tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77645622086859994792024-03-03T16:27:28.830-08:00Cyclist Paul's TravelsPaul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-11755066031715367902023-10-10T07:55:00.001-07:002023-10-10T10:59:20.191-07:00Castles in the Lausanne, Switzerland area <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oT7K6fEyTwQ9-OpzyRlZ2zYGFUb10YkEIBh7erRYcvrA4x98pRYylIaVV3DkfM3rtjdoDRB7uF9bSl3JJj8DYnGKMLBpHxgJQ_kfbVpp1486Bn7J3FxRMaJyoAu3ZhJXSLwQllHxas2EuFApWiQ_AsL67vIeQMckK0i6Bu0mh38TpNahEoY-igNLjYeX/s1920/chillon1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oT7K6fEyTwQ9-OpzyRlZ2zYGFUb10YkEIBh7erRYcvrA4x98pRYylIaVV3DkfM3rtjdoDRB7uF9bSl3JJj8DYnGKMLBpHxgJQ_kfbVpp1486Bn7J3FxRMaJyoAu3ZhJXSLwQllHxas2EuFApWiQ_AsL67vIeQMckK0i6Bu0mh38TpNahEoY-igNLjYeX/w640-h480/chillon1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I live in Lausanne, Switzerland and was asked if there're any castles in the area. "Is the Pope catholic?, I replied. More than two dozen dot the landscape. This is Chillon Castle, the most visited historical monument in Switzerland and, one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Built on a speck of an island in Lake Geneva, Chillon dates back to the 13th century. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRDyNBcP2cyfPr9PPIIYuLMTqTzqIhNx7fUlx460sMErPuFeNo7KnxVDHnuCBU7HuWCMr3Hk4duhEDWTyXoHy144HA_oPvEHe0iUZpN1ahFKWwRJqSWEfJyitstHpXw6mmZp-bdJL30jTUs_BrIPNbfOi7XRyzn4bLrh8ZW8PyBWat0pULVakllAEyxlA/s1920/chillon2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRDyNBcP2cyfPr9PPIIYuLMTqTzqIhNx7fUlx460sMErPuFeNo7KnxVDHnuCBU7HuWCMr3Hk4duhEDWTyXoHy144HA_oPvEHe0iUZpN1ahFKWwRJqSWEfJyitstHpXw6mmZp-bdJL30jTUs_BrIPNbfOi7XRyzn4bLrh8ZW8PyBWat0pULVakllAEyxlA/w640-h480/chillon2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>For centuries the only way into the castle was via a drawbridge. Now, there's a covered entry. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxzwXvDF4GxyqPPQkRgwu_BkXwiKkjSwMoTse6PmIgiUcrDXMRuWbh8H-AowQu4u0GxX62jc2IKe9vC4tSZM21YLOReYhloulMDF9G7LfDFHxkiH3donNSzPc-nnuqAtgwuqee2rYFf6rnZ2pInUY7QmR1hrjYDRIy1E9_K8Qsa6DbsWFHD0cSqREyx5-/s1920/chillon3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxzwXvDF4GxyqPPQkRgwu_BkXwiKkjSwMoTse6PmIgiUcrDXMRuWbh8H-AowQu4u0GxX62jc2IKe9vC4tSZM21YLOReYhloulMDF9G7LfDFHxkiH3donNSzPc-nnuqAtgwuqee2rYFf6rnZ2pInUY7QmR1hrjYDRIy1E9_K8Qsa6DbsWFHD0cSqREyx5-/w640-h480/chillon3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The waters of Lake Geneva provide a natural moat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdR02tFXyLTO_UaaMOvBhy-4n9nSsAcamVL3kn70ReYBez1p1202GbpzDtDijfOfAlQF7At9V5Uuoaasos-aAxN8DEbvGaK08EZ99puOg8fBFYw5W1DPyTLzKf2RqfCjPM61AU41Hm23LTM188CuVJg-mM3wRgBBTfnN8VaOXIbondhZr0Qwywx5cM83D/s1920/morges%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdR02tFXyLTO_UaaMOvBhy-4n9nSsAcamVL3kn70ReYBez1p1202GbpzDtDijfOfAlQF7At9V5Uuoaasos-aAxN8DEbvGaK08EZ99puOg8fBFYw5W1DPyTLzKf2RqfCjPM61AU41Hm23LTM188CuVJg-mM3wRgBBTfnN8VaOXIbondhZr0Qwywx5cM83D/w640-h480/morges%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is Vufflens Castle. This medieval beauty overlooking vineyards was built between 1420-1430.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IOm0m6yl6RMICRGszLtkvCjlfVTl245bcqdDb5nZe-G6iZN0qkKn7JXYcXNYmfRDuuymbfNsDJHJ8mQ038aZal7rroQzBZzGnE2kaWHqtnvwXzHlsdb6VxqN00FYoBD8D13Z5cap_GS2V3x5WXc35EDc3V0UV2308rnjAG8uqymnfazJtoYHj5hej7zl/s1920/morges%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IOm0m6yl6RMICRGszLtkvCjlfVTl245bcqdDb5nZe-G6iZN0qkKn7JXYcXNYmfRDuuymbfNsDJHJ8mQ038aZal7rroQzBZzGnE2kaWHqtnvwXzHlsdb6VxqN00FYoBD8D13Z5cap_GS2V3x5WXc35EDc3V0UV2308rnjAG8uqymnfazJtoYHj5hej7zl/w640-h480/morges%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Vufflens Castle overlooks Lake Geneva and is privately-owned, In other words a family lives here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWeONVqiCrGUPqoGP3dAnM-3xDQULXT-1kNRwdsKaIqUM0gsiTpP2jUgmA7IOT2rK8TJK2Vq2tyKwAm2ErvhJ4Ut79RjZkRVpN1IIPw1IGVYqdmmGXyna2Tbase0NOvgWnEvR_j7DKjULsFjpYXGMerCbs1U2pFCVBkPzWcvjRSOFE3KioWtMYROguAzf/s1920/oron1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWeONVqiCrGUPqoGP3dAnM-3xDQULXT-1kNRwdsKaIqUM0gsiTpP2jUgmA7IOT2rK8TJK2Vq2tyKwAm2ErvhJ4Ut79RjZkRVpN1IIPw1IGVYqdmmGXyna2Tbase0NOvgWnEvR_j7DKjULsFjpYXGMerCbs1U2pFCVBkPzWcvjRSOFE3KioWtMYROguAzf/w640-h480/oron1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Oron Castle dates back to the 13th century and overlooks the town of Oron.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcAj_-0waCc17B2iymA5rXH7TZmDv1Ys1dHSLFXpCT_Sr55qBuxbh86Q3RX80JChEGnahGtbpifJ1eZqcOAaj_ebMzkTxMuF85QW2fgWU-R9PUzW2y8XPGZCuxwPLaTCiR-hu6Yqzbf98AoF6Z-0yetc9QR4V-vRFbitsussQ4FeiqiWjikNQ6Fv_i3aU/s1920/oron2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcAj_-0waCc17B2iymA5rXH7TZmDv1Ys1dHSLFXpCT_Sr55qBuxbh86Q3RX80JChEGnahGtbpifJ1eZqcOAaj_ebMzkTxMuF85QW2fgWU-R9PUzW2y8XPGZCuxwPLaTCiR-hu6Yqzbf98AoF6Z-0yetc9QR4V-vRFbitsussQ4FeiqiWjikNQ6Fv_i3aU/w640-h480/oron2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The entrance gate to Oron Castle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB-uNETT5AW36JZS1FQ-jQT8_kpi07pu4n0P4jV2cbW5wU1fTkzTn9kPQdOGMwvufIKwaIaVbtFYWWdg2yaLu6Keq8HQtJYjoXBFm-FQu8sIc4qMSPq9r1kRTZj-RFr6c698Y64cVGCCgRJkzkccJWb1nuqqiv_ANQJc_8ooK3gvPSEJSSYZK43TsFjO5/s1920/oron3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB-uNETT5AW36JZS1FQ-jQT8_kpi07pu4n0P4jV2cbW5wU1fTkzTn9kPQdOGMwvufIKwaIaVbtFYWWdg2yaLu6Keq8HQtJYjoXBFm-FQu8sIc4qMSPq9r1kRTZj-RFr6c698Y64cVGCCgRJkzkccJWb1nuqqiv_ANQJc_8ooK3gvPSEJSSYZK43TsFjO5/w640-h480/oron3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Backside to Oron Castle. Since 1936 it's been owned by a conservation association. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHnSeREr4yNDXT_M1JwBfm-4K6u3KcxXxVDuLucmAPIikju2GaHrxdLXpUKmFSrjh4oqMWnMmdncpOtZMjQ5mOKkbOYELQygX4eIE9Rr2AtUezOFK6viwpeiCS5ZyRmPsyaq1tXX5axniwgeD1NYcVkwK4NYdUnY8sKOdz6ON4K72kyu32_bt91vUL15k/s1920/farmfaraway.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHnSeREr4yNDXT_M1JwBfm-4K6u3KcxXxVDuLucmAPIikju2GaHrxdLXpUKmFSrjh4oqMWnMmdncpOtZMjQ5mOKkbOYELQygX4eIE9Rr2AtUezOFK6viwpeiCS5ZyRmPsyaq1tXX5axniwgeD1NYcVkwK4NYdUnY8sKOdz6ON4K72kyu32_bt91vUL15k/w640-h480/farmfaraway.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>St. Barthelemy Castle is hidden away out in the farmland.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRkB3lrqlqbWDuRXfGt6jw0L3UiK6VlzD0a6ED8d7xNP-J9E7w1sa7W0O1d9s2OBizQwFYzP1WpDs2VAkYeAjWLyu6x-QvjHAJYbOopYlrdrNVw9DLJyZQaM8yZASvJYOQ_GWz6msr6YOwSC-MhHV0uc76VXCvHpyCkFZIIOWC9toz52cqarOn4YdPqq9/s1920/farmfront.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRkB3lrqlqbWDuRXfGt6jw0L3UiK6VlzD0a6ED8d7xNP-J9E7w1sa7W0O1d9s2OBizQwFYzP1WpDs2VAkYeAjWLyu6x-QvjHAJYbOopYlrdrNVw9DLJyZQaM8yZASvJYOQ_GWz6msr6YOwSC-MhHV0uc76VXCvHpyCkFZIIOWC9toz52cqarOn4YdPqq9/w640-h480/farmfront.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>It's owned by Fondation St. Barthelemy and the complex house adults with intellectual and/or psychological disabilities<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoiSHUOEx7EqbPXnPUC4nLAobHpD_cdZ9An-nsSo8WsZX7GOQeX9EWg_TDZ1s7SmELys03ku4cJnh09P9l6wFmjxn5lowfO0hOi1CKqgSH5FkO-2YA-YUfaFN7Q2XE6tG42Km0COewERs_Qs7Z2k-UkFQix5CrVcSsuNjHZhglmRxbMQW5N8AQGnCehG9/s1920/farmbackside.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoiSHUOEx7EqbPXnPUC4nLAobHpD_cdZ9An-nsSo8WsZX7GOQeX9EWg_TDZ1s7SmELys03ku4cJnh09P9l6wFmjxn5lowfO0hOi1CKqgSH5FkO-2YA-YUfaFN7Q2XE6tG42Km0COewERs_Qs7Z2k-UkFQix5CrVcSsuNjHZhglmRxbMQW5N8AQGnCehG9/w640-h480/farmbackside.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Backside view of St. Bathelemy Castle<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1L5jxr1wg1YqpbS4QHYOGo-4q9_dHmQrA0xedKsPnT8-RvXUFZ0bGmnNb_KajXTyBoxN6E2x6E6oqSZkCNBMsr2BXePQ4Pi2NUKB4anm1VkNCUHqXxfFmm0SWzpzej1tOCNvlUt7FSoOBYlXPPyMI9iRd_Z-zvDWgcTHPbsCqsevMNgcWwn0s__xxn6v/s1920/canton1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1L5jxr1wg1YqpbS4QHYOGo-4q9_dHmQrA0xedKsPnT8-RvXUFZ0bGmnNb_KajXTyBoxN6E2x6E6oqSZkCNBMsr2BXePQ4Pi2NUKB4anm1VkNCUHqXxfFmm0SWzpzej1tOCNvlUt7FSoOBYlXPPyMI9iRd_Z-zvDWgcTHPbsCqsevMNgcWwn0s__xxn6v/w640-h480/canton1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>In the highest point in central Lausanne stands St. Maire Castle. Built between 1397-1425 by the Bishops of Lausanne and served as their fortified residence. However, in 1536 Bern captured Lausanne and booted out the bishop--who moved to a splendid palace a bit down the hill. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORLh1DaQbwy1HWCxLCEDNr-mPGPlLfAvGPhIyg_WkJkPfq-1TGPxjF9s1JWA6BjvoOcaLZCLHICZJ9aDcrHrPvbeeNflBK_YLyZmExmjM9cvtwToNvfST_NOUmsvAHRr4pe6No1I-htJodPx5cSuNx5x2JzO4i335vR0ZnD5yqWEtMViJURrwhwC98GOF/s1920/canton2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORLh1DaQbwy1HWCxLCEDNr-mPGPlLfAvGPhIyg_WkJkPfq-1TGPxjF9s1JWA6BjvoOcaLZCLHICZJ9aDcrHrPvbeeNflBK_YLyZmExmjM9cvtwToNvfST_NOUmsvAHRr4pe6No1I-htJodPx5cSuNx5x2JzO4i335vR0ZnD5yqWEtMViJURrwhwC98GOF/w640-h480/canton2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Backside of Saint-Marie Castle. Since 1803 it has been the seat of the cantonal government in Canton Vaud. In the USA we have states, in Switzerland there're called cantons. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-36069366962973687542023-09-12T00:53:00.000-07:002023-09-12T00:53:05.642-07:00Adelboden, Switzerland (mountain resort)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBLEzcasU3g3hwhFkEzuHoi42-9nf8rbFIJnCKiSo8MLBENcb3e4uoiY95EQMNwqjb3pAqG87kdJFcd-LTqVXYsY4hMXbOHDc29hiz7DxwGXF_8VRobX9vz8ZXeT1r4T5LGYfhRGGwwOVre04d4PTFtwqBNXurrSHzjqw88wtJ37fLoT5CCwyCVOa2m9T/s1920/view%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBLEzcasU3g3hwhFkEzuHoi42-9nf8rbFIJnCKiSo8MLBENcb3e4uoiY95EQMNwqjb3pAqG87kdJFcd-LTqVXYsY4hMXbOHDc29hiz7DxwGXF_8VRobX9vz8ZXeT1r4T5LGYfhRGGwwOVre04d4PTFtwqBNXurrSHzjqw88wtJ37fLoT5CCwyCVOa2m9T/w640-h480/view%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>So, I'm still in central Switzerland and the Bernese Alps. In my previous post I was in Kandersteg and after cycling down the mountain I hung a left and went up the other side of the mountain to Adelboden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWyhaXpar-8-n0VzJdFVs3FQTHeUG3rDZUtRhkosfJ_1wwo5PRDVA4qNR0epfNgVvgrHum1VRc1jztSpNLQOGT8DJ8VFUIQ1kSGFLSsnbBAGelBMdoKeoJnfCiTFBIuSJDb6pwGOJ8TCb7574t-4574trj6Z4JemXPPPTQWpVCgBMvfSDzf9Slh-92-zn/s1920/downtown%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWyhaXpar-8-n0VzJdFVs3FQTHeUG3rDZUtRhkosfJ_1wwo5PRDVA4qNR0epfNgVvgrHum1VRc1jztSpNLQOGT8DJ8VFUIQ1kSGFLSsnbBAGelBMdoKeoJnfCiTFBIuSJDb6pwGOJ8TCb7574t-4574trj6Z4JemXPPPTQWpVCgBMvfSDzf9Slh-92-zn/w640-h480/downtown%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Adelboden (population 3,300) is a traditional Swiss mountain village similar to Kandersteg in that you've got skiing, hiking (over 125 miles of hiking trails), mountain biking and mountain climbing. View of Adelboden's main shopping street.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF982qfVgsa1HDoQ_eqgwuUsUNvI3RYLHlMSImY_cCbTS8geOtq4zW46xf7bowUsDQXqdZXYniE2sZIMtX03fyzgd2IGH3q1MbbPB2ThKC1IuEph2bSt67aJklX8Zp87Rk8zfnuVQ_nY126hOBbVJTamyY09CfokajjhLs5h8MiW47W1vJB7NECFC8knAo/s4896/lunch%20view.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF982qfVgsa1HDoQ_eqgwuUsUNvI3RYLHlMSImY_cCbTS8geOtq4zW46xf7bowUsDQXqdZXYniE2sZIMtX03fyzgd2IGH3q1MbbPB2ThKC1IuEph2bSt67aJklX8Zp87Rk8zfnuVQ_nY126hOBbVJTamyY09CfokajjhLs5h8MiW47W1vJB7NECFC8knAo/w640-h480/lunch%20view.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Street heading to downtown.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqm6Zy9FMB1VBUwE1tSjG5cSkFMkps1HOE2sCKAwUVnek06j1XqYLM7EBKKqaJNBCPzbGs2uomnjFu6FekKTbe4tc_emP2w6odXWtcezyJbDaNPTOrT4dDVqwdWSRhWN50JmYRV3qdpkOaGl6WAPXZxgw4i4sbtbOgy3UpT6hQYgPatZPWzvHTsWXP7Gh/s1920/downtown%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqm6Zy9FMB1VBUwE1tSjG5cSkFMkps1HOE2sCKAwUVnek06j1XqYLM7EBKKqaJNBCPzbGs2uomnjFu6FekKTbe4tc_emP2w6odXWtcezyJbDaNPTOrT4dDVqwdWSRhWN50JmYRV3qdpkOaGl6WAPXZxgw4i4sbtbOgy3UpT6hQYgPatZPWzvHTsWXP7Gh/w640-h480/downtown%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View of Adelboden's main shopping street taken from other end. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgrxuDzAW82yDyjTpPatlcc2TfkNHhq8kSo1mIhw6P4vWJrXYc_8LJlM5nx5k8jlfVAOqOZyRQb4Yc88JlF87G2wivpnUqg30u6mFX66BB6QYjMLD32i5IeoZs7pVqEDVzVHajik4Dh7pR8UFs1J3MSyqLUWstwVVXfS08_2q1rjOz2BIYmC9Oa6JVeOL/s1920/pool.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgrxuDzAW82yDyjTpPatlcc2TfkNHhq8kSo1mIhw6P4vWJrXYc_8LJlM5nx5k8jlfVAOqOZyRQb4Yc88JlF87G2wivpnUqg30u6mFX66BB6QYjMLD32i5IeoZs7pVqEDVzVHajik4Dh7pR8UFs1J3MSyqLUWstwVVXfS08_2q1rjOz2BIYmC9Oa6JVeOL/w640-h480/pool.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Looks like the public swimming pool was recently closed--though it's in the low 90's today. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuHWK_Fkxbjr1BnKm7qokkw0fBrIbR6SufyeIhlAVYdh4I32qF3u2HuCPjGLWayqYmfVrkP2xNkc0Hq25C6ZxggwJuHXD9bgV0aZCBXJiHSA9guqwDKXrcCiH6reRDVJPh23nBWPYU54FxfyGIvupYLI7fJOa7Op_bJ2SglCxbJND92jmBFsA1xbNxxuN/s1920/view%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuHWK_Fkxbjr1BnKm7qokkw0fBrIbR6SufyeIhlAVYdh4I32qF3u2HuCPjGLWayqYmfVrkP2xNkc0Hq25C6ZxggwJuHXD9bgV0aZCBXJiHSA9guqwDKXrcCiH6reRDVJPh23nBWPYU54FxfyGIvupYLI7fJOa7Op_bJ2SglCxbJND92jmBFsA1xbNxxuN/w640-h480/view%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View from main street to other side of valley. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNJ-PXeIcyPQqde0eZckQUhQMUZ2IBdx1MJ5Nd3x7y-A_r5QUL5bMy0Tp1jk3n6esdzAuFYIsfjbPCYckA8ojGOtaw5TcQUhPcbE36JuEiICZ9QQyMLzKK4ZQtD4Tmn5cYjblqTLuxiZesMsn3ApC0vFxmguie4pFR20L6n2P4IFoRbPX3KuAZampZ12E/s1920/tunnel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNJ-PXeIcyPQqde0eZckQUhQMUZ2IBdx1MJ5Nd3x7y-A_r5QUL5bMy0Tp1jk3n6esdzAuFYIsfjbPCYckA8ojGOtaw5TcQUhPcbE36JuEiICZ9QQyMLzKK4ZQtD4Tmn5cYjblqTLuxiZesMsn3ApC0vFxmguie4pFR20L6n2P4IFoRbPX3KuAZampZ12E/w640-h480/tunnel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Tunnel. Sometimes cyclists are allowed through tunnels and other times it's forbidden. In Switzerland they'll usually post a sign showing an alternative route. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWJ-mOpXbPlBqHownyGQC7aPbQu7iOeF9XPfcc5GdRnXLGVFUyIK0j6BE6a69OvJIctVwuHfC2pGUE-OKsjdUs8dzmDxEdlIdXtxbkmQbXnrl668zJ2-n96M7A6VgMQLdM4dD3kx3mlSa2mluEDux4_7se-2taNZqryyXvfCkSCvKGOKnPirqLLlIKybA/s1920/straw%20couple.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWJ-mOpXbPlBqHownyGQC7aPbQu7iOeF9XPfcc5GdRnXLGVFUyIK0j6BE6a69OvJIctVwuHfC2pGUE-OKsjdUs8dzmDxEdlIdXtxbkmQbXnrl668zJ2-n96M7A6VgMQLdM4dD3kx3mlSa2mluEDux4_7se-2taNZqryyXvfCkSCvKGOKnPirqLLlIKybA/w640-h480/straw%20couple.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>There's only one road to Adelboden and this is the old road section used before the tunnel was built. This couple likes to watch.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-_8NEMnWMyEXGNxq_THD5TqvgB3A5xM_N9GS9i5u--VdaXx1zjaIaL6zwtYNfedhADSCvhyc57qx8bhtyZ9rVMfm-ldFGzcrINvtL0btRzVaPcBwc9LPIB5egaiCfevkGiiQI-0zqaSl9lk9d0fnZxT87iO_IWNpxVe682m08B4gIZa14w55wZqrGKEX/s1920/straw%20house.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-_8NEMnWMyEXGNxq_THD5TqvgB3A5xM_N9GS9i5u--VdaXx1zjaIaL6zwtYNfedhADSCvhyc57qx8bhtyZ9rVMfm-ldFGzcrINvtL0btRzVaPcBwc9LPIB5egaiCfevkGiiQI-0zqaSl9lk9d0fnZxT87iO_IWNpxVe682m08B4gIZa14w55wZqrGKEX/w640-h480/straw%20house.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm assuming the people living in this house were responsible for the couple in previous photo. Can you imagine what it would have been like living here before the tunnel was built with cars trucks, buses passing so close to the house. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEaEb6W8uc62xlghX1zBQORKRl17nCBEA5mnzfHrTgAqrDWxVoPywQQXDokOowcxKHociLFxKOn37ZNOFaCEFf2m-m9YvFKUk3jTrhcpa-snkHPUyMFsM_aHeRK3pcbTwLqJw6CKeTgcHwUUha3I1HlWXa0QUSDUZtu7EG1yhRSNUbnnyu-h7sq72_NLy/s1920/huts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEaEb6W8uc62xlghX1zBQORKRl17nCBEA5mnzfHrTgAqrDWxVoPywQQXDokOowcxKHociLFxKOn37ZNOFaCEFf2m-m9YvFKUk3jTrhcpa-snkHPUyMFsM_aHeRK3pcbTwLqJw6CKeTgcHwUUha3I1HlWXa0QUSDUZtu7EG1yhRSNUbnnyu-h7sq72_NLy/w640-h480/huts.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Lots of mountain huts. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8UVybVRmRfbFOWxERBKtXH6l_oebjrSfm_fNX7jJpNWhavSguyC7NPTxknbOYfKS0FBQNQc-bWAkfSE3xvEdYxqaXhOSvMu8yDFU9jPIMi6zOOnbK-r3tJUJ1KN7enMY3JLOHW1tvsc2wXBkMWBdNe9_Ta3C9bzTdKe6M1d7Ygt1OcQEryly_--r11ar/s1920/river.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8UVybVRmRfbFOWxERBKtXH6l_oebjrSfm_fNX7jJpNWhavSguyC7NPTxknbOYfKS0FBQNQc-bWAkfSE3xvEdYxqaXhOSvMu8yDFU9jPIMi6zOOnbK-r3tJUJ1KN7enMY3JLOHW1tvsc2wXBkMWBdNe9_Ta3C9bzTdKe6M1d7Ygt1OcQEryly_--r11ar/w640-h480/river.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The bike route down the mountain follows farm roads such as the one on the left of the Entschlige river. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-57890081888504518192023-09-11T01:18:00.003-07:002023-09-11T01:25:35.968-07:00Kandersteg, Switzerland (mountain resort)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCIqh8VI8xB8aW4mwojLTa1a-TJvbh4EfOwmF-yeMO1DdQNH7ZFRKq3Jgm9p4Weve-tuUZ02C440fzGrBYCXqkNSaMx8y1MUrDQr86NSCOfrhgqWOlL2aqy0sBlUEcTTVt9cZDyLjPAHIxzGdIQOjuCfRSFOlDwEL8F1fQu-hpXjZnNqGDbyAkFDgE2aQ/s1920/1st.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCIqh8VI8xB8aW4mwojLTa1a-TJvbh4EfOwmF-yeMO1DdQNH7ZFRKq3Jgm9p4Weve-tuUZ02C440fzGrBYCXqkNSaMx8y1MUrDQr86NSCOfrhgqWOlL2aqy0sBlUEcTTVt9cZDyLjPAHIxzGdIQOjuCfRSFOlDwEL8F1fQu-hpXjZnNqGDbyAkFDgE2aQ/w640-h480/1st.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in central Switzerland and high in the Bernese Alps. It's 8:30 in the morning and the sun is just beginning to reach the mountain resort of Kandersteg (population 1,300). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdpahe46sQyfxAads-msRpU5UcypjHulJHZdq1CzOLOpJiqbgo2qb79G4F77pY4CBt0BD-r3xG-EAscPQ6qoWpN-uk-omjGBYLR27lrt83JoHqYkHMo-taG71Cxh29jf64uERsWi1nzeuJXjc7FS7v-7MoNda3kIh_O429HkVFYBL9pFn2-bG3J1l6oUH/s1920/2nd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdpahe46sQyfxAads-msRpU5UcypjHulJHZdq1CzOLOpJiqbgo2qb79G4F77pY4CBt0BD-r3xG-EAscPQ6qoWpN-uk-omjGBYLR27lrt83JoHqYkHMo-taG71Cxh29jf64uERsWi1nzeuJXjc7FS7v-7MoNda3kIh_O429HkVFYBL9pFn2-bG3J1l6oUH/w640-h480/2nd.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>You can ski in Kandersteg but, in the summer it's very popular with mountain climbers and hikers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCvaCkUacgXOJr-Cye2QMvomZSw_HVQhj4w4-BMryyjdW1NJ9tMRJEnb9kYgNDwMjyoS6_4om7yaZvpEgKC12WfyfomsDN0tD3NJx3qoYcR_mSGpT4pVeAs6dviFZxCCZOH_DnMlnScSIoTKLfSRjvn-tAfQP_5gM5FPH__4Jsb5RiidbjcASwcYTE-U7/s1920/3rd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCvaCkUacgXOJr-Cye2QMvomZSw_HVQhj4w4-BMryyjdW1NJ9tMRJEnb9kYgNDwMjyoS6_4om7yaZvpEgKC12WfyfomsDN0tD3NJx3qoYcR_mSGpT4pVeAs6dviFZxCCZOH_DnMlnScSIoTKLfSRjvn-tAfQP_5gM5FPH__4Jsb5RiidbjcASwcYTE-U7/w640-h480/3rd.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The sun is finally welcoming a new day. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3LWvTXzvbZq_NVBqqUANkSSLR_pGDVkvWGv1Pu2SJKnQlpkLTDQnJ-hbxYdrC8ZHRySm6PzVMzt_HLJwjVyYP7xDhteUaPJjNVWrQOn5XxP1hkpCLd55lX0WL4UHmqEQK7zbBlrDZfhjhHaGZe0r2AUhHu7mr-vUpyreV3oQmWgSjC_kpcG6hhh7g-Th/s1920/4th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3LWvTXzvbZq_NVBqqUANkSSLR_pGDVkvWGv1Pu2SJKnQlpkLTDQnJ-hbxYdrC8ZHRySm6PzVMzt_HLJwjVyYP7xDhteUaPJjNVWrQOn5XxP1hkpCLd55lX0WL4UHmqEQK7zbBlrDZfhjhHaGZe0r2AUhHu7mr-vUpyreV3oQmWgSjC_kpcG6hhh7g-Th/w640-h480/4th.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Entering Kandersteg's village center. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARmKhnz_E0WUHKBmYkNFU4543nsuRBKTI8dCs9mq8-3_wMR7OPICYxxcwUFf-hSPju86KgIy8PydZ3sgMap4GoQN8llOQE7zcdZ9-qGvgoDfUp3XZkVKPD2qRJXvQusmLLa8qSHuc7mcX--x-3Wo6jcVVKXvqK_swwfiaNoRbovPtMMCd878JGecz3z0O/s1920/5th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARmKhnz_E0WUHKBmYkNFU4543nsuRBKTI8dCs9mq8-3_wMR7OPICYxxcwUFf-hSPju86KgIy8PydZ3sgMap4GoQN8llOQE7zcdZ9-qGvgoDfUp3XZkVKPD2qRJXvQusmLLa8qSHuc7mcX--x-3Wo6jcVVKXvqK_swwfiaNoRbovPtMMCd878JGecz3z0O/w640-h480/5th.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Kandersteg's village center. Eagle-eyed viewers can spot the orange cat sitting beside the creek (on the right side)--watching fish swim by? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5FGrmuCOr1inPriuFUMJBFNOQ8p-2jDAJmzT21f0-Qx4HVCfUybNzmEyF40ZDz9-K72xU2jEEjSudcb5503BaeI7T-izqSxIp36m5_Vzon4aYD8jAwmY35IiYAI5ZAci_I-c8_T93WVBMEZkp6X8eqwxURZRCjXSpfPOPsnTWf3aIf69EGGU0ZdT6uN8/s1920/6th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5FGrmuCOr1inPriuFUMJBFNOQ8p-2jDAJmzT21f0-Qx4HVCfUybNzmEyF40ZDz9-K72xU2jEEjSudcb5503BaeI7T-izqSxIp36m5_Vzon4aYD8jAwmY35IiYAI5ZAci_I-c8_T93WVBMEZkp6X8eqwxURZRCjXSpfPOPsnTWf3aIf69EGGU0ZdT6uN8/w640-h480/6th.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of Kandersteg's village center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2SE5JuBIyp-uprHTKI3kmzZXWwyYoatDO6uoO36C14_Bi17smsQl76Lz-04elyDSGkzt1_PSUr52IefXftdin-4HP7RoQoRE6itd9ohgYaNw2aqYU-tKO0PTyfYtFTJgfJjudoTSb4GtABz-KNu2QHb-EW0i_u33EktdpQGcJbCHLBhJ5ItnPAe9IzV/s1920/7th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2SE5JuBIyp-uprHTKI3kmzZXWwyYoatDO6uoO36C14_Bi17smsQl76Lz-04elyDSGkzt1_PSUr52IefXftdin-4HP7RoQoRE6itd9ohgYaNw2aqYU-tKO0PTyfYtFTJgfJjudoTSb4GtABz-KNu2QHb-EW0i_u33EktdpQGcJbCHLBhJ5ItnPAe9IzV/w640-h480/7th.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Kandersteg dead ends up ahead.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS-hNYFzeeBy_ST7JRDUpf01TZUKj4riiA6zNX2AJ32BxNNptzhiV-GH1g_iTbMRlCdCVunGR_m-ri_MR9jCxT5rOfdeDXnEdStPIQBDSfdWB5Mt2N1e6C53-adORQUYdHVNxokPV_2dlX__zecLhq266vq6Cv6mbnOrdlvJegEnUNDzF35TJZTLL8f2B/s1920/8th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS-hNYFzeeBy_ST7JRDUpf01TZUKj4riiA6zNX2AJ32BxNNptzhiV-GH1g_iTbMRlCdCVunGR_m-ri_MR9jCxT5rOfdeDXnEdStPIQBDSfdWB5Mt2N1e6C53-adORQUYdHVNxokPV_2dlX__zecLhq266vq6Cv6mbnOrdlvJegEnUNDzF35TJZTLL8f2B/w640-h480/8th.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Cycling down the mountain to the valley floor.<p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-59928811987780075152023-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:002023-09-06T08:00:10.432-07:00Megeve, France (ski resort)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimojQqZ7lm_8P4cY9dnOk3vJMz8wUBVGm56E-KoVFZzB7NnDyWqpXJ5InQR9NqiQskJfvUDH7zzQnIwIwxV1ZlCjdxmAoapNAn_Htr0lWI_fY-LD4Gmp1_Ix3qNhFOr4mF_XDI4upHB8KhTb7BwZzdq77uzx9ZHFlfyvAayPfkNYMrc3UEvO8P_RhUfmkU/s1920/entry%20sign.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimojQqZ7lm_8P4cY9dnOk3vJMz8wUBVGm56E-KoVFZzB7NnDyWqpXJ5InQR9NqiQskJfvUDH7zzQnIwIwxV1ZlCjdxmAoapNAn_Htr0lWI_fY-LD4Gmp1_Ix3qNhFOr4mF_XDI4upHB8KhTb7BwZzdq77uzx9ZHFlfyvAayPfkNYMrc3UEvO8P_RhUfmkU/w640-h480/entry%20sign.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in the French Alps in the upscale ski resort of Megeve (population 3,000). Wanting to have a French alternative to ritzy St. Moritz (Switzerland), the famous Rothschild family led the exodus in the 1920's to this place. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokOqWKlo6RQ23Z0eIzH1rHwxAsv3FF84cn4_98Jwu9lLDHMld-QXA5Z1d2tpAeC8CCCtCrWa2ZwUCMti_yiEelr6MjitQvM_IZ9QiRUfrudaxVg5hPLPYmGR5XUsNmBYwwbdbWjlnXKO9qnDwwtj5ZYkSayc_TElXhzZge78QNYg3dIQTvstgVIf86fTf/s1920/church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokOqWKlo6RQ23Z0eIzH1rHwxAsv3FF84cn4_98Jwu9lLDHMld-QXA5Z1d2tpAeC8CCCtCrWa2ZwUCMti_yiEelr6MjitQvM_IZ9QiRUfrudaxVg5hPLPYmGR5XUsNmBYwwbdbWjlnXKO9qnDwwtj5ZYkSayc_TElXhzZge78QNYg3dIQTvstgVIf86fTf/w640-h480/church.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Town center with vendors setting up for a market. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3d4stek5hdU77np07Yr5xkHCfvXOBV4FivEdQfAG_ENGO9bPjXk9LAmWal0mxSfLB04nFRBye_24umutLKfOlcAguKJDMP7dtV4awvI8QbegYjOl3HKphKV_3OPvdRvZzxG0JvDISFQvGWB2Y_JzDA-eoD8nKG6V0ezl8iGXw0kegXlEtuf4mbHJnjF5/s1920/restaurant%20arabs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3d4stek5hdU77np07Yr5xkHCfvXOBV4FivEdQfAG_ENGO9bPjXk9LAmWal0mxSfLB04nFRBye_24umutLKfOlcAguKJDMP7dtV4awvI8QbegYjOl3HKphKV_3OPvdRvZzxG0JvDISFQvGWB2Y_JzDA-eoD8nKG6V0ezl8iGXw0kegXlEtuf4mbHJnjF5/w640-h480/restaurant%20arabs.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Town center is a pedestrian-only zone. Many of the restaurants have flower-lined terraces.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN588_1ZPdh9v1EbGE15nftVAIpUQOeAVrt9io2As_YnmqstlHOxF22luh45GvIhpMEtnx3OG7R7fmjL-vnJt4UkjYxNix98xXx5hWvP57BHWErpsjFuC0FiUMsopVWPiYt9IFZipN5N7c3uz0iZFV_drlsXmAuWQBFcVJiTA9S4StkQnraniaJ3kIuAYY/s1920/street%20moncler.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN588_1ZPdh9v1EbGE15nftVAIpUQOeAVrt9io2As_YnmqstlHOxF22luh45GvIhpMEtnx3OG7R7fmjL-vnJt4UkjYxNix98xXx5hWvP57BHWErpsjFuC0FiUMsopVWPiYt9IFZipN5N7c3uz0iZFV_drlsXmAuWQBFcVJiTA9S4StkQnraniaJ3kIuAYY/w640-h480/street%20moncler.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Upscale shops such as Hermes have outposts here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YZJQ98D0Dz2FggXWdSHugWwU6skS_lpl5Q8rKyl69pX_Nui7wsHOJ-sl4rt0mYHc6ys6h0C93nom6lw7b7y6g8Q4O4udOk_v8_i9Kahg8ZkyRwUkvMP3drFRnWyxCIrft3TzoTRQweISoxj-PvA68n196ogeoBEmjSabzMSJyhmQhEnNxwfyK8wd_H_P/s1920/valley%20view%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YZJQ98D0Dz2FggXWdSHugWwU6skS_lpl5Q8rKyl69pX_Nui7wsHOJ-sl4rt0mYHc6ys6h0C93nom6lw7b7y6g8Q4O4udOk_v8_i9Kahg8ZkyRwUkvMP3drFRnWyxCIrft3TzoTRQweISoxj-PvA68n196ogeoBEmjSabzMSJyhmQhEnNxwfyK8wd_H_P/w640-h480/valley%20view%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View of hillside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwTGnICvG09zPcg8_sv-Ic64etHb0ST3k1QI888tpY9JdlHL6ggH3ldiYEUmiRQm2LmQOKRZBUoozJpi205DFdy98TCzQ8paSCGmbONPOfrU8rsQnHaeTemJAEItYM3cE9pQKWGXDRQADulcFTCnX3iOOr9PBW_8r4gfcNq5-NOGkWWcZuhANjL0g0yBm/s1920/flowers%20city%20hall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwTGnICvG09zPcg8_sv-Ic64etHb0ST3k1QI888tpY9JdlHL6ggH3ldiYEUmiRQm2LmQOKRZBUoozJpi205DFdy98TCzQ8paSCGmbONPOfrU8rsQnHaeTemJAEItYM3cE9pQKWGXDRQADulcFTCnX3iOOr9PBW_8r4gfcNq5-NOGkWWcZuhANjL0g0yBm/w640-h480/flowers%20city%20hall.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>More town center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVDHL6MLvoosMYz1hr5UlhFUQC7BF8czrwDILlXX6UiONv-TE1oHyWe9KH_Al9pbU-rZEMmuaam5dxHlqnf3IVvCSe-xeLXS3xo4hR6mfWRBVi1pWDDfWIA_e3CK1KFWFaXRVezJG3kZzpzZSiwBv1KUxTWp1xqdEcxNxuYwgp-8-9FdFBdCSKY5oV8ef/s1920/creek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVDHL6MLvoosMYz1hr5UlhFUQC7BF8czrwDILlXX6UiONv-TE1oHyWe9KH_Al9pbU-rZEMmuaam5dxHlqnf3IVvCSe-xeLXS3xo4hR6mfWRBVi1pWDDfWIA_e3CK1KFWFaXRVezJG3kZzpzZSiwBv1KUxTWp1xqdEcxNxuYwgp-8-9FdFBdCSKY5oV8ef/w640-h480/creek.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>A creek meanders through town.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4zfYZeTQuZRqejwpG4koqpV-1yzTc-Z84iw1hA_kb_jJgs_afYXvMiDeFTaT9ILVvDdAP_x_j5SFWWb384Ei2RVMl0VdgUEG6UB7Q_elYxnAsLOSenitXVTZ4TKQP9MSkvEG7GmpNw0QSkz7plOjoIV9yQM-diQPXqOxbw24dWRtaPlqjBfzxANUXejj/s1920/valley%20view%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4zfYZeTQuZRqejwpG4koqpV-1yzTc-Z84iw1hA_kb_jJgs_afYXvMiDeFTaT9ILVvDdAP_x_j5SFWWb384Ei2RVMl0VdgUEG6UB7Q_elYxnAsLOSenitXVTZ4TKQP9MSkvEG7GmpNw0QSkz7plOjoIV9yQM-diQPXqOxbw24dWRtaPlqjBfzxANUXejj/w640-h480/valley%20view%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View of another hillside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPNpMtgsY3o_HLtiHLXU-gUkPSmOSdOcBgtYzrLBuUp4i9atEMOeroeZLrYnE5IrcW-_WkhI092rvneqBYOxDC8jj6YQfw1O2geLTcsXveVrCZwXDsOXkd2u7jLAPLBuMuEaI2JUCYI-mgoWFWOt4hNxvO6IA5v6Oy61ze6Ml7By-FNh0Z89Vs5O0KgOw/s1920/mcdonalds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPNpMtgsY3o_HLtiHLXU-gUkPSmOSdOcBgtYzrLBuUp4i9atEMOeroeZLrYnE5IrcW-_WkhI092rvneqBYOxDC8jj6YQfw1O2geLTcsXveVrCZwXDsOXkd2u7jLAPLBuMuEaI2JUCYI-mgoWFWOt4hNxvO6IA5v6Oy61ze6Ml7By-FNh0Z89Vs5O0KgOw/w640-h480/mcdonalds.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Wasn't expecting to find a McDonald's WITH a drive-through here in Megeve. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefnQA4ux_IpSNKODCm0SYS-6QftaCV3Q966D3CckejUySxk9vlbC_cQLAA2HBezrUdzzVPaORKhw9C9xxN9JrC7ghEj_Oac6d2qNLa4VVbf01-MvxhE_NMw98owrK2PV7H9DeCOzzAeqRTWrEsvgLBTlUUyNSC9BOQP7ov5mzaP2ybRpCF-316vZLSlFL/s1920/mtn%20view%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefnQA4ux_IpSNKODCm0SYS-6QftaCV3Q966D3CckejUySxk9vlbC_cQLAA2HBezrUdzzVPaORKhw9C9xxN9JrC7ghEj_Oac6d2qNLa4VVbf01-MvxhE_NMw98owrK2PV7H9DeCOzzAeqRTWrEsvgLBTlUUyNSC9BOQP7ov5mzaP2ybRpCF-316vZLSlFL/w640-h480/mtn%20view%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Heading down the mountain. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf99w0q9iCgWLPPh2WA2D22PL8xb-Xvz43aGTd5XmOqBX6qRInbeJeHZzLHqwO-Hz-qndLINkaSLhiDtILidKG1Q6tK6eajrckdt_vhKb4c5x5gB6MEVrQyeFQjcov4oz-rnYG-Ouqa1m9hxiz2T_8nJl-e1iPH8TJtNAXnaxZux-IBkYiKHKWVaqiIAj6/s1920/mtn%20view%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf99w0q9iCgWLPPh2WA2D22PL8xb-Xvz43aGTd5XmOqBX6qRInbeJeHZzLHqwO-Hz-qndLINkaSLhiDtILidKG1Q6tK6eajrckdt_vhKb4c5x5gB6MEVrQyeFQjcov4oz-rnYG-Ouqa1m9hxiz2T_8nJl-e1iPH8TJtNAXnaxZux-IBkYiKHKWVaqiIAj6/w640-h480/mtn%20view%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>More heading down the mountain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD_UyaQ7DsFARI2KAgemws5-Imo6eqd7Z6Kz9Hzvi8dyUz2afOBsR8O3daKVqfQ98myJqs5UcSa9fTGRWFGrYLtn0NOnTNb145jhWty82OtlCw40aDaAyEybE-QuwtMJr2CquidRDkNpCwIVTvQUEjoVTuA_tcbqd8wEnjL2hSnFS2uTZM2V498nP-Ca_/s1920/sallanches.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD_UyaQ7DsFARI2KAgemws5-Imo6eqd7Z6Kz9Hzvi8dyUz2afOBsR8O3daKVqfQ98myJqs5UcSa9fTGRWFGrYLtn0NOnTNb145jhWty82OtlCw40aDaAyEybE-QuwtMJr2CquidRDkNpCwIVTvQUEjoVTuA_tcbqd8wEnjL2hSnFS2uTZM2V498nP-Ca_/w640-h480/sallanches.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> View looking up from the town of Sallanches (population 16,000) on the valley floor. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-89685777257549627912023-08-27T06:08:00.002-07:002023-08-27T06:12:11.754-07:00Fort de Joux (Pontarlier, France)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl286h15iajwuhJ6ahEMpVdUfoauAMrHXJXnxN2Z5cZPRquCQG9zjLiW5WV0uTRD92m0vQ20el0ZV0yuH6RROhqpM8J3XUWX7cRaIyrys4S9mHSwTLe41wdpSrAZ8bUKyVaZuCMLgIyK5I08CPA9riyHcSrsvvdkVrUHhyVyA0k4b2ZPy987KQFmsYZbni/s1920/statue%20of%20liberty.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl286h15iajwuhJ6ahEMpVdUfoauAMrHXJXnxN2Z5cZPRquCQG9zjLiW5WV0uTRD92m0vQ20el0ZV0yuH6RROhqpM8J3XUWX7cRaIyrys4S9mHSwTLe41wdpSrAZ8bUKyVaZuCMLgIyK5I08CPA9riyHcSrsvvdkVrUHhyVyA0k4b2ZPy987KQFmsYZbni/w480-h640/statue%20of%20liberty.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>I'm cycling up through the Jura Mountains and come upon this splendid white marble World War 1 memorial in a small "mom & pop" ski village. I've traveled quite a bit through France and from the biggest cities to the smallest villages there will inevitably be a World War 1 and World War 11 memorial. Does the woman look familiar? Of course you know our Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxTsB5HiYoSm0TaxGQH1COKj2VvuVI96KCdSyM2LImWNseRMPMLeuXRWZdm3MQePAEwKH46yukANkXuoL2dxhgeZTYb1P9Es-Pui6eOf2Aw-G6x7i1iXy7p4NcX6C-HqfH3WOTo7MtckWtt5NRinC3BzRqon3FXx8MFULqHlDYvu-CpE4dddijQodfd2K/s1920/pontarlier1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxTsB5HiYoSm0TaxGQH1COKj2VvuVI96KCdSyM2LImWNseRMPMLeuXRWZdm3MQePAEwKH46yukANkXuoL2dxhgeZTYb1P9Es-Pui6eOf2Aw-G6x7i1iXy7p4NcX6C-HqfH3WOTo7MtckWtt5NRinC3BzRqon3FXx8MFULqHlDYvu-CpE4dddijQodfd2K/w640-h480/pontarlier1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Nothing special about Pontarlier (population 20,000) though it does get to brag about being the second highest town in France. It gets pretty darn cold in the winter and the area is known as the Siberia of France. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O6xNz4qfn6hdEUKXUWL6elLlPOYwVsIKjU9RM5mHJ8ytbSBeQZfFGteScznGlhIiaN18LGHpa1PsZgYotHOs3lWZrAYMCiGaq7GvASIGRVFqFGWXimrw__HDTmwqzVkmBRF0SC3OrallUtieqxvFQI668mhVVMjH0tvwG0xG_VOp6gyQbrhHWnYNWWak/s1920/nestle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O6xNz4qfn6hdEUKXUWL6elLlPOYwVsIKjU9RM5mHJ8ytbSBeQZfFGteScznGlhIiaN18LGHpa1PsZgYotHOs3lWZrAYMCiGaq7GvASIGRVFqFGWXimrw__HDTmwqzVkmBRF0SC3OrallUtieqxvFQI668mhVVMjH0tvwG0xG_VOp6gyQbrhHWnYNWWak/w640-h480/nestle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I took this picture in Pontarlier for two reasons. The chapel up on the hill and the entrance to a large Nestle factory. Cycling past I could smell chocolate. It turns out this is where Nesquik is manufactured. Nesquik is chocolate syrup as well as chocolate powder you mix with milk. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52opNyJ29IdZDxvgpUiTiWHhss-6BDxuLw9wq6c3eowpAp2VXfMyfPyxZJV4TZrN8Q2RGaoKst7WcxQteE9UsKgwpwzpplINVabStfgHzIL0elhH17L98QjZwSI6qIWrK7UH8dCQAqQS9CaDK3m5I74vYwAOwGi6vnfX27ZG7IKTFnQigBlg7-N3ZnHkD/s1920/view%20of%20castle1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52opNyJ29IdZDxvgpUiTiWHhss-6BDxuLw9wq6c3eowpAp2VXfMyfPyxZJV4TZrN8Q2RGaoKst7WcxQteE9UsKgwpwzpplINVabStfgHzIL0elhH17L98QjZwSI6qIWrK7UH8dCQAqQS9CaDK3m5I74vYwAOwGi6vnfX27ZG7IKTFnQigBlg7-N3ZnHkD/w640-h480/view%20of%20castle1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Perched atop a steep and rocky hill about two miles from Pontarlier stands Fort de Joux. Since the 1400's this fortress has been guarding the narrow passage--an important trading route from Italy to the rest of Europe. Back in 1813 the Austrians attacked and after being besieged for 21 days the castle surrendered. Why? The Austrians revealed a serious weakness in the fort's defenses. See Fort Larmont higher up to the right on the other side of the narrow passageway? That wasn't there back in 1813 and the Austrians lugged artillery up there and proceeded to fire down on Fort de Joux. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4rcFDQu7-alcH39V2QzhhIi9vku5lTOpcIrzSn4Ue8mgDKXSM_q7S-sLeS_MWyOVjt3l1bkFO-bPjyXMCH_bdPJrvFZ2y0aZMgE6qwaMz-Qi-us6UKnm425pEFCbHPZQ4qn9Lj1MiFiIJi05RuYI1QQoo_T08680a2TwGKktfNBvRm-3o0SNpgI5EKsB/s1920/sideview%20of%20castles.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4rcFDQu7-alcH39V2QzhhIi9vku5lTOpcIrzSn4Ue8mgDKXSM_q7S-sLeS_MWyOVjt3l1bkFO-bPjyXMCH_bdPJrvFZ2y0aZMgE6qwaMz-Qi-us6UKnm425pEFCbHPZQ4qn9Lj1MiFiIJi05RuYI1QQoo_T08680a2TwGKktfNBvRm-3o0SNpgI5EKsB/w640-h480/sideview%20of%20castles.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Making my way up the road.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49V8ahFxjhz04OBtG5AaJXFwwVsiSQaUaTNx2baAPlbKBcsuGwb9Y85peETH7YZ8zX9i0JoMZ8QF5hfcy0OZvTGXOVEhB0QSoIHUNLUOijSZrpWAQgDlcqmRKPP57nrH4epiBC1s1ZbNYr-HqAVwRQDIMhF3qu8zlFETf5LGS7XV7-6wXy_7RLTL8R1fm/s1920/entrance.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49V8ahFxjhz04OBtG5AaJXFwwVsiSQaUaTNx2baAPlbKBcsuGwb9Y85peETH7YZ8zX9i0JoMZ8QF5hfcy0OZvTGXOVEhB0QSoIHUNLUOijSZrpWAQgDlcqmRKPP57nrH4epiBC1s1ZbNYr-HqAVwRQDIMhF3qu8zlFETf5LGS7XV7-6wXy_7RLTL8R1fm/w640-h480/entrance.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Here's the entrance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhATeRj9trkD-0mSnVfNmXN4IPrwPX7qaXTUyGPE5I8n1qs6Bw5el9EjstNCmZEmqRDGUHpGk5SGcurna0vBBI-qfet-G44qKA2aYUHfGa5riHaju8uFZOjtE6S1Bhy3CgtcrmWsneV8BgvCcqjSCse5_kmu61kdmmGBtnQiDeG_lM1v6cdLM_iBYHvz6/s1920/1st%20drawbridge.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhATeRj9trkD-0mSnVfNmXN4IPrwPX7qaXTUyGPE5I8n1qs6Bw5el9EjstNCmZEmqRDGUHpGk5SGcurna0vBBI-qfet-G44qKA2aYUHfGa5riHaju8uFZOjtE6S1Bhy3CgtcrmWsneV8BgvCcqjSCse5_kmu61kdmmGBtnQiDeG_lM1v6cdLM_iBYHvz6/w640-h480/1st%20drawbridge.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The fortress had not one, not two but, three drawbridges. So, if one section gets breached then the soldiers fall back to the next drawbridge. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kKBUPs1h3SVWuPzSW6wjumTwQo1rBam9UDBdaIgmuBSwBidquhm7H-tgkzTAo7LFsA1RTIdWjC9iNXY54Ulf7a7oaP-d_PTsQbPm91fR9XQk0DHGP2URWIW1uRxIJidGxGh0D2jAuAIgJtCgkPjw8KsaJPR7dicjUVhjjjM8ovRCCmVpzIO4X0dj6WXs/s1920/cannon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kKBUPs1h3SVWuPzSW6wjumTwQo1rBam9UDBdaIgmuBSwBidquhm7H-tgkzTAo7LFsA1RTIdWjC9iNXY54Ulf7a7oaP-d_PTsQbPm91fR9XQk0DHGP2URWIW1uRxIJidGxGh0D2jAuAIgJtCgkPjw8KsaJPR7dicjUVhjjjM8ovRCCmVpzIO4X0dj6WXs/w640-h480/cannon.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This casemate (a vaulted chamber which can resist bombardment) was built in 1881. The casemate is made of four cast iron plates--each plate is 10 inches thick and weighs 42 tons!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCME8RO3hwoBUrSVx4RwJUXkOrZ24NL_NZlxdN-fvaBmjX5CwXyYc9HogaO-vn0lZOtjN-kE0yIe4qvbWNgTSx8vlpl4U_xF8Cq6Eb5lUMgu6Ox5nUEYCM87GqBgJt_HH3xPsY7GbJAeq_TBE4wlpICJ2PBzfi5oKLBy4Sr3WAOG6rrGc8-uPtpqdO2rog/s1920/2nd%20sideview%20from%20top.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCME8RO3hwoBUrSVx4RwJUXkOrZ24NL_NZlxdN-fvaBmjX5CwXyYc9HogaO-vn0lZOtjN-kE0yIe4qvbWNgTSx8vlpl4U_xF8Cq6Eb5lUMgu6Ox5nUEYCM87GqBgJt_HH3xPsY7GbJAeq_TBE4wlpICJ2PBzfi5oKLBy4Sr3WAOG6rrGc8-uPtpqdO2rog/w640-h480/2nd%20sideview%20from%20top.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View from top with neighboring Fort Larmont in the distance. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdJ8sYlVPiozHfgP9F-P6UYtIndlaMMCaaXrxCuqbGZg8jHOjNyKMU2o1pJHxODKUoTk5jJ0p-4IB2ySztASTRwWPBHfKX_IYe7PauDBB6OIgW-N6S-dZu_NAf3V861sFvX9w6HgsHjvAKaAyO_qtiltnz4SQgWrKJXsS9a6kKTa7Q6pXug6MWNiVYzd3/s1920/people%20going%20up%20last%20stairway.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdJ8sYlVPiozHfgP9F-P6UYtIndlaMMCaaXrxCuqbGZg8jHOjNyKMU2o1pJHxODKUoTk5jJ0p-4IB2ySztASTRwWPBHfKX_IYe7PauDBB6OIgW-N6S-dZu_NAf3V861sFvX9w6HgsHjvAKaAyO_qtiltnz4SQgWrKJXsS9a6kKTa7Q6pXug6MWNiVYzd3/w640-h480/people%20going%20up%20last%20stairway.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Tourists going up to last set of steps leading to the prison cells which were located at the top of the fort. Around the time of the French Revolution and Napoleon's reign the fort was used as a prison. Fort de Joux was considered the boondocks of France and a miserable place to be in prison because of its isolation and cold. The fort's barracks could house between 500 to 600 soldiers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qs0n9tSY1iINtpTXK_-BhYG_MGavKXLCtgjjy7brxV_DEQVx5yhyFCtRPAe3hwE_t5gtZ_Ut9IbxDE78_nyVwqUKcr6wN5u6_iHjIYh9Oeh916MDSkjF9VIv-aOKOwYmBoc_W3HSlU_MEVKKB61ucP3gHfyAaPeVTj6rO3DntiU2_C-6Jwpbnfqp3AOS/s1920/spiral%20staircase.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qs0n9tSY1iINtpTXK_-BhYG_MGavKXLCtgjjy7brxV_DEQVx5yhyFCtRPAe3hwE_t5gtZ_Ut9IbxDE78_nyVwqUKcr6wN5u6_iHjIYh9Oeh916MDSkjF9VIv-aOKOwYmBoc_W3HSlU_MEVKKB61ucP3gHfyAaPeVTj6rO3DntiU2_C-6Jwpbnfqp3AOS/w640-h480/spiral%20staircase.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This dizzying very narrow spiral staircase gives me the creeps. Built in 1879 and composed of 212 steps it's about the height of a 10-story building. Feels like it's going to collapse. It goes from the prison down to an underground tunnel. Also used to transport heavy items via a hoist in the middle of the stairs. Had to use the stairs to reach the water well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s3Db6GyueZr7RwPuJROSskd79eKx0mZuSOkh-SjCLHm1Mc53yihTB2ZJlnbTTBqQF5FRp3sqE9OBUuJG_EyRs3hA1rEgcDmiOZgH-_lg2ZjrzC5SVqt78V9GbsduRX5AVw8m8LJ8r9ng6BiS-XSeEMGVNAKahacraEVgPXvQ-32z4A-lm7m7bqW9IF_N/s1920/water%20well.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s3Db6GyueZr7RwPuJROSskd79eKx0mZuSOkh-SjCLHm1Mc53yihTB2ZJlnbTTBqQF5FRp3sqE9OBUuJG_EyRs3hA1rEgcDmiOZgH-_lg2ZjrzC5SVqt78V9GbsduRX5AVw8m8LJ8r9ng6BiS-XSeEMGVNAKahacraEVgPXvQ-32z4A-lm7m7bqW9IF_N/w640-h480/water%20well.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The well was originally dug (through the rocks!) in 1690. At 482 feet deep (a football field is 360 feet long) it's reportedly the largest and deepest water well in Europe. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQjffBaUS352R1d_OaXMjA5f03fFAH-jdd5rYiFG0UkXvn4flHeEQFzp2g0tOUQ0j5kVNzy-nKbbR9c7RwI0Rxfb2rum7O_FE0AotkZu0kx_vBwTQ46voFjn1S1a3g0bgTLPHPWfUS84bUChrPUi9WqMtsF7ZUgg-4fG2JIN2i1HHI-g-SAbtOoU4zUY1/s1920/tunnel.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQjffBaUS352R1d_OaXMjA5f03fFAH-jdd5rYiFG0UkXvn4flHeEQFzp2g0tOUQ0j5kVNzy-nKbbR9c7RwI0Rxfb2rum7O_FE0AotkZu0kx_vBwTQ46voFjn1S1a3g0bgTLPHPWfUS84bUChrPUi9WqMtsF7ZUgg-4fG2JIN2i1HHI-g-SAbtOoU4zUY1/w640-h480/tunnel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>In 1879 underground tunnels were dug under the castle fortifications to connect opposite ends of the fortress. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMI59Jmyj0D2VZYpVLtV4DpIKpsEoQBjHSwFKz5LFmENyuEACvQ8oUqs4WtVydCqTV9vG4T3uzpVBCBXhHOSeffoDiUP_qjWVuJnlku7X7DkWpa8kx4rJ-5sp_BQ3uuvXpTbvJbeSfp0C9eOB_1viHSHveBl34qNwXwieTO3Xks-U6pQxK9e5co2-_5I/s1920/paramedics.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMI59Jmyj0D2VZYpVLtV4DpIKpsEoQBjHSwFKz5LFmENyuEACvQ8oUqs4WtVydCqTV9vG4T3uzpVBCBXhHOSeffoDiUP_qjWVuJnlku7X7DkWpa8kx4rJ-5sp_BQ3uuvXpTbvJbeSfp0C9eOB_1viHSHveBl34qNwXwieTO3Xks-U6pQxK9e5co2-_5I/w640-h480/paramedics.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Medics arrived to transport a young woman (don't know if she was ill, fell or victim of heat exhaustion) Ambulances can't get through the narrow openings so, it took eight firefighters/paramedics taking turns carrying the gurney. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-61119955870193982372023-08-24T02:05:00.002-07:002023-08-24T08:00:39.330-07:00La Sarraz castle (La Sarraz, Switzerland)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zxvc33zDhe2NH1HzXfNgBCYGI5_XoifRLdSqi3JGAikrzmFMBE8Fi7iHfeg3eKpKVHq9g3qzM7cuf5LTpX4s_Q0IExz-lr0yZXouWp3-ZWOlYOmK-qFuaH4JJtj8lLPUEgjIJuccnXo4_l3HmVmXgywPip197pLYURxf99s90FD5jwd1m-Al35KrPdYz/s1920/vallorbe1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zxvc33zDhe2NH1HzXfNgBCYGI5_XoifRLdSqi3JGAikrzmFMBE8Fi7iHfeg3eKpKVHq9g3qzM7cuf5LTpX4s_Q0IExz-lr0yZXouWp3-ZWOlYOmK-qFuaH4JJtj8lLPUEgjIJuccnXo4_l3HmVmXgywPip197pLYURxf99s90FD5jwd1m-Al35KrPdYz/w640-h480/vallorbe1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in the foothills of the Jura Mountains making my way to La Sarraz I pass through Vallorbe, population 3,400. The Orbe river runs through downtown.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9pWYtRsdI2eDbwiD8CpN2meaa-bRWNAT36FyCx28Vub2IYdVxq-atOBbewc7JeNHpNpSKQPt_CB_SJ5VkULZFgfc42QPgaaIIzZMYCRMP1JJRauy8i3YtJKfud_NH88P-bLWyXtUtYjqC8XmS_PL5bmIKA02PJ8F8dcKCNj3yGGpEJnpM8qS_dkWf0zr/s1920/vallorbe2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9pWYtRsdI2eDbwiD8CpN2meaa-bRWNAT36FyCx28Vub2IYdVxq-atOBbewc7JeNHpNpSKQPt_CB_SJ5VkULZFgfc42QPgaaIIzZMYCRMP1JJRauy8i3YtJKfud_NH88P-bLWyXtUtYjqC8XmS_PL5bmIKA02PJ8F8dcKCNj3yGGpEJnpM8qS_dkWf0zr/w640-h480/vallorbe2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of Orbe river in Vallorbe. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOEB4qX92UiEMZNxK9wHcKcmwPXSarX5Y0IK-PjtAvAIsIdiPSmVYS9unATLpLHtdqMsNdhlRIb1B_dgP-EBPI0RoeOvwNMPvjW8WXAf9XEg0m-Wcav_0DERrYD4fnItZBMfKfYhiyd-PBCu7wgtZ11BjbSI9eaJgIl5b0XWJKOeBfRnOQw-bt4bbedo1/s1920/back%20of%20castle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOEB4qX92UiEMZNxK9wHcKcmwPXSarX5Y0IK-PjtAvAIsIdiPSmVYS9unATLpLHtdqMsNdhlRIb1B_dgP-EBPI0RoeOvwNMPvjW8WXAf9XEg0m-Wcav_0DERrYD4fnItZBMfKfYhiyd-PBCu7wgtZ11BjbSI9eaJgIl5b0XWJKOeBfRnOQw-bt4bbedo1/w640-h480/back%20of%20castle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm approaching La Sarraz (population 2,600) and here's a backside view of La Sarraz castle. The castle sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking a narrow passage. Built in 1049, it used its strategic position to make the castle owners immensely wealthy. How? Travelers passing through had to cough-up a tax/fee. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7Rl1dHySnk24MtZBHY3rE0EhTJPxOrZn1ewt6j-SEr4zkUKt01qQ6ZFqKAqQTWw9cSOYnN5A5rHYbTyhd4I0W-Y-ELn2SegNy3GXsqa3sV1qzG4nGGJ_XL6f05ym25bWjFxvsdmc9turMbATkluLZyDFIeJD2u0Umzcp1T7PSExrx_gyGabwXg9WnTmd/s1920/front%20of%20castle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7Rl1dHySnk24MtZBHY3rE0EhTJPxOrZn1ewt6j-SEr4zkUKt01qQ6ZFqKAqQTWw9cSOYnN5A5rHYbTyhd4I0W-Y-ELn2SegNy3GXsqa3sV1qzG4nGGJ_XL6f05ym25bWjFxvsdmc9turMbATkluLZyDFIeJD2u0Umzcp1T7PSExrx_gyGabwXg9WnTmd/w640-h480/front%20of%20castle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Front of La Sarraz castle. It was the residence of the barons of La Sarraz from 1049 until 1948. That's amazing for the same family to hold on to a property for such a long period of time. Now it's home to two museums. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZXVR2QjnwdkYOAk9VgtYFSkm2U--2ILVw_B8zICaoT__qZ9uNFiPVZ9b8yhDaP5cd4a5PK5ffjSrFn_2ayJV03gM8zEcxll5ux06xfy3E1KOYQN5xlznnDb05JnK9aHjoXOdpvkNdBcKCjOXkl9OFKXnjcW-Q92zD7_KJzwDuSukoACvJTLkc-S59YE3/s1920/entrance.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZXVR2QjnwdkYOAk9VgtYFSkm2U--2ILVw_B8zICaoT__qZ9uNFiPVZ9b8yhDaP5cd4a5PK5ffjSrFn_2ayJV03gM8zEcxll5ux06xfy3E1KOYQN5xlznnDb05JnK9aHjoXOdpvkNdBcKCjOXkl9OFKXnjcW-Q92zD7_KJzwDuSukoACvJTLkc-S59YE3/w480-h640/entrance.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Entrance. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivjyh2nT0Av1H6htZjDqE5JqfHW_CwT0zJ44dInnQPSis8CYPVNwLN3BQven8NBN7Cuk-3sUhAOgg4r3DMvqBHlFk702aqiW9ETK9bWh_H37km7x2fsVBepr-qUFrHfb_4GBhUIBk9pF1qC_9LFcnmn7XYsrANwpoXU-R09YsNMj0pvzHm2PIeHzJmC3t/s1920/courtyard.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivjyh2nT0Av1H6htZjDqE5JqfHW_CwT0zJ44dInnQPSis8CYPVNwLN3BQven8NBN7Cuk-3sUhAOgg4r3DMvqBHlFk702aqiW9ETK9bWh_H37km7x2fsVBepr-qUFrHfb_4GBhUIBk9pF1qC_9LFcnmn7XYsrANwpoXU-R09YsNMj0pvzHm2PIeHzJmC3t/w640-h480/courtyard.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Castle courtyard<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KTbL8aLVVF1neXbzYMowCZII8NxtAOf4B8aXsnu6f8B4hZtUkWNL9kHsx9NhvAH7hO4Hj_rlkELg632ZNDzpnbR2aCaV8cNnLRi_9m0zyosAtcb_Ni94gpQG6QpuvDOtuu-aP-uWIEsBEcDvCPkDyhyeSkRVysp3QmdDeISoDljugHv6kgzt6wH86Pz4/s1920/woman.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KTbL8aLVVF1neXbzYMowCZII8NxtAOf4B8aXsnu6f8B4hZtUkWNL9kHsx9NhvAH7hO4Hj_rlkELg632ZNDzpnbR2aCaV8cNnLRi_9m0zyosAtcb_Ni94gpQG6QpuvDOtuu-aP-uWIEsBEcDvCPkDyhyeSkRVysp3QmdDeISoDljugHv6kgzt6wH86Pz4/w640-h480/woman.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Normally I don't post pictures of museum interiors but, gotta show you the portrait of Barbara. She's the woman to the left of the woman wearing the white gown. Barbara was married to Baron Joseph de Gingins back in 1583. So? She gave birth to an astonishing 17 children. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgQqvfPwnovVloc-tXm8vU1ONeC6ep2y7xqKxeygt3ZxnsJsY8203cyEdoEhFInN9EoBWwq_ohRQdbF6XZIixDzUI4hgYVsFz6tY-pkN9l-U8M5UvcWh4-OvEUIP0ZaQQDw9qFaTZrm_L2yq8IODALQ2aH4ZMJrwk59RlqYrXYBWr5csH0IdBYf-MGN3T/s1920/horse%20museum.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgQqvfPwnovVloc-tXm8vU1ONeC6ep2y7xqKxeygt3ZxnsJsY8203cyEdoEhFInN9EoBWwq_ohRQdbF6XZIixDzUI4hgYVsFz6tY-pkN9l-U8M5UvcWh4-OvEUIP0ZaQQDw9qFaTZrm_L2yq8IODALQ2aH4ZMJrwk59RlqYrXYBWr5csH0IdBYf-MGN3T/w640-h480/horse%20museum.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> This barn dates back to 1725 and houses a horse museum. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-40863770876940989362023-08-19T06:58:00.002-07:002023-08-19T06:58:56.491-07:00Biel/Bienne, Switzerland (old town) Blonay, Switzerland (steam train)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Js8YCnVhmjy-i1XE1BnoPMwp5N8HRyvIRt4rtX-xdke87l2vfic0p5NGaxnP2HTEtBcFJWEUmy6_F2X7rQNvK7-P2sI5K6WZRf2UxKkeyzEscnloIsjjMujMiWINvDduInzlnDdHDIMKOmIflHXJh3MIaUyrBYTu-R09mNnlDGufGtlWz7r3uT-mZlJU/s1920/justicefountain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Js8YCnVhmjy-i1XE1BnoPMwp5N8HRyvIRt4rtX-xdke87l2vfic0p5NGaxnP2HTEtBcFJWEUmy6_F2X7rQNvK7-P2sI5K6WZRf2UxKkeyzEscnloIsjjMujMiWINvDduInzlnDdHDIMKOmIflHXJh3MIaUyrBYTu-R09mNnlDGufGtlWz7r3uT-mZlJU/w480-h640/justicefountain.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Biel/Bienne (population 55,000) is situated right smack in the area separating the French-speaking part of Switzerland from the German-speaking part. So, what did the city do? Its name is officially Biel/Bienne and, every street sign is in both languages. The old town area isn't very big--about four blocks long by two blocks wide. <p></p><p>Back in the Middle Ages, erecting fancy elaborate fountains was a way to show off a town's wealth. Biel/Bienne still has several of these beauts still standing and they're great place for cyclists to fill-up their water bottles. This one I believe is blind justice. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4L_vKesCu0Uov8hVEYNkJI6HAMsAZAuUNIAT37sRVBH9qc_QIoNdTdqD4gFFw4YoiG5pB9_mbZavK1ob9QeYTsCjSsCGSNC7Kj9kXz11O6MAHMVunhRk3gFa_MQNCi5zsH59c4KjmQIu5-7MkzMaCWPMpH0sG7js-as0yh8n3xuNLPRJn936O88nUAi6/s1920/wall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4L_vKesCu0Uov8hVEYNkJI6HAMsAZAuUNIAT37sRVBH9qc_QIoNdTdqD4gFFw4YoiG5pB9_mbZavK1ob9QeYTsCjSsCGSNC7Kj9kXz11O6MAHMVunhRk3gFa_MQNCi5zsH59c4KjmQIu5-7MkzMaCWPMpH0sG7js-as0yh8n3xuNLPRJn936O88nUAi6/w640-h480/wall.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The only remaining section of Biel/Bienne's medieval fortifications still standing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9bEXc8CJ7X8XBfojJX-y15rJ2491hpk-NWWKCgk6HPxaq0OA824BEPa-ss7N7J_NHBk5v_vFgqD7oLg7B7xYldATnSxwppTn-QdnMyCmPFZ4kS-atAOxzDP6sMTBJh727HzJQR4xgnOTvI4wpj5vcaPlNzK9E9VDfjjhlVRaJQlu3ywAwceXcM27dqsm/s1920/fountainmonster1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9bEXc8CJ7X8XBfojJX-y15rJ2491hpk-NWWKCgk6HPxaq0OA824BEPa-ss7N7J_NHBk5v_vFgqD7oLg7B7xYldATnSxwppTn-QdnMyCmPFZ4kS-atAOxzDP6sMTBJh727HzJQR4xgnOTvI4wpj5vcaPlNzK9E9VDfjjhlVRaJQlu3ywAwceXcM27dqsm/w480-h640/fountainmonster1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>See the woman with wings (angel?) holding on to the lamb for dear life? Why? See next photo for close-up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGdBIbTK_-TwvenZuFD1UD9oQKIoJoQ2lPJkulqk2v1EgmbG7ez6waqnJjhg4_OM0L06Odw0f5fhSzWlpNjHnNHmNZ-BL-PSTiQX_5TfK8liTAyR5dpRFxV4ys71374ob1WgacizC5K7Tdm_NT4zwKKm4QX30QHJ5t0mcQyKeQK1tzJM1bY3nPAjQZ7Dj/s4896/fountainmonster2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGdBIbTK_-TwvenZuFD1UD9oQKIoJoQ2lPJkulqk2v1EgmbG7ez6waqnJjhg4_OM0L06Odw0f5fhSzWlpNjHnNHmNZ-BL-PSTiQX_5TfK8liTAyR5dpRFxV4ys71374ob1WgacizC5K7Tdm_NT4zwKKm4QX30QHJ5t0mcQyKeQK1tzJM1bY3nPAjQZ7Dj/w480-h640/fountainmonster2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Wow, that is one ugly-looking monster with breasts!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1kiiT6Jz-EMHVZB3_oMhCCgFqLeRaxzRdoQ6q1FM13inCp9U3xhQCn5ef91guOhbmlGzGn8mNNnWyRrrAuTqxagf0MT75Fh2mvhQFmku5vWLPqwunb_CSw1yabpoRcjvZh2PZfDW4g2Rd6DQwWEGmcjr0VR2aF6L75pcLJhrMDHhVGv7LM_UFOZef1hM/s1920/streetview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1kiiT6Jz-EMHVZB3_oMhCCgFqLeRaxzRdoQ6q1FM13inCp9U3xhQCn5ef91guOhbmlGzGn8mNNnWyRrrAuTqxagf0MT75Fh2mvhQFmku5vWLPqwunb_CSw1yabpoRcjvZh2PZfDW4g2Rd6DQwWEGmcjr0VR2aF6L75pcLJhrMDHhVGv7LM_UFOZef1hM/w640-h480/streetview.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Street view.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I-8-GSOJbyacf88RFIvEWUlhme6hCATSy19O9AhTuJLiiuzIEQ8YJOX796-K4PaO-rMAwcs4JQmFfyj2enlxOMZmXikmoHENh2yriti0GQBol0EaHldd8DFt9GFljZ-6AX-QDDxfpIh5xotvwxe1zjXWNDDTuhCeIqJQAW58UHNM1AQuKakn0iVdCX9b/s1920/yellow%20building.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I-8-GSOJbyacf88RFIvEWUlhme6hCATSy19O9AhTuJLiiuzIEQ8YJOX796-K4PaO-rMAwcs4JQmFfyj2enlxOMZmXikmoHENh2yriti0GQBol0EaHldd8DFt9GFljZ-6AX-QDDxfpIh5xotvwxe1zjXWNDDTuhCeIqJQAW58UHNM1AQuKakn0iVdCX9b/w480-h640/yellow%20building.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Like the unusual color.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDxWyTsqs4H0WXHsGH2KFhT1Obz1LiouoOsJChxTnt4oaeEaqwU4YBHa2WHyGWpiy4utCbZGRbMrPhBVjqRxBPozWN89aEh8Wp18f2TfH-h59cxAYeH2xWcinLy8OFOVtJOnct9QLlYYs1o0W5pdLlVy_8TsOVt9-YiQu9MQuIHu_NOVv1N7vZRG0enZi/s1920/soldierfountain%20far%20away.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDxWyTsqs4H0WXHsGH2KFhT1Obz1LiouoOsJChxTnt4oaeEaqwU4YBHa2WHyGWpiy4utCbZGRbMrPhBVjqRxBPozWN89aEh8Wp18f2TfH-h59cxAYeH2xWcinLy8OFOVtJOnct9QLlYYs1o0W5pdLlVy_8TsOVt9-YiQu9MQuIHu_NOVv1N7vZRG0enZi/w640-h480/soldierfountain%20far%20away.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View of square.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9uB1VLFtAk-ESpXC189QpmsyDowUtUHDnSoNaGAsrNdsVLXlR0_dvmCjBvzGjMpMXHMGyE4AjNaspNrYd8NszkqOcBcIJut5oa_L7YP8C8HHSmU4C4IIjAxurJVLKXiUoHHTB8ewTFYGY1GhX7INweCPfR6ruGlgI2G2DncPJOqhxXgR9xr3t1vrbw0b/s1920/soldierfountain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9uB1VLFtAk-ESpXC189QpmsyDowUtUHDnSoNaGAsrNdsVLXlR0_dvmCjBvzGjMpMXHMGyE4AjNaspNrYd8NszkqOcBcIJut5oa_L7YP8C8HHSmU4C4IIjAxurJVLKXiUoHHTB8ewTFYGY1GhX7INweCPfR6ruGlgI2G2DncPJOqhxXgR9xr3t1vrbw0b/w480-h640/soldierfountain.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Close-up of soldier, knight?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5AaJANcmSWUwNAhy8pEohe12d5yqqzDFQpysZNpfdC5HjRhzdcG9of4ZhGE_WAhJmAcYEFaRs0WC1iH3gZeAx7PA0kAUvOlH9F0O6kjcozgtwKZeJWwu9X1tDP9HYxUcmDuhkcnw7Kehw8Vbfl2Y2NNxwqHIJU2CCK8hDUsk9ur4CIJxEK-AL3V43b8o/s1920/1train.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5AaJANcmSWUwNAhy8pEohe12d5yqqzDFQpysZNpfdC5HjRhzdcG9of4ZhGE_WAhJmAcYEFaRs0WC1iH3gZeAx7PA0kAUvOlH9F0O6kjcozgtwKZeJWwu9X1tDP9HYxUcmDuhkcnw7Kehw8Vbfl2Y2NNxwqHIJU2CCK8hDUsk9ur4CIJxEK-AL3V43b8o/w640-h480/1train.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The village of Blonay lies high in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva. I was getting close to Blonay and saw plumes of smoke and thought something was on fire. Turns out it's this steam-powered train.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfViQ9VyR2sKZcOlun4exevOQkSML7hKc3nvqmjNlsLZotUrtIBKrOegQjfO6ZYY_WB33oYNr8M_2udPg0nMAL3qAU4dkn5xDBhpyikdQYOyPdT027xEYp9fn8XHF9uijmwzEyTj-j-WSfH_PX-ZvxifoFkXPvlhodWGarR5xG2geRJETafvvwvFYLNL5h/s1920/2train.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfViQ9VyR2sKZcOlun4exevOQkSML7hKc3nvqmjNlsLZotUrtIBKrOegQjfO6ZYY_WB33oYNr8M_2udPg0nMAL3qAU4dkn5xDBhpyikdQYOyPdT027xEYp9fn8XHF9uijmwzEyTj-j-WSfH_PX-ZvxifoFkXPvlhodWGarR5xG2geRJETafvvwvFYLNL5h/w640-h480/2train.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Weekends in the summer they give rides.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsxW1iEfcoKQ1sKi3vuA-QIgj_Vh9VnzbEDhpcF81VmdKH_Gw85EEoY6FQhmTbzuewYsmbKLha7ACQGoIz-273QZIFGGCpq6fvGzklQrIjMFymSPofM8yS-TPmf6nuPsU7_yet9AeIlYkEtJ0vV7U-frNWyAu3gubR4cvPZzeYzzwu1kcnii9BDiryz7F/s1920/3train.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsxW1iEfcoKQ1sKi3vuA-QIgj_Vh9VnzbEDhpcF81VmdKH_Gw85EEoY6FQhmTbzuewYsmbKLha7ACQGoIz-273QZIFGGCpq6fvGzklQrIjMFymSPofM8yS-TPmf6nuPsU7_yet9AeIlYkEtJ0vV7U-frNWyAu3gubR4cvPZzeYzzwu1kcnii9BDiryz7F/w640-h480/3train.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The track runs for three miles and connects to another track still in use for normal traffic. This steam engine (B.F.D.3) was built in 1913. At the end of the three miles there's a train museum featuring a slew of these beasts including many much older. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileeUDJ283PIh5dAHOwFvtCdOSNcLE9SHroKvgUAFG8srGM2IoU81dJmpj6tZrTU56ytXb-Ut_h5o9FmNonRPbaxn09lmtaQ0K0oMObYV6dD6h13jJqXaoxgo3P_VmYok3LrPDPsk30plrDj3GLHK1Q7i85dEw7bFSqtKGWM0o7y6OutqPG-qv6mzaEtOc/s1920/1modeltrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileeUDJ283PIh5dAHOwFvtCdOSNcLE9SHroKvgUAFG8srGM2IoU81dJmpj6tZrTU56ytXb-Ut_h5o9FmNonRPbaxn09lmtaQ0K0oMObYV6dD6h13jJqXaoxgo3P_VmYok3LrPDPsk30plrDj3GLHK1Q7i85dEw7bFSqtKGWM0o7y6OutqPG-qv6mzaEtOc/w640-h480/1modeltrain.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Cycling around a residential area near the train station in Blonay I find someone has set-up a miniature train line in their front yard.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmIFLSob0dUE_vRObcPiF8jGEsYs118Ys0VxkGrBGJaO15dYab53uPYGQR1xSvqBmGZGHoLlHapMFDMgNohQoGJnh6YHJ8-cHFwMll7t_DtJOV0xEjyiE1ahxEDpBLKAZQa94cyqbJCm7DioYdz1hfXFr-MdhwFQb72mgR0XIUYK1qj-z4SR0k5vJg_ho/s1920/2modeltrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmIFLSob0dUE_vRObcPiF8jGEsYs118Ys0VxkGrBGJaO15dYab53uPYGQR1xSvqBmGZGHoLlHapMFDMgNohQoGJnh6YHJ8-cHFwMll7t_DtJOV0xEjyiE1ahxEDpBLKAZQa94cyqbJCm7DioYdz1hfXFr-MdhwFQb72mgR0XIUYK1qj-z4SR0k5vJg_ho/w640-h480/2modeltrain.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view. <br /> <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-4126700615657485662023-08-18T00:55:00.003-07:002023-08-18T06:14:05.503-07:00Bellelay Abbey (Bellelay, Switzerland)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMRFkSwtS1XeOvutcdwvKkYnQHflnyO2-5vcPGn_YhJx8pmlfWW0ZFDEtLBp6BBKJuHu5TMFRnP2I_XuUbqqVw_KKrjWRzAgV1eKQVz_vHq7cF0AgBcEukjKh_RVnKBBoC5NCtW0LlYYA-WIHukTYJ0eazUKl4ilFUTJTZ-9h-iJnhIZR3GS6FkjlI7bp/s1920/fog.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMRFkSwtS1XeOvutcdwvKkYnQHflnyO2-5vcPGn_YhJx8pmlfWW0ZFDEtLBp6BBKJuHu5TMFRnP2I_XuUbqqVw_KKrjWRzAgV1eKQVz_vHq7cF0AgBcEukjKh_RVnKBBoC5NCtW0LlYYA-WIHukTYJ0eazUKl4ilFUTJTZ-9h-iJnhIZR3GS6FkjlI7bp/w640-h480/fog.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I've been looking for an excuse to escape the summer heat and caught an article in the newspaper about Bellelay Abbey, a former monastery dating back to 1142 that is now a psychiatric clinic deep in the Jura Mountains. Much of the Jura Mountain range forms a natural border/barrier between Switzerland and France. Getting to isolated Bellelay Abbey involves going through multiple narrow valleys. It will be in the low 90's today but there's a slight reprieve heading down to the fogged-in town of Tavannes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0jXswqtkazsRYudgQr34l5goK0-yuH3TzPzKUn7pl574oiuVxfc_DQidPns5NwpA3EqdBrJAqjJQQp17yBrrf1zR8ZD8N4rCjPc77ZrtQ3nJDkmbCth1S-voXmtvuEbjcRogF2pW3_d4bhed5qNEoXJPK3qt-j2YhRXJGBgcGDlgmspZmWMyTlUo1r3M/s1920/watch.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0jXswqtkazsRYudgQr34l5goK0-yuH3TzPzKUn7pl574oiuVxfc_DQidPns5NwpA3EqdBrJAqjJQQp17yBrrf1zR8ZD8N4rCjPc77ZrtQ3nJDkmbCth1S-voXmtvuEbjcRogF2pW3_d4bhed5qNEoXJPK3qt-j2YhRXJGBgcGDlgmspZmWMyTlUo1r3M/w640-h480/watch.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Tavannes (population 3,500) has no stoplights and on the main road through town I spot this former Tavannes Watch building. It's now apartments and it's connected to the building behind it. More than 20 years ago I spent two summers cycling around Switzerland visiting over 100 watch companies and writing about it. You can still read 'em on my www.corporatetrivia.com website. <p></p><p>Later in the evening I do a Google search and learn Tavannes Watch Company began in 1891. By 1938 Tavannes Watch had four factories, employeed over 3,000 people and was the fourth largest watch company in the world. In 1966 it went kaput.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDLS8IXN925IZk1eEpMDjS_sf_0wypcKSOS2SX1auaz2fjsLkjxEnoxNlivaj8jJ5oRDYsFooAUkd-WmIuvwft5QTyjK2eXa4FkbsPYDm_oe9rrvYhH5fj8F6n83k3sXLuUuBGMgh1meAya1whI8kKYwFTyOk9U3ISob-5Vp_P6Xf2bOSfswEVm6YFNZk/s1920/coming%20into%20bellelay.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDLS8IXN925IZk1eEpMDjS_sf_0wypcKSOS2SX1auaz2fjsLkjxEnoxNlivaj8jJ5oRDYsFooAUkd-WmIuvwft5QTyjK2eXa4FkbsPYDm_oe9rrvYhH5fj8F6n83k3sXLuUuBGMgh1meAya1whI8kKYwFTyOk9U3ISob-5Vp_P6Xf2bOSfswEVm6YFNZk/w640-h480/coming%20into%20bellelay.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The village of Bellelay lies ahead. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0caTs9pDz8yMZgX5hbnjCK6ePUgjOe47u7ppc9B1swvkHYUxCYYIlGw8jcNkOfhw0zDhu4_0pxnA5CvptIKJcVWG347SAfpfAIjRxZZEQx74e2rt9GWKQ8UJ3eHhVrnaglQS0hc_Wo5n_LFLeF66p3QkdBOkOO9pSlC4Ix9sB5BUvLpMpOL6pO0IWJEQo/s1920/1st%20cow.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0caTs9pDz8yMZgX5hbnjCK6ePUgjOe47u7ppc9B1swvkHYUxCYYIlGw8jcNkOfhw0zDhu4_0pxnA5CvptIKJcVWG347SAfpfAIjRxZZEQx74e2rt9GWKQ8UJ3eHhVrnaglQS0hc_Wo5n_LFLeF66p3QkdBOkOO9pSlC4Ix9sB5BUvLpMpOL6pO0IWJEQo/w640-h480/1st%20cow.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>What the heck, is that a bull in front of the white building?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVXmOZU6zP2LJOYKnPxGY2gUPOZsR0nLWVFcLpm8rNywW6O6sxphgEEEBmmKPJovvRSWZ21jvAlnhqGTGqwIb5sfA1H7CSQKwkCsyXkeJy60cllgpcedd1h1D_Jcsc24EPmlCKziw5dI6J5mY3HgBe2wPxoFQJ6rjMnO1VP_mG1JNQQ4yrr8WqVzkGWVd/s1920/2nd%20cows.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVXmOZU6zP2LJOYKnPxGY2gUPOZsR0nLWVFcLpm8rNywW6O6sxphgEEEBmmKPJovvRSWZ21jvAlnhqGTGqwIb5sfA1H7CSQKwkCsyXkeJy60cllgpcedd1h1D_Jcsc24EPmlCKziw5dI6J5mY3HgBe2wPxoFQJ6rjMnO1VP_mG1JNQQ4yrr8WqVzkGWVd/w640-h480/2nd%20cows.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>In addition to the bull, the front of the white building also features two cows in serious combat. Closer inspection reveals the animals are made of hay. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEd-2ykKpR3-rRBBKfOd-1YSag_BrfjlAQOauUm8qJ_7UlqIzTSCGSQ0bwgCXbpRKT12Pgspk1TL3mVzla-J2-j18Jzh-LbPTHvmJbbwqV73LfvPpBjOup2hXg2rfxHbUAW9lFMPxhRzvhqaXC-7eAHnWEMlBhf_GHEm5jEH2cAAsjTO0F704qCPKoFQ-/s1920/cheese.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEd-2ykKpR3-rRBBKfOd-1YSag_BrfjlAQOauUm8qJ_7UlqIzTSCGSQ0bwgCXbpRKT12Pgspk1TL3mVzla-J2-j18Jzh-LbPTHvmJbbwqV73LfvPpBjOup2hXg2rfxHbUAW9lFMPxhRzvhqaXC-7eAHnWEMlBhf_GHEm5jEH2cAAsjTO0F704qCPKoFQ-/w480-h640/cheese.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>I'm in front of the white building which says it's some kind of museum/store. They aren't open today. The vending machine sells Tete de Moine cheese. Never heard of the cheese but then again Switzerland has hundreds of brands and varieties. In 1142 monks at the monastery (Bellelay Abbey) were making this semi-hard cheese. In the 1970's cheese dairies in the region banded together and formed Tete de Moine AOP, a cheese cooperative, to market the cheeses. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qQOQ0tWvNCruKgISCPWfwYpMhttJ1yIBwI1d0BdhBom1HKFkDOlcYkvIcgbVTQwaP3AGOQ-z0XUgGLtmj2OXcz9PCCK2r1LwltNMH1_cKV_3j0cdEOyh8M6KGfDKcN85qMTQe0e9_v-BLAAQ3vM6_0fPxLi-XWE5kfECMU6yMAagfW8c5UX0RBGv7N8d/s4896/entrance.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qQOQ0tWvNCruKgISCPWfwYpMhttJ1yIBwI1d0BdhBom1HKFkDOlcYkvIcgbVTQwaP3AGOQ-z0XUgGLtmj2OXcz9PCCK2r1LwltNMH1_cKV_3j0cdEOyh8M6KGfDKcN85qMTQe0e9_v-BLAAQ3vM6_0fPxLi-XWE5kfECMU6yMAagfW8c5UX0RBGv7N8d/w640-h480/entrance.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>So, here's the entrance to Bellelay Abbey. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAut08QozIzkwhKFdd3Xj7u_6ceWzkiSfzvLohJvdYla1WOGCUxkdPWVVgya2puUe1_K7227_5L_zdjNkU5xzvt_5NClv_jh7f6qvoZ7PGHmYKGoWkDtY3q85vf1wDifKxlVIkr9QvlGxuxAjRJo09goWz5WVt0tfHzy37aVonhTIenR7UyRr7dGqIGzz/s1920/1abbey.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAut08QozIzkwhKFdd3Xj7u_6ceWzkiSfzvLohJvdYla1WOGCUxkdPWVVgya2puUe1_K7227_5L_zdjNkU5xzvt_5NClv_jh7f6qvoZ7PGHmYKGoWkDtY3q85vf1wDifKxlVIkr9QvlGxuxAjRJo09goWz5WVt0tfHzy37aVonhTIenR7UyRr7dGqIGzz/w640-h480/1abbey.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Built in 1714, the main building is very impressive.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fzPH7qOOH7Oe1t4regRWl_ARGj15nquc965xffyWqKXxBMgYTpU2jwek4-wFpg2YfHLGzZ-eSkT42xQDqCt3KHM1_QENdy7Hm55KrP-W90uwKjvZq7aRrsG83RUuiJi36hoW1y2o2UNFm331KK3FZVsONvRS1BtOyX8iXWYsTTl9PFCNRupCV0eHdyuf/s1920/2abbey.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fzPH7qOOH7Oe1t4regRWl_ARGj15nquc965xffyWqKXxBMgYTpU2jwek4-wFpg2YfHLGzZ-eSkT42xQDqCt3KHM1_QENdy7Hm55KrP-W90uwKjvZq7aRrsG83RUuiJi36hoW1y2o2UNFm331KK3FZVsONvRS1BtOyX8iXWYsTTl9PFCNRupCV0eHdyuf/w640-h480/2abbey.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view from the side. Why is the place deserted? The newspaper article said the place was turned into a psychiatric clinic years ago. <p></p><p>I run into an attractive woman (I'd guess to be around 25 years old) walking the grounds with her dog, cat (yep, the cat is trailing along) and her two daughters on bikes (one looks to be around four and the other six years old). The woman says the psychiatric clinic closed down last year. This was a big blow to the village as it employeed 341 people. The Canton Bern owns the complex and had operated the clinic since 1890. In the USA we have states and in Switzerland they have cantons. </p><p>Though I enjoyed talking to the woman she had an off-putting feature--a nose ring. I don't understand why a woman would do that. Does she really think it's attractive? Doesn't snot come out of noses? She has no visible tattoos and as mentioned is quite attractive. I see cows and pigs with nose rings. Those of you who know me know I'm not very tactful and can be very blunt as I've been known to tell a stranger they have bad breath or stinky perfume. However, I bite my tongue and wonder if her daughters will copy mom and get nose rings later in life. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl5hn_Bu7zfskrgXt7RlB-DTywHwjbBwo_7_Kke8Nn6Oh9Dn1S9huNpZlxXolyGlqZd7ydoRDKD502crbJ90JgJhJWFgaBihzHoywSS8J-W10wTqL6zzQRxFPsy8_4jcib7BybEpD4HeLwlKgTsUoZtF8CD_YH9ZvxUX8GK4NXsWSjGBxd8NS-3lpDa3w/s1920/abbey3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl5hn_Bu7zfskrgXt7RlB-DTywHwjbBwo_7_Kke8Nn6Oh9Dn1S9huNpZlxXolyGlqZd7ydoRDKD502crbJ90JgJhJWFgaBihzHoywSS8J-W10wTqL6zzQRxFPsy8_4jcib7BybEpD4HeLwlKgTsUoZtF8CD_YH9ZvxUX8GK4NXsWSjGBxd8NS-3lpDa3w/w640-h480/abbey3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of the former Bellelay Abbey complex. The place has quite a history. In 1772 it was a monastery university housing more than 100 students from throughout Europe. In the 19th century the premises were used as a watch factory, then as a brewery and finally as a glass factory before becoming a psychiatric clinic in 1890.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI92sglgPnAAjFtppHWhkMmQ0o8IVM_zk3ROZMrP-tNDNcrUf_kCqXz0WpDBuZIiXgevIQAbR_e2Oo7wiDgcNY7nEpIVNif5rreNMkOztU7vzO0vzWSlU5hSUUTdxoUr85S9kWbo__WP97RkqrN7dIvVzHHXav8R5eH0AwrntryBVTkWlZdyMfS_fwLx2q/s1920/apartments.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI92sglgPnAAjFtppHWhkMmQ0o8IVM_zk3ROZMrP-tNDNcrUf_kCqXz0WpDBuZIiXgevIQAbR_e2Oo7wiDgcNY7nEpIVNif5rreNMkOztU7vzO0vzWSlU5hSUUTdxoUr85S9kWbo__WP97RkqrN7dIvVzHHXav8R5eH0AwrntryBVTkWlZdyMfS_fwLx2q/w640-h480/apartments.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Several apartment buildings lie within the walled complex.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt96bck8I0LDgnY24Kj5qFit2cNWqLLESsHOeqQvb_3V5xUWaXvqZ-1XbRJpzTwjB1RqPTonOoLr265qNkGb6IEKjKSXQnF0KLGZwAgkQuks9lLXOR4oilUkVY1k8TmX5ARB_yJAzlCrimCXNUMtVH97OXQZJQ8IRCUh1J4Wc3Ak7NAU_Dh0hqVst7iZ1/s1920/chapel.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt96bck8I0LDgnY24Kj5qFit2cNWqLLESsHOeqQvb_3V5xUWaXvqZ-1XbRJpzTwjB1RqPTonOoLr265qNkGb6IEKjKSXQnF0KLGZwAgkQuks9lLXOR4oilUkVY1k8TmX5ARB_yJAzlCrimCXNUMtVH97OXQZJQ8IRCUh1J4Wc3Ak7NAU_Dh0hqVst7iZ1/w480-h640/chapel.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>This looks to be one heck of a large chapel. Can't get in is as it's closed. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQp9xynMrN-HP2klPGoktfWfH0On52QrVqf_eq0k426hl0AuBFNXm1MSPXf7R-7J6v4q9c-A74h2WUTcKwLawGPCQISqCiqmlsP2RqNMeCSeCwHHSOxxmjnjSv7fjsICIDlIRCzfz9NM5f9ceIr0d8Hxf6Yq6d76V7ZBpPo5RGstQBpoja7rD2hjSDB42/s1920/no%20fog.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQp9xynMrN-HP2klPGoktfWfH0On52QrVqf_eq0k426hl0AuBFNXm1MSPXf7R-7J6v4q9c-A74h2WUTcKwLawGPCQISqCiqmlsP2RqNMeCSeCwHHSOxxmjnjSv7fjsICIDlIRCzfz9NM5f9ceIr0d8Hxf6Yq6d76V7ZBpPo5RGstQBpoja7rD2hjSDB42/w640-h480/no%20fog.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Heading back through Tavannes the fog has lifted.<p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-38856275821811429752023-07-30T01:59:00.002-07:002023-07-30T08:06:27.726-07:00TRIGO, new bakery, Lausanne, Switzerland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVS23xGDgxFpZDda2gBREemdHleD5bfYd994IFRpwPeGPw9JVr0VfdZJ2MiPPky6HYj_D9lyWammnLo-A8Z28DVyvr4xAH76aHjuRsPxVic_gH3Q4u3Il-S3asVTZridWUBSdL21NrBJtiqWvEl8UWGUHTsT09Dm6FjZHoUiyxBeS-AOKqyuI8kHmK3sU/s1920/boulangerie.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVS23xGDgxFpZDda2gBREemdHleD5bfYd994IFRpwPeGPw9JVr0VfdZJ2MiPPky6HYj_D9lyWammnLo-A8Z28DVyvr4xAH76aHjuRsPxVic_gH3Q4u3Il-S3asVTZridWUBSdL21NrBJtiqWvEl8UWGUHTsT09Dm6FjZHoUiyxBeS-AOKqyuI8kHmK3sU/w640-h480/boulangerie.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I already have a half-dozen favorite pastry shops in Lausanne, each having a specific pastry item(s) that keeps me coming back. This place in the photo used to house a Portuguese bakery and it was worthless. When it comes to sweets, Portugal is near the bottom of the list. <p></p><p>Several months ago an Italian couple took it over and it's now it's called TRIGO, a contemporary bakery. Fantastic goodies! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7yPLm1o6TEd_kQKIcpi-yvykkl6Tpt7IDkh5OhKk4gSonLCeDF85Y83QAGE8TIciOd9uSYN-tf2It62KFbjqz7Qk2Mc6Km9alley1oHgGE1xZVNLUApqE53YF-LqddjHbmLhiW_2i5I-KNWW72Ga-UTlMO0YmcFd550RgW5_Bw8qn5tAFktxHQNP43Vt/s1920/mt%20vesuvius.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7yPLm1o6TEd_kQKIcpi-yvykkl6Tpt7IDkh5OhKk4gSonLCeDF85Y83QAGE8TIciOd9uSYN-tf2It62KFbjqz7Qk2Mc6Km9alley1oHgGE1xZVNLUApqE53YF-LqddjHbmLhiW_2i5I-KNWW72Ga-UTlMO0YmcFd550RgW5_Bw8qn5tAFktxHQNP43Vt/w640-h480/mt%20vesuvius.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>See those treats on the left? They're called Mt. Vesuvius (after volcano in Italy). One is pistachio, one lemon and the other chocolate. My favorite is the chocolate. The crispy shell is filled with a mixture of chocolate and nuts, then that white stuff (whipped cream) is added atop along with a sprinkling of chocolate dust. Dangerously good! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKa7CYRF_ddMh0JTzJGBUJWsM29FbPUxV8CAaskNClw2l1MZqPEo01fuev-u1NOoCnpiST3wLssHAx4nvZTK1EREGiq4iHcsnEuVmfoDU200Dd0lrDG_3b7M8QeJTSlQ3Kql0-kAfHHCcsb4DaNyURfrpCDiKvV1RGBjz72blqXONOfgq1GJa_-F4TA7g/s1920/danish.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKa7CYRF_ddMh0JTzJGBUJWsM29FbPUxV8CAaskNClw2l1MZqPEo01fuev-u1NOoCnpiST3wLssHAx4nvZTK1EREGiq4iHcsnEuVmfoDU200Dd0lrDG_3b7M8QeJTSlQ3Kql0-kAfHHCcsb4DaNyURfrpCDiKvV1RGBjz72blqXONOfgq1GJa_-F4TA7g/w640-h480/danish.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>That's Danish in the middle--kind of a sweet bread roll filled with whipped cream--only so-so.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMkAv2Rp5eTR1XOcW8gCNp-MRCa2IYnuXTf5An5uiEbozu_JJJQcH6LvhROHjcaXiFU1Hb6Ipugn7c4ZpuV4lwg9YzFF_K0HWuPaas73SuGT_VtrHwkjeEyTmYTa8vJmr8mUKqAgna_Qr5EX426MVhS640PJdR5G6hKyXYCE7ctl-PSKscvqS9xe6dOEu/s1920/pizza%20display.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMkAv2Rp5eTR1XOcW8gCNp-MRCa2IYnuXTf5An5uiEbozu_JJJQcH6LvhROHjcaXiFU1Hb6Ipugn7c4ZpuV4lwg9YzFF_K0HWuPaas73SuGT_VtrHwkjeEyTmYTa8vJmr8mUKqAgna_Qr5EX426MVhS640PJdR5G6hKyXYCE7ctl-PSKscvqS9xe6dOEu/w640-h480/pizza%20display.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Being an Italian shop they make all kinds of pizza slices. I love the Pizzette.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAW10gkeiEK5YmQhW5UovkEtxfsTnaJSiSZAZmk_V-RFTr_N4CSjPSIyoVvNEPDdLRmyFg6totdvOr-hHkXEMQwMVnIa_XI3BG5CcvmNzRqxWD5A3nm_WG2-LHIjdQQfu-ZARTaH4Jupu--SQ6ERM5zvw3xdzyT3VESA_RD4xVVcpF5fAO4Td6qQM8wEu/s1920/pizza%20display2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAW10gkeiEK5YmQhW5UovkEtxfsTnaJSiSZAZmk_V-RFTr_N4CSjPSIyoVvNEPDdLRmyFg6totdvOr-hHkXEMQwMVnIa_XI3BG5CcvmNzRqxWD5A3nm_WG2-LHIjdQQfu-ZARTaH4Jupu--SQ6ERM5zvw3xdzyT3VESA_RD4xVVcpF5fAO4Td6qQM8wEu/w640-h480/pizza%20display2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of lunch time snacks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtBrBhz_kX0s1Jit4p6h1dLScAWbbNW90mNTo97qYLlxb9MSkBlkz__fbumI9MQg_2Jkz2WWXstcMPagvs17-d8W-fKI1nk_yvRd0Tsqc6G_7ESE1lGXVwJyrB42WpjWXLvgZErZ6plx-7WjI-c_oI8y8XKWLh83DKnjNae-rBq9OQQJ9TbOPz_YyO6u7/s1920/cheesecake1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtBrBhz_kX0s1Jit4p6h1dLScAWbbNW90mNTo97qYLlxb9MSkBlkz__fbumI9MQg_2Jkz2WWXstcMPagvs17-d8W-fKI1nk_yvRd0Tsqc6G_7ESE1lGXVwJyrB42WpjWXLvgZErZ6plx-7WjI-c_oI8y8XKWLh83DKnjNae-rBq9OQQJ9TbOPz_YyO6u7/w480-h640/cheesecake1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>So, after Mt. Vesuvius, this is my favorite. It's called Fake Cheesecake. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57seohM5aJyDM5gdeqsbeQSpMqaz2r9xe9qA1Vt4e1fiB4Bp5zZbKunX2bmigbNTTrnVxgkJZPMrh572kuPHbg5xH04OnC7vJuX31INYqrgE08l1ks7N8a8D1FkJFc7WvdoxcOe47YvqEDFqdlF6O1OdjhLNjjvbrPO9VA1RHwdPrWcke9pDWuQel8ot/s1920/cheesecake2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57seohM5aJyDM5gdeqsbeQSpMqaz2r9xe9qA1Vt4e1fiB4Bp5zZbKunX2bmigbNTTrnVxgkJZPMrh572kuPHbg5xH04OnC7vJuX31INYqrgE08l1ks7N8a8D1FkJFc7WvdoxcOe47YvqEDFqdlF6O1OdjhLNjjvbrPO9VA1RHwdPrWcke9pDWuQel8ot/w640-h480/cheesecake2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Pieces of caramel floating in caramel sauce, then a layer of some kind of whipped cream, followed at the bottom by bits of crumbled cookies. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObnQB-PLIgWtQr1qkiQcgWvVJJM5S7sSLjemg0DDZHOxBHKcZ8DLj5zS2TXM-ItdS6iMLfxU5d468Yk0EHhxc2y8d5tfmzgUNGEvfBX27x-buK3nvl_tcD8PrmHV8nOs64IN3ca0RnM-rgPwN9zc-3c9f4gfU5FTnAitsiA2EXJfHIAeSAlDESa5MQtGt/s1920/cookie1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObnQB-PLIgWtQr1qkiQcgWvVJJM5S7sSLjemg0DDZHOxBHKcZ8DLj5zS2TXM-ItdS6iMLfxU5d468Yk0EHhxc2y8d5tfmzgUNGEvfBX27x-buK3nvl_tcD8PrmHV8nOs64IN3ca0RnM-rgPwN9zc-3c9f4gfU5FTnAitsiA2EXJfHIAeSAlDESa5MQtGt/w640-h480/cookie1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Their chocolate chip cookies rank up there with the best I've ever had!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZauLUYgDFwUQGXFaeuHzMbcjkNvmtt01HtN3U5WFuY8q0vVRfMVbeEqVhZACEZXVeVDplYPZ-wTDLWTvJWPhjfyPLjOxW2LcsCoeTlsNGyitco--lEkNIL_pcNPfX9Vf44PAHcH9S3cUaXV5gFzIJAQ-gWAHdcgSNYqKM7K7SMxUH-nBsM_GF1rjcE8P/s1920/cookie2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZauLUYgDFwUQGXFaeuHzMbcjkNvmtt01HtN3U5WFuY8q0vVRfMVbeEqVhZACEZXVeVDplYPZ-wTDLWTvJWPhjfyPLjOxW2LcsCoeTlsNGyitco--lEkNIL_pcNPfX9Vf44PAHcH9S3cUaXV5gFzIJAQ-gWAHdcgSNYqKM7K7SMxUH-nBsM_GF1rjcE8P/w640-h480/cookie2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Close-up of cookie. I had been going in there for several weeks getting these cookies. One day I walk in and the cashier says "you really like our chocolate chip granola cookies". "What", I exclaimed, "these are granola cookies?" Jeez, can't believe I'm liking something with granola. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYoPNd0D3CtPrkbLg664fgQn_rJ_v9XNwM5561BjEgx2UwyEX8nDun8xm7KzTYA0OTNi3IXcrGRPMYKLmjVTYHUBg0M6j2l3oeibs5X9o5xV_2jrYUOEuO-UYQkqZESTh8b2yO_So_thBEYAjw5PJu90obkAoTWMVw_4CNANdHw8OoNCCeFAk34WKOFyf/s1920/fred1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYoPNd0D3CtPrkbLg664fgQn_rJ_v9XNwM5561BjEgx2UwyEX8nDun8xm7KzTYA0OTNi3IXcrGRPMYKLmjVTYHUBg0M6j2l3oeibs5X9o5xV_2jrYUOEuO-UYQkqZESTh8b2yO_So_thBEYAjw5PJu90obkAoTWMVw_4CNANdHw8OoNCCeFAk34WKOFyf/w640-h480/fred1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Last year Aux Merveilleux de Fred opened an outlet here in Lausanne four blocks from where I live. A guy name Fred from northern France (Lille) specializes in making these unbelievable sweets. There are now about 10 shops around the world including NYC.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-_U8kgJR4UoIPWxsQSzmNkXd3ASXmlWYbfdR24_JVjXfQBlejfoJ5tiauK8z_ZumOmvPU24TGI2vMoAp71IAfl5wA04OmQL-rEPI0_wXzZxGlYfSly6dL3FwxgPgdGiEleRW52vy3WOGkGDxTTklbzvsCLter_al3dAogUReh-U_P1vX8cHrtSPkONOI/s1920/fred2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-_U8kgJR4UoIPWxsQSzmNkXd3ASXmlWYbfdR24_JVjXfQBlejfoJ5tiauK8z_ZumOmvPU24TGI2vMoAp71IAfl5wA04OmQL-rEPI0_wXzZxGlYfSly6dL3FwxgPgdGiEleRW52vy3WOGkGDxTTklbzvsCLter_al3dAogUReh-U_P1vX8cHrtSPkONOI/w640-h480/fred2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Its flagship product is basically a meringue topped with whipped cream. I could snap photos but wouldn't do them justice. Go to the website and watch them being made. Unfortunately, I still can't figure out how to post the website address and let you click on it--so you have to type in the address. https://auxmerveilleux.com/en/<p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-47034095692022952532023-07-27T11:20:00.001-07:002023-07-27T11:20:12.409-07:00Meersburg and Friedrichshafen, Germany<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44IT-J7Bg43fkEHwmijn4tpLlkwnJdBuhRJTpcINxULgocJNclHrXqCB8cSdSGYEnf-zayMQv13Nw9W55VxIynW1Z3frXRgnmDiGnE09zxaO11vIV6q_Mjk9ijFE-0UN3TO8hHtc7QFKJS74DXK3yPmujMsFW2MburPCbbabjJf0NJsBDI8VGP4fZamF1/s1920/ferry.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44IT-J7Bg43fkEHwmijn4tpLlkwnJdBuhRJTpcINxULgocJNclHrXqCB8cSdSGYEnf-zayMQv13Nw9W55VxIynW1Z3frXRgnmDiGnE09zxaO11vIV6q_Mjk9ijFE-0UN3TO8hHtc7QFKJS74DXK3yPmujMsFW2MburPCbbabjJf0NJsBDI8VGP4fZamF1/w640-h480/ferry.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>It's early in the morning and already raining with the forecast calling for scattered showers the whole day. My original plan was to cycle from Konstanz to Friedrichshafen--along Lake Constance. I opt instead to take a ferry from Konstanz to Meersburg--saving me 30 miles of cycling in the rain. Have to visit Meersburg as it has TWO castles as well as a picturesque medieval old town. This is the ferry approaching Meersburg.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLZU7sVagmFQOV-8yc6n3Ibf7L23cKRVe71WjS0Hui03bul2UXzus_tHdWEL_xP0zeYNCfSowHotwsZclFJegHjRHiEBhbNxaJawnTIvofXxK2JitTVx-ThcPUMx92n68VqxYAZfgzq9iweIwfw535xkpw_MEdxnoob9LpVdi-aeq6ADrixffaWDt7G5n/s1920/promenade.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLZU7sVagmFQOV-8yc6n3Ibf7L23cKRVe71WjS0Hui03bul2UXzus_tHdWEL_xP0zeYNCfSowHotwsZclFJegHjRHiEBhbNxaJawnTIvofXxK2JitTVx-ThcPUMx92n68VqxYAZfgzq9iweIwfw535xkpw_MEdxnoob9LpVdi-aeq6ADrixffaWDt7G5n/w640-h480/promenade.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Looking up from the lakefront promenade I can spot a castle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyvjGdPmIQAbiiF1y8LogZY3BN-QFczOKaaKrL2URDeAY5zRhRdrnTieA7tZl-sA1Diput_UwdBnd0qZu8JZKQ91hxFmhwltiRlyeVwgLIA4BMc_RRsP9xGn9Tni_bsRVr3pORBB9mfRu5RSWAAkejoBezYqBwjVlo0f89UEBhmCuAz9MorUr8lwjA-Ov/s1920/castle1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyvjGdPmIQAbiiF1y8LogZY3BN-QFczOKaaKrL2URDeAY5zRhRdrnTieA7tZl-sA1Diput_UwdBnd0qZu8JZKQ91hxFmhwltiRlyeVwgLIA4BMc_RRsP9xGn9Tni_bsRVr3pORBB9mfRu5RSWAAkejoBezYqBwjVlo0f89UEBhmCuAz9MorUr8lwjA-Ov/w640-h480/castle1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Side view of Meersburg castle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lGoeddHzXNnRPB-xTNztmjBXykZ8IV2d-id514COdl76UGgMLVBD43tk7zT3T61jy8iAYqPbGpRYX8OnMdUoCizeyRKLXqfilgGjSl70OIsyVNGSk5kMnEULe54jCafCjiohcnunPS0wVcS4G9mMYg3mooApe1awbDi65HkFrdSnZlNxAAHEp3MyZVe/s1920/castle2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lGoeddHzXNnRPB-xTNztmjBXykZ8IV2d-id514COdl76UGgMLVBD43tk7zT3T61jy8iAYqPbGpRYX8OnMdUoCizeyRKLXqfilgGjSl70OIsyVNGSk5kMnEULe54jCafCjiohcnunPS0wVcS4G9mMYg3mooApe1awbDi65HkFrdSnZlNxAAHEp3MyZVe/w640-h480/castle2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another side view of Meersburg castle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcih8nFzp5qx0WcBOIslpE6YqQzHY5SgMTyviez-dYk7k9_XfzSdhSbDO0lo0_4iuZ9F79wtvau6Bh-ZrBWI7HPOCwtQyvU5xjSDUD5H80d9QA2yu44wjOuQegXsafzSS995v72WTdgHi5jZ8gXub2EDJ9vCvtWJ2u4SQSdnl98_a1tQQPPi4ZjPZ0ZMx3/s1920/marketsquare.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcih8nFzp5qx0WcBOIslpE6YqQzHY5SgMTyviez-dYk7k9_XfzSdhSbDO0lo0_4iuZ9F79wtvau6Bh-ZrBWI7HPOCwtQyvU5xjSDUD5H80d9QA2yu44wjOuQegXsafzSS995v72WTdgHi5jZ8gXub2EDJ9vCvtWJ2u4SQSdnl98_a1tQQPPi4ZjPZ0ZMx3/w640-h480/marketsquare.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>It's market day in Meersburg (population 6,000) with about a half dozen vendors setting up shop. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqD9EbD0Gb8mIXDDsyIAp7lWwqsM7mhxn8qVd58Dpyhn4V_RfWtqcpUyW0_U1h5faltvMHFZEXcW2_CQhO4AnGoWKZUp2uvmhShWcPwli0GWwcCGWgsSzSLH-W-8h1MqzMHYnB6yQ8jQ0SkH4eo2ukC3GZxzpFfE_IWCdOfN56xYvOdT0MwYYU4PZJqC5/s1920/marketplace2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqD9EbD0Gb8mIXDDsyIAp7lWwqsM7mhxn8qVd58Dpyhn4V_RfWtqcpUyW0_U1h5faltvMHFZEXcW2_CQhO4AnGoWKZUp2uvmhShWcPwli0GWwcCGWgsSzSLH-W-8h1MqzMHYnB6yQ8jQ0SkH4eo2ukC3GZxzpFfE_IWCdOfN56xYvOdT0MwYYU4PZJqC5/w640-h480/marketplace2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of market.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9zA0KBv91ZkBNwsmx7GRNqEiQJhbF0F5O1HZXS0EnrC3G2p0yHz-wWI_bWsdbxSpEJ6cEb8Psa6ViriHIvan4yjubV8lGoZnTRqoIvIYPeo47QX3-seEqD53917FDMOlkgXoL_Lvo2enGlKRFrDl12Q8vGn_HXQFsRRXQrJAyIlsctmFtcb4P1Yl4ZGI/s1920/street%20going%20up.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9zA0KBv91ZkBNwsmx7GRNqEiQJhbF0F5O1HZXS0EnrC3G2p0yHz-wWI_bWsdbxSpEJ6cEb8Psa6ViriHIvan4yjubV8lGoZnTRqoIvIYPeo47QX3-seEqD53917FDMOlkgXoL_Lvo2enGlKRFrDl12Q8vGn_HXQFsRRXQrJAyIlsctmFtcb4P1Yl4ZGI/w640-h480/street%20going%20up.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Streets are steep.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_Sv2OHP9bk0i4aBT4-y8mIhHE1u3g4qd2E75SskiwzHdQLcqCcmL_phGzIaBFWDp4FAFrbbIi9dPaLpDkocWUFKrksSA2vcSisYnkrhszTqUGOTPliwa5pBNMbhadPMR0mJdqToNi_pHunqVcD0ELE4u0UxOo_m7v91fZQYbaUoGv4a3Z5hLooNUwVID/s1920/front%20of%20castle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_Sv2OHP9bk0i4aBT4-y8mIhHE1u3g4qd2E75SskiwzHdQLcqCcmL_phGzIaBFWDp4FAFrbbIi9dPaLpDkocWUFKrksSA2vcSisYnkrhszTqUGOTPliwa5pBNMbhadPMR0mJdqToNi_pHunqVcD0ELE4u0UxOo_m7v91fZQYbaUoGv4a3Z5hLooNUwVID/w640-h480/front%20of%20castle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Entrance of Old Meersburg Castle. It dates back to the 7th century. In 1877 Karl Mayer von Mayerfels bought the place. Parts of the castle are open for self-guided tours but remainder is occupied by descendants of Mayerfels. Jeez, it doesn't open until 10 AM and it's only 8:30 AM. Will take a pass. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqKUTBLSQOlmCh1lAqenZysw-zdTaFRprXMyFYXJzvhTtuZTIMdLp-XIlHHBlLctPMXjiw_qzyt5aszPTqfWJ9USAkpv3M0IHhMPw-gQoo7VUB4Ge9p49XNb63mzSKEyzuuwUScPFTCCl92x6Ole53flNcBfwCqxnCfakrtMrDcPbDFR217r5HgKmNCdH/s1920/palace.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqKUTBLSQOlmCh1lAqenZysw-zdTaFRprXMyFYXJzvhTtuZTIMdLp-XIlHHBlLctPMXjiw_qzyt5aszPTqfWJ9USAkpv3M0IHhMPw-gQoo7VUB4Ge9p49XNb63mzSKEyzuuwUScPFTCCl92x6Ole53flNcBfwCqxnCfakrtMrDcPbDFR217r5HgKmNCdH/w640-h480/palace.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Almost next door to Old Meersburg Castle stands New Meersburg Castle. Yep, I learn that's how they differentiate the two. You and I would call this a palace but in Germany they're castles. Built in 1710 it now houses several museums. During the 19th century until 1955 it was a school for girls. Over the years it also housed a prison, a sailor's school and, a secondary school. From 1865-1932 it also housed the Baden Institution for Deaf-mutes. Following World War II it was used as barracks for French troops. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vN0C94LbATBIzMb0m3IXniUNMFZoQ0b-YPiF6z86dJF4Jnoo6FEShhg0corc1HLDAYGoRTl7su450wMRtxWVC5gq3yQrugc12GJNVkW4XUglalxcK83zV8mXpQdoBhgzMhfi8sm68sq7_N1sNfp8OrbN-x03tEg1mqyd6M5JrJIY6s400fwd01XzkBDL/s1920/view%20of%20church%20tower.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vN0C94LbATBIzMb0m3IXniUNMFZoQ0b-YPiF6z86dJF4Jnoo6FEShhg0corc1HLDAYGoRTl7su450wMRtxWVC5gq3yQrugc12GJNVkW4XUglalxcK83zV8mXpQdoBhgzMhfi8sm68sq7_N1sNfp8OrbN-x03tEg1mqyd6M5JrJIY6s400fwd01XzkBDL/w640-h480/view%20of%20church%20tower.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View toward church.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17vmjX5Kakbp49Qdntik6zDZY-kE1O8mM9n1qejrK82yqKJbvaUr70BEWqy6bAv8r6T0RUhm32Syvj6POU6H-_lp2DM2TJJSnod-IBTWX7d7vK57gP7ht1BOEIUDYjxs7sMKiOe_kHq21tWRoXHZ0HDCUjaeO5LvmnR-uO_4-86r9oJXPn-YCO3yhEgX8/s1920/wine%20building.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17vmjX5Kakbp49Qdntik6zDZY-kE1O8mM9n1qejrK82yqKJbvaUr70BEWqy6bAv8r6T0RUhm32Syvj6POU6H-_lp2DM2TJJSnod-IBTWX7d7vK57gP7ht1BOEIUDYjxs7sMKiOe_kHq21tWRoXHZ0HDCUjaeO5LvmnR-uO_4-86r9oJXPn-YCO3yhEgX8/w640-h480/wine%20building.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is a winery. Similar to the USA, Germany is divided into states. The state of Baden-Wuerttemberg owns this place. Lots of vineyards dot the hillsides. How much wine is produced here? This is no rinky-dink operation as over 300,000 bottles a year are bottled here. The speciality of the area is a rosè called Weissherbst. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_fN0kcSt3QdQI32wVkSuG-z0MnAcW3aQ3Z3Z8lpYkpZsQZFp_MbcTggpFXAfd2XMH0OfYEJI3FeJQBij7g5D4lgOdLn4QoxPAgjRf23aN1I7G-E--XSxzO6Zf6VFCRSUdnU3JjmuzGfeZkUSnrT-2Z-YeO3dtGFnzoVlWJmWhmjxA3V_o_Frv1p5L1Ru/s1920/vineyards.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_fN0kcSt3QdQI32wVkSuG-z0MnAcW3aQ3Z3Z8lpYkpZsQZFp_MbcTggpFXAfd2XMH0OfYEJI3FeJQBij7g5D4lgOdLn4QoxPAgjRf23aN1I7G-E--XSxzO6Zf6VFCRSUdnU3JjmuzGfeZkUSnrT-2Z-YeO3dtGFnzoVlWJmWhmjxA3V_o_Frv1p5L1Ru/w640-h480/vineyards.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is the backside of the winery with views of the lake and vineyards. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeezyk4XvTLkqhFfUVp7mnoNRqHW6N6DV8ZRZ3g3laHHYUvnhTDCoEkw6VudFevkvjUHdrUFMp8JMvHgChLxlwWzYmYSDObdwzqSIVveTdNsmtixwTfqL22ROxyMAj1e46C-6IuSjQUpe77pEz_uRtA8SNDPrHAED3TUcIvXvWntqP318ORZEI0ytIho5/s1920/museum.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeezyk4XvTLkqhFfUVp7mnoNRqHW6N6DV8ZRZ3g3laHHYUvnhTDCoEkw6VudFevkvjUHdrUFMp8JMvHgChLxlwWzYmYSDObdwzqSIVveTdNsmtixwTfqL22ROxyMAj1e46C-6IuSjQUpe77pEz_uRtA8SNDPrHAED3TUcIvXvWntqP318ORZEI0ytIho5/w640-h480/museum.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Friedrichshafen (population 58,000) is the second largest city along Lake Constance. What's the city's claim to fame? It's here that Ferdinand von Zeppelin established his dirigible business. Remember the Hindenburg? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8uqYXkADcl0glx10I9a91XxBekOr1ruU0kfzj5Vc6c5cwbmTpx2TwpdGzbi--FVEtaKAGh5Yzi6wGWJrkEJYLzGytsAS2Nts0LM4fUYiYX4XU2q9pfuHJRFwzDDcb3X8hxf1SIz0zR0hesMHvXLuvyauEugpZvd7xEi288-y3gId70ac-_CCsNaiToPW/s1920/mineature%20blimp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8uqYXkADcl0glx10I9a91XxBekOr1ruU0kfzj5Vc6c5cwbmTpx2TwpdGzbi--FVEtaKAGh5Yzi6wGWJrkEJYLzGytsAS2Nts0LM4fUYiYX4XU2q9pfuHJRFwzDDcb3X8hxf1SIz0zR0hesMHvXLuvyauEugpZvd7xEi288-y3gId70ac-_CCsNaiToPW/w640-h480/mineature%20blimp.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Kids at a playground across from the museum have this spiffy-looking dirigible to climb on. Growing up I remember seeing the Goodyear and Met Life blimps on TV--usually at sporting events. What's the difference between a blimp and dirigible/zepplein? Blimps are basically balloons whereas dirigibles/zeppleins have internal metal framework that maintains its shape even when not filled with gasses. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-mbd9VQ5LaiZN3shizTueZtLXeUKTMofXRpJN_1143FwW1zJXMhMuCz3nluJlpfOz9v8kb9sGd87dTuU64hdHBBHopEWKdmPreqiWkKudrPSid9XMD3snAK4Lwn5-_CAqA4oQTSixYNSX6l1aAHmA-SMMCxm3rt7slmhWXbPu_VTjbqJzXZwd1wjsX0X/s1920/blimp%20in%20air.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-mbd9VQ5LaiZN3shizTueZtLXeUKTMofXRpJN_1143FwW1zJXMhMuCz3nluJlpfOz9v8kb9sGd87dTuU64hdHBBHopEWKdmPreqiWkKudrPSid9XMD3snAK4Lwn5-_CAqA4oQTSixYNSX6l1aAHmA-SMMCxm3rt7slmhWXbPu_VTjbqJzXZwd1wjsX0X/w640-h480/blimp%20in%20air.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Whoa, as if on cue I look up in the sky and see this dirigible passing by. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-73520687265399272942023-07-26T00:51:00.000-07:002023-07-26T00:51:06.754-07:00Konstanz, Germany<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27CrcLrKgoglh180_k2pHUa7oTDo9T3W8p1tljOtbr_eoFp7k_4WfV-sRTr0EhNX2ubbSEJ8Kjk4c1w73q2ArtDBUV2KvdVk0BXZpE0Zp-VLK_kpQ3_85uKbnT8fVQiOGg8T3M518StyH0IbkfOsE7zaGSGOeRaRxh4kP31TAOmGkItsIznHi3HDjqp-W/s1920/constance1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27CrcLrKgoglh180_k2pHUa7oTDo9T3W8p1tljOtbr_eoFp7k_4WfV-sRTr0EhNX2ubbSEJ8Kjk4c1w73q2ArtDBUV2KvdVk0BXZpE0Zp-VLK_kpQ3_85uKbnT8fVQiOGg8T3M518StyH0IbkfOsE7zaGSGOeRaRxh4kP31TAOmGkItsIznHi3HDjqp-W/w640-h480/constance1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The city of Konstanz fronts Lake Constance. It's about 160 miles around the lake and shares its shoreline with three countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). With a population of 83,000 Konstanz is by far the largest city on the lake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcpDUEHX3ePi5wUwfyJ1sqPfO92pqPS74wKbb0IuigC0Xm2swwovPM1VIHnbCH-NgG69fu9-hvVS2fOowQL2brU3GEBQVRYA40qP34a31sSidctgCecBrFpxqj5GsW5DyqjVXf4Yv0448mrvjl1YoM7rRBvENKao_nT6JYBLs40N4UuOeTgids7DGYvQa/s1920/constance2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcpDUEHX3ePi5wUwfyJ1sqPfO92pqPS74wKbb0IuigC0Xm2swwovPM1VIHnbCH-NgG69fu9-hvVS2fOowQL2brU3GEBQVRYA40qP34a31sSidctgCecBrFpxqj5GsW5DyqjVXf4Yv0448mrvjl1YoM7rRBvENKao_nT6JYBLs40N4UuOeTgids7DGYvQa/w640-h480/constance2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Still has a medieval gate guarding the old town. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAiRQLt0q6iMLP_hN7KNcLcC4edsmlQKLgmnEeh4oYY-KGfYS7fUvK5hxm1Z2kIiLdzryw0ifsQn9B6ylemd5yRPo5iGytLddDqSOftFxkSqu9bzZUbn00VjfjhJMzcOPglmLs69PRKEYZq2xq0oqyAmXb9rc6V99n6skHAMjRkolSjWsephpOfvRomn_/s1920/constance3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAiRQLt0q6iMLP_hN7KNcLcC4edsmlQKLgmnEeh4oYY-KGfYS7fUvK5hxm1Z2kIiLdzryw0ifsQn9B6ylemd5yRPo5iGytLddDqSOftFxkSqu9bzZUbn00VjfjhJMzcOPglmLs69PRKEYZq2xq0oqyAmXb9rc6V99n6skHAMjRkolSjWsephpOfvRomn_/w640-h480/constance3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The city is packed today with tourists coming to the lake trying to escape the heat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY05grSS1F3NRGTmb9dHRi1oUE484-IYaGnFfIJKtbIg0e34bKHeBxFq19AmOhfCWrWx5w1gAQLOSr20nVRfWh5P8QYRoZA1zw-2TfvdrdZqVK_j4CKMltJSTUXS3Iq-Td1aNwBMhxsIP6Sftsm66s6rlEPWUk1I6YZry-Lg03dyIB-E83TOJagkxeNCqA/s1920/view%20of%20lake%20from%20hotel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY05grSS1F3NRGTmb9dHRi1oUE484-IYaGnFfIJKtbIg0e34bKHeBxFq19AmOhfCWrWx5w1gAQLOSr20nVRfWh5P8QYRoZA1zw-2TfvdrdZqVK_j4CKMltJSTUXS3Iq-Td1aNwBMhxsIP6Sftsm66s6rlEPWUk1I6YZry-Lg03dyIB-E83TOJagkxeNCqA/w640-h480/view%20of%20lake%20from%20hotel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>A view of Konstanz's harbor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv7wEMv4ggqJbwtSbpkYIMoPrJ_BPfZOPR4ja-GPCLuzUnaUza60ZEe9LTMTHsya5l82LTOvWuLvZnQBRMLTdKRDHJQZou1YKCzd89o8awA7ucNRdnC7u9-R3MkdJmHkxfdwJZx-uiJbOZFSA4VLwnXe6OKS7c24mvI5FooyAm7OXGycTB2UvlmQDaw_4/s1920/statue%20on%20pier.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv7wEMv4ggqJbwtSbpkYIMoPrJ_BPfZOPR4ja-GPCLuzUnaUza60ZEe9LTMTHsya5l82LTOvWuLvZnQBRMLTdKRDHJQZou1YKCzd89o8awA7ucNRdnC7u9-R3MkdJmHkxfdwJZx-uiJbOZFSA4VLwnXe6OKS7c24mvI5FooyAm7OXGycTB2UvlmQDaw_4/w480-h640/statue%20on%20pier.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>This is Imperia, a rotating 30 foot tall statue, which greets visitors entering Konstanz's harbor. It was clandestinely erected in 1993. Officials couldn't do anything about it because it's on private property. Imperia has since been embraced by the city and is a tourist attraction (meaning: selfies). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTyEmACh19N94cyQQTj4q69Tv9mZw2W7wO4jLwFdOAgQKDkSA0V5Z_C0M1fHHkRabmOdtJvT1f-itLrntviLM2ezZaDPCaehJePno5XSsohfXV2yIIN-tS_Ko76LGEG46Ql4drvKSuVDgGdd6-UuEh0GQlYFgI8fW8pVu9CsnPMKPiNkaMaf1Plt-a3K4/s1920/lakeview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTyEmACh19N94cyQQTj4q69Tv9mZw2W7wO4jLwFdOAgQKDkSA0V5Z_C0M1fHHkRabmOdtJvT1f-itLrntviLM2ezZaDPCaehJePno5XSsohfXV2yIIN-tS_Ko76LGEG46Ql4drvKSuVDgGdd6-UuEh0GQlYFgI8fW8pVu9CsnPMKPiNkaMaf1Plt-a3K4/w640-h480/lakeview.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The lake water is a beautiful turquoise color.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm78vPUrD3ZsBdK9CIKrbhzirg2e7nmy4EgetvqNGoXOn4D5fTH_coJg0o4XATjBPLnMIcbg4eI1D2IyTp0ucQblfzHyfBHzpVbAkoRdcMGV9f8q0GuRiBh6P3KtJe7Q4jMyVkn-BmdIXr_430UxWtQDJceSxDuZu3dmeLsKKu53KjfgEK5thKXtMdfm5n/s1920/burro.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm78vPUrD3ZsBdK9CIKrbhzirg2e7nmy4EgetvqNGoXOn4D5fTH_coJg0o4XATjBPLnMIcbg4eI1D2IyTp0ucQblfzHyfBHzpVbAkoRdcMGV9f8q0GuRiBh6P3KtJe7Q4jMyVkn-BmdIXr_430UxWtQDJceSxDuZu3dmeLsKKu53KjfgEK5thKXtMdfm5n/w640-h480/burro.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I had to check out this Mexican drive-thru restaurant in Konstanz. Burrito wasn't bad however, Germans love mango and didn't care for it in my burrito. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-28891937007271120492023-07-25T06:02:00.002-07:002023-07-26T08:11:20.388-07:00Freiburg, Germany (Black Forest)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOGASu2UFx4toqggnyLGJDkJetUuOK-btldPZ4lQ7wqZvtMeVtWkGUTRAlKRctdVdaYAB3FQPeq3Z6Coyw4EYaiDeTq1S7LcQYXvjbq4lTDI-P4mPVqGYVFh2vHTvnTAIICYK-dtyKVrHy9xG2UR-v-7hw3z1iQf1AKOEIFCYYgF9jtUIvu-pDIh1enFn/s1920/catherdral.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOGASu2UFx4toqggnyLGJDkJetUuOK-btldPZ4lQ7wqZvtMeVtWkGUTRAlKRctdVdaYAB3FQPeq3Z6Coyw4EYaiDeTq1S7LcQYXvjbq4lTDI-P4mPVqGYVFh2vHTvnTAIICYK-dtyKVrHy9xG2UR-v-7hw3z1iQf1AKOEIFCYYgF9jtUIvu-pDIh1enFn/w640-h480/catherdral.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in the southwest corner of Germany with the French border a dozen miles away. Freiburg (population 230,000) is the gateway city to the Black Forest--a large forested mountain range roughly 100 miles by 30 miles. It's market day and Freiburg Cathedral is surround by food vendors. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LoGopFOT-zHv6euy1H0PNVH6cHGEwC958sqSsfpnbl7Sr13caaJUlQ5ug3197GPXqCPMKgYR9EklTGY9BaVFR9UHlJpRWB7pbJC5mQ6O_aSY3OWHiLxTVmU24Fzb-k37aDZTh8bMDYk0PDL_fsxAXFFhs_vZgwVq-WVNOP0d-I5-U3q9bIg83_vkHu9i/s1920/swabian%20gate.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LoGopFOT-zHv6euy1H0PNVH6cHGEwC958sqSsfpnbl7Sr13caaJUlQ5ug3197GPXqCPMKgYR9EklTGY9BaVFR9UHlJpRWB7pbJC5mQ6O_aSY3OWHiLxTVmU24Fzb-k37aDZTh8bMDYk0PDL_fsxAXFFhs_vZgwVq-WVNOP0d-I5-U3q9bIg83_vkHu9i/w640-h480/swabian%20gate.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Freiburg still has two medieval gates guarding the city center. This is the exterior view of Swabian Gate built in 1250. Who would have thought that almost 800 years later the gate would give passage to trams. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xd99WpkvJrSZCaX_QAR0nw6n6rdU73dQIw3IUDOF8xJeCnbT3qM_QYuY73tnxIsJrdDmQBHfq61pJ34uKy0jRUXc59r0qOyQSByOpAOQdRGLKFIACQJyciV7iJiTXY9tNUInMpLtKHOlNREUbWnlSxT26pPvyHOtoU6auzH8zGwHESuNf9aDUZ8f4sxr/s1920/gutter.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xd99WpkvJrSZCaX_QAR0nw6n6rdU73dQIw3IUDOF8xJeCnbT3qM_QYuY73tnxIsJrdDmQBHfq61pJ34uKy0jRUXc59r0qOyQSByOpAOQdRGLKFIACQJyciV7iJiTXY9tNUInMpLtKHOlNREUbWnlSxT26pPvyHOtoU6auzH8zGwHESuNf9aDUZ8f4sxr/w480-h640/gutter.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>This is the other side view of Swabian Gate. What are those people doing with their feet in the gutter? Actually, Freiburg has had a gutter system running throughout the city center streets for hundreds of years. It's very unique. Why? It's not sewage --the constantly flowing water through the gutters is diverted from nearby Dreisam River. Originally it was to provide water for livestock, fight fires AND, cool off the city. <p></p><p>The temperature today will hit 97 degrees and tourists as well as locals are sitting down cooling off their feet. The water is crystal clear and penalties are harsh to anyone found polluting the water. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GN-FG_dm1wf3ZIgHP6bLANb18XIdqOj8ap7iAF3Up8G68SzETE0OmPgofdD08cWS-Z8IwCD2inOvWeMHd8hwAOpIaHnN_H8U853JcxdFxiW8ZTHvEbx6N48Om5ybDpHrvMjlBz6kgEqjbmX8CgySRsT91b7Vv8AVkNN1aT-Z-dcIOrdmCmYuTT5wG1wH/s1920/red%20building.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GN-FG_dm1wf3ZIgHP6bLANb18XIdqOj8ap7iAF3Up8G68SzETE0OmPgofdD08cWS-Z8IwCD2inOvWeMHd8hwAOpIaHnN_H8U853JcxdFxiW8ZTHvEbx6N48Om5ybDpHrvMjlBz6kgEqjbmX8CgySRsT91b7Vv8AVkNN1aT-Z-dcIOrdmCmYuTT5wG1wH/w640-h480/red%20building.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Lots of colorful buildings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-Je1RBfcsdem8wDw5Y2EXcq4dOeC1DxMgt2ZiI1Y4lmzTMSYZpuJFJAfpWXzWW31P1EFT9hURx6PPeSUH_fAS0vr4nZEIoH5Bfx-q93fsLddDD5hL6FDtsZouBBfDdV_RZkWOfrwtWrmEOE7AkpwOf8u44jVD45yJMbCJLwWMJXKTFWjPpJ8Xaa5IVKI/s1920/several%20old%20buildings.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-Je1RBfcsdem8wDw5Y2EXcq4dOeC1DxMgt2ZiI1Y4lmzTMSYZpuJFJAfpWXzWW31P1EFT9hURx6PPeSUH_fAS0vr4nZEIoH5Bfx-q93fsLddDD5hL6FDtsZouBBfDdV_RZkWOfrwtWrmEOE7AkpwOf8u44jVD45yJMbCJLwWMJXKTFWjPpJ8Xaa5IVKI/w640-h480/several%20old%20buildings.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Red seems to be the most popular color.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvshsGDco-xjpwcMzFagSmJb03zUQMDUTvaiPu3loAX1suHKDOvgfbT2t09ZndpjnvwrZ1rOuQAOPw6MygTj8W50c-Hh5Ihi4IJLIOFrFTDLgkr9qRfCb3DHfR3_4m74qm2i_wTKuhNgKBDIQdBDRVgbuxHdLiC9sPytuJysCI4RUjbifCuA7CZPIBYM8z/s1920/mcdonalds.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvshsGDco-xjpwcMzFagSmJb03zUQMDUTvaiPu3loAX1suHKDOvgfbT2t09ZndpjnvwrZ1rOuQAOPw6MygTj8W50c-Hh5Ihi4IJLIOFrFTDLgkr9qRfCb3DHfR3_4m74qm2i_wTKuhNgKBDIQdBDRVgbuxHdLiC9sPytuJysCI4RUjbifCuA7CZPIBYM8z/w640-h480/mcdonalds.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is Martinstor Gate. It dates back to 1202. Notice the McDonald's sign to the right of the gate? There's a McDonald's store to the right of the sign and the city council was unsuccessful in preventing the company from placing its name next to the medieval gate. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaF26W626skemy2HIf8NE_B0CvMq6GAkbHpfJ8wkGYC1bJPCSIFQigPPXtcUhGm0578y0bHkADZa31Fu4G8ywqOuxtxSCncbDvWVlQxCpGluC82fn5Vf09tUPjCAVlASYU4cEUvC9sU3tnE4TPslHgG2KOsOFFRRzf3GQbPkMy8UZzgmVEORM7I_bnVIg/s1920/cafe.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaF26W626skemy2HIf8NE_B0CvMq6GAkbHpfJ8wkGYC1bJPCSIFQigPPXtcUhGm0578y0bHkADZa31Fu4G8ywqOuxtxSCncbDvWVlQxCpGluC82fn5Vf09tUPjCAVlASYU4cEUvC9sU3tnE4TPslHgG2KOsOFFRRzf3GQbPkMy8UZzgmVEORM7I_bnVIg/w640-h480/cafe.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Shaded cafe in Freiburg.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oui6K9kTtX5YF3rsrGUuSYB2I-1I2S8kUvN8lap2AVzibs_iraqQRGmRjVotPBz3xbzB-Zms2UMfiZA2JRErn8tkODrUmWAxV6ywbd7qm1o4IgJvu-FspUUjwt6kIZSMMaaUQKvj6jsaeqgfzacc6oMkxJWxmgrYkgGiDEPP5TxxCBUHhVdvxRzbAIUS/s1920/danube%20source.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oui6K9kTtX5YF3rsrGUuSYB2I-1I2S8kUvN8lap2AVzibs_iraqQRGmRjVotPBz3xbzB-Zms2UMfiZA2JRErn8tkODrUmWAxV6ywbd7qm1o4IgJvu-FspUUjwt6kIZSMMaaUQKvj6jsaeqgfzacc6oMkxJWxmgrYkgGiDEPP5TxxCBUHhVdvxRzbAIUS/w640-h480/danube%20source.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in downtown Donaueschingen (population 21,000) and why have I taken a picture of a pool of water? This is the source of the Danube River, the second longest river in Europe (the Volga River in Russia is the longest). I'm lucky as the place is usually swarming with people taking selfies. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhZo-BCE3OrkO51K-tTC3PDYl0897gF-fXRUMc3cm8SMJFQvHyW5GHYYkgMvFpC-9-sPWwzAyLLvy8tb3P5FHTDZnXkHwpH3FSLr8CzI6wOh993_kgstLbfIL4OK5tvkcDX5iYRzhldJtKlYPaRny2KughbTlJTVq7HoIcP6tLEykBJ2e1ncM6cKEG9Y8/s1920/danube%20source2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhZo-BCE3OrkO51K-tTC3PDYl0897gF-fXRUMc3cm8SMJFQvHyW5GHYYkgMvFpC-9-sPWwzAyLLvy8tb3P5FHTDZnXkHwpH3FSLr8CzI6wOh993_kgstLbfIL4OK5tvkcDX5iYRzhldJtKlYPaRny2KughbTlJTVq7HoIcP6tLEykBJ2e1ncM6cKEG9Y8/w640-h480/danube%20source2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view taken from above. The Danube River flows 1,770 miles and passes through 10 countries. Still doesn't beat the Mississippi River which stretches 2,340 miles. See that building in the background? That's a huge palace along with extensive grounds. Unfortunately the place is off-limits to the public as it's owned by the Princes of Fuerstenberg.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hsPEJkjYVBoywGcgbzw3Zh6OTNuNqMhhCs7SOKU_I0gcei_7LSgdWjkeBanyE-U5aXvEHjc7x4c_Wc6JGDxV2MIsLWeifYLGGQ7085pvgrHsjFP8OgEayfbGPdq17LkJ0mRE4erMD36YyAiKHkF6NuK_8BU8RV8qR9-9CH2uUejAzKgB_5FaJHn7mns9/s1920/donahue%20city%20hall1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hsPEJkjYVBoywGcgbzw3Zh6OTNuNqMhhCs7SOKU_I0gcei_7LSgdWjkeBanyE-U5aXvEHjc7x4c_Wc6JGDxV2MIsLWeifYLGGQ7085pvgrHsjFP8OgEayfbGPdq17LkJ0mRE4erMD36YyAiKHkF6NuK_8BU8RV8qR9-9CH2uUejAzKgB_5FaJHn7mns9/w480-h640/donahue%20city%20hall1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>I like this fountain outside Donaueschingen's town hall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7BqtSzKfspkTwqSYcUN5u0_I41fKFS12l6iDrb3D4pyYYkWRhQRdRDjiuFfsamn6TzVQdZmNN-UzGquwXkj-o-jea8fU8LX-Fz16CHTx_z4ai8QMMaI3i2d8rvqjvkIY5TuilGFBDljp6CbI5cU2Oohof1AX9jscNmfELYCFoBNcYQat7MPM8dMJ9Z_c/s1920/donahue%20city%20hall2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7BqtSzKfspkTwqSYcUN5u0_I41fKFS12l6iDrb3D4pyYYkWRhQRdRDjiuFfsamn6TzVQdZmNN-UzGquwXkj-o-jea8fU8LX-Fz16CHTx_z4ai8QMMaI3i2d8rvqjvkIY5TuilGFBDljp6CbI5cU2Oohof1AX9jscNmfELYCFoBNcYQat7MPM8dMJ9Z_c/w640-h480/donahue%20city%20hall2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Closer view of fountain with its musical scene.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQA0WqgIbfYiACl0mIW7ZX4LNlyOz2SDXgbbjyoRMzo-YxU1PusXsa5hP9apRFGyhxuzkWdj8V18VBmsKwheWTrN2QAro05pUSyjiqXBxU4Hw9daB_3-vT4ZZd-U2U1y0HzQPh7o1892xY0sKHMzf9PrdBW_Cij6ZZ3MxSar-7-IUY2USE7G4tkgJ5noU/s1920/brewery.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQA0WqgIbfYiACl0mIW7ZX4LNlyOz2SDXgbbjyoRMzo-YxU1PusXsa5hP9apRFGyhxuzkWdj8V18VBmsKwheWTrN2QAro05pUSyjiqXBxU4Hw9daB_3-vT4ZZd-U2U1y0HzQPh7o1892xY0sKHMzf9PrdBW_Cij6ZZ3MxSar-7-IUY2USE7G4tkgJ5noU/w640-h480/brewery.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Here's what you see upon entering Riegel (population 4,000). That's a former brewery where Riegeler beer was brewed from 1834-2003. The beer company was taken over in 2003 by another brewer and to save money this was closed down. Now, it has been turned into lofts and commercial offices. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjD-XEg0cgBbRplFNuekEGgu3atD13g4TednacAK680oYVayMgAhUsGFzPZYQSxPzuk9giDWtfH1Bv5Qw038-lXUwjJsquu9-j0NcQ_ATJuL6-8Z3UYcoP0sf6gb3b5znwAfxjMzCQ-Mv6D_Zec8X7lbgxa9pXkUFN_lky4JQL6eCfppjaTtXawdSbT8o/s1920/brewery%20beer%20garden.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjD-XEg0cgBbRplFNuekEGgu3atD13g4TednacAK680oYVayMgAhUsGFzPZYQSxPzuk9giDWtfH1Bv5Qw038-lXUwjJsquu9-j0NcQ_ATJuL6-8Z3UYcoP0sf6gb3b5znwAfxjMzCQ-Mv6D_Zec8X7lbgxa9pXkUFN_lky4JQL6eCfppjaTtXawdSbT8o/w640-h480/brewery%20beer%20garden.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>They like their beer in Riegel as I count five beers gardens around town<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRXt9hy3QX5F-pJCKnpxkKQCitF5u6BuMSqrEM10nfRB9M4RvtZ7KQtSfitaurDXl-XwFQSPsHaRXmGQlY9HbJfjSV-3wWd7H6m6t78fu6Ta4Q6M27WcsZ8GQdZryW3INMu1UbnPaYSb02-D0PHniUquok3cheO3G74QpEczoKZ2o7ZPm58DoGpdvYccs/s1920/brewery%20city%20hall.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRXt9hy3QX5F-pJCKnpxkKQCitF5u6BuMSqrEM10nfRB9M4RvtZ7KQtSfitaurDXl-XwFQSPsHaRXmGQlY9HbJfjSV-3wWd7H6m6t78fu6Ta4Q6M27WcsZ8GQdZryW3INMu1UbnPaYSb02-D0PHniUquok3cheO3G74QpEczoKZ2o7ZPm58DoGpdvYccs/w640-h480/brewery%20city%20hall.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Riegel's city hall is a real beaut. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIxBipNSAhJ7O6DV3oiiiarwt_c_AmdV98aBLkrtWSx03W7GiQinL9iVwmkRagM4G8aOq4Zu-b50PPZOUqwiBLsaWFb5Ac9eOkILel-6H31TE43uTS7h11qE1DxJFW4-6IZZrZY7ZUSoI9uSkxX2HOmOsVR6PwdsMGA0nM-FsaVpqBa3J1ZM4IN2rZcmH/s1920/dog1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIxBipNSAhJ7O6DV3oiiiarwt_c_AmdV98aBLkrtWSx03W7GiQinL9iVwmkRagM4G8aOq4Zu-b50PPZOUqwiBLsaWFb5Ac9eOkILel-6H31TE43uTS7h11qE1DxJFW4-6IZZrZY7ZUSoI9uSkxX2HOmOsVR6PwdsMGA0nM-FsaVpqBa3J1ZM4IN2rZcmH/w480-h640/dog1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>So it's mid-afternoon, very hot and, I've stopped in Radolfzell (population 31,000) for a gelato cone. I'm standing next to a real estate office and see this fake dog in the window.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwy2Gi303RTItqaIGDxQ4GTZm5PO08qdJj_Qkjnk9ATj2tA8_IL7jPuCMZMnI12z0tqEqZ7LDi8--zyhj2psxDSkcamcUuCGpl8Apbf1rSVbSU87csDYgTFZrrOk3UelPaVs3LWBaRFJvnsOU5K44ySemfx46CTNkIigbouvdSILQHjiyo0hGpQPyIpz5/s1920/dog2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwy2Gi303RTItqaIGDxQ4GTZm5PO08qdJj_Qkjnk9ATj2tA8_IL7jPuCMZMnI12z0tqEqZ7LDi8--zyhj2psxDSkcamcUuCGpl8Apbf1rSVbSU87csDYgTFZrrOk3UelPaVs3LWBaRFJvnsOU5K44ySemfx46CTNkIigbouvdSILQHjiyo0hGpQPyIpz5/w640-h480/dog2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>On closer inspection I find the dog is real! The heat through the glass has got to be brutal. He's doing some sunbathing or else he likes people watching--either way he doesn't look too happy. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-75823869269247361072023-07-07T13:55:00.003-07:002023-07-08T06:18:06.341-07:00Krispy Kreme opens in Lausanne, Switzerland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2vKySOLQM0dg4MqXhE9HSNDYperGgV82deBlC8Dm164mCjqkrRkfY1mO_-iT4JFTgEKH3HAk6SWC0myDKbBd4s8SqqbCyBiHDVf6f4H4GfbPFUaca3tM6PKo3nQZcPc1UwfpvPz2lotoqyBqYtTNtyjeo19qZ6FPPLItYOPngOfyzUOvvwoGM-pTPGJa/s1920/krispie1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2vKySOLQM0dg4MqXhE9HSNDYperGgV82deBlC8Dm164mCjqkrRkfY1mO_-iT4JFTgEKH3HAk6SWC0myDKbBd4s8SqqbCyBiHDVf6f4H4GfbPFUaca3tM6PKo3nQZcPc1UwfpvPz2lotoqyBqYtTNtyjeo19qZ6FPPLItYOPngOfyzUOvvwoGM-pTPGJa/w640-h480/krispie1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Lausanne (population 130,000) is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland--about 35 miles from Geneva. It has been my home for more than 25 years. Every day I go for an early morning ( 7AM) walk through the city center. Wow! can you believe Lausanne is getting the very first Krispy Kreme donut shop in continental Europe? Not Paris, not Munich, not Amsterdam nor Brussels but, little Lausanne.<p></p><p>Krispy Kreme has over 1,400 locations. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGLv2y4bxHpLtRVKWzwD5xVURHJ81h5Cs-WC09Kck-KJ59nWMNsBkMEmUn_v08IEmDeBJsXihzLbHE-QF_AAe74W1T43v5PiVQkuqYm2WGgwaKjYryA2-lzG9aX2ksAn6SXrYIRPY_2ve9oX4ZOsLQXTTrYPJj5kUj-ex3KoUXP1ctP07Fqa_mE4fE5RA/s1920/krispie2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGLv2y4bxHpLtRVKWzwD5xVURHJ81h5Cs-WC09Kck-KJ59nWMNsBkMEmUn_v08IEmDeBJsXihzLbHE-QF_AAe74W1T43v5PiVQkuqYm2WGgwaKjYryA2-lzG9aX2ksAn6SXrYIRPY_2ve9oX4ZOsLQXTTrYPJj5kUj-ex3KoUXP1ctP07Fqa_mE4fE5RA/w640-h480/krispie2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>You can see the Krispy Kreme donut making machine. However, I'm worried about the location as it doesn't get much foot traffic and kind of tucked away on a side shopping street. No drive-thru option here. There's no parking except for several parking garages several blocks away. Heck, what do I care as I'm a walker and a cyclist. <p></p><p>I went inside and found them doing practice runs on making donuts. The woman in the first photo (standing outside the store) makes the decorations on the donuts. Me, I don't need any dumb decorations as I only have eyes for the glazed donuts--not just any glazed but, the ones that are still hot/warm! As with all other locations they will have a red light switched on (visible outside the store) to let customers know fresh donuts are being made. </p><p>I talked to a man inside who says he works for Krispy Kreme International. "Why are you opening your first store in continental Europe here?, I ask. He answers, "it's a good fit". Jeez, what a lame answer. He could have said it ticks off several boxes and go on to say what those were. </p><p>So, it got me thinking about the number of American brands who have set up shop here in Lausanne and thought I'd take you on a walk through the city center and point 'em out. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc5zKzTYJQC1YTowE9oNPeinLmWYD4XsKHBWeHXkHMxd15pZqFrxl2vTsXDh1mYmaBhvBORNFKwbDpLnGm5OKFsN8PqXOefO3hYzg9b8o40YtBZiYiInQUA5N8_zZNh7JErFP0tkB-ZqtTuXoJ_MTu8OfXoL3C4mTiQfgklKAxpm6TjMpV9eng8RWfFB1/s1920/five%20guys.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc5zKzTYJQC1YTowE9oNPeinLmWYD4XsKHBWeHXkHMxd15pZqFrxl2vTsXDh1mYmaBhvBORNFKwbDpLnGm5OKFsN8PqXOefO3hYzg9b8o40YtBZiYiInQUA5N8_zZNh7JErFP0tkB-ZqtTuXoJ_MTu8OfXoL3C4mTiQfgklKAxpm6TjMpV9eng8RWfFB1/w640-h480/five%20guys.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Yep, Lausanne has had a Five Guys burger joint for about four years. The Florida-based company has over 1,700 locations around the world. I give the burger as well as the fries the two thumbs-up!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6ueRF9yz5KNnzAQie1W3ko-sIv15H5J2-UsRocq24FBw04DyqKEpZ8cggmXHBsmQgdEuqsjw-JSPEILthAlbkZjodo3Z893_26LvJ-oJo_G4PpwpNJDmBNPTKSph1mJxgvlWp4dusECZDUOUrcA2ClDDVKXmDi0o8_-_WIk5MAabNSkOMDBXOZ1nZKEM/s1920/starbucks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6ueRF9yz5KNnzAQie1W3ko-sIv15H5J2-UsRocq24FBw04DyqKEpZ8cggmXHBsmQgdEuqsjw-JSPEILthAlbkZjodo3Z893_26LvJ-oJo_G4PpwpNJDmBNPTKSph1mJxgvlWp4dusECZDUOUrcA2ClDDVKXmDi0o8_-_WIk5MAabNSkOMDBXOZ1nZKEM/w640-h480/starbucks.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Of course you knew we would have Starbucks--there're are 35,000 locations in 84 countries worldwide. Matter of fact, there're three Starbucks in Lausanne.<p></p><p>Here's some trivia: did you know Switzerland has the most Starbucks per one million inhabitants with 7.27? Switzerland has 61 outlets. </p><p>More trivia. See that office building in the background? That's where Starbucks buys/sells/trade coffee for its worldwide operations. </p><p>See that outdoor dining area on the second floor (red tables) next to the Starbucks coffee sign? Twenty years ago it housed a Pizza Hut. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXEiRqNy4UWAKu-LqOs8NXqR5vYdOcAvpPc74eVkLjFl6iTC8K_2NsmpJ_CiD-pka1YsG75LyiTFofsv3nz9bLXzA-CUnwve0xtHY4ZvgsYGOo4PAOADqw7vvSXbXXf37hCorFGCtSitVYwY9-zIudX1xDMAU0baEs8DTZjGHXJltDv5GnNLz-Pk2gz6m/s1920/starbucks2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXEiRqNy4UWAKu-LqOs8NXqR5vYdOcAvpPc74eVkLjFl6iTC8K_2NsmpJ_CiD-pka1YsG75LyiTFofsv3nz9bLXzA-CUnwve0xtHY4ZvgsYGOo4PAOADqw7vvSXbXXf37hCorFGCtSitVYwY9-zIudX1xDMAU0baEs8DTZjGHXJltDv5GnNLz-Pk2gz6m/w640-h480/starbucks2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>So, here's the building directory where Starbucks (bottom right) has its coffee trading operations. Why is it in Lausanne? Many of the world's biggest commodity trading firms have their headquarters in Switzerland. Companies say it's because of Switzerland's central location but, in reality it's all about tax benefits. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1djOuFohDTugo3G_9Labox_smyNm7V3uV_Cv5CAe16-Sk_UJTtXcs9Tw14Als7o9-wvqrcYfLUX0iTOZONiDnTxvk34-F2JSfU-GlZ232pTvX0qhoz95ZaHKNYDI4aSYoNQmin0c4yWDt0YT8fCDCPbhBdMVTie9Xm3c1QLIhWAqtP-Hvc3dlHZnHd-/s1920/dunkin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1djOuFohDTugo3G_9Labox_smyNm7V3uV_Cv5CAe16-Sk_UJTtXcs9Tw14Als7o9-wvqrcYfLUX0iTOZONiDnTxvk34-F2JSfU-GlZ232pTvX0qhoz95ZaHKNYDI4aSYoNQmin0c4yWDt0YT8fCDCPbhBdMVTie9Xm3c1QLIhWAqtP-Hvc3dlHZnHd-/w640-h480/dunkin.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This Dunkin' Donut store opened about a month ago--just several doors down from competitor Starbucks. I don't think it'll last. Why? They don't make the donuts here--and I've gone in several times and the donuts don't look fresh. For several years now one could go into Switzerland's largest supermarket chain (Coop) and buy Dunkin' donuts. I'll give the place six months. Then again, with over 13,000 outlets worldwide--they company could probably play the long game. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzzFN7drQddWNdoYQWbbm8JkArZsO3Q5PQWjMP0cWj7cwAzK08q6S4u5h9CZEwN_cssWo4Pv8kUrt3JokjUneHlIMPe8sESDuHQ44mn_sti5FvbqZ5GAwHcOdFSqwkmoAY7QXJOHkKyeLcXwkcByv4mmP7AkRFBdPUxnwthfh0GZUglcgtUxNSfeUu5dy/s1920/burger%20king.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzzFN7drQddWNdoYQWbbm8JkArZsO3Q5PQWjMP0cWj7cwAzK08q6S4u5h9CZEwN_cssWo4Pv8kUrt3JokjUneHlIMPe8sESDuHQ44mn_sti5FvbqZ5GAwHcOdFSqwkmoAY7QXJOHkKyeLcXwkcByv4mmP7AkRFBdPUxnwthfh0GZUglcgtUxNSfeUu5dy/w640-h480/burger%20king.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This Burger King opened about four years ago. I love my burgers char-broiled and they rank up there with Carl's Jr. and Hardees. There're almost 20,000 Burger King locations around the world. <p></p><p>More than 20 years ago there was a Wendy's several doors down from the Burger King. I ate there but it evidently didn't do well. The number of Wendy's stores worldwide: 7,100. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKcCQv6HdPWT-pNRsV6QFL3sB9fsoc0huv-W66gpAfwSU4lvNV7nGgDm6Tx0nOhRhalDL-KtlI7vbrekj7KXhBtIZBvMrLlzwVsc2xSy7JJy37pPh8FcgycnxUrjTJXK84r89C3UCDgRRLD4HLO0odRCeJG5dTeiKUIBH51aHyktK2_dBYh8z6nxCYzEa/s1920/mcdonalds.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKcCQv6HdPWT-pNRsV6QFL3sB9fsoc0huv-W66gpAfwSU4lvNV7nGgDm6Tx0nOhRhalDL-KtlI7vbrekj7KXhBtIZBvMrLlzwVsc2xSy7JJy37pPh8FcgycnxUrjTJXK84r89C3UCDgRRLD4HLO0odRCeJG5dTeiKUIBH51aHyktK2_dBYh8z6nxCYzEa/w640-h480/mcdonalds.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>We have five McDonald's in the city center. There're over 40,000 McDonald's in over 100 countries. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TyB3wDi8Sr0THTVXYwjcA-0D-AjqEsmRLaXCL26MCUTvVjGWtlHjEdmIwGDCtBQkGmJsOYSeVj9FVE6dOfvb3HfPApwG3ohKEbxVsZhQoThg_L5D5gQWKbCbwNlPbkCFfjhhpTwbskTJ5NhCDRW4-cWLakfTSe6vdeNVCsFei54zrmdKxEDtQbO2MjNL/s1920/kfc1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TyB3wDi8Sr0THTVXYwjcA-0D-AjqEsmRLaXCL26MCUTvVjGWtlHjEdmIwGDCtBQkGmJsOYSeVj9FVE6dOfvb3HfPApwG3ohKEbxVsZhQoThg_L5D5gQWKbCbwNlPbkCFfjhhpTwbskTJ5NhCDRW4-cWLakfTSe6vdeNVCsFei54zrmdKxEDtQbO2MjNL/w640-h480/kfc1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm heading down a ramp to snap a picture of KFC. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlC8jmp83NpVZ7-bFkEm0l9w-8vzNEUobNf7s6s2FdUODRoMlURIUEQqd6IGLYeHll7bydzIY0rF9xZM1DdYDjfVVa_GYC0ohV_GUI-NIqVlCH0D9s0xYIKgExglX84zHsQD60j3CJ_sUs2-bVkbeQH0CgayF1ZPtLxjH_rlSg-jUzaIZZGOAObDF-1fF/s1920/kfc2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlC8jmp83NpVZ7-bFkEm0l9w-8vzNEUobNf7s6s2FdUODRoMlURIUEQqd6IGLYeHll7bydzIY0rF9xZM1DdYDjfVVa_GYC0ohV_GUI-NIqVlCH0D9s0xYIKgExglX84zHsQD60j3CJ_sUs2-bVkbeQH0CgayF1ZPtLxjH_rlSg-jUzaIZZGOAObDF-1fF/w640-h480/kfc2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>About five years ago the first KFC in Switzerland opened in--you guessed it- Lausanne. KFC has more than 25,000 stores in 147 countries. See that tall building to the right? That was Switzerland's first skyscraper (built in 1932 it's 15 stories)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIePohO1tfFYALwOwqKQrMoSsDCO9-KVwsx8MNdQGaU4s6PdkGCExm9eIkFjF8D6G54W3s-_52kpRYMrfOxgFpXo6cygDgeMsj526E5Jl5z5eI1qbOCYLP1liLTnS7NYAG15w-DVpq3hH6hpdjUliT7E4NesAAnA0qTKpEAzmNbn902k5wUpr5TgwLxtW/s1920/metro1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIePohO1tfFYALwOwqKQrMoSsDCO9-KVwsx8MNdQGaU4s6PdkGCExm9eIkFjF8D6G54W3s-_52kpRYMrfOxgFpXo6cygDgeMsj526E5Jl5z5eI1qbOCYLP1liLTnS7NYAG15w-DVpq3hH6hpdjUliT7E4NesAAnA0qTKpEAzmNbn902k5wUpr5TgwLxtW/w640-h480/metro1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Did you know Lausanne is the smallest city in the world to have an underground metro?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFWHQqKjsg-U_6cyX3G1QbkLs2B9gYQhPebhEuqQG6P43axb0uCWEzOn5kcEsbaQiP4V2nvy6PqnCtSg4j98vyqbhczhsDGI5pdtU534JMjtAJQv4CytiWXC8kdRGdoPVhyuOgR98t1UEByKdmPTMk5j0kfhEwlZTEu80juCfY4hznLqp2pTMCWmGjGMl/s1920/metro2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFWHQqKjsg-U_6cyX3G1QbkLs2B9gYQhPebhEuqQG6P43axb0uCWEzOn5kcEsbaQiP4V2nvy6PqnCtSg4j98vyqbhczhsDGI5pdtU534JMjtAJQv4CytiWXC8kdRGdoPVhyuOgR98t1UEByKdmPTMk5j0kfhEwlZTEu80juCfY4hznLqp2pTMCWmGjGMl/w640-h480/metro2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>There's one of the metro trains. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-JegM13SJ-YrdSAIhPxxfd23nRTGuwusUluNCDDZyY1DMYwBBn1S63_-8MeOvprYD6qio0EHiMwe9sbT_XHQGZYFnm_UDPnp-8LpOAGi4QT9T2f8Yx3Wr503qQD8vIlXO62nzz0a7S28E3aKfRi3ICPDmfbJaj4d0knTO1YelLBRBYiMlK03T8JUc8k6/s1920/subway.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-JegM13SJ-YrdSAIhPxxfd23nRTGuwusUluNCDDZyY1DMYwBBn1S63_-8MeOvprYD6qio0EHiMwe9sbT_XHQGZYFnm_UDPnp-8LpOAGi4QT9T2f8Yx3Wr503qQD8vIlXO62nzz0a7S28E3aKfRi3ICPDmfbJaj4d0knTO1YelLBRBYiMlK03T8JUc8k6/w640-h480/subway.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This Subway location recently moved from its former location at Lausanne's train station. Subway has over 41,600 locations---making it the world's largest fast-food chain. <p></p><p>Not included is a picture of a Domino's Pizza outlet as it's not in Lausanne's city center. There're are over 19,000 locations worldwide.</p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-1111530455546825452023-06-20T08:38:00.003-07:002023-06-21T05:47:48.202-07:00Omaha Beach, Normandy, France<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPOeu9HKKCwWw3OycgaCaIe5nO0DMqFmZDxt9NdyvoNbdXjF2TmufHSJw7e4bhTjPpN_x74He2bFK2GHQVuPZ98XVZ5RKKVkFM4Nh6UMMcG-7s36qLlIbIH8NMpQgECJXVGadR_IoVzpeRbQ7pUWM2FjSb1yxmEjah62Fquv7E7Z0yWO3WJ5n8aOhFsBE/s1920/scenic%20lane.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPOeu9HKKCwWw3OycgaCaIe5nO0DMqFmZDxt9NdyvoNbdXjF2TmufHSJw7e4bhTjPpN_x74He2bFK2GHQVuPZ98XVZ5RKKVkFM4Nh6UMMcG-7s36qLlIbIH8NMpQgECJXVGadR_IoVzpeRbQ7pUWM2FjSb1yxmEjah62Fquv7E7Z0yWO3WJ5n8aOhFsBE/w640-h480/scenic%20lane.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I left Bayeux with Omaha Beach as my day's destination. According to maps it's about 15 miles. I came across this marked bike route and boy it's marvelous--taking you on shaded one lane country roads past beautiful dairy farmland, tiny villages and, very impressive chateaux (yep, that's the plural of chateau). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9haz3zoTWUvVV8OvJvlpRHJykv6EyH6uProEt0eJXftZOSI2M2-bDSX5Fr2i08hsGizAOJLBUpNcGKSHubU8fkDBo1ZnU1gueREJdg-lGjeSo0WJm53lINxqeqP76jUX71Oo16fMM8tr4xE6zjjjRhdddoiy8cZHEllbN0zJqve6Dmrn0k3Xes_K49Q_O/s1920/chateau%20long%20view.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9haz3zoTWUvVV8OvJvlpRHJykv6EyH6uProEt0eJXftZOSI2M2-bDSX5Fr2i08hsGizAOJLBUpNcGKSHubU8fkDBo1ZnU1gueREJdg-lGjeSo0WJm53lINxqeqP76jUX71Oo16fMM8tr4xE6zjjjRhdddoiy8cZHEllbN0zJqve6Dmrn0k3Xes_K49Q_O/w640-h480/chateau%20long%20view.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Look at this 17th century beauty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Si5-6b0FqEPYRiTS97BYdJqvOHRZ5z5oKCTEN2lGXHC4BZy1BS9MsLi0xhYLIYbAtFoZDP5pKbzGZMWhEAATzfzP9OQ-QE6VXZ4WFkwmPjPeaYKAWtXj_xNU9-h7WzGSASFvkVspx9r0E99Sg3Gylo9_RvnDkczpdKAB92PYqDfN-v0BT-UiYzyUiQ4/s1920/chateau%20close%20up.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Si5-6b0FqEPYRiTS97BYdJqvOHRZ5z5oKCTEN2lGXHC4BZy1BS9MsLi0xhYLIYbAtFoZDP5pKbzGZMWhEAATzfzP9OQ-QE6VXZ4WFkwmPjPeaYKAWtXj_xNU9-h7WzGSASFvkVspx9r0E99Sg3Gylo9_RvnDkczpdKAB92PYqDfN-v0BT-UiYzyUiQ4/w640-h480/chateau%20close%20up.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Here's a closer view. During World War ll the German General Staff of the Coastal Sector was housed here. How do I know? A plaque next to the road in French and English says so. See next photo. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77WPSCHWUKOGusipwF5f8TurGV_5xlzABUfhB_C6OMOiyrUTDVZ6vCw-dTDcrgx_AFyiPeIZ64udrt35UchP_4r1DHCZWK-AJST7gJeZCPSSaVDs5HYakpSGlYzMudec02GDsIvWDico1ySz7UDGx1ULVCctvEt9US5fQWNyBF1ljApelVMncSxK0g6Kx/s1920/chateau%20plaque.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77WPSCHWUKOGusipwF5f8TurGV_5xlzABUfhB_C6OMOiyrUTDVZ6vCw-dTDcrgx_AFyiPeIZ64udrt35UchP_4r1DHCZWK-AJST7gJeZCPSSaVDs5HYakpSGlYzMudec02GDsIvWDico1ySz7UDGx1ULVCctvEt9US5fQWNyBF1ljApelVMncSxK0g6Kx/w640-h480/chateau%20plaque.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBLhqdLW28pCcwHtuN-hrCoXItjgBiNhRLJ4LIHN7NSDmHdpxg46RBDXsnHAUa82efF2kvZRBVXji-Y9DpRQyb4VadawsV5ip0Aq4COAehLdkGFq7o7OKOiG3oVd0TZPdYgmdxjAprmtCz9zA6H-j9sMB3Y3MIeknyYTvzerQZ-9ZI96Vvf58YoLPWA1e/s1920/omaha%20golf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBLhqdLW28pCcwHtuN-hrCoXItjgBiNhRLJ4LIHN7NSDmHdpxg46RBDXsnHAUa82efF2kvZRBVXji-Y9DpRQyb4VadawsV5ip0Aq4COAehLdkGFq7o7OKOiG3oVd0TZPdYgmdxjAprmtCz9zA6H-j9sMB3Y3MIeknyYTvzerQZ-9ZI96Vvf58YoLPWA1e/w640-h480/omaha%20golf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I must be getting close to Omaha Beach. Saw this sign for Golf Omaha Beach and checked out the golf course. Didn't see any World War ll obstacles on the course.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k_AgKMZK-pOqsPd-ZGyzQYkX-GVbyfIgnfT0vRavsKF6XSG3x5Fy0eDthaET0bAWODSTguRGVQTazZrq4-cAps9PHKYuWJRL9aTffvHS28qR2XmYtFIvRDB1gda_rMcaO3xLXJM33nldZPT8LLI874HWc4XT151_EwjrIlbb49-rzEPQ3v5n9vawAl5U/s1920/gravel%20road.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k_AgKMZK-pOqsPd-ZGyzQYkX-GVbyfIgnfT0vRavsKF6XSG3x5Fy0eDthaET0bAWODSTguRGVQTazZrq4-cAps9PHKYuWJRL9aTffvHS28qR2XmYtFIvRDB1gda_rMcaO3xLXJM33nldZPT8LLI874HWc4XT151_EwjrIlbb49-rzEPQ3v5n9vawAl5U/w640-h480/gravel%20road.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm at the coast (English Channel) and find this gravel path for cyclists. Nice! That structure in the distance is some kind of French government military installation as signs tell you photography is not allowed. Note: I was at a safe permitted distance when snapping this. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJAT69oprZFUiX5qi20lnlCArXT-AyH5LdhcqjaE0VYGDwKYf4wRmamzUinOsCx8fyNnQpP2yV_fBSU08WT4mI8O9DpGbqDQwyLvegjJkmdhv4KhyujhQeMp-cuMEc0O_UCfgyekwFL62xLF5hommHde_SnDi95A_hDw30swetESgUmok1-hEqazG7Aoh/s1920/view%20of%20cliff.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJAT69oprZFUiX5qi20lnlCArXT-AyH5LdhcqjaE0VYGDwKYf4wRmamzUinOsCx8fyNnQpP2yV_fBSU08WT4mI8O9DpGbqDQwyLvegjJkmdhv4KhyujhQeMp-cuMEc0O_UCfgyekwFL62xLF5hommHde_SnDi95A_hDw30swetESgUmok1-hEqazG7Aoh/w640-h480/view%20of%20cliff.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Wow, this kind of gives you a view of the steep cliffs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3xFsDTxZwugoUc-Sp4qHyFkksZ0RBEUi7PNkp6kIUwfgrLx2Q5hm8IDSYFi8vijN9_qcvk4pfljEnyAqKMJatVr_8ismcmzMoeEgMzX0o-jX77LD7dm7z1ALVWbTfeohNImbhoqE09tzNscKAo6HMKjFudPlTDiYz5cQHzpuNuIg0edO8k0HMLB2AcJg/s1920/refecting%20pond.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3xFsDTxZwugoUc-Sp4qHyFkksZ0RBEUi7PNkp6kIUwfgrLx2Q5hm8IDSYFi8vijN9_qcvk4pfljEnyAqKMJatVr_8ismcmzMoeEgMzX0o-jX77LD7dm7z1ALVWbTfeohNImbhoqE09tzNscKAo6HMKjFudPlTDiYz5cQHzpuNuIg0edO8k0HMLB2AcJg/w640-h480/refecting%20pond.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Normandy Cemetery is situated on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. It covers 172 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 of our military Dead, most of whom gave their lives in the landings and ensuing operations. Omaha Beach was one of five Allied landing areas. (Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Sword Beach, Juno Beach and, Gold Beach).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsI3k4SquhbzaOH45sRV0r2Eqn2SAR1hSVTBDfzb9Hz64mKyIv5ry-nr2gsTvOP6KNZLDhEX1oc_f_GXAwca2j8XZX0mj5MbrpQ4mQyHRrnkrems6sJyPVMo3wiZ3KCZpW6CpaV7djlgaJwwwzUkvZ3PGvjwZBICuVgCZlFbSd_R6Z6IztsYGEJNcAG9K4/s1920/tombstones.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsI3k4SquhbzaOH45sRV0r2Eqn2SAR1hSVTBDfzb9Hz64mKyIv5ry-nr2gsTvOP6KNZLDhEX1oc_f_GXAwca2j8XZX0mj5MbrpQ4mQyHRrnkrems6sJyPVMo3wiZ3KCZpW6CpaV7djlgaJwwwzUkvZ3PGvjwZBICuVgCZlFbSd_R6Z6IztsYGEJNcAG9K4/w640-h480/tombstones.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>On the walls of the memorial garden in the previous photo are inscribed the names 1,557 of our Missing who rest in unknown graves. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpOPuPuvmKblJ7aryk4G1knGiY7CMmBh8XkIazJEGBOTVA_reqikj8zZJmKh8ABXZz89yVnCeIAgSB8Yj-1yMo3xkqigGt-SiL3RjL1gjpnOc1UW9yBMfcRyEHv5Yyphc00SRHf_cGTi3pUpg_U7ji0R0uTcRg3FL8vfZwoJgGxCMuqEQpzL6T8gIzyBs/s1920/view%20of%20cemetary%20wall.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpOPuPuvmKblJ7aryk4G1knGiY7CMmBh8XkIazJEGBOTVA_reqikj8zZJmKh8ABXZz89yVnCeIAgSB8Yj-1yMo3xkqigGt-SiL3RjL1gjpnOc1UW9yBMfcRyEHv5Yyphc00SRHf_cGTi3pUpg_U7ji0R0uTcRg3FL8vfZwoJgGxCMuqEQpzL6T8gIzyBs/w640-h480/view%20of%20cemetary%20wall.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The Normandy Cemetery is very moving. It's to the left of the low wall with the beach to the right. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzqbOrm6XoAYkjm9rd1SDW3I7wye98Z58kqemZOJ3sFO-aoP_TZgfhgc_B1LqO1wNibAXts8NXVnoMISsMDCScrG8WVFLWDfiqYDHW6sBB9igEaQU4oLFxCra0oMzmEeb-jter-7gdBUiwU1ztXWef_sqwRhDhcHrcvFgUxkRbM3B7SeConRzc3-W7oTb/s1920/pillbox.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzqbOrm6XoAYkjm9rd1SDW3I7wye98Z58kqemZOJ3sFO-aoP_TZgfhgc_B1LqO1wNibAXts8NXVnoMISsMDCScrG8WVFLWDfiqYDHW6sBB9igEaQU4oLFxCra0oMzmEeb-jter-7gdBUiwU1ztXWef_sqwRhDhcHrcvFgUxkRbM3B7SeConRzc3-W7oTb/w640-h480/pillbox.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>You have to leave the cemetery property and follow a trail to reach the beach. This was an entrance to a German machine gun pillbox. I've seen and read dozens and dozens of World War ll documentaries, movies and books. Standing here I'm absolutely awestruck at what those soldiers on D-Day accomplished. <p></p><p>Imagine exiting the landing craft only to mowed down instantly by enemy machine guns, if you survived that and make it to shore--there's no cover--only mines, barbed wire and other obstacles. How those soldiers managed to overcome the well dug-in enemy on the cliffs is absolutely unbelieveable!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhNZiqrr39pc4JRbEmhQCiB9jKWt1ypvqFUHS2ddE60P7ar7zOHhr6ElNGEKku7RQgAJ3JALGeyvmBUdc_DLolOy70LEWjSlHay_985MVMfMF9jlWFQZIgAXyUVfVU8GwnEcc8KnoBGjn7OiuIuv-w0Zxv16vvnrnUyxq0JNmJrjpbPkh4ZGoiX4JhmIe/s1920/cars%20on%20beach.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhNZiqrr39pc4JRbEmhQCiB9jKWt1ypvqFUHS2ddE60P7ar7zOHhr6ElNGEKku7RQgAJ3JALGeyvmBUdc_DLolOy70LEWjSlHay_985MVMfMF9jlWFQZIgAXyUVfVU8GwnEcc8KnoBGjn7OiuIuv-w0Zxv16vvnrnUyxq0JNmJrjpbPkh4ZGoiX4JhmIe/w640-h480/cars%20on%20beach.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>You can drive down to an Omaha Beach parking lot and wander around. I will say again, how amazing it was what those soldiers did on D-Day! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnAkutoxjrAbet0FFfH9UuRojFjpXXAfNRrihfNF0r4zzqtlwpeSjaoxWmgak4ooW5utBu_NDO1R8auyHjQBqedJiAc7Dn0Pf1b1VefO1HUjCklUgms6GPImAfb2xPuKWhpn30LYBM13A6gcUQZl4vhWc_VlXB9Eu7SFXtg7eYJIYcXxd1D_FLECEKC5t/s1920/overlord%20museum.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnAkutoxjrAbet0FFfH9UuRojFjpXXAfNRrihfNF0r4zzqtlwpeSjaoxWmgak4ooW5utBu_NDO1R8auyHjQBqedJiAc7Dn0Pf1b1VefO1HUjCklUgms6GPImAfb2xPuKWhpn30LYBM13A6gcUQZl4vhWc_VlXB9Eu7SFXtg7eYJIYcXxd1D_FLECEKC5t/w640-h480/overlord%20museum.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Overlord museum is very close to the cemetery. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-23277495291264650912023-06-20T00:13:00.000-07:002023-06-20T00:13:16.993-07:00Bayeux, France<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Azl6DebKaVue9cvGiA6n_syAzpQ6KwQvg17GF1BLhAuEoWRcJBIJq-vTrcdbcrvgor7jTiw5Dwi4wHC10stCQ7LTNZihy3OClM0-9_AIDJu8cxwN5L0RFbfIQCAfCJVCEAsvf1ifHzinLJbZKZktiIeDdreNX-HKf8BQIti3l2JCAWbCmx2Vwi5R9_P7/s1920/cobblestone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Azl6DebKaVue9cvGiA6n_syAzpQ6KwQvg17GF1BLhAuEoWRcJBIJq-vTrcdbcrvgor7jTiw5Dwi4wHC10stCQ7LTNZihy3OClM0-9_AIDJu8cxwN5L0RFbfIQCAfCJVCEAsvf1ifHzinLJbZKZktiIeDdreNX-HKf8BQIti3l2JCAWbCmx2Vwi5R9_P7/w640-h480/cobblestone.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in Bayeux, population 13,000, the first major town secured by the Allies during the D-Day invasion in 1944. Fortunately, the town was left unscathed because the Germans were concentrated on defending the city of Caen about a dozen miles away. Many of the streets in the city are cobblestones making it a bumpy ride for cyclists.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD6f1zoo9NWKpDPNnBzkhMVeBwHtEgJupnHDwFZTia8riP0ggvF7TRMpsEBbupWnQwRf3obTQJOL9HmSfZVlCqPwmTKILwaYx0e87d9NFJLtagSVbNT22pjJdnzcR9X9vSGaebtqHpC41ig1R4-MneUtNcTCF31J5XbqCyNOkT0RqdtBLV-2gvnfrgZI9/s1920/timbered%20house.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD6f1zoo9NWKpDPNnBzkhMVeBwHtEgJupnHDwFZTia8riP0ggvF7TRMpsEBbupWnQwRf3obTQJOL9HmSfZVlCqPwmTKILwaYx0e87d9NFJLtagSVbNT22pjJdnzcR9X9vSGaebtqHpC41ig1R4-MneUtNcTCF31J5XbqCyNOkT0RqdtBLV-2gvnfrgZI9/w640-h480/timbered%20house.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Nice half-timbered building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2MGdujRacw02knZKvxfJsGBTpohBM3wEBCExahqqCK-i_RLjS93CXzzeMGH2rrySh3M_O3AOC8qSzAyj9MuWqvIPDc5zr_demwfZHQ8X28hIS7WHA1fWX4hRq_fTuDnnZmmK5GL_KREzE2V-MURPCd4ybpKynZnCQcbR_TxL2RTWEWlaROFBdL4K3Q5T/s1920/canal1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2MGdujRacw02knZKvxfJsGBTpohBM3wEBCExahqqCK-i_RLjS93CXzzeMGH2rrySh3M_O3AOC8qSzAyj9MuWqvIPDc5zr_demwfZHQ8X28hIS7WHA1fWX4hRq_fTuDnnZmmK5GL_KREzE2V-MURPCd4ybpKynZnCQcbR_TxL2RTWEWlaROFBdL4K3Q5T/w640-h480/canal1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The Auer River runs through town.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-1tX52oxPQK4jpiLv5rMq-RxmQl5CcBV7RYn_Epu7AYgbu6V-etWuk5qnYMN7LXlspKAIW7Gblf_T5cK9fkqxGbwAPsmNBDDLRkYk8gIVhgLDxJgB8ucrsOpInhIi6npK0sWo0vG5ICAQ4H9tTRsrujo4q-7E2TScXgn86yHkB_-faiyR25PFvJWFRow/s1920/church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-1tX52oxPQK4jpiLv5rMq-RxmQl5CcBV7RYn_Epu7AYgbu6V-etWuk5qnYMN7LXlspKAIW7Gblf_T5cK9fkqxGbwAPsmNBDDLRkYk8gIVhgLDxJgB8ucrsOpInhIi6npK0sWo0vG5ICAQ4H9tTRsrujo4q-7E2TScXgn86yHkB_-faiyR25PFvJWFRow/w640-h480/church.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Bayeux Cathedral.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS07no7N0x6HGJ47i3bdV6fmIKs7Xi-wRDApSq09uXaG863S0HsKzldJxvEObZyZX1c1_pWcpd6Gw-lovOZ1Re7H4WkwiSJcqtYLrRV_yRHfWp98vN_Z451Eqjae5qrJop3BG9ko_wI1nhBggVicB3--GKRS_30okP9cscNNCUbk-l9wqfhHj6CZhC5ovD/s1920/canal2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS07no7N0x6HGJ47i3bdV6fmIKs7Xi-wRDApSq09uXaG863S0HsKzldJxvEObZyZX1c1_pWcpd6Gw-lovOZ1Re7H4WkwiSJcqtYLrRV_yRHfWp98vN_Z451Eqjae5qrJop3BG9ko_wI1nhBggVicB3--GKRS_30okP9cscNNCUbk-l9wqfhHj6CZhC5ovD/w480-h640/canal2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Another view of Auer River.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9bcbvKAPJhHUu1wTrv43HX9T_ZBmoNIYTRuRNqdtfR0vYodWNnC1mNWi6GmbsI6HWzNN0rtdVD61JcLUniLMo4fQLw1tFlOXCIte81Ak-X2S_DSMs3dqZd6dujp2gRmz_PTIPCEYOnNqIw_HAVzuzwfhngK3CNln--Rtn3xvcGeZjuxnOvqXFpShvTyv/s1920/canal3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9bcbvKAPJhHUu1wTrv43HX9T_ZBmoNIYTRuRNqdtfR0vYodWNnC1mNWi6GmbsI6HWzNN0rtdVD61JcLUniLMo4fQLw1tFlOXCIte81Ak-X2S_DSMs3dqZd6dujp2gRmz_PTIPCEYOnNqIw_HAVzuzwfhngK3CNln--Rtn3xvcGeZjuxnOvqXFpShvTyv/w480-h640/canal3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Auer River provides calm views.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33Ed3IVanTd6Pidgm0wm5d4TLzvIAvVeuU2OsrPpaJwuKGVO0tigMjwxNYJYrvGzE3sXlIZkgLBO0IS20LJV8g5t0hShuJUarUBi59q4B0H2qG7eBR1E-HoHqxCNs-AGX5bXr-NJfk9m1SwXmlOstfdDfYtUApSxiC8zP4pM3h2Gj9bWvg30G6bRkk5ap/s1920/memorial.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33Ed3IVanTd6Pidgm0wm5d4TLzvIAvVeuU2OsrPpaJwuKGVO0tigMjwxNYJYrvGzE3sXlIZkgLBO0IS20LJV8g5t0hShuJUarUBi59q4B0H2qG7eBR1E-HoHqxCNs-AGX5bXr-NJfk9m1SwXmlOstfdDfYtUApSxiC8zP4pM3h2Gj9bWvg30G6bRkk5ap/w640-h480/memorial.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>World War ll memorial/museum in Bayeux.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIixX-mE_S8moSLbQcOFmj371DYx6-vI3XReg6BLpE52vctwzeZVDn-0c8O-H-MbPF0bQtGrVoLR43bin1FzMwrcesvHpY_zUaYY4vPLN6PRujH1nqTsTYRW5N9apSOCTv_3vlyuebhEFGKR1Dw0y66YAZdi5yFCHiPT_VXRn0Z3k2lcGICsN5Nd6cH-A2/s1920/tanks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIixX-mE_S8moSLbQcOFmj371DYx6-vI3XReg6BLpE52vctwzeZVDn-0c8O-H-MbPF0bQtGrVoLR43bin1FzMwrcesvHpY_zUaYY4vPLN6PRujH1nqTsTYRW5N9apSOCTv_3vlyuebhEFGKR1Dw0y66YAZdi5yFCHiPT_VXRn0Z3k2lcGICsN5Nd6cH-A2/w640-h480/tanks.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Tanks are scattered around the memorial/museum. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-40749953312200342012023-06-19T14:21:00.000-07:002023-06-19T14:21:41.681-07:00Caen, France (Caen Castle)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX7CExZksBJarMOypX6wlOQOkzduPD4WtSF7XZx8cLnERGYNh5dx1M--56F0QUXRYSIXKPfxc47pwLxLkE1HZhale4u9P2Uhq8D41F0oIE9sEGzdmdeSDQJgavZMLvl2Z-6DfOFisA50n-ex5D94O_j6O3ILPV3jIRLkvSWc2Y37JBbJmhYbfR2BL-Rti/s1920/castle%20from%20city%20center.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX7CExZksBJarMOypX6wlOQOkzduPD4WtSF7XZx8cLnERGYNh5dx1M--56F0QUXRYSIXKPfxc47pwLxLkE1HZhale4u9P2Uhq8D41F0oIE9sEGzdmdeSDQJgavZMLvl2Z-6DfOFisA50n-ex5D94O_j6O3ILPV3jIRLkvSWc2Y37JBbJmhYbfR2BL-Rti/w640-h480/castle%20from%20city%20center.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm in downtown Caen (population 105,000) located 120 miles northwest of Paris. As expected there's no old town area. Why? During World War ll about 75% of the city was destroyed. However, I'm here to see Caen Castle--one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. See those flags flying in the distance in the photo above? That's Caen Castle lording over the city. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIFNWkvxuvh0CujkOaTgvmvptlmrtCr0V63_6g-WebVXP8BxFQEvofMWwlY8eONyrpw3Gd9dK-LsGjfwdl5xsav5C68ZqdNhBQEYWb1gpy9sQeJZHbgEisjdz3vvG5XdxqDo_WTQivmlNWeQumapePDLM3cRCYkUnXbTprp3vQFIkUJMaSQT0TTtUpqhw/s1920/castle1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIFNWkvxuvh0CujkOaTgvmvptlmrtCr0V63_6g-WebVXP8BxFQEvofMWwlY8eONyrpw3Gd9dK-LsGjfwdl5xsav5C68ZqdNhBQEYWb1gpy9sQeJZHbgEisjdz3vvG5XdxqDo_WTQivmlNWeQumapePDLM3cRCYkUnXbTprp3vQFIkUJMaSQT0TTtUpqhw/w640-h480/castle1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>My bike and I make our way through the last surviving gatehouse. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDwDA5HyE5M0oO3pxs8QEOQaN8AAdzMLPxkaeZ1A_wEJ_MtKN3-9B0DUBTR-O4IRs5yUkoFMCXxlpC0anw_UPnhYwz_mTRYLvgDCutoPNapWFpaidud_75xaYYH9v7sjRMOo71UNm6079qtvNpFl9FFAynejQODcnebVdG4cvEmjGfPwTdg0o4lsxlfcW/s1920/huge%20grounds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDwDA5HyE5M0oO3pxs8QEOQaN8AAdzMLPxkaeZ1A_wEJ_MtKN3-9B0DUBTR-O4IRs5yUkoFMCXxlpC0anw_UPnhYwz_mTRYLvgDCutoPNapWFpaidud_75xaYYH9v7sjRMOo71UNm6079qtvNpFl9FFAynejQODcnebVdG4cvEmjGfPwTdg0o4lsxlfcW/w640-h480/huge%20grounds.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Jeez, the castle was built back in 1060--almost a thousand years ago- and it's just my luck they have the interior grounds all torn up to replace/install plumbing/water and electrical.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO_dkJrqLzfBeDz5EYYeSypm2M8Sv1ZH_0vEo6vY_Zo4LpJsilEePh7hAxuOXMNJPt8Rj-T_Tn5IzaNO4_07S_B7PQAYIy8bBwGPHCiusMbV98PKXdbMzQhYGxvnjSCOVCRItnWlBwiikh65qRPGhjGtvAxTMqZdjoF_DTxH3txRaKt8ip00TlFeOyeid/s1920/festival%20hall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO_dkJrqLzfBeDz5EYYeSypm2M8Sv1ZH_0vEo6vY_Zo4LpJsilEePh7hAxuOXMNJPt8Rj-T_Tn5IzaNO4_07S_B7PQAYIy8bBwGPHCiusMbV98PKXdbMzQhYGxvnjSCOVCRItnWlBwiikh65qRPGhjGtvAxTMqZdjoF_DTxH3txRaKt8ip00TlFeOyeid/w640-h480/festival%20hall.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The castle complex sits on 13 acres. That building you see was a banquet hall. Who had the castle built in 1060? William the Conqueror (1028-1087). Who was this William guy? Well, he was actually William, Duke of Normandy and in 1066 he crossed the English Channel with his army and defeated King Harold of England at the Battle of Hastings--paving the way to conquer England and become King of England. <p></p><p>Think about that. Here he was a mere duke (regional power)--not the King of France---and he whupped the English. That would be like the Governor of Arizona invading and conquering Mexico and being named president of Mexico--while still holding the title of Govenor of Arizona.</p><p>So, William the Conqueror split his time between ruling England in London and ruling the Normandy area in Caen, France--while still being subservient to the King of France. Here's a piece of trivia: From 1066-1362 French was the official language of England. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96RhF6lFUfMhFL6rQRSRzQCxaf27gAZ-XPcYd95e_lyc7NX_r_fq_1Fgv_DBrMUKtjNf0oXoGE4--aIQ1lWwzii8jD7dLa6fnmLMu8qXofWwfuOqTrcgTAa2nHK9P5ObMzi1VXr925UPwuCVRU1C3sTSSwgwnEvLs28XldsbyCyGkibRmq4z__4PmSdSP/s1920/castle%20walls:%20flags.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96RhF6lFUfMhFL6rQRSRzQCxaf27gAZ-XPcYd95e_lyc7NX_r_fq_1Fgv_DBrMUKtjNf0oXoGE4--aIQ1lWwzii8jD7dLa6fnmLMu8qXofWwfuOqTrcgTAa2nHK9P5ObMzi1VXr925UPwuCVRU1C3sTSSwgwnEvLs28XldsbyCyGkibRmq4z__4PmSdSP/w640-h480/castle%20walls:%20flags.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View of castle walls.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2RsuzbiNtovAf4kFKSFfle9PUNk1TM9oRpkoORSuTKX5zR9IhswZkofNgAebp-hP02a5H1C1J3-Y9cxS8Z8ww9uiSfCumvDfsIpvM-AEPDwMdWllo8Kif2VznUnQ54uD41PAbPBvFiILKx1kDqZcQGEe2Y9k496iCpxQLN993IQUgSR1gc3eXlW_PoG4/s1920/view%20from%20castle%20to%20church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2RsuzbiNtovAf4kFKSFfle9PUNk1TM9oRpkoORSuTKX5zR9IhswZkofNgAebp-hP02a5H1C1J3-Y9cxS8Z8ww9uiSfCumvDfsIpvM-AEPDwMdWllo8Kif2VznUnQ54uD41PAbPBvFiILKx1kDqZcQGEe2Y9k496iCpxQLN993IQUgSR1gc3eXlW_PoG4/w640-h480/view%20from%20castle%20to%20church.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>View from ramparts to the city center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xHTubKOubUsLFM25FslvO3q6pA3JtGSCQhBln22XEwzDRrzgvZ1IzCiSDmN3F5dPMTmS5F6ub4r_fLgnFvjA_k2VLAIDQd3tUIfhkXzY5LXFWu2YhwVvJoqTH4KnKuz1JAFKPHd7QQw2rvXXydFY-maWQPVfM8LzLxMPPWly-aw-oQyCR7mr3i0hDYtT/s1920/second%20view%20from%20castle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xHTubKOubUsLFM25FslvO3q6pA3JtGSCQhBln22XEwzDRrzgvZ1IzCiSDmN3F5dPMTmS5F6ub4r_fLgnFvjA_k2VLAIDQd3tUIfhkXzY5LXFWu2YhwVvJoqTH4KnKuz1JAFKPHd7QQw2rvXXydFY-maWQPVfM8LzLxMPPWly-aw-oQyCR7mr3i0hDYtT/w640-h480/second%20view%20from%20castle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another view of city from castle walls. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQHFj98ZfOKuMOH6AVbR3LcSvuqibPC6l1BeXvqdcn72KU0DAWGZz3eaE2mXAdpwy-MbrHLzRol0EGK0_GTLsxh65mG0N4GVR1wL0OrM7k2uhSIG15Lh9ubujqGYzM2mko-wIX8UEEgfcDq2V0Jh6zVZwWdIjkdXD6mLYYXJKRn0s5OCiAX8pUvjfcQDp/s1920/dinner%20scene.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQHFj98ZfOKuMOH6AVbR3LcSvuqibPC6l1BeXvqdcn72KU0DAWGZz3eaE2mXAdpwy-MbrHLzRol0EGK0_GTLsxh65mG0N4GVR1wL0OrM7k2uhSIG15Lh9ubujqGYzM2mko-wIX8UEEgfcDq2V0Jh6zVZwWdIjkdXD6mLYYXJKRn0s5OCiAX8pUvjfcQDp/w640-h480/dinner%20scene.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Dining scene in downtown Caen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizILf1EwUKNx9_Bl0iSu_p6esyG7dSRmfP7SgaXduWnQuG8m3Tnus_dYMajStfd_c0A0seTAKP_jQFAYxcntrewOd7Mem5hOA7OX_bOzdOar7gGl60taP25sYSJ5DuXWzcX6WiK_N4F8-Hof7eAu7rdeyeoqyPw7nY0gMeKvelnpoht0G08QM4Iv2Rh2cF/s1920/abbey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizILf1EwUKNx9_Bl0iSu_p6esyG7dSRmfP7SgaXduWnQuG8m3Tnus_dYMajStfd_c0A0seTAKP_jQFAYxcntrewOd7Mem5hOA7OX_bOzdOar7gGl60taP25sYSJ5DuXWzcX6WiK_N4F8-Hof7eAu7rdeyeoqyPw7nY0gMeKvelnpoht0G08QM4Iv2Rh2cF/w640-h480/abbey.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The building on the left is Caen's impressive city hall. That's Abbey Saint-Etienne on the right. Built in 1066, the abbey is the final resting place for William the Conqueror. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-10935052647297108832023-06-18T01:21:00.000-07:002023-06-18T01:21:03.011-07:00Rouen, France<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm8UmQgrlzv2QyFvOsx_wwl0oorNB6RpoU4tara1fW_qk2Mobu0ky0zT8ejAbUsxycnvwqSLSdbjXXwsMLtnOwe7cg9Z8DyW9d6OkUTjrXqaLLNwOQ2pFwBQNT924VN2JyjolJSpwt78SBp7B4syxtJY0x5c95W9IuE3LdQX_37hD4m92lO0YywticA/s1920/roman%20ruins.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm8UmQgrlzv2QyFvOsx_wwl0oorNB6RpoU4tara1fW_qk2Mobu0ky0zT8ejAbUsxycnvwqSLSdbjXXwsMLtnOwe7cg9Z8DyW9d6OkUTjrXqaLLNwOQ2pFwBQNT924VN2JyjolJSpwt78SBp7B4syxtJY0x5c95W9IuE3LdQX_37hD4m92lO0YywticA/w640-h480/roman%20ruins.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Rouen, population 120,000, lies 75 miles from Paris and 100 miles from the D-Day beaches of Normandy. Of course the first place I head to is Rouen's medieval old town area. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kge_Y352Gs9wDDa10anJCPbkptCcTSxJ9lxLaIGlvaCyIwc52jI2IiM4o32m_MHF9DGExUKMvn_4e8ayWTNKPywPBd0gAOVY811eM3FAiyzpxeo9pcw9ZBhReBODHuy9M4XMQxQnKRMPtOScUfvXpCTfRjU6REe0eKh1yM2T4QgfjQco-n4fYNx_RQ/s1920/across%20from%20hotel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kge_Y352Gs9wDDa10anJCPbkptCcTSxJ9lxLaIGlvaCyIwc52jI2IiM4o32m_MHF9DGExUKMvn_4e8ayWTNKPywPBd0gAOVY811eM3FAiyzpxeo9pcw9ZBhReBODHuy9M4XMQxQnKRMPtOScUfvXpCTfRjU6REe0eKh1yM2T4QgfjQco-n4fYNx_RQ/w640-h480/across%20from%20hotel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Lots of half-timbered buildings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv1ucjrmxMymcnuIOTrX3tIg848-5K_vNiwmbqqxf1Qv_6CiuUKSN10-SeekOXyD8CCVLC0_Ox-Y1qPG2QicDRKMdD6FhOzHPCOEXp8YwM8FJoQUmIMRXgmk6RlaK3ir11M0Luur3zs0ngpNf_Jpav2MO039x96yTjEBoTsr48KS3PsPZ4T-MAfMKnA/s1920/tourist%20building.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv1ucjrmxMymcnuIOTrX3tIg848-5K_vNiwmbqqxf1Qv_6CiuUKSN10-SeekOXyD8CCVLC0_Ox-Y1qPG2QicDRKMdD6FhOzHPCOEXp8YwM8FJoQUmIMRXgmk6RlaK3ir11M0Luur3zs0ngpNf_Jpav2MO039x96yTjEBoTsr48KS3PsPZ4T-MAfMKnA/w640-h480/tourist%20building.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Tourist office.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrfNAqgngrgqERHOLqmzkO5t96_B2Y-NUd1KvXGdjOyD1tYVtEZAkhyjmLueJRnRnGqNy0rD7amu8WYvrh2EvIkMDLa87o9S2WK_U2guSYw9nmzpYNW9jLE2xrXYaIxfQqF5hS6yFvW6CUpIj3tgisbrl7Hk4MnV0snh5f2IBa80rpKZznwl5T4JxJA/s1920/hotel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrfNAqgngrgqERHOLqmzkO5t96_B2Y-NUd1KvXGdjOyD1tYVtEZAkhyjmLueJRnRnGqNy0rD7amu8WYvrh2EvIkMDLa87o9S2WK_U2guSYw9nmzpYNW9jLE2xrXYaIxfQqF5hS6yFvW6CUpIj3tgisbrl7Hk4MnV0snh5f2IBa80rpKZznwl5T4JxJA/w640-h480/hotel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This building houses a hotel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAoVSh67UzsFQz2_4YHxpUq08bIN9Xr_ZbR1v0qUROmLAyT5Ljs5vkEiCiz9aPRtxqW_m3Eudo3PnZU6CnRUf3pRiqiGte-AT1zUYncF3MB_cLoW9cx3olDzEOSThlax8JX69QthOygD0mNvOOMk-diCFXKA1qmiy8xadsQoz39APFo-GrfnJqUJiAw/s1920/street%20view%20canal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAoVSh67UzsFQz2_4YHxpUq08bIN9Xr_ZbR1v0qUROmLAyT5Ljs5vkEiCiz9aPRtxqW_m3Eudo3PnZU6CnRUf3pRiqiGte-AT1zUYncF3MB_cLoW9cx3olDzEOSThlax8JX69QthOygD0mNvOOMk-diCFXKA1qmiy8xadsQoz39APFo-GrfnJqUJiAw/w640-h480/street%20view%20canal.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnMy0N4zKaDoVQiI0v4Nl5euZgPUf56lyFNCmiol8bczb3IBi9CHDF0meLEnSFb8u6-mdFkBQnTET2BXbfFIM6npQIEWyUUJ-ZNIdJXdDDdyRV5z70MhI68rSfDaW2xUDdPgCQZwImSz-28ZrK421-yXlUViXuYIpNvdOGp2sn3rS1FIGBXyRzNbNaA/s1920/clock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnMy0N4zKaDoVQiI0v4Nl5euZgPUf56lyFNCmiol8bczb3IBi9CHDF0meLEnSFb8u6-mdFkBQnTET2BXbfFIM6npQIEWyUUJ-ZNIdJXdDDdyRV5z70MhI68rSfDaW2xUDdPgCQZwImSz-28ZrK421-yXlUViXuYIpNvdOGp2sn3rS1FIGBXyRzNbNaA/w640-h480/clock.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oJLyVx3jklBfFpWuhrzFvI8M6oClV577jAcZlwEmm0gL0f1LwKTvOc2OMlwfM3GnGkHdLoUtkx06eOf8omJpYwJ5u1o9sc8t87g8dowM4jlPk3-SRXvPTgjcKwnWyClDI7fug83_LGBGvMLgO13txiWcx019ixvfWy_GO05jznL-NCb4MRG8fU-bwQ/s1920/half-timbered%20pastry%20shop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oJLyVx3jklBfFpWuhrzFvI8M6oClV577jAcZlwEmm0gL0f1LwKTvOc2OMlwfM3GnGkHdLoUtkx06eOf8omJpYwJ5u1o9sc8t87g8dowM4jlPk3-SRXvPTgjcKwnWyClDI7fug83_LGBGvMLgO13txiWcx019ixvfWy_GO05jznL-NCb4MRG8fU-bwQ/w480-h640/half-timbered%20pastry%20shop.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>This half-timbered building caught my attention because the ground floor houses a patisserie. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX-EgLK0EQrgXMTlOtRhdl7129HXJYCtE0b2Xw3iW-IxsqgJgNnbTMZRR2vZPY0PXJboJb0fqHK2mBf9sUKc4mrac9CLK7grsRbv6tVkwC2shefidGRerAPDcOmIqHCRFW8ceTRM-N9VcGyI5sjbvzRSXPRsSXgHS4ALewCJKaSOtNKLSwz09wQzYKQ/s1920/patisserie%20school.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX-EgLK0EQrgXMTlOtRhdl7129HXJYCtE0b2Xw3iW-IxsqgJgNnbTMZRR2vZPY0PXJboJb0fqHK2mBf9sUKc4mrac9CLK7grsRbv6tVkwC2shefidGRerAPDcOmIqHCRFW8ceTRM-N9VcGyI5sjbvzRSXPRsSXgHS4ALewCJKaSOtNKLSwz09wQzYKQ/w640-h480/patisserie%20school.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I thought this was a patisserie shop but, turns out it's a school to learn how to make patisseries (pastries). It's break time from class.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzA2MoXlgF6-mg2oU7nfwDIC_GRQubuNcfVM934P5Th-z_GPjIukGnNqGnuhqEg-PTOLO8m0BtV37c-qZUOnadFlofTVkuWKLkBnCQd7Nu67rujKJ6PQf-MVunca_BzyGWr4xGXPZlaV6-ZSrfh_bKkFlD1kPvYJrSDWl_9yFP-DqzSiyVdVIbmhXWQ/s1920/monument.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzA2MoXlgF6-mg2oU7nfwDIC_GRQubuNcfVM934P5Th-z_GPjIukGnNqGnuhqEg-PTOLO8m0BtV37c-qZUOnadFlofTVkuWKLkBnCQd7Nu67rujKJ6PQf-MVunca_BzyGWr4xGXPZlaV6-ZSrfh_bKkFlD1kPvYJrSDWl_9yFP-DqzSiyVdVIbmhXWQ/w640-h480/monument.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Have this impressive monument but no plaque giving some background information.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-ymsGy0b-cuQZ2PcLi_-3BIicR1nWco4hoohFuBdBIBPsbzTSB38jjYhjDEION-9U5-aZqCKO_hGRBuWmiYmAJzGzv6u23z5pw4bIHj44M5w3NJy273vUAuAmERcmvZYdeER9h5PdYXy5NpD2-VEroLiQQGLsBmeoorg8ieFYJBSgG5TpHBZ_-wouw/s1920/keep.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-ymsGy0b-cuQZ2PcLi_-3BIicR1nWco4hoohFuBdBIBPsbzTSB38jjYhjDEION-9U5-aZqCKO_hGRBuWmiYmAJzGzv6u23z5pw4bIHj44M5w3NJy273vUAuAmERcmvZYdeER9h5PdYXy5NpD2-VEroLiQQGLsBmeoorg8ieFYJBSgG5TpHBZ_-wouw/w480-h640/keep.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>This is the keep of Rouen Castle. The castle was built in the 1200's but was dismantled in 1591 except for keep. Built within the walls of a castle, the keep is a fortified tower and used as a last refuge if the castle was attacked. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexg28WOHpADlQ6kTvQXMowAZxfx3cAO4ntk_ITot0DqCAZcba-r7HqCcC6WJpl3jX8FStzeFQZ38Yop6c2hdeqe4tr-VMfBl49JbjqXgoW1kPmbpUVOq2rBqIK0_wQf3X7DCX4lYC8NX1SWFNvaWKODFqLsZXrZJ__51nEEeYRCUJ14WBogkgTLPYAQ/s1920/front%20of%20church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexg28WOHpADlQ6kTvQXMowAZxfx3cAO4ntk_ITot0DqCAZcba-r7HqCcC6WJpl3jX8FStzeFQZ38Yop6c2hdeqe4tr-VMfBl49JbjqXgoW1kPmbpUVOq2rBqIK0_wQf3X7DCX4lYC8NX1SWFNvaWKODFqLsZXrZJ__51nEEeYRCUJ14WBogkgTLPYAQ/w640-h480/front%20of%20church.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Front of Rouen Cathedral. It's famous for its three towers--each with a different style (early Gothic, Flamboyant and, Renaissance)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzjaue3g_lOLJGyw9GgQSNHrnZdA4f31fNSd9ZBL53z_yOHIBnssANFQ_SlAASdL-hDBHCKXZs5Wh8X9_vcOUzxj9jo7DCYX0aMfq0V7mioUW_uWLCF4P_12UAdAbTb0fYHnGESKLMfEjIC6O_hHEigjKnhh6Zjv5pnZN7Ckz-uGEvBB6mGqr-N74PA/s1920/side%20view%20of%20church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzjaue3g_lOLJGyw9GgQSNHrnZdA4f31fNSd9ZBL53z_yOHIBnssANFQ_SlAASdL-hDBHCKXZs5Wh8X9_vcOUzxj9jo7DCYX0aMfq0V7mioUW_uWLCF4P_12UAdAbTb0fYHnGESKLMfEjIC6O_hHEigjKnhh6Zjv5pnZN7Ckz-uGEvBB6mGqr-N74PA/w640-h480/side%20view%20of%20church.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Side view of Rouen Cathedral.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8tNQZUoDoxIyuc7sxZTGfZixzKJhkt4mNsBkhlxEN9AhMXluu-3VLCxUZr9bETpKfcJTVp1gpnsaL_tQ7B8gzLQFk8Ve5wHbYwzde7lQKCt4IX3sGBJPfHvg6xzMLK-ZedjU1i0Algim3HF1KkG5E3mooodkrmL2XIhafIDxgCI3CF6ZlzQPAtyrfQ/s1920/courtyard.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8tNQZUoDoxIyuc7sxZTGfZixzKJhkt4mNsBkhlxEN9AhMXluu-3VLCxUZr9bETpKfcJTVp1gpnsaL_tQ7B8gzLQFk8Ve5wHbYwzde7lQKCt4IX3sGBJPfHvg6xzMLK-ZedjU1i0Algim3HF1KkG5E3mooodkrmL2XIhafIDxgCI3CF6ZlzQPAtyrfQ/w640-h480/courtyard.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This church inner courtyard dates back to the Middle Ages. If you look closely at the woodwork you see carvings of bones and skulls. This was a cemetery. During plagues in the Middle Ages bodies were buried here and when space ran out-- the bones would be dug up and stacked in the attics atop the second floor. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw2Uj71CBxnbWuObV8vQzJCwrD_1wP70B1tDn79jNCAu5hndnlzucrDXRKzZ1LIvmgjatsyCYL7hZGi1uYJ4yxa7Crpb7DrL-x3qIl-lxshBQjlFEFbyqpBllk1Q4QaE3iOnnDJFBilj0xDz9DhphavRFLMBEYmBZinsslv9iN5_2w5hxkGReQhL5cw/s1920/waterfront.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw2Uj71CBxnbWuObV8vQzJCwrD_1wP70B1tDn79jNCAu5hndnlzucrDXRKzZ1LIvmgjatsyCYL7hZGi1uYJ4yxa7Crpb7DrL-x3qIl-lxshBQjlFEFbyqpBllk1Q4QaE3iOnnDJFBilj0xDz9DhphavRFLMBEYmBZinsslv9iN5_2w5hxkGReQhL5cw/w640-h480/waterfront.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The Seine River runs through Rouen. Though it's 100 miles to the English Channel, it's the fifth busiest port in France. There's a massive crowd past the bridge and I don't even attempt to get through with my bike. What's going on?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nCICmTh5IN0ygbGNU143rDFyF0f6zKfuXNYx1vTvAVHi9akurmv7chOTB06KNu-ZeY9J-kN_wagoJEltVshtKO90D9Lg-Juc-tT77kJ-vaTYM2vFnahLAt8xBamlBoMkp9sQOdCkgbbJe1hvwH5uyMOYloNQ5KdxPyCPqgHFC5PXKI_c2y-T2OfzUA/s1920/river%20from%20bridge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nCICmTh5IN0ygbGNU143rDFyF0f6zKfuXNYx1vTvAVHi9akurmv7chOTB06KNu-ZeY9J-kN_wagoJEltVshtKO90D9Lg-Juc-tT77kJ-vaTYM2vFnahLAt8xBamlBoMkp9sQOdCkgbbJe1hvwH5uyMOYloNQ5KdxPyCPqgHFC5PXKI_c2y-T2OfzUA/w640-h480/river%20from%20bridge.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Every half-dozen years Rouen host an armada of tall sailing ships. You can see a few of them lined up on the other side. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-70194341374364814412023-06-05T12:24:00.002-07:002023-06-05T21:37:58.647-07:00King of Saudi Arabia's palace (Geneva, Switzerland)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7GWiSVmX7KwihVzgLrqtK_F37Na4hJPUykY70QZACnsc0Tui8Ajct7WEcshwwV03mpX_Y4X7HwPOhkBGEllBkQh8s2V5baAm-xPFr8uYcarkD5X3mCcvRqmdImj9WJH-i2lutUpF10caqjWKB27JMxarK2UTNx1oU1O96y2iuHIFP1Ai6ysy88uo7w/s1920/view%20of%20lake.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7GWiSVmX7KwihVzgLrqtK_F37Na4hJPUykY70QZACnsc0Tui8Ajct7WEcshwwV03mpX_Y4X7HwPOhkBGEllBkQh8s2V5baAm-xPFr8uYcarkD5X3mCcvRqmdImj9WJH-i2lutUpF10caqjWKB27JMxarK2UTNx1oU1O96y2iuHIFP1Ai6ysy88uo7w/w640-h480/view%20of%20lake.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm about eight miles from Geneva in the well-to-do suburb of Cologny. With views of Lake Geneva along with the Jura Mountains in the distance, this area is home to the super wealthy. Many from the Middle East have homes in the area but, none compare to the King of Saudi Arabia's 177,000 square foot "get away" palace. Built in the 1970's by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud--very little is known about the place. I did find a website showing an aerial view of the palace and grounds. Click on this link: https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/swiss-palace-of-king-abdullah-bin-abdul-aziz-al-saud/view/google/ Ugh, unfortunately I can't get it to work when clicking on the link so you have to type in the whole thing. <p></p><p>Described as a "mini-Versailles", what you see is a two-story, H-shaped building along with about a dozen villas on a four acre site--all linked by a series of underground tunnels through which vehicles can travel. The estate has up to 100 garages to house the king's fleet of cars. </p><p>King Fahd died in 2005. When he would visit his Boeing 747 would be followed by another Boeing 747 as well as four other large planes carrying his staff and royal luggage. After King Fahd's death his brother-in-law King Abdullah took over the property. King Abdullah died in 2015 and is now the property belongs to his half-brother King Salmane. Got that?</p><p>I don't have the property's exact address but thanks to Google's view from above I have the general area and am cycling around to see it from the ground.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvhypOPOlVOh3ePt8DU1rlWf2b6chS4-5O4m2Etg_bxv7tiekTEPlFXtrQj9-Mv3XcJeym2MkLnl7Mx6bHjZ7PtS2ClDURzaDOOal2nsKloQuMiFpsTLVcCDzL1-FCYPKySyKJVcj40oYnCo_81sIFIG5CplgmYUiABoEYh9ODpcrV579_ITUvzul_A/s1920/iranian%20castle%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvhypOPOlVOh3ePt8DU1rlWf2b6chS4-5O4m2Etg_bxv7tiekTEPlFXtrQj9-Mv3XcJeym2MkLnl7Mx6bHjZ7PtS2ClDURzaDOOal2nsKloQuMiFpsTLVcCDzL1-FCYPKySyKJVcj40oYnCo_81sIFIG5CplgmYUiABoEYh9ODpcrV579_ITUvzul_A/w480-h640/iranian%20castle%201.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Came across this interesting chateau in Cologny. Built in 1883 by a wealthy Scotsman, it's half Gothic and half Oriental. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTn4iO4CMbJoOacpraXZD5ZRck2YUZaaKekiLP0gxf1u-1SKXqiJ3JDsEmjore1j7aF8i0b_0pGBUG1PgLZ4gVxheITGB3PIcIopU835VoRJVDHSBpix1wJD2XhVJ5aGzIvK5htPHBICzFKewTLyKHDX4muzhKcQeXsO6orefxhksKbTRPsM6UM_xHw/s1920/iranian%20castle%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTn4iO4CMbJoOacpraXZD5ZRck2YUZaaKekiLP0gxf1u-1SKXqiJ3JDsEmjore1j7aF8i0b_0pGBUG1PgLZ4gVxheITGB3PIcIopU835VoRJVDHSBpix1wJD2XhVJ5aGzIvK5htPHBICzFKewTLyKHDX4muzhKcQeXsO6orefxhksKbTRPsM6UM_xHw/w480-h640/iranian%20castle%202.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>A plaque outside the entrance gate reads" Swiss Oil & Gas Trading SA" .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw_WQ4Gs34b7KTBx-_5gxB9LmbBJngIzhwvEfDsrKnkbycWqxZNLomcONJQsZzKS4d7lY-7MVuLttFGAJMB2ZAhw_LlGzFDAVqnfJ5DhQxo4vIdXL2EQCR4HO3ut5g1ORLv-4vYtCIrPDuNHh9vtGFioT8VSRlvDPM8jxLNN2yw-L5Xa7wZU_q1qV8Q/s1920/iranian%20castle%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw_WQ4Gs34b7KTBx-_5gxB9LmbBJngIzhwvEfDsrKnkbycWqxZNLomcONJQsZzKS4d7lY-7MVuLttFGAJMB2ZAhw_LlGzFDAVqnfJ5DhQxo4vIdXL2EQCR4HO3ut5g1ORLv-4vYtCIrPDuNHh9vtGFioT8VSRlvDPM8jxLNN2yw-L5Xa7wZU_q1qV8Q/w640-h480/iranian%20castle%203.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Going on the internet I learn the owner is Mohamad Harajchi, an Iranian. Guess what? The place is on the market for a cool $60 million. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOowIVjfjlsppv-Xl8fYJdGxM2zsS-9bVaFON8aIpx_RUrQ-BBzcCpeV0USJ-QxJ4_AwQaGe2oB65YboxcnWypAihpFcr9_PYa0hmvziRwYTNk1vcTiBDc2471dZ3MkCYxZ4q2FGNoY3UvHRsxlMDYDAKFlEexaPY9li0BFBdlQu7GmBMjCjt-bE_6jg/s1920/world%20economic%20forum%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOowIVjfjlsppv-Xl8fYJdGxM2zsS-9bVaFON8aIpx_RUrQ-BBzcCpeV0USJ-QxJ4_AwQaGe2oB65YboxcnWypAihpFcr9_PYa0hmvziRwYTNk1vcTiBDc2471dZ3MkCYxZ4q2FGNoY3UvHRsxlMDYDAKFlEexaPY9li0BFBdlQu7GmBMjCjt-bE_6jg/w640-h480/world%20economic%20forum%201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>On the main drag through Cologny one passes by this walled complex. It's the home office for the World Economic Forum--the one who every winter stages the famous gathering of the world's movers and shakers in the ski resort of Davos. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnuV4qfpnWg6DG_qn8S2EMBqK3mY6dvwH_we_JFMSD8XVQbIjwSMIUUED60C4PolE4ZGfua-cQzM8tcdPgTnDdS73OlFksw_J0haI2I9L0Yh_ZPxMsDEy_Fgq45H4Bmr9_9YUjwIIu5EFy5DywD9nJD9HrgYLr3G0r9w-ixzp2cxPABscavyWp63Uhw/s1920/world%20economic%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnuV4qfpnWg6DG_qn8S2EMBqK3mY6dvwH_we_JFMSD8XVQbIjwSMIUUED60C4PolE4ZGfua-cQzM8tcdPgTnDdS73OlFksw_J0haI2I9L0Yh_ZPxMsDEy_Fgq45H4Bmr9_9YUjwIIu5EFy5DywD9nJD9HrgYLr3G0r9w-ixzp2cxPABscavyWp63Uhw/w640-h480/world%20economic%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>It's a Sunday and the World Economic Forum's offices are closed but I stick my camera through the gates and snap this photo. Over 600 employees work here. The views over Lake Geneva are impressive. The complex houses multiple modernistic buildings totaling 115,000 square feet. It must have cost an arm and a leg as well as overcoming local opposition to build the place but then again, from the very high fees the World Economic Forum charges to attend their events--they could afford it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioduVPjdRpU1j0-_PSaiP0YYih6Zqju4ssXBUdRIaLpXPlpoJwzKg7BBWuRR1EZKh6W0ZXQpVq5j9EGkJOPA-DszY8mQqlVKY3Kl-MBqG360occAbpqnwWnDDfO-jtssIQQjavARYN0s2CXAsqw57PvMLPWrR9P9aALg5MeJ_IgCz0wody768gv9Py8Q/s1920/water%20tower.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioduVPjdRpU1j0-_PSaiP0YYih6Zqju4ssXBUdRIaLpXPlpoJwzKg7BBWuRR1EZKh6W0ZXQpVq5j9EGkJOPA-DszY8mQqlVKY3Kl-MBqG360occAbpqnwWnDDfO-jtssIQQjavARYN0s2CXAsqw57PvMLPWrR9P9aALg5MeJ_IgCz0wody768gv9Py8Q/w480-h640/water%20tower.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Cycling down a side road I came upon this watch tower or is it a fire watch tower? A plaque near the tower base has the dates 1602-1902. Does it mean it was built in 1602 or was there another tower on the site between 1602-1902 and this current tower was built in 1902? Either way I like it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MJZSwJGtoCATKo6sx-BvBWJr8hFfeuNUZTkeE6mMlnradrm1IdqsVtev7pO9feCXLtJy7z0bOooN8dFh06GzMrY8HUcHEYTvJNqR6XBEIy9hE5mlTzUd_DGNtAATCTGtYuKkbGBcp4I08prpO6nmFr6dYfzSoGuiMxYG37pVMqxevQwPodj3npqfuQ/s1920/view%20vineyards.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MJZSwJGtoCATKo6sx-BvBWJr8hFfeuNUZTkeE6mMlnradrm1IdqsVtev7pO9feCXLtJy7z0bOooN8dFh06GzMrY8HUcHEYTvJNqR6XBEIy9hE5mlTzUd_DGNtAATCTGtYuKkbGBcp4I08prpO6nmFr6dYfzSoGuiMxYG37pVMqxevQwPodj3npqfuQ/w640-h480/view%20vineyards.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm on a hill. Away from the lakefront it's vineyards, farmland and tiny villages. See that tall building in the distance (it's a flour mill)? According to my calculations the Saudi mega-palace should be somewhere to the left of the flour mill near the lakefront. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YIiZkxofD4J2wf0-zmxHI3VuCmn4x8DO-tEK-ztdg0NjntGFlpGShHAZFMLl8cD1R-zlie90H-kXehK-AzTLmhZypmsYAXj08IeScztwdv-Rg8fi5LN3sj819QHSvvIdFh_OoXSpoQO6Z_p6jHQFlwcn8ztM5aTzPb4KU6Hz5yd7L6Er3GGXZ_vdIg/s1920/king%20entrance.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YIiZkxofD4J2wf0-zmxHI3VuCmn4x8DO-tEK-ztdg0NjntGFlpGShHAZFMLl8cD1R-zlie90H-kXehK-AzTLmhZypmsYAXj08IeScztwdv-Rg8fi5LN3sj819QHSvvIdFh_OoXSpoQO6Z_p6jHQFlwcn8ztM5aTzPb4KU6Hz5yd7L6Er3GGXZ_vdIg/w640-h480/king%20entrance.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Well, thanks to a neighbor down the street I find the main entrance to the palace. See the black plaque on the right near the guard building? It reads "Villa de L'Aube"--which means "dawn villa". After snapping this picture a guard comes out. I ask if this place belongs to the King of Saudi Arabia. He says he's not allowed to give out any information and says I'm not allowed to take photos. Seeing as how I've already taken pictures, I elect not to get in an argument with him and point out the fact I'm standing on a public street.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zi567C3mJJSYWSe8zxjJ9WenOndOCjcYqWaxlVlcrL99exB5CqLQ9n8muoJwcWJmkrPf2Kwz9NLSI6F0cJLpYTM_qfaua9OiBy3jCEkWJzCy-kpm6IOqsJdY9ldRxGrJNUl_QPFYFJWLqZM2p9ARrmrGgXkUqKFnvixvqfH7BhX6uOtoJLs8HOmpFw/s1920/shady%20road.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zi567C3mJJSYWSe8zxjJ9WenOndOCjcYqWaxlVlcrL99exB5CqLQ9n8muoJwcWJmkrPf2Kwz9NLSI6F0cJLpYTM_qfaua9OiBy3jCEkWJzCy-kpm6IOqsJdY9ldRxGrJNUl_QPFYFJWLqZM2p9ARrmrGgXkUqKFnvixvqfH7BhX6uOtoJLs8HOmpFw/w640-h480/shady%20road.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>I decide to cycle around the perimeter of the complex and see if I can get a glimpse of the mega-mansion. It's heavily wooded and walls prevent you from seeing much.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCftt_S5uAboTMv4nDwd9545KEcyb2VabitayibbXev0pChVe9wYEBw3qDKnsifZxgvIM3ciCZ16ceWYLqgYOGFMUBUizvT0-pC-noZ-ktlecxeNtwGfv8wfesndxk7wJIcNpIBmbhDxyMu-MP-FWHodHPTMfJ-WKwKIuqww25q7-B6pQzWEQK3m24w/s1920/king%20villa.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCftt_S5uAboTMv4nDwd9545KEcyb2VabitayibbXev0pChVe9wYEBw3qDKnsifZxgvIM3ciCZ16ceWYLqgYOGFMUBUizvT0-pC-noZ-ktlecxeNtwGfv8wfesndxk7wJIcNpIBmbhDxyMu-MP-FWHodHPTMfJ-WKwKIuqww25q7-B6pQzWEQK3m24w/w640-h480/king%20villa.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This is a side entrance to the palace and looks to be a few of the onsite villas.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OWA_gsOQij4MfHaES_Ukiyl3hdZdrBidkkvxPn3X45BCAt8Xjr3Ve6Z7Amqm1hBFS8WJ9eD2hTwInmxHOaqFq1O8MzdEfDWrBukzkTDZzfWLuFlgsA_mkVEUxCOprSqYAVKKkkkdBP1UqecFkfm2s9Adn_nQeYsUu8fONvdoVOo1SompZ9HNfM5l5w/s1920/chateau%20from%20lake.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OWA_gsOQij4MfHaES_Ukiyl3hdZdrBidkkvxPn3X45BCAt8Xjr3Ve6Z7Amqm1hBFS8WJ9eD2hTwInmxHOaqFq1O8MzdEfDWrBukzkTDZzfWLuFlgsA_mkVEUxCOprSqYAVKKkkkdBP1UqecFkfm2s9Adn_nQeYsUu8fONvdoVOo1SompZ9HNfM5l5w/w640-h480/chateau%20from%20lake.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Heading down to the lakefront I see this spiffy-looking chateau.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrkKcKw4hjzqaO1bTaCStqck_x_Z1SIzJn7J37Zfd9oXDxjQ9JRlImfUSmQkzoLrPNaItTd-qfSaKpwF2BiTTtOFtDzQAgywv7X6lBDx-jmbSX0isM0XGtEBpw2qjJYaJLyVx8s7IyikhzMWLp4E1YqlFh0rTbpF968WSpRAcorCkIWam2XiShfWvew/s1920/chateau.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrkKcKw4hjzqaO1bTaCStqck_x_Z1SIzJn7J37Zfd9oXDxjQ9JRlImfUSmQkzoLrPNaItTd-qfSaKpwF2BiTTtOFtDzQAgywv7X6lBDx-jmbSX0isM0XGtEBpw2qjJYaJLyVx8s7IyikhzMWLp4E1YqlFh0rTbpF968WSpRAcorCkIWam2XiShfWvew/w480-h640/chateau.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Here's the entrance to the chateau. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-13044896973317232802022-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:002022-09-15T14:20:48.996-07:00Zug and Baar, Switzerland (Part 2) Running with the Bulls<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6t46EXL6SWLQK_ZmwnVEuyxDhpkzVAExnMSMT5lKUowM1KkJQIWJxOurbv4WMBCINtprWsL9fd84ne6TSKbbmIez59ecNw3KvoLA6Wu_wPrDqy8_O_jmWLi0R5Js2WiH9f4Weu5CNnM1SD62DHzItYxRIm-uU4CfYUMEu4jczI5vx7dqDpC3CYpr6w/s1440/cow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6t46EXL6SWLQK_ZmwnVEuyxDhpkzVAExnMSMT5lKUowM1KkJQIWJxOurbv4WMBCINtprWsL9fd84ne6TSKbbmIez59ecNw3KvoLA6Wu_wPrDqy8_O_jmWLi0R5Js2WiH9f4Weu5CNnM1SD62DHzItYxRIm-uU4CfYUMEu4jczI5vx7dqDpC3CYpr6w/w400-h300/cow1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So, here I am cycling around Zug with dozens of modern office building left and right when I spot several pickup trucks with trailers waiting to turn into what looks to be a county fairgrounds complex. A private security guard is directing vehicles onto the grounds. I spot two guys walking in and find they speak English. 'what's going on here", I ask. Turns out it's a cattle auction but won't be open to the public until tomorrow. I tell the two guys I'm only here for today and ask if it's possible to accompany them inside. They agree but, warn me stay way back from the bulls. In this photos the big bulls are being weighed on a scale and measured.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfkYXk5OuWTJuyeapAOkn1rAHzs-Q1Opq5igAZa7kmZIAq83G0wOrmN6fSytW0B2u3ZiW8mcx80aVRaj8JUtkBrajonWu68CjEa6EgpAzLIhZdyIA3WDg-6sVp3GzK-6OEGcFlAA_lGhe-WW3TR8dAYKqEJBb2XYQqhpWARzeTPP2eMtIOG_TAFCYYg/s1440/cow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfkYXk5OuWTJuyeapAOkn1rAHzs-Q1Opq5igAZa7kmZIAq83G0wOrmN6fSytW0B2u3ZiW8mcx80aVRaj8JUtkBrajonWu68CjEa6EgpAzLIhZdyIA3WDg-6sVp3GzK-6OEGcFlAA_lGhe-WW3TR8dAYKqEJBb2XYQqhpWARzeTPP2eMtIOG_TAFCYYg/w400-h300/cow2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So, I end up hanging out for more than a hour. Notice the office buildings in the background. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SOMaU733OELmaeig9u3zg6FQWbPSZ2AhVFbSFPgAnDPL_B6ufCdasygvv1v9kEEBvXAh0tk7aL_j_DxCfbN6QSARlDiYglRDNZCu8l7xJQv-yuB5ZrvVDTIXWi8An40Q3zONEasguekUsohCSK6zZLbyZSlaDbWhNRoBFjsgL7sSwWsNyMsPMLPXSw/s1440/big%20bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SOMaU733OELmaeig9u3zg6FQWbPSZ2AhVFbSFPgAnDPL_B6ufCdasygvv1v9kEEBvXAh0tk7aL_j_DxCfbN6QSARlDiYglRDNZCu8l7xJQv-yuB5ZrvVDTIXWi8An40Q3zONEasguekUsohCSK6zZLbyZSlaDbWhNRoBFjsgL7sSwWsNyMsPMLPXSw/w400-h300/big%20bull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some of these bulls are massive and so are their cajones! They're being auctioned off for breeding. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLy1ejbtEVyrS92Gdu6igTb7acJWFWbj7jipRAGRbrOsPwh_VySFDhaay24k1MacWpVaR04PdKOVs08HEK6rMoJiA3F4Nu_D9VNo2Rxtb5O0ux-Yp59eU56zl0ohH63wSPLau7hqdklN2mivnDBKqw8vow9FAtfu7mu0AICgWYTC2X7Gg2h0kIk6yWA/s1440/bull%20washing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLy1ejbtEVyrS92Gdu6igTb7acJWFWbj7jipRAGRbrOsPwh_VySFDhaay24k1MacWpVaR04PdKOVs08HEK6rMoJiA3F4Nu_D9VNo2Rxtb5O0ux-Yp59eU56zl0ohH63wSPLau7hqdklN2mivnDBKqw8vow9FAtfu7mu0AICgWYTC2X7Gg2h0kIk6yWA/w400-h300/bull%20washing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I talked to a veterinarian who was here to give each bull a visual inspection. I ask, "How much can one of these big bulls fetch?" "Maybe two or three thousand" he answers. (2,000 Swiss francs equals $2,085). "How long can these bulls breed?", I ask. "Maybe seven years then they start to have health issues", he answers. I ask, "Getting all these bulls together, don't they fight?" "No", the vet answers. "Sorry to ask all these questions but, when a cow quits giving milk what happens? do they become hamburger", I ask. The vet answers, "yes". The veterinarian goes on to say most cows give milk for three years but, for Swiss cows it's up to 10 years. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56CdwmNRKK6ZJd9YkWv3KnWR2ijfKVXtBRnrAL9kHpYmB6hQFphxMn8HFwGkKzOGrPoplojWIQxRgbxWo-zx2wXi-zWZGwkkkdBKjeBNYFOgyspVaQWddTJPA4oSB8wQ4-svdbUh5bT8IeUxpkM7A54C0FP0aP2KPjTQTXjg80KURVMZK2GqtWFYgHQ/s1440/small%20bull%20weighing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56CdwmNRKK6ZJd9YkWv3KnWR2ijfKVXtBRnrAL9kHpYmB6hQFphxMn8HFwGkKzOGrPoplojWIQxRgbxWo-zx2wXi-zWZGwkkkdBKjeBNYFOgyspVaQWddTJPA4oSB8wQ4-svdbUh5bT8IeUxpkM7A54C0FP0aP2KPjTQTXjg80KURVMZK2GqtWFYgHQ/w400-h300/small%20bull%20weighing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was funny to watch. This is a weighing scale used for smaller bulls. The bulls are lead in and their weight recorded. See next photo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukgWyyjhRsDWHb602oNIk8y0SN_aOkgTQeWinU953hKEZRPM2jwHNJtMk3g0G4C12HOe4Zix58PkXnqXLLs53vKvjAuOsls26BkFQU8oxgmzrRmHipfE3DgUMXne9PsjwaZ1lsfH8_LC4KlLaUroL9cYrYRu-vsg8fwLI-R2n7YJyVNKtj1KTy4YUzg/s1440/bull%20lying%20down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukgWyyjhRsDWHb602oNIk8y0SN_aOkgTQeWinU953hKEZRPM2jwHNJtMk3g0G4C12HOe4Zix58PkXnqXLLs53vKvjAuOsls26BkFQU8oxgmzrRmHipfE3DgUMXne9PsjwaZ1lsfH8_LC4KlLaUroL9cYrYRu-vsg8fwLI-R2n7YJyVNKtj1KTy4YUzg/w400-h300/bull%20lying%20down.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This bull decided to just lay down right in front of the scale. Four guys attempted to push, pull, yank, lift and splash with water but, he wasn't moving. You can see in the background there's a line of bulls waiting to be weighed. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5uPTfuNdm27i3FYwtbijbEivUhWRwMO2N9MtTZru12vV0K8VLYseXyn85C0W-6f4Cx7B7-3dv9hhPT6AgE0vDepF1j2lgq3GdDV8Kiw0Sy-MisTg7tQpyiV7iY7kGldlvtuRTD4vivUX0JfxnsHKi8cBeL3-GYAY3BDgAlKp236yvZqtMCRoBk58Jg/s1440/bull%20won't%20move%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5uPTfuNdm27i3FYwtbijbEivUhWRwMO2N9MtTZru12vV0K8VLYseXyn85C0W-6f4Cx7B7-3dv9hhPT6AgE0vDepF1j2lgq3GdDV8Kiw0Sy-MisTg7tQpyiV7iY7kGldlvtuRTD4vivUX0JfxnsHKi8cBeL3-GYAY3BDgAlKp236yvZqtMCRoBk58Jg/w400-h300/bull%20won't%20move%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So, they ended up moving the portable scale to the side.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J3W6lBxLzeaTiMMpvWqrbpJlSQrrKgTleuU41id2Wv3ztesZGg5gS4fgeIKOXFE3Ke92Na-0kJOw4yIILqBYp_kwE2UK82cdIBoO-3HWPHZYJTZcCFw9U_trdj2ZWtPcxb7iSbK4rfFx3Rf3751UnobkjhRf92UX6BwxOJKtzBhE8c_arGf10JUwyQ/s4896/metal%20vulture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J3W6lBxLzeaTiMMpvWqrbpJlSQrrKgTleuU41id2Wv3ztesZGg5gS4fgeIKOXFE3Ke92Na-0kJOw4yIILqBYp_kwE2UK82cdIBoO-3HWPHZYJTZcCFw9U_trdj2ZWtPcxb7iSbK4rfFx3Rf3751UnobkjhRf92UX6BwxOJKtzBhE8c_arGf10JUwyQ/w300-h400/metal%20vulture.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Saw this metal vulture outside a home.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoeJhX_D4zpkFREH4n1z_8xU_sFzCSGpgGRqZnK-EhwPtpVdFOhiENbKe66HACm0IpggC0x_ezS3uDXPR1NyOZCdZ39q2NbGtkxuDFwtQj8qlIF9S_ELFMO-lL_yrgvitf53TLdCuVxQSe_ylXrChcNynY_rYZyNhb7cm_oxS0dL1BYSHTTelZY_Vtw/s1440/bike%20path%20to%20baar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoeJhX_D4zpkFREH4n1z_8xU_sFzCSGpgGRqZnK-EhwPtpVdFOhiENbKe66HACm0IpggC0x_ezS3uDXPR1NyOZCdZ39q2NbGtkxuDFwtQj8qlIF9S_ELFMO-lL_yrgvitf53TLdCuVxQSe_ylXrChcNynY_rYZyNhb7cm_oxS0dL1BYSHTTelZY_Vtw/w400-h300/bike%20path%20to%20baar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Heading back to Baar via a bike path.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtU9gUi7-Rd3x4JryMRq2XUSn-WTF2b4gl95yPpdkdHffZ8yqPqGRT2VCLX4hBLwgGCOK8NbmcJlGVkU1ebC8joEP5736tDwOlEXD5neDpixD8xWK2oOZ1r5VzJ3CzwbvwQzHq7_vMRWIga7xWnGU3HQtjPgql7vdaXQHg-utwCtXWGbaOtnjy_mr1A/s1440/storm%20coming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtU9gUi7-Rd3x4JryMRq2XUSn-WTF2b4gl95yPpdkdHffZ8yqPqGRT2VCLX4hBLwgGCOK8NbmcJlGVkU1ebC8joEP5736tDwOlEXD5neDpixD8xWK2oOZ1r5VzJ3CzwbvwQzHq7_vMRWIga7xWnGU3HQtjPgql7vdaXQHg-utwCtXWGbaOtnjy_mr1A/w400-h300/storm%20coming.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Passed this large farm and noticed the approaching storm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUAswcVqWeWjUj1BUkw0me2TAlq5yjAPkS68Zxs6SaG4lH657cGKuA68kvZlopWV0wwedqgq42zsYrFQA-XU7bw8afeG6coJK8JRuzY6gMCaD-JWwW8rfxhe3S6Hzpr-KMTv0667GdWrbFobrQ3CBbEqvZtluAlfSX3NcVYyBptDlAh_dBWA45yf7xw/s1440/milk%20display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUAswcVqWeWjUj1BUkw0me2TAlq5yjAPkS68Zxs6SaG4lH657cGKuA68kvZlopWV0wwedqgq42zsYrFQA-XU7bw8afeG6coJK8JRuzY6gMCaD-JWwW8rfxhe3S6Hzpr-KMTv0667GdWrbFobrQ3CBbEqvZtluAlfSX3NcVYyBptDlAh_dBWA45yf7xw/w400-h300/milk%20display.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The farm had this self-service display. Wondered if the milk, yogurt, eggs and other items are all produced here at the farm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSPM_MDjd_GSP1Tdps8HzGMfGPgFkgnF8bEDFZa90cIuGtWmTl4TwZUeTZ54W24JDSdKkcQHaaxq5bS43PlklMqOJiMCDZMgu-jR10sDeIzKloKfMns67bmpzabNMO_xbcquzBH6cfu8Zt7jpsDuIGnQEhBAifZhQp26GQXWPtR_qbwF3YOTi9kudjA/s1080/goat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSPM_MDjd_GSP1Tdps8HzGMfGPgFkgnF8bEDFZa90cIuGtWmTl4TwZUeTZ54W24JDSdKkcQHaaxq5bS43PlklMqOJiMCDZMgu-jR10sDeIzKloKfMns67bmpzabNMO_xbcquzBH6cfu8Zt7jpsDuIGnQEhBAifZhQp26GQXWPtR_qbwF3YOTi9kudjA/w300-h400/goat.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This guy seems to have found a cozy spot. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvvEmM-GDTqoscyaDmOUZhyOBZnDBCA0VG3HM80DIhT-uqApq-V_6D3Ik-HvbRQssGeIOzSlKuoQifIcesb9gmWMrNWAhjObK4GQHXMoE9Q-cI_ECjbCr3TnwulH2f7VqzDt7FZrIwYx3RwKYt63CeMhuyqiAn8UbfD2bw6RQ8q-samLai1yg9bXoTA/s1440/downtown%20baar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvvEmM-GDTqoscyaDmOUZhyOBZnDBCA0VG3HM80DIhT-uqApq-V_6D3Ik-HvbRQssGeIOzSlKuoQifIcesb9gmWMrNWAhjObK4GQHXMoE9Q-cI_ECjbCr3TnwulH2f7VqzDt7FZrIwYx3RwKYt63CeMhuyqiAn8UbfD2bw6RQ8q-samLai1yg9bXoTA/w400-h300/downtown%20baar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Downtown Baar with new buildings mixed with old buildings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFotfYS1x0lL1BJLm_JihzegYzel2cqB2iPL5fxXvsFhYsSnrCx6V7Untct4SZGn23_UqNvylwrCY7bm2gR_PpbQGZ7yFdXINzkkMEISy1T4ySsSowvXmHZAXO1OTMhJz50K9d7JWhj7x4x1Kn_X_bnTlH1b0oqIy2PhOtJFQBgrW_hf9abUlNCt55g/s1440/ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFotfYS1x0lL1BJLm_JihzegYzel2cqB2iPL5fxXvsFhYsSnrCx6V7Untct4SZGn23_UqNvylwrCY7bm2gR_PpbQGZ7yFdXINzkkMEISy1T4ySsSowvXmHZAXO1OTMhJz50K9d7JWhj7x4x1Kn_X_bnTlH1b0oqIy2PhOtJFQBgrW_hf9abUlNCt55g/w400-h300/ferry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Caught a ferry taking me from one side of Lake Zurich to the other. Unfortunately upon disembarking the rain came pouring down. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-34647581246734487952022-09-15T02:30:00.001-07:002022-09-15T06:19:03.464-07:00Zug and Baar, Switzerland (Part1)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVuRae-tVbE0Z8t5hcPfdwGnBE6l4kosrknvPgfHQvY8c-O2BcZrlU0VEUsnIz2G_az5iNO0k2NJBu06tJuB31rzPIWquUx13EAOAY2outXBr3vu1jWdiuvUGoTbZpnTOGY8rFyVbsrPxbvmxNBtGG589WiwS40vfGcAv6d5AYP-dkdF-JYHFhLYvew/s1440/train%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVuRae-tVbE0Z8t5hcPfdwGnBE6l4kosrknvPgfHQvY8c-O2BcZrlU0VEUsnIz2G_az5iNO0k2NJBu06tJuB31rzPIWquUx13EAOAY2outXBr3vu1jWdiuvUGoTbZpnTOGY8rFyVbsrPxbvmxNBtGG589WiwS40vfGcAv6d5AYP-dkdF-JYHFhLYvew/w400-h300/train%20flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm about 30 miles from Zurich and the well-to-do communities of Baar (population 24,000) and Zug (population 30,000) are right next door to each other. Nice colorful flower display in downtown Baar. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKTwq75eejwSHnI8I9niy6-r3sZOUb8cYAua53eYSbz6LtEg6XiWBIrMfuxBmC7wmHc2-MxefhEPsR-d96LCogYYHsU9RfoCiZyl_Wxb3pfom6mHMNTG-sspsCirzohhpiyig7yK4WpJZrh4BmLo7FTUEEzO0_sldpbaDEsafNuRYFsfEdyfD-nEyVA/s1080/wood%20guy%20on%20garage1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKTwq75eejwSHnI8I9niy6-r3sZOUb8cYAua53eYSbz6LtEg6XiWBIrMfuxBmC7wmHc2-MxefhEPsR-d96LCogYYHsU9RfoCiZyl_Wxb3pfom6mHMNTG-sspsCirzohhpiyig7yK4WpJZrh4BmLo7FTUEEzO0_sldpbaDEsafNuRYFsfEdyfD-nEyVA/w300-h400/wood%20guy%20on%20garage1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Saw this guy atop someone's garage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV7RSjwTxpRbyqYJ7qr_ieSLHttAqumK4POb1Hxkd9xzYuKm1gr9OjHEX-24-VwMSw_TE8HqX41SDd4nxX_aia14yyYDKWvk4gHpRyIGpyVPFXa0ugGj9L_Vj5cLuNKqdZ6wuid7VF5V0Tla2WefVhhF16X_DnPC_bGP0t8jHssqiAi4NlrjVKx0jew/s1440/wood%20guy%20on%20garage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV7RSjwTxpRbyqYJ7qr_ieSLHttAqumK4POb1Hxkd9xzYuKm1gr9OjHEX-24-VwMSw_TE8HqX41SDd4nxX_aia14yyYDKWvk4gHpRyIGpyVPFXa0ugGj9L_Vj5cLuNKqdZ6wuid7VF5V0Tla2WefVhhF16X_DnPC_bGP0t8jHssqiAi4NlrjVKx0jew/w400-h300/wood%20guy%20on%20garage%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I wonder what he's thinking? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92CUQd2oxWgcgiOsL5ANuODvhfDrWEGFB4zQll4hKqPwK6SJHo2w216QNMEqZWQ9oYfbwEZf0EoLMvKz3NaRuhVXkZhAgPj8xGWiQKPpxerNJj1-HxyNMosoq9NX4HbtAktH-MqJtEaG30da-x9yQgzTVMhqB49xEFe4px23q6N7wabRsX2IW2fgWGQ/s1080/dario%20tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92CUQd2oxWgcgiOsL5ANuODvhfDrWEGFB4zQll4hKqPwK6SJHo2w216QNMEqZWQ9oYfbwEZf0EoLMvKz3NaRuhVXkZhAgPj8xGWiQKPpxerNJj1-HxyNMosoq9NX4HbtAktH-MqJtEaG30da-x9yQgzTVMhqB49xEFe4px23q6N7wabRsX2IW2fgWGQ/w300-h400/dario%20tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>In this region when there's a newborn baby I've many times seen displays like this. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy0bUCWFek5DuYVWZFgjBGhpnLoVR8W_Kol122KgBW-CbeIuisEaVDn5uGXr9iG5xtBguz5SD2GgqEfoS5QporQhdWtjCwO8tFcHI5W3w46I5Bhb86f8OnhsQYeZYsvhev1TmsN1fc5HeLq-Mm88K3lS1xe9_hG5jBMT5gAg-krzrjY8OyJCVtWYB3w/s1440/street%20intersection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy0bUCWFek5DuYVWZFgjBGhpnLoVR8W_Kol122KgBW-CbeIuisEaVDn5uGXr9iG5xtBguz5SD2GgqEfoS5QporQhdWtjCwO8tFcHI5W3w46I5Bhb86f8OnhsQYeZYsvhev1TmsN1fc5HeLq-Mm88K3lS1xe9_hG5jBMT5gAg-krzrjY8OyJCVtWYB3w/w400-h300/street%20intersection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is part of the old town area of Zug. Baar and Zug are in the canton of Zug. Cantons in Switzerland are similar to states in the USA. Many media outlets rank Zug as the wealthiest town in Switzerland. Why? Taxes. Cantons in Switzerland set their own tax rates and Zug has the lowest. Thus, thousands of corporations, private-equity firms, commodity traders and asset management firms are domiciled here. I found this out first-hand more than 20 years ago when cycling around the world visiting corporate headquarters. I had several companies to visit and upon arriving at the addresses--there was no physical head office but, mail-drops. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VPpCLrO0SapVFzOlZKuCVUz3s1EadqTzVKyYCLtXTzAOozskft9K2Jonn56Ak-2P1rZL_ncQ1nkBONkMkK97hQ2okeX7xx2PjDOMEgFImGPawY9QWnTflqDUaS0PGRqJTH1W9Bb3RloLZ-3Os9SHqN9YRv-m1P35tqihN0jZuzwhYG99rL7zpoJfdQ/s1080/fountain1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VPpCLrO0SapVFzOlZKuCVUz3s1EadqTzVKyYCLtXTzAOozskft9K2Jonn56Ak-2P1rZL_ncQ1nkBONkMkK97hQ2okeX7xx2PjDOMEgFImGPawY9QWnTflqDUaS0PGRqJTH1W9Bb3RloLZ-3Os9SHqN9YRv-m1P35tqihN0jZuzwhYG99rL7zpoJfdQ/w300-h400/fountain1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Zug has three fountains like this one. They date back to the mid-1500's. These were a way of showing off a town's wealth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs1LNULJ77_MVmb9DvZvIwINdhGSEJkLyP7s2PkO7wi-cVpu13Uxyq3p_O3L-VCqk-SKTNyEhpmwiaI-IVYdKRv4xl382JY6B2Fb9YL--2h5svJWKdGV2w10owRpm1LrJKFWgCJqyVw1EZB-9u58AIOwm09-GipZYS4ZzIfF-sCtHoHML7XLGKYXc9Q/s1080/seba%20bank.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs1LNULJ77_MVmb9DvZvIwINdhGSEJkLyP7s2PkO7wi-cVpu13Uxyq3p_O3L-VCqk-SKTNyEhpmwiaI-IVYdKRv4xl382JY6B2Fb9YL--2h5svJWKdGV2w10owRpm1LrJKFWgCJqyVw1EZB-9u58AIOwm09-GipZYS4ZzIfF-sCtHoHML7XLGKYXc9Q/w300-h400/seba%20bank.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Standing at the fountain in the previous picture I look to the right and see the sign for Seba Bank. Hmm, hundreds of banks around the world have branches in Switzerland, could this be a bank from Serbia? Also, lots of Russian enterprises (over 40) are based in Zug due to the low taxes. Of course I end up walking inside to find the answer.<p></p><p>Wow, back in 2019 SEBA bank was awarded by the Swiss financial regulator a banking and securities dealer license--becoming one of the first "crypto banks" in the world. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJ8H2kYd5zBU-s0CBdW3Yz2Uqoi7aBtaEbt8wumyJ2ZshDmEmxt6jYE4bCCcx-RUx4iGs-BfSDLcKd4SpOFwmsmaVOYa-yjoUNHqccnY9UBCBCyz6wtsyquCqiIKjl9F0dMCWFqQDfulEyXLJrFVwnsQWkf2oauh_1gLM_f45mOOZrbx6RL1hn_SDg/s1080/dining.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJ8H2kYd5zBU-s0CBdW3Yz2Uqoi7aBtaEbt8wumyJ2ZshDmEmxt6jYE4bCCcx-RUx4iGs-BfSDLcKd4SpOFwmsmaVOYa-yjoUNHqccnY9UBCBCyz6wtsyquCqiIKjl9F0dMCWFqQDfulEyXLJrFVwnsQWkf2oauh_1gLM_f45mOOZrbx6RL1hn_SDg/w300-h400/dining.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The lunchtime crowd enjoying outside dining in Zug's medieval old town.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjRwYNL3OXbZyMCK39TeKIHfgoXnpoOuPas-UNiGg3wSorf-Csb6Gb0C9Rgl0AMaie2z3SqvxMQl8VaNVYspiUqBsuU51infxMopjX8rZDqAW5p0KVoNEkloXvCWpLQ9x6-1TJPE3ty9QTy1yYdRc8yQZBx-BFFg0vNShaOmOeqjnc3-aTR-JpIDFvQ/s1440/naked%20wood%20sculptures.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjRwYNL3OXbZyMCK39TeKIHfgoXnpoOuPas-UNiGg3wSorf-Csb6Gb0C9Rgl0AMaie2z3SqvxMQl8VaNVYspiUqBsuU51infxMopjX8rZDqAW5p0KVoNEkloXvCWpLQ9x6-1TJPE3ty9QTy1yYdRc8yQZBx-BFFg0vNShaOmOeqjnc3-aTR-JpIDFvQ/w400-h300/naked%20wood%20sculptures.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Those three nude characters seem to be catching some rays.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg1RnjNryX01biD9gq7kvvVUBSKUg2pOAkNvg44FePCqocuAiXU51F09qSzs34ONt5JgCtXAZMoD5V9IlGr2ibXklj-YmGoU7SFmkOAv7RkKu1wBR3sPdeF1-ISLpPcqywZB3mwCAsTk0zNICGyVvzeYoqArMvcM2DcbOw0Nu_JvVvsgqau424m8Z1A/s1080/matteo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg1RnjNryX01biD9gq7kvvVUBSKUg2pOAkNvg44FePCqocuAiXU51F09qSzs34ONt5JgCtXAZMoD5V9IlGr2ibXklj-YmGoU7SFmkOAv7RkKu1wBR3sPdeF1-ISLpPcqywZB3mwCAsTk0zNICGyVvzeYoqArMvcM2DcbOw0Nu_JvVvsgqau424m8Z1A/w300-h400/matteo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>What the heck? Here's another one of those newborn baby signs this one celebrating the birth of Matteo. However, upon closer inspection I see the date "2019". Come on, take it down, it's been three years. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDAXOoccS7bGzsxrhoe7TGzl8GTyM-JmXaXZbkCUEjoZCeblU7KQXsldDe_VXiHfregkXDCdohPyMN3u2EwMSQUYAw7D_HKCoqXW81uo-1PDv8NWd4VwGAevKeW_DJ4md2gM0he7LMg_3efA_vEY2TpX0w_VkLtSFwc6XO0i5QFm54z2SeXV4Nbaiag/s1080/jesus%20fountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDAXOoccS7bGzsxrhoe7TGzl8GTyM-JmXaXZbkCUEjoZCeblU7KQXsldDe_VXiHfregkXDCdohPyMN3u2EwMSQUYAw7D_HKCoqXW81uo-1PDv8NWd4VwGAevKeW_DJ4md2gM0he7LMg_3efA_vEY2TpX0w_VkLtSFwc6XO0i5QFm54z2SeXV4Nbaiag/w300-h400/jesus%20fountain.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Another colorful fountain. Can't figure it out if it's holy figure. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwc4E24EPWs3LV8RRzW4gAiZ4t4Zto6IZIk5k5Q1HUDD5pp1VpD9MHxxaOiiolPH_5fEVmN0rNC9--jcsXtPrIv3xMojXmMaG6KdzCdKJtD_9anbUhXYjf65nzt-sqoiTfK_2jGf-YGaQkjGvCLjnfTlswSQ_m4EvOedOwfv4dBgNlcOulJD0UEPiUw/s1080/boy%20and%20fish%20fountain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwc4E24EPWs3LV8RRzW4gAiZ4t4Zto6IZIk5k5Q1HUDD5pp1VpD9MHxxaOiiolPH_5fEVmN0rNC9--jcsXtPrIv3xMojXmMaG6KdzCdKJtD_9anbUhXYjf65nzt-sqoiTfK_2jGf-YGaQkjGvCLjnfTlswSQ_m4EvOedOwfv4dBgNlcOulJD0UEPiUw/w300-h400/boy%20and%20fish%20fountain.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Boy holding fish. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_o4MpWsCnNN_UXcD0x5Mxahi1Xbs6UeDu41jZku3_mKslP1Ta8DZImF3xn1jS9Ugqg0ttjV_qbBq85SRArva2sAJ5l7i4RfUPQcirgCFO679UCXiyB-EUw_PmEkyry_PlUrNFUl4dBSRLk58fOlLelsOmkWnZbuYGeifuLqn7wk0k1Hjv0P3URwkkQ/s1080/fountain%20front%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_o4MpWsCnNN_UXcD0x5Mxahi1Xbs6UeDu41jZku3_mKslP1Ta8DZImF3xn1jS9Ugqg0ttjV_qbBq85SRArva2sAJ5l7i4RfUPQcirgCFO679UCXiyB-EUw_PmEkyry_PlUrNFUl4dBSRLk58fOlLelsOmkWnZbuYGeifuLqn7wk0k1Hjv0P3URwkkQ/w300-h400/fountain%20front%20side.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Last of the three 16th century fountains.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vOApkuH-2VLJUzkr32XJ7DcOVo9m_f9Gsh5PLmFj6e3ZnDDxWxLdRX8WKZnHsK28oywdHh4p7p1gkHKvhbSvaCN_0gYGp4f942YOSrBX5_3N7Y-Gt-QZpr2La3Dt0u8FEco_6hNew79xsAANnQR7Q7X3rwL0V-qSI6vf_A8cNS8CGwX7Ks0qfFbHeQ/s1080/fountain%20backside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vOApkuH-2VLJUzkr32XJ7DcOVo9m_f9Gsh5PLmFj6e3ZnDDxWxLdRX8WKZnHsK28oywdHh4p7p1gkHKvhbSvaCN_0gYGp4f942YOSrBX5_3N7Y-Gt-QZpr2La3Dt0u8FEco_6hNew79xsAANnQR7Q7X3rwL0V-qSI6vf_A8cNS8CGwX7Ks0qfFbHeQ/w300-h400/fountain%20backside.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is his backside. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-65253769620705301732022-09-12T14:07:00.001-07:002022-09-13T00:05:17.942-07:00Appenzell, Switzerland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_HCtRW74ie0ax2sWIIDxyfNT55A3OKnGTNSC2odNxZKRBiNToYxxIqjHgFTgpSx9mOIhdBWGbu0l6H-8vHsp74JUV1lSeTRPViCLDgbBoVbDsgSL4zS8DIZ5bB4k3ahVP9ZP4n5pMKN_GD1TincW6yZlcIdjhLDsO5Epx6qCLuJoK4lDkc4Wp9ejcg/s1440/view%20from%20church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_HCtRW74ie0ax2sWIIDxyfNT55A3OKnGTNSC2odNxZKRBiNToYxxIqjHgFTgpSx9mOIhdBWGbu0l6H-8vHsp74JUV1lSeTRPViCLDgbBoVbDsgSL4zS8DIZ5bB4k3ahVP9ZP4n5pMKN_GD1TincW6yZlcIdjhLDsO5Epx6qCLuJoK4lDkc4Wp9ejcg/w400-h300/view%20from%20church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm in the northeastern part of Switzerland in the canton of Appenzell. In the USA we have states, in Switzerland the have cantons--26 of 'em. <p></p><p>The canton of Appenzell has the smallest population of all the cantons (16,000). I'm in the village of Appenzell, (population 5,500) also the capital of Appenzell--got it?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G8dYaiP35_LZ1Bq0dB0D2edP889QWwshLB2DndVAs1OsAsDOqS7SeljfRwg5pXOZr69pN15dnlUGA5IuLHwZTO73re2fgSYh8vgeAjWJbECsHhTRP1v0kv2tIsjukNfbbXiikFn2AtgonNR0H2v1dRJ58bpWqdsQfXqG-m_PSbDMqxiBcVJxqWV4zw/s1440/view%20from%20church%201%20creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G8dYaiP35_LZ1Bq0dB0D2edP889QWwshLB2DndVAs1OsAsDOqS7SeljfRwg5pXOZr69pN15dnlUGA5IuLHwZTO73re2fgSYh8vgeAjWJbECsHhTRP1v0kv2tIsjukNfbbXiikFn2AtgonNR0H2v1dRJ58bpWqdsQfXqG-m_PSbDMqxiBcVJxqWV4zw/w400-h300/view%20from%20church%201%20creek.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The rolling hills surrounding Appenzell are picturesque. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNfvpxHL9QdTcqYSolpJ1pwvkW9DJ-pGqIkWcCc5pRWplhD4D1AtrhPcp5_J48AufNWxqdib9h-saIGjmJOInlpHobAl0trESGlRlyv3d-xZFmfjpTIpqI6Q4Wxw1w5FtQWG62VolQeIg3_9o4GbZGw45IR4TnuLBGsMeazAmN8GBj7DvDvFVh2i5Zw/s1440/church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNfvpxHL9QdTcqYSolpJ1pwvkW9DJ-pGqIkWcCc5pRWplhD4D1AtrhPcp5_J48AufNWxqdib9h-saIGjmJOInlpHobAl0trESGlRlyv3d-xZFmfjpTIpqI6Q4Wxw1w5FtQWG62VolQeIg3_9o4GbZGw45IR4TnuLBGsMeazAmN8GBj7DvDvFVh2i5Zw/w400-h300/church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The village is car-free and tourism is the big business here with its shopping streets filled with beautiful half-timbered buildings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSU5mrlgLOie2hc7FBhJRp6b_wPFw8MEuqiX-XzV181vCuira-YtyVUBhwGWfqRDV9uMM0FxwMyJjnwSWq88bb0mYFiEYwdjk3gVeR-d5m18i1zXTCegHQQeCzPxQHf5-NcIoaAVKlBUDFiDSdhCCRAgSjT-2JutsiYMYfjYESN3dJYv9we5u4aR73g/s1440/castle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSU5mrlgLOie2hc7FBhJRp6b_wPFw8MEuqiX-XzV181vCuira-YtyVUBhwGWfqRDV9uMM0FxwMyJjnwSWq88bb0mYFiEYwdjk3gVeR-d5m18i1zXTCegHQQeCzPxQHf5-NcIoaAVKlBUDFiDSdhCCRAgSjT-2JutsiYMYfjYESN3dJYv9we5u4aR73g/w400-h300/castle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is Appenzell castle in the village enter. It dates back to 1583 but it's privately-owned and tourists aren't welcome. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoUSm4atekwOs3RR4qgQkdSE45aUhulKwUDuh0L5m03SUDP35PPByyqQYh5N2WFu5EQW-uJi_qhShvYJio0dB_wuzk0R82wSsqy-frM3GrtCBfimbeI601b20D-NU0j-huHkt7vW6aoPVh-l0ah-oGNRGqKsb7EEyntF-WX--4JWWTqFcGQuziPyZGQ/s1080/gnome%20store.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoUSm4atekwOs3RR4qgQkdSE45aUhulKwUDuh0L5m03SUDP35PPByyqQYh5N2WFu5EQW-uJi_qhShvYJio0dB_wuzk0R82wSsqy-frM3GrtCBfimbeI601b20D-NU0j-huHkt7vW6aoPVh-l0ah-oGNRGqKsb7EEyntF-WX--4JWWTqFcGQuziPyZGQ/w300-h400/gnome%20store.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lots of stores selling nik-naks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRluITXwbLobe6LKGmYXxHEe0xo5Dhg9rGx4ygVQiPi0W2xM6mgtsfkzyAmRrUSPVzKMvbY-5BRarK3BRlB6w0C1pP4gUcAvqERvTd-t4BR5dLR0TcxF7ov4j5_0QAXlZaTwS-InImg-eqMZoREZ6VXkUi9RUeaUNkclJTTW1RDAV1I_vHv2J5o3-eA/s1440/gnomes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRluITXwbLobe6LKGmYXxHEe0xo5Dhg9rGx4ygVQiPi0W2xM6mgtsfkzyAmRrUSPVzKMvbY-5BRarK3BRlB6w0C1pP4gUcAvqERvTd-t4BR5dLR0TcxF7ov4j5_0QAXlZaTwS-InImg-eqMZoREZ6VXkUi9RUeaUNkclJTTW1RDAV1I_vHv2J5o3-eA/w400-h300/gnomes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Need a gnome?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN4fp0SijIMSoQqcgvqJllmMF_dVVmn7lfCAwhkFP2_edgKqKofwsP5jI0pd7Qk94FmhsVevMcUcvBH4Q1eP5tBd8jHjB4NyjuGg3oe7jv-rq8dxlJuk3BeLLe5bpRtEzsnl-lClEGLyGWo64I9Sg9GIa_7w0trt4wmgNSJIH0JzpDDAFUr1BKajF0Q/s1440/hikers1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN4fp0SijIMSoQqcgvqJllmMF_dVVmn7lfCAwhkFP2_edgKqKofwsP5jI0pd7Qk94FmhsVevMcUcvBH4Q1eP5tBd8jHjB4NyjuGg3oe7jv-rq8dxlJuk3BeLLe5bpRtEzsnl-lClEGLyGWo64I9Sg9GIa_7w0trt4wmgNSJIH0JzpDDAFUr1BKajF0Q/w400-h300/hikers1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About six miles out of town the road ends. In all my years of traveling I've never seen so many hikers. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj4VEliytA125MM1Ytys_i-hnf8VN6RIQlGN5BDea5UxUpyGHGHkXkYh80lpx12UAphqyC-LTRHWHfQotN-znn4IYZiEbfk4T8iDqoVwNJUrKDsAR1XP7kzomfxtq7JKDf4HDlbRQqspkPpz1cYRoomFzxAjT_t3vlSgr-zFcKJIGa0bERbGedI-Kyg/s1440/hikers2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj4VEliytA125MM1Ytys_i-hnf8VN6RIQlGN5BDea5UxUpyGHGHkXkYh80lpx12UAphqyC-LTRHWHfQotN-znn4IYZiEbfk4T8iDqoVwNJUrKDsAR1XP7kzomfxtq7JKDf4HDlbRQqspkPpz1cYRoomFzxAjT_t3vlSgr-zFcKJIGa0bERbGedI-Kyg/w400-h300/hikers2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I counted more than 500 cars in overflowing parking lots<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlSIB6HOki2LB2IbOf-hy2MNX8xmLr6ONFVOtZIRwqLX6dtk6tyXeJSCXR0YmztUckucM4Vrc_kehN1n1AydQMf2c55OzABMlYtfPArrW-Qqxg_YAIgpygOEQlkPXUsgVO8QNuPNqAy2xB6PaKG0cGgzJQ4WE9NNQ5lnEYLR7LGREhDlXvxAu7EPGQ/s1440/hiking%20up%20road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlSIB6HOki2LB2IbOf-hy2MNX8xmLr6ONFVOtZIRwqLX6dtk6tyXeJSCXR0YmztUckucM4Vrc_kehN1n1AydQMf2c55OzABMlYtfPArrW-Qqxg_YAIgpygOEQlkPXUsgVO8QNuPNqAy2xB6PaKG0cGgzJQ4WE9NNQ5lnEYLR7LGREhDlXvxAu7EPGQ/w400-h300/hiking%20up%20road.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>What's the lure?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZQO4_fUVEQceIydevW5Y8TR83PtxCByKoKQWb4uA5L6yYNZAaQ4X2FGKuZcv7uJkk4OU0RGL40PiYZ820V1N6AoerEVbvVUkFeQLJB9vEKMKwjZ3sukqK-hMwkuiOR_xB0OJJ3gL2xWy2fU-39po_HepZ8mpQ7J_A48PDf88N-w5SQtGHpw3N_6LRQ/s1440/paraglider%20walking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZQO4_fUVEQceIydevW5Y8TR83PtxCByKoKQWb4uA5L6yYNZAaQ4X2FGKuZcv7uJkk4OU0RGL40PiYZ820V1N6AoerEVbvVUkFeQLJB9vEKMKwjZ3sukqK-hMwkuiOR_xB0OJJ3gL2xWy2fU-39po_HepZ8mpQ7J_A48PDf88N-w5SQtGHpw3N_6LRQ/w400-h300/paraglider%20walking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You can hikes in all kinds of directions. From what I'm told there're several lakes each, about a 40 minute walk/hike. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr1YZ_Lg8983q2fwKeEVbMAZ7q3hkezXgIdUgXmzpEnacrtH95RcrGYC3yy6TD2imhykutcql778Bt58dRAsqwG6Vdt87ZIguYRgbvprYYWPCBPtjgpAixbWQbow6QP-y2-XuSIs8GGsxilxiO8gYglschX3teU1JKxjshaY92zxp7m--HEysrGlFbw/s1440/creek:%20hotel%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr1YZ_Lg8983q2fwKeEVbMAZ7q3hkezXgIdUgXmzpEnacrtH95RcrGYC3yy6TD2imhykutcql778Bt58dRAsqwG6Vdt87ZIguYRgbvprYYWPCBPtjgpAixbWQbow6QP-y2-XuSIs8GGsxilxiO8gYglschX3teU1JKxjshaY92zxp7m--HEysrGlFbw/w400-h300/creek:%20hotel%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So many families out and about.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfuVPE9LfkDAVON_Ic1fcZisQgtH5m71cKsKGBAREHf-DJ7CT5EY7GNJAEf6UulDRlZm_kOEi6JyMtDkG6L8mFfxPMrrUCFJ8pWDER9IdzxGU_IclJJw6qFfPkkdoPksniSfu6QXcQxAhssQpysiDPZZC2w2f4h-wy3q0flzrirpj7DC16Evc8o3wUw/s1440/gondola%20building.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfuVPE9LfkDAVON_Ic1fcZisQgtH5m71cKsKGBAREHf-DJ7CT5EY7GNJAEf6UulDRlZm_kOEi6JyMtDkG6L8mFfxPMrrUCFJ8pWDER9IdzxGU_IclJJw6qFfPkkdoPksniSfu6QXcQxAhssQpysiDPZZC2w2f4h-wy3q0flzrirpj7DC16Evc8o3wUw/w400-h300/gondola%20building.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You can catch the gondola here and it'll whisk you up the mountain.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwyf6kxjDpv-3AcylK3JMQWZZOQ3LYhkdaoJEKSeNkBV8AYGh7IuKxollbOeEEu1GiXUGzrYqkKGE6R5E_zXExqZxue01cJMRmV5vP9z3JQbX66TXCtHmmGgL0sEFBrGk-lfeD2ofA7jR5dzbgPfCiQuGrmq-GzUU13Tmq1DBu7nXIIfRYp45VyWbOw/s1440/gondola.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwyf6kxjDpv-3AcylK3JMQWZZOQ3LYhkdaoJEKSeNkBV8AYGh7IuKxollbOeEEu1GiXUGzrYqkKGE6R5E_zXExqZxue01cJMRmV5vP9z3JQbX66TXCtHmmGgL0sEFBrGk-lfeD2ofA7jR5dzbgPfCiQuGrmq-GzUU13Tmq1DBu7nXIIfRYp45VyWbOw/w400-h300/gondola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Lots of paragliders in the area. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAFjAiRDxEhVRqTFEHiiEE3vKBfr-zcAoVnFrV8aBIQ4gEmZRoaP7o45sSwNHGWxnDGcXvORDe-7duoUSpfIvZOUtyGmKDmThisnRwCqI5p9Uq0FKf74UbX2HzNY6mtEFC_JKq64hhH7EKWfFp9OiWbA2_75oJ-3O6Z-yaam3r_39SJ9pEDRCNQx7dg/s1440/bakery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAFjAiRDxEhVRqTFEHiiEE3vKBfr-zcAoVnFrV8aBIQ4gEmZRoaP7o45sSwNHGWxnDGcXvORDe-7duoUSpfIvZOUtyGmKDmThisnRwCqI5p9Uq0FKf74UbX2HzNY6mtEFC_JKq64hhH7EKWfFp9OiWbA2_75oJ-3O6Z-yaam3r_39SJ9pEDRCNQx7dg/w400-h300/bakery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Had to stop at this colorful bakery/restaurant. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-9921425600681034002022-09-12T01:12:00.002-07:002022-09-12T01:12:39.006-07:00St. Gallen, Switzerland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQ_JKwjCNMJCdSdHhHg7-kvSkmYhVNGh6iB_IQA3Wn0eSgPtWJuag1lCdmPW3eRG0EPBpLp6itNWkdPteIEZcarVIbFMaftYEkf49W-u-XO4yetnKxHVeAHH4ZjSKOPoob_ezoVkKrA2-HKPpQEw8rKNMZRIT19_ndcy_e5_sUh7zJ3gn5LAtwRKPg/s4896/fountain%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQ_JKwjCNMJCdSdHhHg7-kvSkmYhVNGh6iB_IQA3Wn0eSgPtWJuag1lCdmPW3eRG0EPBpLp6itNWkdPteIEZcarVIbFMaftYEkf49W-u-XO4yetnKxHVeAHH4ZjSKOPoob_ezoVkKrA2-HKPpQEw8rKNMZRIT19_ndcy_e5_sUh7zJ3gn5LAtwRKPg/w400-h300/fountain%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm in the northeastern part of Switzerland and St. Gallen, population 75,000, is its largest city. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag8zYsDQWUDunkNLo1JLv8HwxW5Fvg40aEFZbCdYzfq47YCpfvIYgqUGSP6b00yNBTK7ohORmYk06JcXJ4Ws7x4tgw7-CztiI2ypyj1HHu2oNZZ1CC1RS_H-eHikpwmvhXDdoduImwbxfy22AV4Wf699CQrQAAuN314fY7aN4dLryl-IjktKekj-FYA/s1080/view%20of%20flowers%20on%20buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag8zYsDQWUDunkNLo1JLv8HwxW5Fvg40aEFZbCdYzfq47YCpfvIYgqUGSP6b00yNBTK7ohORmYk06JcXJ4Ws7x4tgw7-CztiI2ypyj1HHu2oNZZ1CC1RS_H-eHikpwmvhXDdoduImwbxfy22AV4Wf699CQrQAAuN314fY7aN4dLryl-IjktKekj-FYA/w300-h400/view%20of%20flowers%20on%20buildings.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The shopping area in the old town. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjcUwSsWRBMszAPUXUg7gzBP40LNIOjCcNODp3tRe3GyAhpAw3d8JaIbOuZUwlIOsEkVwI-4cB6GeFBHzkRB4ZppL7HUodSu0rU7aeNdJ3XexxoOXnhbR0i0cgAx1f7PmnzZrNIrYWFimTJcbCzJl1beiWwLl2legwvFXyY33wDz4ZwBhrTjFwXscuw/s1080/wood%20carving%20on%20side%20of%20building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjcUwSsWRBMszAPUXUg7gzBP40LNIOjCcNODp3tRe3GyAhpAw3d8JaIbOuZUwlIOsEkVwI-4cB6GeFBHzkRB4ZppL7HUodSu0rU7aeNdJ3XexxoOXnhbR0i0cgAx1f7PmnzZrNIrYWFimTJcbCzJl1beiWwLl2legwvFXyY33wDz4ZwBhrTjFwXscuw/w300-h400/wood%20carving%20on%20side%20of%20building.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Check out the wood carving of the man.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-jMveEpH1Px4_lhmUC2-p-lY36vXIEKDf2Rbw-YMOWqbVSh01KtpZ8eUBZEUkRbvzlVHmZz_LBXegbMX-qar6kEz2Wt4rAKpoU_JQdW3Pt9vLq51990Ime85_1Y3AHTwB32aFpyctKV22lScR-7FOCgqnCmgA8Q-bOV_CmaA0NgSi8qzTiQUjpSl-w/s1080/fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-jMveEpH1Px4_lhmUC2-p-lY36vXIEKDf2Rbw-YMOWqbVSh01KtpZ8eUBZEUkRbvzlVHmZz_LBXegbMX-qar6kEz2Wt4rAKpoU_JQdW3Pt9vLq51990Ime85_1Y3AHTwB32aFpyctKV22lScR-7FOCgqnCmgA8Q-bOV_CmaA0NgSi8qzTiQUjpSl-w/w300-h400/fountain.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Looks like this fountain is a bird nesting site<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CR4XwHKG9LuZbBmM11to1RTBUHKTbNwp8rVOk0VS4GQFAJEMdAiMhU6MtQoGtTCkUlItwoSz-dy5bMjROp6OmgACRN5I1bCHnHI1OEpvC7eXJBSXE1c6imbc2EWOTOaAF_RbMZb8Q1xR74uVvK7RCCopkehkHj6LK9GGsQEZ5XGXNkXiZuPPfZPF2w/s1440/church%20side%20view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CR4XwHKG9LuZbBmM11to1RTBUHKTbNwp8rVOk0VS4GQFAJEMdAiMhU6MtQoGtTCkUlItwoSz-dy5bMjROp6OmgACRN5I1bCHnHI1OEpvC7eXJBSXE1c6imbc2EWOTOaAF_RbMZb8Q1xR74uVvK7RCCopkehkHj6LK9GGsQEZ5XGXNkXiZuPPfZPF2w/w400-h300/church%20side%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Backside view of St. Gall Cathedral.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH2Os1YbGfxDG_1xHQOY81ciu4kI3SIfcpImmDy7eVvd51xDjGkjGukJmcPiNtKgkItWHDX4SOTpftLnhl5iO1dg0AaGU0b-9n5Mw241lGzf-OnZGSZnIxRd_qXkXi-0UOq1nIJnvh6irv1g_dL9dicmiO-sls5sIH4yUaumI11FqOd7DEAQzNSzvYw/s1440/front%20of%20church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH2Os1YbGfxDG_1xHQOY81ciu4kI3SIfcpImmDy7eVvd51xDjGkjGukJmcPiNtKgkItWHDX4SOTpftLnhl5iO1dg0AaGU0b-9n5Mw241lGzf-OnZGSZnIxRd_qXkXi-0UOq1nIJnvh6irv1g_dL9dicmiO-sls5sIH4yUaumI11FqOd7DEAQzNSzvYw/w400-h300/front%20of%20church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Front of St. Gall Cathedral. It's 8:30 in the morning and the sun hasn't risen all the way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkMTSF9tzaC7Ne8LIXTmwLsthbto_eeSA-AnicFwGirvp6abmKGWOk08JRxOwezhTmJE_g1yu4k0E7QrMOqJhdYozRHj2-pWrEOVY4rDUEYWn6fBKyGWDWyuhN2ycXd27khI2b9OEO-oDuioljR7kCtgckbyyuhvoWYyGHX7yq7P7OfLKJ9rUwDKi2w/s1440/inside%20church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkMTSF9tzaC7Ne8LIXTmwLsthbto_eeSA-AnicFwGirvp6abmKGWOk08JRxOwezhTmJE_g1yu4k0E7QrMOqJhdYozRHj2-pWrEOVY4rDUEYWn6fBKyGWDWyuhN2ycXd27khI2b9OEO-oDuioljR7kCtgckbyyuhvoWYyGHX7yq7P7OfLKJ9rUwDKi2w/w400-h300/inside%20church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Baroque interior of cathedral. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRVImjqyt4G_F30OiXyJExsES9qquUo-bXFTvrs_2pA3t7fj51kM47vVekeGbVRqtcM1zeirUjE2A7bPyWYGsynxR4cHax4EUmM8y_4-p5H8yMJZToqOQLqn4lhKrnUoJ3e1v97z-CZBdqZV7i4kC7o6FDg7fAaEwy41w8HPpUr11X5pFVY9nbwsW-Q/s1440/no%20sight%20seeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRVImjqyt4G_F30OiXyJExsES9qquUo-bXFTvrs_2pA3t7fj51kM47vVekeGbVRqtcM1zeirUjE2A7bPyWYGsynxR4cHax4EUmM8y_4-p5H8yMJZToqOQLqn4lhKrnUoJ3e1v97z-CZBdqZV7i4kC7o6FDg7fAaEwy41w8HPpUr11X5pFVY9nbwsW-Q/w400-h300/no%20sight%20seeing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jeez, I entered the cathedral via a side door and caught this sign exiting the building. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfePfIlRKJhMszrxg6TZgL6sxIz6GIua5gi074mdehs5wJERAr8VAG7KvzVL4Niy3KPFEEGyMw-9yUX9XG-RmY-3pcxP2fxsyXuEKVGgUSiN-1-fBkv1bUAQU1FyV23ojSZAwCJ1EMAV4DP-w5cVuG22yeXA88yZge91bJRvMb_Brm-yrDAIM1p2rUQ/s1440/abbey%20complex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfePfIlRKJhMszrxg6TZgL6sxIz6GIua5gi074mdehs5wJERAr8VAG7KvzVL4Niy3KPFEEGyMw-9yUX9XG-RmY-3pcxP2fxsyXuEKVGgUSiN-1-fBkv1bUAQU1FyV23ojSZAwCJ1EMAV4DP-w5cVuG22yeXA88yZge91bJRvMb_Brm-yrDAIM1p2rUQ/w400-h300/abbey%20complex.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This Abbey of St. Gall, a four building complex (including the cathedral), dates back to the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAtr4tKqrzW3lIq0Y5fm6SEDc4Mpm5oGmADZkZPqfnBFl63ZPzSrh0h0vIRfvnW3FzGq-IyGH33XL613ErklhXRtRecqeEoAhmqWCJK0o3i521zsPV8xw3K7vka0f3t_m0Fi5ArQWph_CAERW31HeNKNV2Mwsp17sdyr5R5Qe0u4-IRd6FHgCzaZSeA/s1080/fountain%20near%20train%20station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAtr4tKqrzW3lIq0Y5fm6SEDc4Mpm5oGmADZkZPqfnBFl63ZPzSrh0h0vIRfvnW3FzGq-IyGH33XL613ErklhXRtRecqeEoAhmqWCJK0o3i521zsPV8xw3K7vka0f3t_m0Fi5ArQWph_CAERW31HeNKNV2Mwsp17sdyr5R5Qe0u4-IRd6FHgCzaZSeA/w300-h400/fountain%20near%20train%20station.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Impressive fountain. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2eq-h5mM4atX47uo2CHrjBdO0Fv_T52aTddrevo-EHFRTPxDmh1GLQsO5TYqRxM-JYi6Ffc_9AboqfLskjGk-JmKfoqRUQQ5pujuNkrX5r2oolUsCHKv8BO3BYfFfa8JDDBHjMAO06U8NDuNAUuLO08k8x1Uy2BhJGSmiYjRbhQhTOsJOo1xopU3sw/s1440/funicular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2eq-h5mM4atX47uo2CHrjBdO0Fv_T52aTddrevo-EHFRTPxDmh1GLQsO5TYqRxM-JYi6Ffc_9AboqfLskjGk-JmKfoqRUQQ5pujuNkrX5r2oolUsCHKv8BO3BYfFfa8JDDBHjMAO06U8NDuNAUuLO08k8x1Uy2BhJGSmiYjRbhQhTOsJOo1xopU3sw/w400-h300/funicular.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This funicular has been whisking locals up the steep hillside since 1893.<p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-43654444417367130912022-09-11T08:03:00.001-07:002022-09-11T08:03:24.995-07:00Zurich, Switzerland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y-3MiEvG8ygxPMKyUn6EKBRQvQ9jcXYHhAn0ibJ8LB683tgXGQD5LZOO2LudRzIrtsEIEromFOvksnc9IXFoKcp-ElcZq8nRKwF0ZvoH9NPAZzLAqZhjxuQIOOeJeXxXMRDpCc2BFpEZhfakHwfO26oI54jI_ex6dlYM2EYBgWxtxRljyJk4yCT99w/s1440/cannoli1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y-3MiEvG8ygxPMKyUn6EKBRQvQ9jcXYHhAn0ibJ8LB683tgXGQD5LZOO2LudRzIrtsEIEromFOvksnc9IXFoKcp-ElcZq8nRKwF0ZvoH9NPAZzLAqZhjxuQIOOeJeXxXMRDpCc2BFpEZhfakHwfO26oI54jI_ex6dlYM2EYBgWxtxRljyJk4yCT99w/w400-h300/cannoli1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My bike and I have been to Zurich (population 415,000) dozens of times. My first order of business: making a stop at my favorite Italian pastry shop. Though not very big, Zurich has a Little Italy area.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB-rKBbX71u-DDRo23pNoJHow3GKSHtOyat0GMfLisSyhmfFPmKv0KUSAcqJ5fxH2mOQmF87BUwe6P4C5bvy_7KMTcXIGZlZnWlYj-4_bNsoUJp9BcK7QRbZLW3hd6aYbwNOeaIrpbUcaR8_AzHIhqUdBMA4RQz_11Xhqb3KmBD88sH8D_vRSKWbtZg/s1440/cannoli2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB-rKBbX71u-DDRo23pNoJHow3GKSHtOyat0GMfLisSyhmfFPmKv0KUSAcqJ5fxH2mOQmF87BUwe6P4C5bvy_7KMTcXIGZlZnWlYj-4_bNsoUJp9BcK7QRbZLW3hd6aYbwNOeaIrpbUcaR8_AzHIhqUdBMA4RQz_11Xhqb3KmBD88sH8D_vRSKWbtZg/w400-h300/cannoli2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As usual I get several cannoli.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJgElmtLjk_v_Uuwkh4PIIdzZAxfQtV1sbIz5bHhqUhIlAsh-CYNYYpeVWoEqPIbRZRQoY5MrJ56B_ieNcqfoc_WMiIPDLgscx4egG2GXnQ4qIIabYF2d8U81mGpodpeoSH6sb68iLn1xMZElPKsRnFlhuZgZC-HZuap3vIA7Knc5YsZLdNkrZRgM8g/s1440/google1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJgElmtLjk_v_Uuwkh4PIIdzZAxfQtV1sbIz5bHhqUhIlAsh-CYNYYpeVWoEqPIbRZRQoY5MrJ56B_ieNcqfoc_WMiIPDLgscx4egG2GXnQ4qIIabYF2d8U81mGpodpeoSH6sb68iLn1xMZElPKsRnFlhuZgZC-HZuap3vIA7Knc5YsZLdNkrZRgM8g/w400-h300/google1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Google recently moved into a complex of office buildings in downtown Zurich right next to the main train station.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrchfC9h__CCBTWweo5etSrmL66Y-WKkdcn8y_9K2RMJ47alHLihErS4rtmh-6ePxzupJjLWIzrcCYrfoOMh4SjikTGbsn1Xvj1Wm-D7uaHCSWuKNK8-C6PgVWWc3YF9ORM2jRt2z8-OlMOVBm9jnR-uwbmpaSjV1cUkbFrmMi6BAPGsfUCaYfUs1BUg/s1440/google2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrchfC9h__CCBTWweo5etSrmL66Y-WKkdcn8y_9K2RMJ47alHLihErS4rtmh-6ePxzupJjLWIzrcCYrfoOMh4SjikTGbsn1Xvj1Wm-D7uaHCSWuKNK8-C6PgVWWc3YF9ORM2jRt2z8-OlMOVBm9jnR-uwbmpaSjV1cUkbFrmMi6BAPGsfUCaYfUs1BUg/w400-h300/google2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>No giant Google signs atop the buildings but, small signs near the building entrances. Almost 5,000 Google employees work in these buildings-the largest number of employees on one site--other than their head office/campus in California.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNqkS4CmgPGeNfpmgmVe8rCm4MGum0svvZRgWp7G-FtY0A58mj-jRNvgM9QWO8suqaUYDXFgU8F_xLxEMxsj4GgU1ajFvCJ7Y_Rju6IcqPWz_F62epOi85yx302JxyyD1qy3Wl1WPig0Xp5wjgfWL2j-X0eDCoqbj7rwx6bW-VUueL0FmZz8wP7hH5A/s1440/google3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNqkS4CmgPGeNfpmgmVe8rCm4MGum0svvZRgWp7G-FtY0A58mj-jRNvgM9QWO8suqaUYDXFgU8F_xLxEMxsj4GgU1ajFvCJ7Y_Rju6IcqPWz_F62epOi85yx302JxyyD1qy3Wl1WPig0Xp5wjgfWL2j-X0eDCoqbj7rwx6bW-VUueL0FmZz8wP7hH5A/w400-h300/google3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I say the Google complex is right next to Zurich's main train station-I'm not kidding. Those are several of the Google buildings. One of the busiest train stations in Europe, I'm sure that was factored into Google's decision. It's a three minute walk to the station and a train will have you arriving underneath Zurich's airport in 15 minutes. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CHjoh085hsIEjXVW-kyUHdEoopfeDF0DnFe5mZ01tRRp7KHHR2CBd8gqh-f-evPVyaWo1g-WPdbE5klwpjbBui89FyxJ3Jf5w7eyqvZ_EmITvYuglAGGTllbyhHxCt_fVhIBSOhxlZ4tLK5roWQq_qzIY9Qiiv94SRC9DJAyosfyUGzVoZj7C4MP7g/s1440/wind%20surfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CHjoh085hsIEjXVW-kyUHdEoopfeDF0DnFe5mZ01tRRp7KHHR2CBd8gqh-f-evPVyaWo1g-WPdbE5klwpjbBui89FyxJ3Jf5w7eyqvZ_EmITvYuglAGGTllbyhHxCt_fVhIBSOhxlZ4tLK5roWQq_qzIY9Qiiv94SRC9DJAyosfyUGzVoZj7C4MP7g/w400-h300/wind%20surfer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Cycling around Zurich neighborhoods I'm always amazed at the outdoor sculptures people have in their yards. Here's a metal wind-surfer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxqcGBuJNi7auY0v6uNaFSttibyQZz3HqFYho32X7uuy8K8YY2LtuxLKC7NZZZPX2INngIdRgcmi-Xs0O4x20mioNjmICxMZin-OQKescOv6pPTSwvFl6KpfdHsiFf2A7D-MldophUNIe6ZZ8LGxUOtDdEu50ylKhTusH9dl-to4zkgsWDTA66VmjXQ/s1440/vulture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxqcGBuJNi7auY0v6uNaFSttibyQZz3HqFYho32X7uuy8K8YY2LtuxLKC7NZZZPX2INngIdRgcmi-Xs0O4x20mioNjmICxMZin-OQKescOv6pPTSwvFl6KpfdHsiFf2A7D-MldophUNIe6ZZ8LGxUOtDdEu50ylKhTusH9dl-to4zkgsWDTA66VmjXQ/w400-h300/vulture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'd like to know why the occupant of this apartment has a wood sculpture of a vulture on the balcony. Why not an eagle? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89udAg_mLkVBvPM6cpVUmF-aU7v-xrYh-yrXqgIj2HlE32udEvP_XwV7u_DGEajoF_CMWCGTEIyiNnLD8B86JO_6eqr7WaDQu5YtKJk-6xXnjOXsL-pJwih7rUnT_XtY95Y-kQHM0wvZBCxnr5MdnmwF6r00Lby-VT5Tv62Ny6cIeCWhOvSZVvOmH7w/s1440/wood%20carving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89udAg_mLkVBvPM6cpVUmF-aU7v-xrYh-yrXqgIj2HlE32udEvP_XwV7u_DGEajoF_CMWCGTEIyiNnLD8B86JO_6eqr7WaDQu5YtKJk-6xXnjOXsL-pJwih7rUnT_XtY95Y-kQHM0wvZBCxnr5MdnmwF6r00Lby-VT5Tv62Ny6cIeCWhOvSZVvOmH7w/w400-h300/wood%20carving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These wood carvings reside atop someone's garage. Looks like they're checking out people passing by. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIDn4dtcXjjg_oyS3U8qRfSq3Z0dBr2FhRRE-YXXwwiDrsFe_hUMrC9KigE5zFz1dgs4fq48ZguWY9H_KXFoMGHLWkKiub1P20NP5gYqy6CguiREO7HGi5eEHuw_cfQI_0A7Dlc60oVIANR-XrDqBzIUfE6JpjniZJkHTMcwP4-jXoYh1KvCpr7w-jg/s1440/shoes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIDn4dtcXjjg_oyS3U8qRfSq3Z0dBr2FhRRE-YXXwwiDrsFe_hUMrC9KigE5zFz1dgs4fq48ZguWY9H_KXFoMGHLWkKiub1P20NP5gYqy6CguiREO7HGi5eEHuw_cfQI_0A7Dlc60oVIANR-XrDqBzIUfE6JpjniZJkHTMcwP4-jXoYh1KvCpr7w-jg/w400-h300/shoes1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is very strange. I'm cycling past a farm and see all these high-heel women's shoes nailed onto the wooden fence posts. I count a dozen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S3-ApYBXpdzl7lDC-C6z6Ep0NF-yGiwZD2oSL_WXI0Erem6VjiZShYS0jjnnlv31Gw8CbRYV4edZxV4Lk8IqeoR_Qoj9a_VA-Mdq_qqh_m3XBH4AOc1yvg73rBWZq7domur73l85EIzV_fmbsGCxM_U-3X3vTiPkUxXIi9ezMtSt6tgzwhz02bVeIA/s1080/shoes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S3-ApYBXpdzl7lDC-C6z6Ep0NF-yGiwZD2oSL_WXI0Erem6VjiZShYS0jjnnlv31Gw8CbRYV4edZxV4Lk8IqeoR_Qoj9a_VA-Mdq_qqh_m3XBH4AOc1yvg73rBWZq7domur73l85EIzV_fmbsGCxM_U-3X3vTiPkUxXIi9ezMtSt6tgzwhz02bVeIA/w300-h400/shoes2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>One of the posts sports three pairs of men's shoes. Is it a family squabble? A prank? A his and hers territory dispute? I do know each shoe is filled with cobwebs and who knows what else. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcqccSD0VgPJ0cx3BHDj_uUFpByzSDcCkKjK8WrEtpB81GUuA9Xpbpai2NYg9QPGXRhBDDT5JqOfPKit2XG0DUvCBWeHD4CXg7l6uzfXD2TOl1rSgkvl2IPlMCDmfKieh88EqiWuDPjrfKJnPIj5tR8aN5cVozBqy7cIm3DBTeRxotHLVCi2PwEEJDQ/s1080/apple%20juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcqccSD0VgPJ0cx3BHDj_uUFpByzSDcCkKjK8WrEtpB81GUuA9Xpbpai2NYg9QPGXRhBDDT5JqOfPKit2XG0DUvCBWeHD4CXg7l6uzfXD2TOl1rSgkvl2IPlMCDmfKieh88EqiWuDPjrfKJnPIj5tR8aN5cVozBqy7cIm3DBTeRxotHLVCi2PwEEJDQ/w300-h400/apple%20juice.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This farmer has set-up this self-service display along a cycling route. Those are muffins in the basket. I past it the next day and saw homemade bread. Check out the turquoise cash box--it's not bolted down. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvXZRyDCNfk5ZVV9JBxbl3LWiuQL1niT7VJXB49sxb5K9oMkbpQs41n9SOHymE215Xo5mJhtCgOdvozQL-kbPFSX5A5tvUK-KDCV1xkCKGdyRCQoGuqLgVpyRqWudKHTuDgppemO8dfNUcrpzZ87iCLgMd1wfzLdHcD4sjD7BmXoFFzTuH_hDWjDW8Q/s1080/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvXZRyDCNfk5ZVV9JBxbl3LWiuQL1niT7VJXB49sxb5K9oMkbpQs41n9SOHymE215Xo5mJhtCgOdvozQL-kbPFSX5A5tvUK-KDCV1xkCKGdyRCQoGuqLgVpyRqWudKHTuDgppemO8dfNUcrpzZ87iCLgMd1wfzLdHcD4sjD7BmXoFFzTuH_hDWjDW8Q/w300-h400/cat.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I see lots of ladders for cats but, this one is unusual. How do I know it's a cat ladder? If you look closely at the top (beneath the greenery) there's a black and white cat looking at you. I tried coaxing it down the ladder but if gave me one of those "who the hell are you?" looks. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-32444554513493504672022-08-28T14:56:00.001-07:002022-08-28T23:33:04.317-07:00Grand Dixence Dam, Switzerland (tallest dam in Europe)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzzcFuNzVOBzB68djfBKNja5p8pTjOBQ8XGp6_U5d-98rE1Ts5fwhno0eXk8XSC2h88npvbkKM0SiyG0EvOUbTaIghQ18XShXDSCP9I2u3dX0-9t3UnipheXGO84Qll5_HYdN7fF1KEvYlq6hXkOSwevLiC5z5KHXtw7n63KoJmyZPKc8KZvO_aLfOA/s1440/dam%20view%20visitor%20center.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzzcFuNzVOBzB68djfBKNja5p8pTjOBQ8XGp6_U5d-98rE1Ts5fwhno0eXk8XSC2h88npvbkKM0SiyG0EvOUbTaIghQ18XShXDSCP9I2u3dX0-9t3UnipheXGO84Qll5_HYdN7fF1KEvYlq6hXkOSwevLiC5z5KHXtw7n63KoJmyZPKc8KZvO_aLfOA/w400-h300/dam%20view%20visitor%20center.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm high in the Swiss Alps (7,759 feet) with my bike and in front of me stands Grand Dixence Dam. Rising 935 feet it's the tallest dam in Europe and sixth tallest in the world. <p></p><p>I've been to Hoover Dam in Nevada/Arizona (the most visited dam in the world) but, it's a mere 732 feet high. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8BFkTPoACEtbuJUncgz6WlZpj612B7QACeRFlwMxE50xip4oh5vY-YVM_dxVHbY2paBHcndvB_fP51MTWMr4JjQth6IX6joccrZbKTNdgQammMM1KolFG9aWixeEF3RAJiMrJYVIFLzLp8Yg6Rs4wlgb8dVsjVwuCB1a4IWU5w5bJrn9WXDq7Czcew/s1440/ritz:cable%20car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8BFkTPoACEtbuJUncgz6WlZpj612B7QACeRFlwMxE50xip4oh5vY-YVM_dxVHbY2paBHcndvB_fP51MTWMr4JjQth6IX6joccrZbKTNdgQammMM1KolFG9aWixeEF3RAJiMrJYVIFLzLp8Yg6Rs4wlgb8dVsjVwuCB1a4IWU5w5bJrn9WXDq7Czcew/w400-h300/ritz:cable%20car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The building on the left is Le Ritz hotel--which used to house workers. It stands right in front of the dam. The blue structure on the right is where you catch the cable car to take you up near the reservoir. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSgN3-PyEdmJmONcEBwFWTREGAiz5kEMbPpZozn2IglIvN_PqWNhCAgmvvnPmOSi7fuSCavdNh8eGxlRHAQWuVYJeLLQnrw20l8tUgKroMsi81iccEDmwJZ-boWbkWO4Mf5zW8cF9J9Iy4OJ88A5W8zctzVUNa2lErkXDzIItJXq1kByylJLA8WJsBA/s1440/outside%20ritz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSgN3-PyEdmJmONcEBwFWTREGAiz5kEMbPpZozn2IglIvN_PqWNhCAgmvvnPmOSi7fuSCavdNh8eGxlRHAQWuVYJeLLQnrw20l8tUgKroMsi81iccEDmwJZ-boWbkWO4Mf5zW8cF9J9Iy4OJ88A5W8zctzVUNa2lErkXDzIItJXq1kByylJLA8WJsBA/w400-h300/outside%20ritz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The dam was built between 1950-1961 and over 3,000 workers were onsite. Most workers lived in wooden dorm-like buildings where a worker got a bed for 12 hours and then went back to work as another worker took over his bed. However, engineers enjoyed more plush accommodations and envious other workers would call this place Le Ritz. So, when the dam was completed and the building turned into a 60 room hotel--naming it was a no-brainer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoqxqPqNypZaw2TmXabTTfKDCVEQIPxi5PALI9p3yuFMOF7BJAf9B0gYMmyD4tu2U0BlCnFd8MescxmWGbITP9lpWKpIb5hl0kCsB-WpZpceEgIzJJrubm74OsPffSPEHQ5aDs75xR3Ykx2rUNTlnf2dIpgqyaMW1iSARP0_aA-6zho73C0RnG92JOw/s4896/cable%20car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoqxqPqNypZaw2TmXabTTfKDCVEQIPxi5PALI9p3yuFMOF7BJAf9B0gYMmyD4tu2U0BlCnFd8MescxmWGbITP9lpWKpIb5hl0kCsB-WpZpceEgIzJJrubm74OsPffSPEHQ5aDs75xR3Ykx2rUNTlnf2dIpgqyaMW1iSARP0_aA-6zho73C0RnG92JOw/w400-h300/cable%20car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You can see a cable car passing over. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaPmxsBrJLE_JHuJCllTlkFbZXLCJfkaDidX_0d8jcckR8Lt6SrRWPERDT9MtQnZ-0r6PPLJsCFfpKWwAb8nKpVDXUFDzNGFVTPhJt2agn3D7shCbeZz2y_AdjMaau_IGN1eBJIMijneLo44st6rrEsqGK1ABYStwsUtWb7uZG4y9_QxyxulecGTmeA/s1080/close%20up%20dam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaPmxsBrJLE_JHuJCllTlkFbZXLCJfkaDidX_0d8jcckR8Lt6SrRWPERDT9MtQnZ-0r6PPLJsCFfpKWwAb8nKpVDXUFDzNGFVTPhJt2agn3D7shCbeZz2y_AdjMaau_IGN1eBJIMijneLo44st6rrEsqGK1ABYStwsUtWb7uZG4y9_QxyxulecGTmeA/w300-h400/close%20up%20dam.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>So, the dam didn't look that tall until I walked up and touched it. Wow, this sucker is massive. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24AQVawmn0CnpUNz_jnTKShUs58gnaWnh894MSX9QTjvQEM5DXC4Qku7QtYj2AQ0eim6dX6Zvw3ZlK9pqv-T0NxdOz50bDNyxaj8LX1_hXG3aGEfw3cCCS6YV2frPs6E7y2yrV23ir5s3q57TelDD5ZOKDh0RtvK_HcwbhD1Gd8hUv55cxBps5ak-nw/s1440/close%20up%20dam%20sideview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24AQVawmn0CnpUNz_jnTKShUs58gnaWnh894MSX9QTjvQEM5DXC4Qku7QtYj2AQ0eim6dX6Zvw3ZlK9pqv-T0NxdOz50bDNyxaj8LX1_hXG3aGEfw3cCCS6YV2frPs6E7y2yrV23ir5s3q57TelDD5ZOKDh0RtvK_HcwbhD1Gd8hUv55cxBps5ak-nw/w400-h300/close%20up%20dam%20sideview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's 2,297 feet wide. Not afraid of heights? Near the top a zip line is strung across and for $25 you can ride the dam's width. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSfgZ0qnZLxpEkS9F3MvLi_LRWOBPIPk4tKi5MDxxIdjP-CKP435hPpTpIQ1jv81DVerWfAajRAhblSNmZcgmfHU05vH5TOMoZ1c_rEVFYxatpZG4nVyZWxST0w6grLpYSYBsHzJC2ygh9AvyHcxuSebreI6jjzYnTBCcU7QHWnAPD5eI_dVIzMOqig/s1440/view%20heading%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSfgZ0qnZLxpEkS9F3MvLi_LRWOBPIPk4tKi5MDxxIdjP-CKP435hPpTpIQ1jv81DVerWfAajRAhblSNmZcgmfHU05vH5TOMoZ1c_rEVFYxatpZG4nVyZWxST0w6grLpYSYBsHzJC2ygh9AvyHcxuSebreI6jjzYnTBCcU7QHWnAPD5eI_dVIzMOqig/w400-h300/view%20heading%20down.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's quite a few steep hairpins heading down. It takes more than two hours of cycling to reach the valley floor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4BwLDFCscjL28lK-3l6JStVj3P8fZ939ahvRmA0bSurd_ibum8kFSnE7VAjIi5ro-AG7aUJvIJB4vhEi-rqQbclgFrUl9YHMDWIR1LMx0HscvCMHb8TGtPXKn1XBKGj58rnT8h43qjyQ5MJ69P8J3AeRaSKqL04m4vvxUgrBNHWjg8GkzB1RhbXjng/s1440/goats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4BwLDFCscjL28lK-3l6JStVj3P8fZ939ahvRmA0bSurd_ibum8kFSnE7VAjIi5ro-AG7aUJvIJB4vhEi-rqQbclgFrUl9YHMDWIR1LMx0HscvCMHb8TGtPXKn1XBKGj58rnT8h43qjyQ5MJ69P8J3AeRaSKqL04m4vvxUgrBNHWjg8GkzB1RhbXjng/w400-h300/goats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These goats made so much noise I had to stop and say "hi". <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9iVuT8NqD6tCjHv4pQ1gkzkbFp4XRwQPs3_mVr5iJqL2aipHbT8lkfnmYVCzxuCIYCnF-n3RH0bTr5MsHKwe9KRh_x2xTSyZGVERQEgwWcWIjeN4Ri9c3OCuTGzSVebtcHGkD4SIWOWxNqRgQ2whXhlOpxSe-dRENsoLilQTdngI6C6zVxtPEx75Tg/s1440/village%20hillside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9iVuT8NqD6tCjHv4pQ1gkzkbFp4XRwQPs3_mVr5iJqL2aipHbT8lkfnmYVCzxuCIYCnF-n3RH0bTr5MsHKwe9KRh_x2xTSyZGVERQEgwWcWIjeN4Ri9c3OCuTGzSVebtcHGkD4SIWOWxNqRgQ2whXhlOpxSe-dRENsoLilQTdngI6C6zVxtPEx75Tg/w400-h300/village%20hillside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Passed through beautiful mountain villages.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnovQBahTMWScoNteD9tmFKGu55MO7imvySl6D8nUqGsEN76bHYFsQs7zk3G750xawnVth_kTEFNMp_8RdYjhH4RtLxlPfTndZRLbhWl2zM7mhVDaJO0ne9ltHVDVu31jvoCPRVe08P0ctdmp3YNXEQGTc4ALkpqY6CDGWUBBZhwJkwWTWQ8jhQ_2cOg/s1440/house%20colorful%20patio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnovQBahTMWScoNteD9tmFKGu55MO7imvySl6D8nUqGsEN76bHYFsQs7zk3G750xawnVth_kTEFNMp_8RdYjhH4RtLxlPfTndZRLbhWl2zM7mhVDaJO0ne9ltHVDVu31jvoCPRVe08P0ctdmp3YNXEQGTc4ALkpqY6CDGWUBBZhwJkwWTWQ8jhQ_2cOg/w400-h300/house%20colorful%20patio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Liked their patio area.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwJMmdXZ-F8DhDPhv156Xg5Bf3Ju82My24e7mju-Mki1jHUmBKdIKay5mi5WYT9xFT_aj4iS8MGrgOrv-yAb46nTsp6PJUG5MoUHEV4lLTlotXLzljIHPYGVNQ9vKyTKO8sZuGHPXDtQ4Dp_N0ZDD_0sRxwKyz_XAwrhRufkd9Nnj7_7HLiPq4T2sw/s1080/brutalism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwJMmdXZ-F8DhDPhv156Xg5Bf3Ju82My24e7mju-Mki1jHUmBKdIKay5mi5WYT9xFT_aj4iS8MGrgOrv-yAb46nTsp6PJUG5MoUHEV4lLTlotXLzljIHPYGVNQ9vKyTKO8sZuGHPXDtQ4Dp_N0ZDD_0sRxwKyz_XAwrhRufkd9Nnj7_7HLiPq4T2sw/w300-h400/brutalism.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>How the heck did this ugly brutalism structure get built in a mountain village? I hope the mayor got canned.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYJEPetRX5Y3B1-DAjhX5-0g3sQxBErDjwONcF1I5S2siSbEOYBqSOYJhPrB_NxD39jHJGsuuoBv4Hczsb2dZnnQ_WDJtF26x9QwJVqHo4vXOgw92jZZWhovG_pXN6WZVKXjq2DOq2pczdtvBFi73fM2FaxXFd02PdO2Q4uaKM_GByHm8hsGnirIr2w/s1440/brutalism%20across%20the%20street.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYJEPetRX5Y3B1-DAjhX5-0g3sQxBErDjwONcF1I5S2siSbEOYBqSOYJhPrB_NxD39jHJGsuuoBv4Hczsb2dZnnQ_WDJtF26x9QwJVqHo4vXOgw92jZZWhovG_pXN6WZVKXjq2DOq2pczdtvBFi73fM2FaxXFd02PdO2Q4uaKM_GByHm8hsGnirIr2w/w400-h300/brutalism%20across%20the%20street.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Right behind and all around the ugly brutalism structure are mountain chalets--most more than 100 years old. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzr9cNb8RuYLtDCxAqFQXoe0avPb78-tRt7AH-ap3k5wpQBJrbNBbdErkAfCju-U-rlb_8MFVlpqFAKu88SvbQ4qxmk3410rW3ZBzIbW53RpMn12aS5G3Q0HJ5Qi8_B2JxfUxiwBxYwD6k4AUcWOjdzWLkb73xFae2a7PAr300kRHdmcbIw5TSFzsqg/s1440/golf%20course.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzr9cNb8RuYLtDCxAqFQXoe0avPb78-tRt7AH-ap3k5wpQBJrbNBbdErkAfCju-U-rlb_8MFVlpqFAKu88SvbQ4qxmk3410rW3ZBzIbW53RpMn12aS5G3Q0HJ5Qi8_B2JxfUxiwBxYwD6k4AUcWOjdzWLkb73xFae2a7PAr300kRHdmcbIw5TSFzsqg/w400-h300/golf%20course.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There's been a drought in Switzerland and not much grass. Looking over the other side of the valley I see big patches of green. Golf course? I ask a local and learn farmers have been using sprinklers to grow grass to feed cows. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764562208685999479.post-10949088137416878312022-08-19T02:27:00.002-07:002022-08-19T08:25:34.387-07:00Waldegg Castle (near Solothurn, Switzerland)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNjf_N1TygcZU0a8rfCe_aWLZUa70QvxRm3vT6KLp68gAQNwvduYf6MPlgg0bTXYvTR0IREyedZzr5lMUgaDq18PTAN10yQlzxXeYRsbEGbFfKozzb3-rl8pCnmpt59lM-6pVVSJHs0FTkLawchXj6iY0WsMy79sxEca94sMlfPeG3Jw49UyKkaWwqg/s1440/front%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNjf_N1TygcZU0a8rfCe_aWLZUa70QvxRm3vT6KLp68gAQNwvduYf6MPlgg0bTXYvTR0IREyedZzr5lMUgaDq18PTAN10yQlzxXeYRsbEGbFfKozzb3-rl8pCnmpt59lM-6pVVSJHs0FTkLawchXj6iY0WsMy79sxEca94sMlfPeG3Jw49UyKkaWwqg/w400-h300/front%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Built in 1686 as the summer residence for the Besenval family, the Baroque castle was only two miles from the family's main house in Solothurn's old town. The family's wealth came from the salt trade and the mercenary business with France. As mentioned in earlier post, from 1530-1792 France's ambassador to Switzerland called Solothurn home. Back in those days France would hire mercenaries (soldiers) to help fight its battles. This was very lucrative to those Swiss (like the Besenval family) who could gather up fighters. At one point in 1678 about 25,000 Swiss mercenaries fought for King Louis XlV of France. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudvawZbtotlmPbR5xpTSyiSeNZ0aiGnp0nbCwATUQSsQS6cNJeDn2vcgaK_eGLNKDPMelGLHhWvN6WdpfzWoO8Twz4c27u3nQ1npT5Jd02MrktwcTINy02S2KObBu5sM02Y6Zsn_F4x7yVsitUL6WPnr2_-FUdNONUX9hvT7yrPM_SEgMQwZQUxzXag/s1440/left%20front%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudvawZbtotlmPbR5xpTSyiSeNZ0aiGnp0nbCwATUQSsQS6cNJeDn2vcgaK_eGLNKDPMelGLHhWvN6WdpfzWoO8Twz4c27u3nQ1npT5Jd02MrktwcTINy02S2KObBu5sM02Y6Zsn_F4x7yVsitUL6WPnr2_-FUdNONUX9hvT7yrPM_SEgMQwZQUxzXag/w400-h300/left%20front%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is the left side view of the front (can't get the whole front of castle in one photo as it's too wide). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL2Kqgq5i0aijZaNQVBXZWO2_9UHP5WtTCvrYwBXkskvrAbCasKESp7K4DoUdZHbWaukjaHo3efmWKXBusXdHVG7kkUzLzHM-35U9SXFTdEN8j5sp-ooVcVvqraHWx9Sn10SQu2omCpDvIOF3CxbY8NQR23g9XtISTXP8qKECRgoYtSJXDLLgW83rkQ/s1440/right%20front%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL2Kqgq5i0aijZaNQVBXZWO2_9UHP5WtTCvrYwBXkskvrAbCasKESp7K4DoUdZHbWaukjaHo3efmWKXBusXdHVG7kkUzLzHM-35U9SXFTdEN8j5sp-ooVcVvqraHWx9Sn10SQu2omCpDvIOF3CxbY8NQR23g9XtISTXP8qKECRgoYtSJXDLLgW83rkQ/w400-h300/right%20front%20view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is right side of the front.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9yWfmJ2SRP-onZNZF3ItD8Zpy8AQprtYpRjvuWBit_N7iJh5QsRiqutjZYAFPJZhdacqyOGeP8WR7euX4dH52gfuVT2uHweqniy1OGwjpBD9wP1CkNrwekReL9NM8Nabd1I-ky2jYKR0lgt4fWc4M0QxiOSR57wvjwtDoPZZn4kCspAZoUZH1WqeEw/s1080/shutters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9yWfmJ2SRP-onZNZF3ItD8Zpy8AQprtYpRjvuWBit_N7iJh5QsRiqutjZYAFPJZhdacqyOGeP8WR7euX4dH52gfuVT2uHweqniy1OGwjpBD9wP1CkNrwekReL9NM8Nabd1I-ky2jYKR0lgt4fWc4M0QxiOSR57wvjwtDoPZZn4kCspAZoUZH1WqeEw/w300-h400/shutters.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>They had a sense of humor--notice shutters with monkey faces.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfEAYNHmDCEfIaQiU9d9DIDmhWh6XDOyFnGHch92z_E_qyCCXauivH8dG3Su-vo5fo_HXdw7du217HP2ha8SczeOykwF2q6QXcNFU7y68IQ7poTtYiqQLmxbhRO9MceAX10qWdaYeBpC7LLw5r3kJffi-aes5BqP3qx_iyQ6VZQUlQMOub5hZDoHtXg/s1080/tree%20lined%20drive.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfEAYNHmDCEfIaQiU9d9DIDmhWh6XDOyFnGHch92z_E_qyCCXauivH8dG3Su-vo5fo_HXdw7du217HP2ha8SczeOykwF2q6QXcNFU7y68IQ7poTtYiqQLmxbhRO9MceAX10qWdaYeBpC7LLw5r3kJffi-aes5BqP3qx_iyQ6VZQUlQMOub5hZDoHtXg/w300-h400/tree%20lined%20drive.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is the long tree-lined drive you drive up to reach castle. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVamXtxVfxWJnfgWgB58uJHqg0fJV6ze018iFi9-Zn1gx_UIFUtrmI1ZuLfrv8u-r0Cvzd-6y1b6UITJZxBElrKVWVBMJVYrdCBUXSvv6CPDQ_ryUY4PSU8JqooPo3XDTgWM6rCUwTE_F9HWvz0YNBjzMHhTUQ-Tp9sYo2YCIECtRbXx2kL3NV54-z5w/s1080/bedroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVamXtxVfxWJnfgWgB58uJHqg0fJV6ze018iFi9-Zn1gx_UIFUtrmI1ZuLfrv8u-r0Cvzd-6y1b6UITJZxBElrKVWVBMJVYrdCBUXSvv6CPDQ_ryUY4PSU8JqooPo3XDTgWM6rCUwTE_F9HWvz0YNBjzMHhTUQ-Tp9sYo2YCIECtRbXx2kL3NV54-z5w/w300-h400/bedroom.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>One of the bedrooms.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpLV0rmmtu4ckZqwN-N_iihGlMqFSEtsDFN-NcXaGDsEbQ5ivbYrEa9CD2yFsgWbdSfG4wuMeny9rFHQJ9WvUKQXMaUf1NsMIS2cUTScNzV5Nbbh9OyjWYZ3Sa5Ern4KvdaeREA-zNlzCVLeXYrZ1eTdVERiUU1BiAC1zsJ2tEqR5ebq_mdMdV4iUAA/s1440/bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpLV0rmmtu4ckZqwN-N_iihGlMqFSEtsDFN-NcXaGDsEbQ5ivbYrEa9CD2yFsgWbdSfG4wuMeny9rFHQJ9WvUKQXMaUf1NsMIS2cUTScNzV5Nbbh9OyjWYZ3Sa5Ern4KvdaeREA-zNlzCVLeXYrZ1eTdVERiUU1BiAC1zsJ2tEqR5ebq_mdMdV4iUAA/w400-h300/bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Closer view of bed. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmaOfo7tLrneXWJEWS4Ynak4QR4L4TxVEBA9JWyx7KoGdKlsJKY7yYUOX_hYlynoax-46SM22hq0mLvsCjvHLMicAyu_ofDpMmtktPxbWt-UzLf81ipjKCZwvAf5Z6AG53pytP85V1PUVHmBidceWxNuXLfb-YZlAdDG_iS_M7FMTZRgXkXPc2zitIg/s1080/chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmaOfo7tLrneXWJEWS4Ynak4QR4L4TxVEBA9JWyx7KoGdKlsJKY7yYUOX_hYlynoax-46SM22hq0mLvsCjvHLMicAyu_ofDpMmtktPxbWt-UzLf81ipjKCZwvAf5Z6AG53pytP85V1PUVHmBidceWxNuXLfb-YZlAdDG_iS_M7FMTZRgXkXPc2zitIg/w300-h400/chair.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is pretty funny. I've been to hundreds of museums and normally placards in multiple languages tell you not to touch or sit plus, pieces of rope are placed across so no one's puts their fanny on the bed or furniture. Here, they've spread dried pointed leaves on the furniture (see bed in previous photo). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TVLtWuCA-9K3Waask2VJ4Gr6fuesflwEGMAWnbyaDVH07dhVlKX5e1Z5nb2kqxlRDFqzAuNnR49uXDlGL4YfiFPnW4ufSOP6iV0B45OlWFUGpi_lC3eoctjktOoXi0l_6VMSccJwYafhYKJajg8KTBzbDIWS9Qa0cnbvrz5zFf1H32EctUL9bPMbBw/s1440/view%20out%20window%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TVLtWuCA-9K3Waask2VJ4Gr6fuesflwEGMAWnbyaDVH07dhVlKX5e1Z5nb2kqxlRDFqzAuNnR49uXDlGL4YfiFPnW4ufSOP6iV0B45OlWFUGpi_lC3eoctjktOoXi0l_6VMSccJwYafhYKJajg8KTBzbDIWS9Qa0cnbvrz5zFf1H32EctUL9bPMbBw/w400-h300/view%20out%20window%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>View from the upstairs window toward English garden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UlzQtY7mIq3__J7CBKqKgmp9oKgVIVsZFZJon5XW-2IMfG1GvsqYdlNAWQN5Co-nnDgtgG4UZgeJP78bRaY6pmZ_G6MGPvrRJlk9CT0IoggFbsGcDn0sF6JlNE4ZUHeDdzYbyCIqjBHmct2ihlR_sm_NIYceEoB3dNtjJ0a__zP78d2FkPEU7oPQ7w/s1440/view%20out%20window%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UlzQtY7mIq3__J7CBKqKgmp9oKgVIVsZFZJon5XW-2IMfG1GvsqYdlNAWQN5Co-nnDgtgG4UZgeJP78bRaY6pmZ_G6MGPvrRJlk9CT0IoggFbsGcDn0sF6JlNE4ZUHeDdzYbyCIqjBHmct2ihlR_sm_NIYceEoB3dNtjJ0a__zP78d2FkPEU7oPQ7w/w400-h300/view%20out%20window%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Same photo as previous photo as I goofed and to delete photo requires deleting the whole post and starting over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37pnAkA8DbIiJRnaEv_SlSg3i9vpFqK7q4zhn517e4AWv1yWbxCt1CSgOANcUwDupB_whJvkT59JTSgK_CybFWRLGK7GuOKdopv2wWP7_WXF903BgqSj6Bn5B9Sbmjoz_PuaURyPaIjjn-wqINxBMjhQzdP_-oXOICSd5lM-hsLzrfKVyDSesDHKadA/s1440/view%20out%20window%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37pnAkA8DbIiJRnaEv_SlSg3i9vpFqK7q4zhn517e4AWv1yWbxCt1CSgOANcUwDupB_whJvkT59JTSgK_CybFWRLGK7GuOKdopv2wWP7_WXF903BgqSj6Bn5B9Sbmjoz_PuaURyPaIjjn-wqINxBMjhQzdP_-oXOICSd5lM-hsLzrfKVyDSesDHKadA/w400-h300/view%20out%20window%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>View to the left from upstairs window. Farmland still surrounds castle. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGjfItmMC4_1uZMx0KIknMSmeomBHs24QhazMtvpXOp-7xGnhx6UZS_qkYWC7lYVAb8Op6qr87K-GJmxdN10K76rlsnTEOjz8OV3hu5yarSIN1NKmTAHSh49rcfprFlxxbSq-lhEvzl-uea4-wIZEycoO_kchyGWVUm3urRL48N65tmcGV6YFT0iOvg/s1440/garden.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGjfItmMC4_1uZMx0KIknMSmeomBHs24QhazMtvpXOp-7xGnhx6UZS_qkYWC7lYVAb8Op6qr87K-GJmxdN10K76rlsnTEOjz8OV3hu5yarSIN1NKmTAHSh49rcfprFlxxbSq-lhEvzl-uea4-wIZEycoO_kchyGWVUm3urRL48N65tmcGV6YFT0iOvg/w400-h300/garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Garden on backside of castle. In 1963 the Canton of Solothurn took over the property (Switzerland has cantons--similar to states in USA). Members of the founding family still live in the east wing of the castle. <p></p>Paul the bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550500521561974322noreply@blogger.com0