11 Dec 2007 (Tuesday): Interlaken - Bern - Geneva

Bern/Berne

• This medieval city (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983) was our first stop for the day. See, the ground looks different, right? Hey, it reminded me of Toledo, Spain.

• The Rose Garden was suppose to be the selling point, being the home to more than 200 types of roses, 200 types of irises and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons. (Ah ha! This reminded me of the rhododendrons I saw on my way from Thimphu to Phunakha. Nevertheless, we did not see any roses. Instead, saw the christmassie mistletoe :D
• We also saw the 2 bears in the Bear Pit. Very different from the bear we saw in Hokkaido - smaller in size and were not hungry for food. They were not as fierce though.
• We then adjourned to the city centre where we heard the astronomical clock struck at 11 am. The Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm) was Bern's first western city gate and formed the boundary of the first city's extension. We also saw the turning of the figures installed as part of the decoration.
• Then, in the city centre, we also saw some of the over 100 fountains.
• Also, we tasted Swiss roasted chestnuts!
• Click at the videoclip on the right to see the astronomical clock at work.

Geneva

• The city tour was led by a local guide, who showed us the various important buildings in the city, those of the UN, Red Cross & Red Crescent, etc...
• Yes, also the interesting intallation of the Broken Chair right in front of UN HQ was something that I could still remember. The Broken Chair was ade for Handicapped International, an anti-landmine NGO by Swiss Visual Artist, Daniel Berset in 1997. It represents the victims of landmines.
• Click at the videoclip on the right for the scenic view on the way to Geneva.