On Friday, our last day in Switzerland, we rented a car and drove north to Bern, the capital. The weather had been beautiful all week, and as if getting ready to leave wasn’t depressing enough already, it was rainy and cold for our last adventure.
We made the best of it with cheesy European radio stations and lots of dog kisses.
When we got to Bern, we walked around the university and saw some historical markers highlighting one of its most famous former residents, Albert Einstein.
Downtown Bern was bustling with shops and commuters.
Bern is in central Switzerland, right on the border between the French and German-speaking parts of the country. The official language of Bern is German, but the main spoken language is the Swiss German dialect called Bernese German.
After a failed attempt to trek to the other side of the river in the rain for lunch at a famous local restaurant, we stumbled across a little Bavarian diner with a good menu, and more importantly, a dry seat.
To our good fortune, the restaurant was exactly what we were hoping for. Delicious authentic Swiss German food, cold beer, and even a milkbone for Henry.
Jacob, Randy, and I all ordered a dish called Albertus-Röschti. Basically sausages on top of a buttery potato hash. This skillet was huge, and I could only finish about half of the plate. Even so, it was one of the best meals I have ever eaten.
After lunch we did a little more sight-seeing before piling back into the car to head back to Randy and Tamara’s apartment.
{insert gratuitous Henry shot here}
Our last evening was pretty quiet. We packed and played card games and lamented how quickly the week had flown by.
Family photo on the balcony
Saturday morning we were up at 4 to drive to the airport and say our goodbyes. Twenty two hours later we were back in Fayetteville and back to reality.
Switzerland was more beautiful and amazing then we could have ever dreamed and our dear friends made it all possible.
Thanks again for everything Rand and Tam, we love you!
AND In case you missed any of the first six days of our trip:
Jessi & Jacob Go To Switzerland: Day 1
Switzerland Day 2: Lausanne & a Boat to France
Switzerland Day 3: Hiking in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland Day 4: Castles, Fondue & Freddie Mercury