July 9, 2009

When I arrived at my hostel in Bern, I was given a little book called the “Bern Guide”. Eager to find out what I could see I opened it up and read, on the first page, a message from the Tourist Centre Manager. It started with:

“You first become aware of how much Bern actually has to offer in terms of attractions and events when creating the Bern Guide.”

That must have been his experience, I suppose, but is probably not what your average tourist like me is going to find. I don’t plan on creating a Bern guide, and as such I don’t imagine I will ever become aware of how much it has to offer. Oh well!

The guide was indeed excellent and did offer a lot of suggestions for things to see and do. I walked past the house where Einstein lived from 1903 until 1905, climbed the steps of the Berner Münster and looked out over the city, and carefully avoided the charmingly named “Wankdorf Club”. But despite all the various attractions offered by the guide, I most enjoyed just wandering around the old streets with camera in hand, watching the goings on of the city.