Of Water and Cheese — Jungfraujoch

Of Water and Cheese — Jungfraujoch

In German, “Jungfrau” means “virgin,” and “joch” means “pass.”  The Jungfraujoch is a must-see in Switzerland.  Named the “top of Europe,” it is at an altitude of 3,466 metres.[1]  In order to maximize my time at the mountain, I woke at 5:15 and boarded the 

Of Water and Cheese — The Burnt Green of Bern

Of Water and Cheese — The Burnt Green of Bern

The street scenes of Bern left an everlasting impression on my mind.  At first sight of Bern, I was surprised by its colors.  The main color is a burnt green, consistently present in most of the sandstone buildings in the Altstadt.  This burnt green is 

Of Water and Cheese — Zentrum Paul Klee

Of Water and Cheese — Zentrum Paul Klee

By 3pm, the winter day at Bern was waning.  I debated where to go as I wandered randomly in town.  Bus 12 just passed by me, going to Zentrum Paul Klee and so I hopped on.  Having crossed through the town and onward to its 

Of Water and Cheese — A Climb Up the Műnster St. Vinzenz

Of Water and Cheese — A Climb Up the Műnster St. Vinzenz

I went almost out of town, and finally turned to Postgasse to see the Rathaus and the church.  I then turned to Műnstergasse.  Finally, clearly in view was the Műnster St Vinzenz, the crown jewel of Bern. As with usual, I paid a spiritual tribute 

Of Water and Cheese — Confiserie Tschirren

Of Water and Cheese — Confiserie Tschirren

On Kramgasse I passed by the Confiserie Tschirren before reaching the Albert Einstein Haus.  The window display left such an indelible impression that I decided to go back for a visit.  Just anything that I could afford from the bakery. Well, a cursory glance at 

Of Water and Cheese — Albert Einstein in Bern

Of Water and Cheese — Albert Einstein in Bern

Just as I wondered about the Albert Einstein Haus, its sign came into view.  Up the stairs I walked into the apartment area, where Albert Einstein once lived.  Then came a very unfriendly voice, “it’s not free!”  I then paid 6 CHF, though not without 

Of Water and Cheese — Curia Confoederationis Helveticae

Of Water and Cheese — Curia Confoederationis Helveticae

The day was overcast.  This characteristic burnt green, the signature color of the archaic buildings in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Bern, somehow matched this unfortunate gloom of the weather well.  I meant this as a praise. After exiting the SBB station with no idea 

Of Water and Cheese — Sun-Soaked at Ouchy and Roman Lousonna

Of Water and Cheese — Sun-Soaked at Ouchy and Roman Lousonna

What’s better than writing on my journal at Ouchy under a warm afternoon sun, looking ahead at the French Alps? At the Place de Riponne I found the way to Ouchy by metro.  10 minutes later, it took me to the lakeside of Lake Geneva.  

Of Water and Cheese – Morning Walk at the Vieille Ville

Of Water and Cheese – Morning Walk at the Vieille Ville

I arrived at the Chauderon station this morning.  Not far ahead stood the eye-catching Rolex building on the block.  I remembered it from yesterday and knew that there would be a bit of walk to the Vieille Ville, the Old City of Lausanne.  Soon I 

Of Water and Cheese – The Lausanne Cathedral

Of Water and Cheese – The Lausanne Cathedral

The Lausanne Cathedral stands at the highest point of Lausanne’s Old Town.  Overlooking the City of Lausanne, the Cathedral enables a view of the Lake and the Alps afar as well.  Its long history furthermore provides a vantage point of spiritual and cultural significance. The