I enjoyed a leisurely break at the Bern Starbucks and was happy to see the day appearing to clear up. It's been cold and wet in Switzerland and changes the way I travel. I won't take as many pictures and I don't explore as much. Bern is a Unesco city because its old village area is so authentic. I took in the clock and the Bears at the park. They seemed happier on the hill now than in the old pit where they used to be.
My neice was camping so I wasn't in too much of a rush to get there so I followed the train line up to Worb. I stopped at a coop (grocery store) and procured some supplies. I ate on a bench in front of the store and usually when I do this, I don't care if I look like a homeless person because I am moving on in a few minutes. This time was different; my neice lived here!
I saw a sign for the library and hoped to get on the Internet and alert her that I was in town. She had given very precise instructions from the station but had put in times instead of distances and didn't put street names either. I made a stop at the town hall to get to the library which turned out to be closed anyway. Story of my life! :) I followed the directions and sure enough, I actually passed by the house I'd gone by earlier thinking it might be hers! As I was staring at it, I heard a "Dave!". It was Charlene pulling up in the car with husband Phillip and cousin Olie. I got a big hug then insisted on kissing her Swiss style (3 times). She laughed about this.
Her house is a farm house that is rustic but very charming. Phillip and her are recently married so they are just starting out but they seem very happy together. It's neat to see my neice speaking Swiss-German as well! We had a delicious dinner of cheese and potatoes and some Grossmutter Schifficake which I bought just because the name sounded so good. Charlene was impressed with my German pronunciation. We talked about home, my trip, and her life her as a new resident in Switzerland. Phillip is a really nice guy with a good sense of humour and excellent English skills. It's been a pleasure to finally meet them. In the background against the backdrop of a farmer's field, a 4 car train passes every 30 minutes. It's a local and the red and blue on the older looking train is quaint. They have wifi, unlimited electricty, and of course warm showers. Promises of a butterfly park are given. It's late when we finally finish talking but great to have met Charlene again. I think the last time was 5 years ago. On a main highway but surprising quiet in the house.
My neice was camping so I wasn't in too much of a rush to get there so I followed the train line up to Worb. I stopped at a coop (grocery store) and procured some supplies. I ate on a bench in front of the store and usually when I do this, I don't care if I look like a homeless person because I am moving on in a few minutes. This time was different; my neice lived here!
I saw a sign for the library and hoped to get on the Internet and alert her that I was in town. She had given very precise instructions from the station but had put in times instead of distances and didn't put street names either. I made a stop at the town hall to get to the library which turned out to be closed anyway. Story of my life! :) I followed the directions and sure enough, I actually passed by the house I'd gone by earlier thinking it might be hers! As I was staring at it, I heard a "Dave!". It was Charlene pulling up in the car with husband Phillip and cousin Olie. I got a big hug then insisted on kissing her Swiss style (3 times). She laughed about this.
Her house is a farm house that is rustic but very charming. Phillip and her are recently married so they are just starting out but they seem very happy together. It's neat to see my neice speaking Swiss-German as well! We had a delicious dinner of cheese and potatoes and some Grossmutter Schifficake which I bought just because the name sounded so good. Charlene was impressed with my German pronunciation. We talked about home, my trip, and her life her as a new resident in Switzerland. Phillip is a really nice guy with a good sense of humour and excellent English skills. It's been a pleasure to finally meet them. In the background against the backdrop of a farmer's field, a 4 car train passes every 30 minutes. It's a local and the red and blue on the older looking train is quaint. They have wifi, unlimited electricty, and of course warm showers. Promises of a butterfly park are given. It's late when we finally finish talking but great to have met Charlene again. I think the last time was 5 years ago. On a main highway but surprising quiet in the house.