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!!
Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Switzerland. Show all posts
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.
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