Let’s begin leg #2 – exploring Switzerland and then onto the Baltic.
 |
| 8 hours later and we’re here |
 |
| Amsterdam has placed wind farms in the ocean |
 |
| Each windmill is massive |
 |
| Some of the lush countryside |
 |
| Of course you can buy tulips in the airport |
 |
| This airport is massive |
As mentioned earlier, the original plan was to go on a cruise to explore the Baltic. The sailing departs from Amsterdam. When learning about the revised work schedule I was able to alter my arrival date. After that, bought a one-way flight to Geneva, Switzerland.
 |
| I think the KLM pilot missed the gate by just a tad. Time for flight 3. |
 |
| End of flight 3 – Geneva, Switzerland. After a while airports look a lot alike. |
 |
| I’m ok seeing more chocolate waiting for me after baggage claim. |
 |
| No one rents a car or Uber’s, only use the train system, attached to the airport. |
I nearly choked when pricing out a Swiss Pass ticket. $440 for a week of unlimited rides. Let’s see if this train system is like Amtrak.
 |
| First class car begins the 8-car long train |
 |
| Couldn’t afford first class, second class will have to do |
After a LOT of research I’ve decided to split time between Bern and Lucern. Both are hubs for the train network and have things to do after nightfall, something many of other cities can’t say. 2.5hr train ride to reach Bern. Time to enjoy the countryside.
Welcome to the Bern train station. This part mall, part restaurant central, part train depot.
 |
| Looks a lot like Amsterdam |
Bern (and Switzerland in general) is equal part German, Italian and French immigrants. The architecture sure shows that.
 |
| Quiet little street my hotel is located on |
 |
| A park for heading home the other day, could pick up my portal travel USB fan |
That little fan is amazing. If you travel, get it and add it to your luggage. Very glad I got it as the heat is still extreme here and better – no wind. Joy! Here’s a link to the fan.
 |
| Sheets of chocolate?!? |
 |
| One loaf is $3 |
This trip continues to shock me with the interest of McDonalds. Even here there are lines to get this but authentic food never has anyone waiting. So strange.
 |
| Perfect quick dinner |
10pm and the heat has finally eased a little so that I can explore this area.
 |
| Public water fountains are everwhere |
 |
| The other McD’s that is 4 blocks away is just too far from me |
 |
| If you look hard enough you’ll see the Alps in the background |
 |
| Loved the architecture of this feature |
This church stands above the city skyline.
Built in the 1400’s this building survived the destruction and onslaught of the Reformation period. Imagine what stories this structure could share.
 |
| The building has been through several restorations, most recently in 2000 |
At one the the church was covered in Gothic religious architecture features. As a result of the Reformation period this is the only remaining original art. Here we are shown the Last Judgement. You’ll see Jesus, his apostles, prophets, angels. Wise (left) and foolish (right) virgins flanking “Justice”, a warrior of God.
 |
This artwork was started in 1460. If you’ll recall from the history lesson I gave last year, most people wouldn’t read back in the day. What they could do is decipher images. Oh what a lesson they could get from this piece.
I love getting lost in a city. You never know the treasures you’ll find. Here’s one such example. A few blocks from the church, around a few twists and turns and you find this park.
 |
| Proof I actually do go on all these crazy adventures |
 |
| The cliff gardens are stunning |
 |
| Bland, generic water fountains aren’t allowed. Everything must be ornate |
 |
| Slight construction projects are underway affecting water and electrical lines |
 |
| In the meantime this spaghetti-artwork has spring up |
 |
| More of that familiar Bavarian artwork seen in various spots of Europe |
The below artwork is the top of another drinking fountain. I’m not sure what it’s trying to be or say but I’m unwilling to drink from it for fear of producing babies from its water or I’ll want to consume babies. Apparently others agreed as no one drank from the it.
 |
| Midnight |
 |
| Remind anyone else of Amsterdam? |
Time to head to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day.