City mouse visits country mouse and unwinds

Pure, unadulterated relaxation. That was exactly what A and I needed, and exactly what we got in Bern. We stayed with his cousins' family right outside the town of Bern, a beautifully preserved town on a peninsula formed by the glacial waters of the Aare river. The town dates from 1191 and they have a bear pit to commemorate the naming of the town (bern - bears) -- after the first animals shot while the founder was still setting up shop there.

Our hosts couldn't have been more friendly, and Switzerland couldn't have been more naturally beautiful. We saw many many people out enjoying the fresh air,and bikes were everywhere - a main form of transportation for the majority of the population. They had specially-designed roads for bikers, with traffic signs and directions pertaining just to them. We rented bikes for free one day and rode out to the tiny airport in Belp, feeling very much like we had been transported to the middle of the countryside in the Old World, though we found out after climbing a bit of a hill that we were quite close to town. They have a good life there - and to prove it, most of the Bernese we talked to had been born there and would never leave. Their holidays mostly consist of family time, maybe in a cabin nearby, choosing to spread their free time among the tightly-knit communities of neighbors and children.

Couldn't have been more naturally beautiful

Switzerland has seen a lot of pretty extreme changes because of climate change lately, which is worrying - they seem to be a lot more affected in the mountains. That would be truly sad to see such a beautiful place waste away.

On the weekend, our hosts persuaded us to take a trip to the alps to spend some time in the family cabin in Lauenen (2 hours drive), so we extended our time in Switzerland. That has to be the best choice I've made so far - I can't imagine a vacation more lovely. The weather wasn't the best - we only had one short day of sun, but hiking on the mountain full of lush green and wildflowers and the sound of running, clean water was wonderful and we savored our time there. The next day was spent in front of the fireplace reading - I finally discovered Dune!

The swiss chalet was something of a myth that came true; the kind of luxury there was not a flashy or ostentatious one, but more one of true comfort. All the good books, good jazz records, and kitchen facilities to make me the happiest of clams. I can't wait to get back.