As of May 3, we are able to travel more than 10 km from our homes in France, without an attestation. So far, though, only essential shops are open and no restaurants or museums. Fingers crossed for these openings to happen from May 19.
Since I can throw a rock from my house and have it land in Switzerland, where restaurants with outdoor dining are open, I and two friends went exploring yesterday. We took a day trip by train to Thun, a little lake- and river-side town in the canton of Bern (Bern is the capital of Switzerland).
Below, views from the train.
Thun has a long and storied history, dating back to before the Bronze Age. Alas, we were not there for the historic sights or to learn anything of its history and geography. We were there for lunch. And shopping. Stuff we haven’t been able to do in more than 14 months.
It was a glorious spring day, sunny and bright. The surroundings did not disappoint. We emerged from the train into the heart of the village.
We went straight to the restaurant, Gastube im Tempel, which is the top-rated place in Thun, despite being in a rather odd area and abutting a golf course.
We started with a lovely aperitif, a drink of sparkling wine, lavender, and hibiscus flowers.
Then we moved on to the best schnitzel I’ve had outside Vienna, served with very good frites and some kind of berry jam.
We were too stuffed for dessert, so I ordered, in rusty German, three coffees (drei Kaffees) for us. “What’s a DRY COFFEE?” the waitress asked, to much hilarity all around.
After that, we spent a few marvelous hours just wandering around the little streets, poking into shops, sitting and reading in an outdoor café, and, to our pandemic-astonishment, being surrounded by other people and being served.
Some day soon, France by Faith will again be bringing FRANCE to you! Yesterday was an important day here, which Americans will know as Victory in Europe, and in France, as le Jour de la Victoire en Europe or the Capitulation of Germany. All the memorials were freshly decorated. The dogs and I walked around in a nearby village, where I took these photos.
That’s Binky, exploring the graveyard!
“Died for France.” Always a very moving sight.
These pictures and your journey brought back incredible memories of our times in Europe. What excited me most was ordering the best schnitzel ever. Thanks for not posting a picture of the schnitzel. I would have jumped out of my skin. My favorite had always been Jagerschnitzel.
These were beautiful photos, I'm so glad you had a good day out in Switzerland. I know it's been tough in France. Very welcome to see victory in Europe being remembered. Thank you.