Of Water and Cheese — Zentrum Paul Klee
February 17, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese — A Climb Up the Műnster St. Vinzenz
February 15, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese — Confiserie Tschirren
February 13, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, The Foodie, Travels
Of Water and Cheese — Albert Einstein in Bern
February 11, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese — Curia Confoederationis Helveticae
February 7, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese — Sun-Soaked at Ouchy and Roman Lousonna
February 5, 2020

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.  …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese – Morning Walk at the Vieille Ville
February 3, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese – The Lausanne Cathedral
February 1, 2020

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 …

Switzerland, Travels
Of Water and Cheese – First Impressions of Switzerland
January 12, 2020

Of Water and Cheese – First Impressions of Switzerland

24 hours later, I arrived in Geneva. Despite it being the hub of international and diplomatic missions, the Geneva airport was down to earth, or perhaps too primitive for the cosmopolitan reputation of the city.  There were two lines at the Geneva airport.  One for …

Switzerland, Travels
All That Taz – The Pack of Thieves? At Port Arthur
January 6, 2020

All That Taz – The Pack of Thieves? At Port Arthur

A lesson in Australia’s history would not be complete without the history of Port Arthur.  It began in the 1880s as a penal colony.  Then lieutenant governor of Van Diemen’s Land, George Arthur, established Port Arthur as a settlement for the most incorrigible, repeated offenders …

Australia, Travels