was irksome as we arrived 30 minutes after we should have!! Things didn't really break our way as the day progressed either.
At a mild 9 degrees Celsius, this was the warmest of all our days as we were graced with actual sunshine for an energy boosting dose of Vitamin C. It was sorely yearned for, let me tell ya! The hourly chimes of Zytglogge, a Medieval clock tower were a bit of a let down but the clock face of the astronomical calendar clock (built in the 13th Century) is extraordinary. Kindlifresserbrunnen, a sculpture of an ogre gobbling a sack of babies has been around for over half a century terrifying youngsters. It is quite possibly the capital's creepiest roadside attraction.
Einstein's theory of relativity was developed within the very walls of what is now The Einstein Haus museum. The former residence of Albert, his first wife Mileva and their son Hans from 1903 to 1905 is found at Kramgasse no. 49. It wasn't lame at all and Bern prides itself on having this historic monument within the confines of their captivating town. The apartment isn't roomy enough to swing a cat in but is furnished in the style of the era. Interesting videos and artefacts chronicle his life achievements and unravel his scandalous affair with his boo thang, who was also his COUSIN!!!
We lapped up the sun rays to the fullest degree on this gorgeous day. From Nydeggbrucke, a treestone bridge connecting the old city to the new across the River Aare, we could see the sign of the old chocolate factory 'Fabrique du Chocolat'. It was there in 1879 that choccie history was made as Rudolf Lindt institutionalised the Conche technique.
Should you have the inclination there are a couple of bronze, life-size statues of the Nobel Prize winning genius for you to pose with on a bench. Albert Einstein sits awaiting an intellectual match to converse with in some truly picturesque spots. He's had to sit with a bunch of simpletons in his time!!
The tradition of keeping bears in Bern goes back to 1513 but I'm not entirely sure why it began. Brown bears Bjork, Finn and Ursina were in their dens hibernating for winter so we were unable to spy them with our little eyes. I don't blame them but the fact is that we were looking forward to watching them while we consumed our usual picnic platter. Still, we had sweet moments between us and our sandwiches instead as we looked out to the sweeping, panoramic magnificence of the Aare River and its surroundings.
HAPPY ICE CREAMING! -
With the weather being warmer we had a Magnum and out of all the joyous ice creams on a stick, it's DOUBLE COCONUT Magnum for the win!! A stray cat wanted Amy to love and pet it but my little goober sister wasn't reciprocating. It nuzzled against her knees and still she wouldn't have a bar of soft Kitty's little ball of fur :( Bless its tender, shaking, purring heart! The bear park staff fed it, much to my relief.
Mum didn't like trudging up the steep sloped incline to the Rose Garden and stumbled walking backwards. As it was winter, we didn't go to paint the 223 different varieties of roses red but we came to the former cemetery as it is a fanciful spot to unwind. The enchanting views of the city from which are said to be unrivalled but we wanted to be the judges of that. As we modelled on the wall, the sun lit up all we surveyed in a hazy way; thus removing the best backdrops from our photos. Amy proved that she's not always *the* good daughter by throwing leaves down onto Mum's scalp!
It was a bit of a bummer that restrobistro Gut Gelaunt had NO ice cream on our visit so we couldn't have Toblerone milkshakes in the home of Toblerone!! I mean, they had ONE JOB!!!! I pouted but we weren't about to let that ruin an otherwise frolicsome Thursday and sojourned onwards to Bern Munster, the Swiss Reformed Cathedral.
This cathedral is a cultural property of National Significance with a spire measuring 100.6m - making it the tallest in the country. We relaxed in the grounds, listened to the bells toll and looked out over the River Aare as the site was closed to the public for a private funeral. Such a cursed streak!! Overall, our visit to the birthplace of chocolate, where all Toblerone bars originate and capital with a UNESCO World Heritage seal of honour was wonderous and calming.
Christkindlmarkt in HB train station is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe with some 150 stalls and it was swarming! We were smacked in the nose with festive scents of cinnamon and mulled wine while we perused row after row of giftable goods. I only bought a single purple, sparkly stick candle from a stall which had all the colours in the spectrum and a moon Swavorski charm as it was too pretty not to purchase. It was a disappointment that the crystal tree wasn't lit up in the concourse as it's the main attraction of this Christmas market.
No comments:
Post a Comment