Bears & Tears in Bern

On Saturday we went on a day trip to Bern, Switzerland's capitol. It's about an hour train ride from Zurich. The ride had beautiful scenery, but we ended up changing train cars because of a fight that occurred between two sketchy men and the ticket checker...suffice it to say because of certain behaviors we were worried about an act of terrorism, which would be easily executed since there is no security on trains. Earlier this same day, Michael had read about the two horrific terrorist attacks in Norway, which killed at least 76 people, including many teenagers at a youth camp, so this escalated our concern. But, thankfully nothing happened on the train and everyone went on their way. I just want say that my thoughts and prayers are with all the families who are suffering from Friday's events in Oslo and on Utoya Island. I'm so sad for the people of Norway and my heart breaks for them. The world is such an unpredictable place and tragic, senseless days like that make me hug Jake a little tighter and longer. Life is precious and fragile, which we must never lose sight of. Every day with those we love is truly a gift.

Anyways, back to Bern...To Michael and I, it has an Italian feel. The main shopping street is covered in pedestrians rather than a mixture of cars, buses and trams like in downtown Zurich. We really enjoyed ambling along and looking at all the shops, and there were lots of different street entertainers juggling, playing music and things of that sort. There was also a really neat street market going on that we briefly walked through.

One of the unique fountains on the main street

The biggest attraction in Bern is the Bear Park, which we knew would be a hit with Jake since he loves animals. We were also excited to go there because my grandmother Dolly, has been telling us about when she and my grandfather visited the park way back in 1979! The tradition of keeping Bears in Bern goes back to 1513. Legend has it that a bear was the first animal to be caught by the city's founder during a hunting expedition in the area, and bears have been kept in the city ever since. Their current habitat is the Bear Park along the river, but the original bear pits still remain and are now open for the public to explore. Jake loved playing in the original pit with life-size wooden bear statues, which the kids could touch and climb on. The Bear Park had a large male and three youngsters. The little ones were sleeping but we got to see the big one take a swim!

Big male bear

Playing in the original bear pit

Big bear swimming

Young bears being lazy

View of Bear Park from the bridge

View of bridge from the Bear Park

The Federal Building was really pretty, as were the clock tower and two cathedrals, which I never tire of seeing. The incredible architecture of all of the churches throughout Europe is so breathtaking, I wish I had time to run in and say a prayer in each one we've seen! Another notable sight in Bern is the Einstein Museum, which was once the apartment of Albert Einstein, and it was here where the scientist developed the theory of relativity in the first decade of the 20th century!

Swiss Parliament Building

One view of cathedral

Front side of cathedral

After walking a bit more through the city and realizing Jake was not going to fall asleep in the stroller, we decided it was time to head back to Zurich, as his sightseeing patience had reached its limit! Unfortunately we acted a little too late, and as we were rushing to catch the train, he threw an exhausted fit. It wouldn't be so bad if we were in our own car, but when you are in public in a country whose people stare to an abnormal degree, your kid's tantrum can be just as hard for you as the parent! To make it worse, some jerk ran right in to Jake and me and then refused to let us around him (this is another cultural thing-- people do not say excuse me or move out of your way!) Michael and I both said some very choice words to this man, who I think must have real issues to have intentionally blocked a frantic woman with a screaming child in her arms!! At that moment I was biting my tongue to refrain from telling him to kiss my AMERICAN ass and learn some MANNERS!!! (Can you tell my patience is running thin with certain things? hahaha!) So we boarded the train with poor Jakey still crying, but thankfully it didn't last long. He asked me to hold him, and within minutes he fell asleep cuddled in my arms and slept the entire ride home. After this long and eventful day we were all spent, and very relieved to arrive back at our apartment safe and sound.

Thus, Bern was full of bears and tears for us...but we're happy to have seen another Swiss city!!