Europe Day 30: Goodbye and Hello

First thing this morning, we departed from Italy. I was very sad to go. As we packed up to head out, I nearly shed a tear as I considered that I may never get the chance to come back here. It was especially despondent to realize that although I was leaving this spectacular place, I still was not going home. The long plane ride and time spent traveling would not take me to where I really wished to be. But I am determined not to let that mentality keep me from enjoying myself!

Sorrento sent us away with beautiful sunshine and a brisk sea breeze that rushed us into our tour bus. As we drove around the Bay of Naples to the airport, the water so perfectly reflected the gray blue sky that the horizon could not be distinguished in the distance. The bright white boats could have just as easily been soaring through the sky as the water, leaving a trail of clouds behind.
Even as our plane ascended there seemed to be no difference between the celestial blue above and the splashing waters below. Our plane soared through the air between layers of cotton candy clouds. With such a perfectly blue sea beneath, we seemed to be surrounded by sky above and below.
I am most concerned about flying when it comes to taking off. I had the happy opportunity for my fears to be minimized by the French children in the row behind us, who happily sang Frere Jaques and giggled for the entire take off. Happily, the initial amicable sentiment I felt towards them remained throughout the flight, as only one loud shriek erupted from their throats while we were in the air.
Switzerland is a truly beautiful country. Patchwork countryside and tree covered hills greeted my eyes as we slowly descended. I could see little towns like the center of a wheel, with dirt road spokes stretching far out into the country side. I was later surprised to find that there is very little agriculture here. The acres of orderly fields could have easily fooled me.
Leaving the airport after picking up some lunch, we began the hour and a half journey to the city of Bern. The country is just as beautiful on the ground as in the air. There are so many trees! Forests cover rolling hill after rolling hill. The road twists and turns around and through the many mountains. And unlike the other places we have been, it seems to be a particularly clean country. There is much less garbage on the road than I have noticed elsewhere.
Madame B. and her husband Renee took us on a walking tour of Old Town. This portion of the city is incredibly adorable! Nearly every window is adorned with a flower box, and the walls are beautiful shades of stone grey and whitewash. The ever present green of the many trees and bushes makes for an exceptional combination.
For dinner, a group of us went to a restaurant that translates to The Old Tram Station. I am not convinced it was once a station of any sort, but the food was delicious! I had hash browns with apple puree, a thick layer of white cheese, and crunchy bacon. Starchy, sweet, and savory; all of the flavors a person could wish for! Having never eaten at a Swiss Restaurant, I was a little nervous about what sort of food they would serve. I find myself completely satisfied with the options!
Our server was rather fantastic. I was incredibly impressed at how easily he switched between Swiss-German, French, and English without hardly a pause. To make it better, his English accent was rather charming. I was reading in my Swiss Culture book today, and apparently they learn their Swiss-German when they learn to talk, formal “High German” to write with, and then take two additional languages, usually either French, English, or Italian. German, French, and Italian are all official languages here, with Romanash, a near descendent of Latin, also used. Imagine a country of multi-lingual people.  I feel slightly inferior, and almost want to take more French classes to improve my meager skills!
The commune of Bern is often represented by the symbol of a bear, with the city of Bern as its capital. Therefore, in the middle of the city they have a huge area set up for bears. One big bear and three baby bears. I definitely did not see that one coming!
We only get to stay here until 3 p.m. tomorrow, before moving on to Interlaken. Even so, I intend to use the time we have here to enjoy the spectacular views, as well as some Swiss chocolate. That is happening tomorrow-rain or shine.