David Currie

Our stay at the Best Western Bären started well enough (although I did try to check-in to the Best Western Bristol next door first!): they were able to accommodate my last minute request for a double room, allowed us in to our room before midday, and even provided vouchers for a free glass of champagne each. I should, however, have become suspicious when the room came complete with ear plugs as, at some ungodly hour this morning, a series of loud delivery vehicles came and went. Not much use being 2 minutes from the bus stop if I can’t enjoy the extra time in bed! Perhaps this is why the hotel offers those eating lunch the chance of a free afternoon nap?

147We returned to Bern yesterday and, making the most of a UK public holiday, whiled away a few hours wandering around the old town. As is traditional when visiting any city, we included a trip to the botanic gardens which, although providing a pleasant green space for lunch, were a little past their best. More colourful was the rose garden which, if I was ever more than half awake at the time, I would have realised were on my bus route to and from the customer each day. They also offered good view across the city although, as often seems to be my want, somewhat marred by scaffolding on the cathedral and parliament buildings.

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144It was overcast again this morning but at least dry. Having negotiated the hordes of girl guides at the local shop, we set off up to Kaiseregg (2185m) via Salzmatt The top was in cloud but it broke briefly to allow us to see down to the valley floor. Unfortunately there was still no chance of being able to see across to the Alps.

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141As the weather forecast didn’t look too good for the weekend we abandoned our plans for going to Grindelwald and headed out to Schwarzsee in the Pre-Alps instead, just an hour’s bus ride from Fribourg.

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135I haven’t seen much of Fribourg the past week other than the walk from the station to the hotel which includes a section through the pedestrianised medieval high street. The Hotel de la Rose is also quite nice: the 17th century exterior houses some modern looking rooms complete with free wireless access.

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