20090430 - Thursday - Arriving in Zurich

Arriving in Zurich, we were whisked by train to passport control, which other than a short line-up was again a non-event. After 31+ years, Gail again wanted to hop on the first train she saw. I voted for waiting and making sure that we got on the right train to Luzern. When we stepped out of the train station, we were able to see our hotel, the "des Alpes" a short distance across the river. After checking in, we immediately grabbed the train to Bern, capital of Switzerland. The Swiss are a cagey lot, much like the Dutch. Each have many names for their nation and nationality. Not only Switzerland in the 4 major and 3 minor languages as well as English and Latin, but the same number denoting the traditional name which is the "Confederation of the Helveti", which is abbreviated CH, hence the designation for the national identity on licence plates, currency (CHF or Swiss Francs), and the internet .ch. It was time for Gail to shine - the walking tour of Bern at a forced-march pace. Bern, and Switzerland in general are noted for their decorative fountains, something like 24 in the downtown area. The bear (Bern) is of course the symbol of the city and occurs in the coat of arms of the city as well as decorating buildings and everything else. There is a bear pit in the river valley. Unfortunately, they had already left for the Labour Day weekend when we arrived in the afternoon. The parliament buildings are relatively new and overlook the beautiful Aare River. We photocopied Rick Steves and were able to read about all the places as we walked along. Returning to Luzern that evening, we went out for a traditional Swiss meal of pizza!