Bern

First of all, let me apologize to Mrs. P for a misspelling in my last post- the Hofbrauhaus has been around for 500 years, not 5. I am so sorry. Haha

As for my travels, I am in Bern, Switzerland, but I have another day to fill you in about, though!

My last night in Munich was pretty low key, although I did meet a girl from Japan, with whom I had a nice conversation about her country and language. I am realizing more and more that my next dream destination is Japan. Perhaps, even, I will learn the language in college. Who knows.

Waking up quite early, I grabbed a walking breakfast and boarded the train to Zurich, Switzerland, which took about 4 hours. Again, though, the amount of time did not matter, since the scenery on the way was so attractive that I could have been on a train for 12 hours and not cared. Contrary to my preconceptions about Switzerland, it is not entirely made up of the Alps. In fact, mountains are only on its south and west borders, but I am over that.

Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland, but it did not seem to big or crowded. It is in that city where most of the famous Swiss banks are, and there is an amazing lake adjacent to the trolly-filled streets. After dropping off my bags at the hostel, I walked around the city, finding it out the hard way once again that museums close on Mondays. This was especially a bummer since the museum I wanted to see had Asian and African art- a break from what I`ve been seeing all week. No matter, though, I spent the day touring the city`s many cathedrals, one of which houses Marc Chegall stained glass, and browsing through the town`s exorbitantly priced boutiques.

One defining characteristic of Switzerland, I have painfully found, is that it is darned expensive here. Honestly, I thought that the decently priced hostel was going to be a barometer for the expense here, but unfortunately a modest dinner costs 20 dollars and internet costs 6 dollars an hour at its cheapest (hence the lack of posts). What it lacks in inexpensiveness, it makes up for in beauty, though.

Upon return to the hostel, I met my room mates, who consisted of a Japanese guy, a Finnish guy, and a German guy. We ended up having a great time finding a relatively cheap dinner and just hanging out around the hostel overall. I again had a Japan-centered conversation with the Japanese guy, and he taught me some of the language and offered to stay with him if I ever visit- score!

This morning, I got up at a resonable hour (8AM), checked out, and found my train to Bern- the political capitol of Switzerland. It was only an hour ride, but when we pulled into Bern, there was an amazing view of a range of the Alps covered in snow- very Swiss. This town, much smaller, is not as well known and thus (gloriously) less touristed. I walked around, taking in the views of the city from a rose garden on a hill, then visiting another cathedral, where I climbed a couple hundred steps to the top of its tower. From there, I saw even more of this old city.

As I walked back down into the cathedral, I got to witness up close and personally the ringing of its huge bell at high noon. Not only that, but I got to hear the huge pipe organ play when I got back in the cathedral- two great experiences.

After grabbing lunch at a local supermarket (6 dollars for a hefty slice of pizza), I attempted to see the parliament building, but it is under construction and I could not tour it. With only one more sight to see and much more time in the day, I did what anybody does when they find themselves in a Swiss town with not much to do- I took a nap in the park! I love doing it, and I had a nice rest in the shade of a tree alongside many other Swiss resters.

The final sight to visit in Bern was Albert Einstein`s former apartment, where he lived for about 3 years and where he developed his Theory of Relativity. Although it was a small museum, there were a bunch of little informational tidbits, pieces of furniture and clothing from his life, and a decent movie about his life. What I didn`t realize about him was that he was not only a scientist and mathmatician, but also a politician and activist. Very cool.

Tomorrow I return to the land of sane prices in Strasbourg, France. Then it is on to Frankfort, Weimar, Berlin, Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Bruges. I simply cannot believe I only have 10 days left on this life-changing trip. I`m eying my UK passport that allows me infinite staying power here in Europe with a tempted eye...

Onwards and Upwards!