Muenchen and Soloturn

Muenchen
Unfortunately it rained the whole time we were there. Our first day we got in late afternoon and went to a bier house for dinner (mmmmmmmmmmmm). We spent the next day walking around the old part of the city. At noon the big clock in the center of the city has figurines that dance and move around; I was really excited to watch this, but obviously Bobs was not. oh welll. We had a delish lunch of potato pancakes, soup, and weinerschnitzle (the best schnitz was at this place). We walked around a lot and found ourselves amidst the summer festival in a little courtyard. There were many stalls of food, cheese, bier, wine, souvenirs, chocolate, etc. We had an early long train the next morning to Zurich, and then to Soloturn to meet Larissa, my swiss exchange student from two zears ago!

Soloturn
After a long morning of traveling (four hours to Zurich and 1 to Soloturn) we arrived at this cute little town. The old down is all walking streets, no cars can come in unless they get permission. the town is filled with old clocks (we were right next to the main tower that kept me up every hour it went off) and many fountains. Larissa and her sister picked us up at our hotel at 3 and we went to a bar to watch the Swiss and Chile football game (hopp schwiezzz). The bar was PACKED but surprisingly the Swiss werent that crazy,,,it was funny that apparently all the shops closed down so the workers could go watch the game. After the first half we were tired of standing in the bar so sat down in an outside cafe that was showing the game (too bad Schweiz lost). We then walked to Larissas car and got to see her highschool (way nicer and more high tech than any of ours) and drove to her home.
We met Andrea and Patrick (Larissas parents) and had a delicious dindin of roclettes (cheese that is melted in little ovens that you pour over potatoes and veggies), wine, a special alcoholic drink made from prunes in their backyard (tasted like whiskey, Bobbz liked it more than I), and frozen yogurt and berries. To "help our stomachs" we took a little drive to a canyon area where we walked (in the pitch dark) through the woods, by a few old churches and a wall where everyone leaves candles to remember lost loved ones. We lit a few candles and continued our fifteen minute walk. Did our stomachs feel better? Yeah actually!

the next day Patrick took of the day from work to take a "little vacation with his American friends". We drove around beautiful farmland, into a vallez where two lakes meet. We walked around the beautiful town of Interlocken (between lakes), ate good food, and enjoyed the fresh air. The lakes are gorgeous, clear and blue! We then drove to a little station where we took a rail car all the way up to the top of a mountain. You can actually walk up and its the Guiness book of world records longest staircase. Unfortunately the top was covered with clouds, but it was still beautiful. So cold too, there was still snow at the top! We had some hot drinks and took the car back down.
We then drove to the capital of Switzerland, Bern, which must be the most beautiful capital citz int he world. The city sits over looking the river, and the buildings are old and so picturesque. The iconic animal of Switzerland is the bear, so on the outskirts of the city right by the river there are two adult bears and two cubs. They seem smaller than our grizzlies, but still majestic. We walked around the city, enjoying all the clocks and pretty shops, and green areas. We then drove down to a restaurant that actually is built on the river right on top of a waterfall, met Aline and Larissa (they had to study for finals all day, booo) and had a great dinner (I had entrecote and Bobby had risotto). I guess its important for me to say I had entrecote three days in a row...hmmm. Well, Andrea kept saying we had to eat a lot since we will starve in Africa. I guess any excuse works with me...

In geneve now about to leave for Brussels but Bobby is getting impatient with me so we must leave! Will write lataaaa