Clocks, Watches and Swatches

Kilometres Walked : 16

Flights Climbed : 37

Friday June 23rd 2023.

Do you remember when we all used to wear a watch? It was unheard of not to have one. I know my favourite brand was the Swatch. Yes all those bright fun colours at a very affordable price. Then there are the more exclusive brands like Omega and Rolex, which are all designed and made right here in the land of watches and clocks. I’ve never encountered so many watch boutiques in my life. They are literally on every corner tempting you to walk in and browse around a little. Every Swiss person still wears a watch. Well what was I to do but join the crowd and purchase a watch for myself. Well two actually but considering I chose Swatch they were both very reasonably priced! I grew up wearing them and absolutely loved the uniqueness and bold and colourful designs. Then of course Mobile phones took over our need to wear a watch and I stopped wearing them. Time to leave the phone in the bag and start wearing a watch again I think. Don’t worry Jason purchased two for himself as well. Anyway what a beautiful old city Bern is. The unique green sandstone that dominates most of the buildings particularly in the old town is just stunning. With it’s late Baroque architecture and original cellars in the streets that were once used to store wine and grain that are now used for shops with direct access from the street, it’s a really easy walkable city.

One of the many groovy fountains around the town.

The route took us right through the old town with it’s six kilometres of undercover arcades and across the Aare up to the colourful and fragrant Rose Garden with expansive views over the city. Once again we were stunned at the colour of the inner city river. We then passed the Bear Pit. The city of Bern has had a close relationship with the bear since it’s foundation. The bear appears on fountains, buildings and flags and visitors can see the three resident bears in the public Bear Park. Mumma, Pappa and baby bear reside in an area of about one and a half acres alongside the Aare River with naturalistic surroundings and tunnels for winter naps, plenty of trees to climb and an open area to the river where they can swim and catch fish. Whilst I definitely don’t agree with animals being in enclosure’s, they did seem to have a reasonable amount of space.