It’s been a full couple of days attempting to cram everything in before we leave this beautiful part of the world.
Yesterday, our intrepid guide (a.k.a. Dave Hatherly) and friend since my Tauerhof days 34 years ago, took the lead in gentle Dave-like-style and looped us from Biel to Bern to Murten in one of the most enjoyable days of our trip. Dave is married to Joanne and a good thing too! Together they listened as we processed the past six weeks, shared some of their fascinating internationally flavored lives, and talked the stuff of life in general…all the while pointing out interesting sites and sounds of Switzerland.
Thank you both for your genuineness, faith in Christ, generosity and Canadian-ness! Next time it’s on us at the Crow and Gate.
Bern is a class act and one we hope to revisit. The architecture, attention to detail, riverside setting, gardens, and people made it near impossible to pay attention to where I was going. The place even has bears! The expansive and natural bear enclosure let us view them at close range while they swam and snacked on green apples.
The streets were busy with families and shoppers. The cellar doors along the sidewalks opened to a set of stairs descending to underground shops where buyers could find everything from gardening gear to clothing. An ingenious use of space.
The Italian eatery where we stopped for lunch served a delicious array of pasta, fish and salads so we ate and people-watched.
Next stop was the walled village of Murten where we walked the ramparts, happened upon a flea market and strolled along the lakefront.
By the time we boarded the train, we were all ready to head back to Biel where we walked another lovely lakeside promenade, ate a delicious dinner and called it a day. It was 9:00 pm when we said our good-byes and agreed to meet again on home soil.
The alarm rang at 6:30 this morning for the 7:00 am train to Frankfurt. Two guys joined us in our enclosed compartment; one a jazz musician turned improv actor and the other a famous German actor (whom we did not recognize). For the next 3 hours the conversation was lively, hilarious at times, politically enlightening, and just plain fun. They wished us a warm farewell as we arrived in Frankfurt and we shared our chocolate, as is our habit.
After checking into the hotel, we hopped on the train to the city Centre and explored. The 300-400 steps to the bell tower in Romerberg Square gave us an excuse for Hasselnuss ice cream, my favourite. An all male choir broke into song as they clashed their Heinekens together, families walked the Rhine shoreline, church bells rang and we recalled the best memories of our time away.
Tomorrow we fly home, arriving an hour after we leave. The time change and jet lag will require a few days rest but it looks like the weather back home will at least be conducive to it.
Auf Wiedersehen, Europe. We hope to see you again soon. In the meantime, Canada looks like a pretty fine place to hang our hats!
Thank you for joining us, friends! Shalom!
That was a great day, and even better to spend the time with you and Gord. We look forward to seeing you when we are back. I can NOT believe you had the energy to tour Frankfurt the next day; we were pooped. You guys are the Energizer Bunnies.
Yes, we also enjoyed you two very much! As to energy, we took it slow and steady. Not long now till you’re on your way home!