Possibly the only non-boring Bern attraction is the Einstein Museum. A short walk across the bridge from the Old City, I spent a wonderful 3 hours perusing through the ins-&-outs of Albert’s life.
One interesting tidbit was that he once issued an ultimatum to his wife – she had to accept his rules about their marriage, which included him never having to have sexual relations with her, or else it was over. She didn’t accept his terms & their relationship ended. He was quite the ladies man...what with all that testosterone stimulating his hair into an absolute frenzy...he drove women mad!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
11th Jan - On To Bern - A Boring Place Indeed!
I left Geneva, & my lovely hotel room, bound for the not-so-distant city of Bern. I arrived in Bern by train & walked 10 mins to my hotel. Could they really call themselves a hotel? More like a hostel really - horrible!! And I paid quite a bit for it too. So, it was really bothersome when I ventured outside & discovered Bern.
Bern is the capital of Switzerland – a surprise in itself. Apart from that, & perhaps also that Einstein spent many of his ingenious years here, there’s really not much more to say about this very boring city. Even the cafes, & the coffees, were boring. I was here for 2 nights only - just had to grin & bear it. My advice, just never go there...why would you?
Bern is the capital of Switzerland – a surprise in itself. Apart from that, & perhaps also that Einstein spent many of his ingenious years here, there’s really not much more to say about this very boring city. Even the cafes, & the coffees, were boring. I was here for 2 nights only - just had to grin & bear it. My advice, just never go there...why would you?
UN Closed
Once I’d finished at the Red Cross Museum, I walked back towards the bus stop & saw the United Nations building, with all its flags, standing there prominently. Bummer, it was closed. So, I could only stand outside of it & take a few happy snaps. Maybe one day when I’m invited to give a speech there, I’ll get a chance at taking a few better pictures.
Red Cross Museum
On the Saturday, after lounging around my room most of the morning, then grabbing a quick Chinese lunch, I headed out to the Red Cross Museum. I had to catch a bus (another free ride) to get out there, wherever it was. The snow was thick on the ground out there & I was sad that I didn’t have anyone to throw snowballs at.
When I got there, I paid the entrance fee & went through to the museum. I spent over 2 hours there & learned all about the Red Cross, which was started up in 1863 based on the ideas of a Swiss guy called Henri Dunant. His ideas concerned the care for the sick & wounded during combat. I really didn’t know the Red Cross interest in humanitarian causes (esp concerning human suffering) were so diverse. There is also a Red Crescent (Muslim-based) society, but no Jewish equivalent.
If you’re interested in humanitarian issues, this museum is a must-see if in Geneva.
When I got there, I paid the entrance fee & went through to the museum. I spent over 2 hours there & learned all about the Red Cross, which was started up in 1863 based on the ideas of a Swiss guy called Henri Dunant. His ideas concerned the care for the sick & wounded during combat. I really didn’t know the Red Cross interest in humanitarian causes (esp concerning human suffering) were so diverse. There is also a Red Crescent (Muslim-based) society, but no Jewish equivalent.
If you’re interested in humanitarian issues, this museum is a must-see if in Geneva.
Geneva - Old Town Wanderings
After settling in to the room, I decided to get out & explore the town a bit. Prepped with a tourist map, I headed down across the bridge towards the old town. There weren’t too many people out & about for a Friday afternoon. There seemed to be some really nice little cafes & restaurants scattered about the place, & I was eager to try a few.
Once in downtown Geneva, I crossed the tram tracks on the main street, then walked up the fairly steep (& slippery from snow) slope that took you into the Old Town. It was a quaint place, like many of the old towns throughout Europe, with roughly cobblestoned streets, charming shop signs & displays, & a kind of rustic elegance. After a walk through, which took all of 20 mins, I headed back down to the main street, & aimed myself towards the overly packed cafe I’d walked past earlier where I then proceeded to indulge myself in hot chocolate & chocolate tart – no wonder I put on weight on this trip!
Once in downtown Geneva, I crossed the tram tracks on the main street, then walked up the fairly steep (& slippery from snow) slope that took you into the Old Town. It was a quaint place, like many of the old towns throughout Europe, with roughly cobblestoned streets, charming shop signs & displays, & a kind of rustic elegance. After a walk through, which took all of 20 mins, I headed back down to the main street, & aimed myself towards the overly packed cafe I’d walked past earlier where I then proceeded to indulge myself in hot chocolate & chocolate tart – no wonder I put on weight on this trip!
Monday, February 15, 2010
8th Jan - Arrival in Geneva
After a relatively quick flight to Geneva, I found my way to the Info Centre. To my delight I learned that the Swiss really know how to treat their visitors – they offer free public transport to visitors for their stay there! So I jumped on my free train ride & shortly afterwards was in the central train station. My hotel was located conveniently just across the road.
I fronted up for check in at the Hotel Warwick. The staff there were so polite & professional – a huge step up from most of the other countries I’d travelled to. And, I got a free upgrade to a business suite – beautiful!! I knew for the next 3 nights, I would be relaxed & comfy.
I fronted up for check in at the Hotel Warwick. The staff there were so polite & professional – a huge step up from most of the other countries I’d travelled to. And, I got a free upgrade to a business suite – beautiful!! I knew for the next 3 nights, I would be relaxed & comfy.
Minus 10 Degree Trip
After being in Copenhagen for 5 days, it was time for me to continue my travels. Part of me really didn’t want to leave – I was far too comfy here. But I had to push on, even though I was well-and-truly over travelling at this point.
I booked an early flight out, so had to be at the airport at 6am. That meant catching the train at 4:45am!! So, I headed out the door in temperature of minus 10 degrees, bracing myself & focusing on the end target – the station. Marie had offered to walk with me - I thought she was really kind in a very crazy way & declined the offer.
It was only a 10 min walk, but I was a bit nervous walking through the dark streets at that hour. I received a nice text from Bec as I was walking which made me feel thought of & protected in a way. I made it safely & there were even a couple of other people at the station at this time - incredible!
I booked an early flight out, so had to be at the airport at 6am. That meant catching the train at 4:45am!! So, I headed out the door in temperature of minus 10 degrees, bracing myself & focusing on the end target – the station. Marie had offered to walk with me - I thought she was really kind in a very crazy way & declined the offer.
It was only a 10 min walk, but I was a bit nervous walking through the dark streets at that hour. I received a nice text from Bec as I was walking which made me feel thought of & protected in a way. I made it safely & there were even a couple of other people at the station at this time - incredible!
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