Swiss = $$

Switzerland is a very clean and quiet country – well the parts that Matt and I went to were. They do not use the Euro, instead they use the CHF (Swiss Franc) which was lower than a Euro, but their prices were WAY higher! $1.40 US Dollar = $1Euro and $1.20 US Dollar = $1CHF.

Now besides the shock in prices after leaving Amsterdam, we did have a good time in this pristine country. We first arrived in a city called Bern. This is where Albert Einstein grew up, and his house is still standing. The tourism office for Bern offers all tourists a free bike rental for the day. Matt and I took advantage of this immediately, and rode around this city finding all of the hidden treasures. One thing we found were bears.

I know what you are thinking, “Elka, this trip is about how you happen upon random awesomness – but bears?!” I know, I was stunned too. Matt and I were riding our bikes around and came upon a statue of bears. Matt and I thought it was cute, so we took some pictures and continued on the ride. Then we turn the corner and look down, and we have now found a HUGE cage with four bears inside. This cage was not protected enough for my comfort, but the baby bears were super cute.

After scoping out Mother Nature, Matt and I found a nice relaxing café right on the river dam. They glassed in the area so it would be a better view.

The day was gorgeous but coming to an end, so Matt and I turned in our bikes and with luggage in hand headed to the train station.

Next stop Luzerne! Luzerne is another great city in Switzerland. No free bikes were offered, but we walked around the small city and found its beauty near by. Pictures are on FB. Switzerland was a short stop over, next stop was ITALY!!