Missing Bern

We were talking about Switzerland over lunch and something strike me hard. I miss Swiss. Especially Bern. And so I have included live webcams of Bern and Zermatt at the left side of this blog.

Please find that the first picture is Bern and second is Zermatt. You could refresh the page to see the changes in the live webcams.

The Bern Live webcam is taken from a road called Muenstergasse (pronouned as muns-ter-gas-se) which is a block away from where DH used to live, Brunngasse. I recognised the road because I had went there once to visit a second hand shop. Ah yes, Albert Enstein used to live in Muenstergasse.

And the tall building you see is the famous Bern Clock Tower. It was first built in 1218 and survived several restorations from 1218 up to 1700s and it still stands tall today. We would usually avoid pedestrian path at the tower when the time strikes hourly because the area would be packed of Japanese tourists looking up at the clock jester.


Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland and where the parliament have their seating. There are 26 major cantons and several minor ones. The major ones have their own government and emblems. Canton Bern joined the Swiss federation in 1353. Before it was known as Republic of Bern. Below is the emblem of Bern. The word Bern itself is a word for "Bear". I guess there were a lot of bears around a long time ago. To live up to its historial name, Bern has retained its famous bear pit which is located in the city centre and you could see 3 or 4 bears in the open pit.

Ok, I do not want to bore you with any more details but enough to say that it is not as happening as Geneva or Zurich. However, the scenery is more breathtaking; less hustle bustle. Hence, if you appreciate serenity, Bern is the place. And yes, people are warm there. And majority speak German, although some may speak French.

Zermatt
Zermatt is a town situated at the base of one of the flock of Swiss alps. From here you could take a trip to several peaks:

Gornergrat
Matterhorn ( the famous peak on Toblerone chocolates)
Trockener Steg
Monterossa

If you really want to enjoy photographing sceneries, especially that of Matterhorn, best place to go is Gornergrat. To ski or tobbogan, Trockener Steg is the place. Skiing equipments are for rent and you have to take a compulsory one hour lesson before you are permittable to ski.

What I love most about Zermatt is the city and the cottages. SO beautiful. But an advise, do not shop there..mahal gile.Oh, they have McDonald's there so no need to worry about not affording your meals. But I tell you one thing what you shouldn't miss is cheese fondue. I had my first fondue there. They usually serve cheese fondue with apple tea or sprakling apple soda. Don't ask me why but I guess it is the same as when you have to drink a glass of water after eating durian.

Ok, so much about Swiss...Enjoy the webcams, and remember if you want to see changes just refresh your page.