More outings

I've frequently mentioned the fun I have had on hikes with ZIWA (Zurich Int'l Women's Assoc.) and I FINALLY remembered to bring my camera on a recent outing.

The Wallensee and snow-capped mountains about 45 minutes southeast of Zurich

This looked like a Swiss postcard complete with happy face

Another charming Swiss mountain building with cowbells and gnomes

We had a terrific day outing to Bern, the capital, a 1-hour train ride from Zurich. It was a beautiful, warm day and we thoroughly enjoyed meandering around the medieval old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobblestone streets are lined with buildings from the medieval times and full of nooks and crannies to explore.

Albert Einstein lived in Bern (1903-1911). While working at the Patent office he used his spare time to create his Special Theory of Relativity (1905). He only became a lecturer at the University of Bern in 1908.

Gothic Munster St. Vinzenz--1421

Vaulted ceiling

Detail of ceiling with bear, symbol of Bern

Wish I could have heard this organ being played

This statue of Moses has an interesting explanation: he's pointing to the 2nd commandment which forbids idolatry, a stricture that was one of the main tenets of the Reformation

What makes the city even more picturesque is it's location on the River Aare which winds around the city. Naturally, lots of bridges.

Bern means "bear" and evidence of this is everywhere: flags around town, tons of souvenirs, names of restaurants, etc. They even have a Bear Pit with a few brown and black bears lolling around.

The Zytglogge--this elaborate clock was built in 1191 and the chimes ring and figures move at four minutes before the hour. Sorry we didn't have audio and video.