|
Last Updated: 03. Mai 2000
|
Switzerland
French Switzerland and Beatenberg
Geneva
Lausanne
Beatenberg and Interlaken Again!
Geneva
|
|
We breezed into Geneva and found a campground near to bus transportation and on the lake. From our campsite, it was a short walk to the beach where down the lake we could see the "Jet d' Eau", Geneva's most famous landmark. The campground has an excellent restaurant that even the locals enjoy. We enjoyed a meal of "large shrimps" (actually prawns) but the translation was supplied by our French waitress.
Geneva is the city of Calvin and the center of the Reformation. On the highest point of the old town, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre (St. Peter) is located. It is a Romanesque church with Gothic elements that was built between 1150 and 1232. The interior of the church has the austere simplicity that is characteristic of Calvinist churches - in other words, it is bare of all artistic embellishments.
Another important tourist attraction is the Reformation Monument. Against the wall under the Promenade de la Treille, one can see the Reformation Monument. In the middle are the figures of Calvin, Guilaume Farel, Théodore de Bezè and John Knox. On either side are the statesmen who promoted the cause of the reformed faith and bas-reliefs with scenes from the history of the Calvinist Reformation. At opposite ends of the monument are memorials to Luther and Zwingli.
Geneva was the center for the ill-fated League of Nations and today the European headquarters of the United Nations is housed in the Palais des Nations. This is the second largest complex of buildings in Europe (after Palace of Versailles), consisting of three main sections. Nearby the Palais des Nations, there is a botanical garden and conservatory, the offices of the World Health Organization and International Labor. Also, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum are nearby.
|
Lausanne
|
Our campsite was very close to the Château de Vidy, heqdauqrters of the International Olympic Committee. Also, nearby is the Museé Romain, the Vidy Roman Museum. We walked through some interesting Roman ruins.
The Olympics Museum is located in Ouchy along the waterfront of Lausanne. This new high-tech museum includes an extensive film archive of thrilling moments in the history of the Olympics. There is also much paraphernalia from the various Olympic sports.
|
Beatenberg and Interlaken Again!
|
Finally we made it to Beatenberg and the Interlaken region again. This time was to attend a retreat sponsored by our Ramstein church (Trinity PCA Church). Unfortunately, we did not enjoy much sightseeing during this time, because Erika became sick with a high fever and virus. Fortunately, we were not camping and she was able to get a substantial amount of rest.
One of the favorite things to see in Beatenberg was the hang gliders coming down the mountain. They started above our hotel and then floated through the air to a spot below our hotel. We saw them floating past the hotel windows many times during our stay.
On the north side of Thunersee (Lake Thun) is Beatushöhlen. According to legend, the caves were occupied by St. Beatus in the 6th century. Until the Reformation, the caves were a place of pilgrimage. The caves are a complex of stalactitic caves and there are several waterfalls, lakes, and an underground river. Don't forget your flashlight when investigating this cave.
|
Die Fotogalerie von die Schweiz
You can contact us by email to either Chris or Pat.
We will try to respond as soon as possible.
See you all later.
|
