Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Beach Tour in Bern

Friday, September 1st, 2006

The stand that appeared in Bundesplatz on Wednesday night (viewable from my hotel room) was eventually filled with sand and turns out to be the venue for a round of the Coop Beachtour. It seems to have brought the sunshine with it and I spent an enjoyable hour last night watching the men’s final. Beach volleyball certainly knows how to create an atmosphere but the rallys are a little short to sustain my interest.

Sadly, despite not having to go to the customer today, I’ve moved my flight forward so won’t be able to stay and watch the women’s event! Christine had also taken my DSLR back home with her so you’ll have to make do with the official photos.

Best Western Bären

Tuesday, August 29th, 2006

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?

Back to Bern

Monday, August 28th, 2006

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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Clouds, sun and … more rain

Sunday, August 27th, 2006

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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Wet Schwarzsee

Saturday, August 26th, 2006

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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Fribourg Festival

Saturday, August 26th, 2006

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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Selling out to Robbie Williams

Friday, August 18th, 2006

I’ve spent three days this week in Berne, Switzerland, and I’m due to return there next week. Trying to book accommodation has proved a nightmare though. Apparently Robbie Williams is in town on Wednesday and Thursday which means the place is booked out. Looks like I’m going to end up in the nearby town of Fribourg.

All quiet at Terminal 4

Tuesday, August 15th, 2006

Work is taking me to Switzerland this week, flying to Zurich from Terminal 4 at Heathrow. Remarkably it took me just an hour and fifteen minutes to make it from home to past airport security – an hour sweeping up an empty M3, 5 minutes (if that) at self-service check-in and then 10 minutes for security, most of which was spent waiting for them to open the departure area.
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