A Pleasant Week in Swiss Paradise


Recalling my time with my dear friend, Lena, in Bern, Switzerland, in 2005, I was looking forward to passing another week in this small little section of Swiss paradise. Bern is the capital city of Switzerland; however unlike most European countries that have placed their seats of government in the most prominent cities, Bern remains a quaint city of Old World charm and natural wonder. With a town center full of typical Swiss construction, clay-tiled roofs, stucco and timber-framed or ruddy brick siding, and the glorious Aare River coursing briskly, slicing the city in two, Bern is quite captivating for a day or two. I discovered and appreciated anew this pleasant town.



Unfortunately, Lena worked during the week; however I made the most of the alone time to enjoy life at a slower pace. We managed to meet twice for convivial lunchtime picnics near her workplace, go “swimming” in the Aare—it’s current is so strong that it literally sweeps you away until the point at which you clamber up the steps at designated points on the banks of the river—make dinner on several occasions, and travel to Zurich for a meandering nature walk in the Swiss countryside. A week passed in a kind unfolding of memories and rekindling of friendship.


Tip #3 for Traveling on 25 Dollars a Day: While in Europe, minimize costs by carefully choosing the number of cities and places you visit in one fell swoop.
Transportation costs are exorbitant in Europe, especially in France, Germany and Switzerland. If you are not hitchhiking, getting from one place to the next could easily set you back 100 dollars. Tempting as it may be to see as many places as you can on your journey, when traveling on a budget, it is much better to think of your journey as one of many. You will return one day, so appreciate each place commensurate of the complex nature of historical landscapes. Easing into a place and profoundly exploring its environs, neighborhoods and unusual characteristics will not only make your wallet happier but will make a deeper and more lasting impression in your mind for years to come.

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