Bern

On Monday morning I took the train over to Bern. The main square, parliament building, cathedral and several other landmarks where all wrapped up in scaffolding in preparation for the hosting of the big soccer competition in town next year. Nevertheless, the buildings in town were very nice built out of greet stone, with arches over all the streets so you can walk anywhere in town without getting wet in the rain. There were some great fountains in town made with big statues, my favorite of course being the soldier in the middle of eating a small child. Checked out the bear pits where the bears where busy rolling on their backs catching grapes that people where throwing down to them. Went to visit Toby and Severin at their place close to the centre. We headed out to a little bar by the name of paradisili. It was set up in an old farm barn. Monday nights were jam sessions which attracted the best musicians in town who were giving some asesome tunes without any pressure to perform. Plenty of people from the crowd were bringing along their own instruments to join in. We retired to a little bar downtown once the music slowed up.
The next day I explored the rest of Bern... more cool fountains, the rose garden overlooking the old city and river, and plenty of green buildings. Went for a walk up the town hill, Gurtenwald where their was a viewing tower on the top. Went down the other side to Gurtendörfli, Kehrsatz and back to town along the River Aare.
On Wednesday I went out to Murten, an ancient town on the shores of the Murtensee. It had the old town wall and fortresses still intact, and very pretty old buildings. Went for a walk from town around the lake and up the Mont Vully hill on the other side. This was a strategic military position in the world war and had plenty of old bunkers and thinks to explore. It was also over in the french side of the country so I practiced my bonjours and then got back to the german speaking side. Relaxed by the lake until 10pm then caught the train down to Fribourg and stayed on campus at the local university. Unfortunately most the students were away on holidays, but still had a good time.