Europe Whirlwind 1992 Austria Switzerland

Jean's Title Page

Click here to go to our Photo Site ==> Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug or Click here to go to my seldom used YouTube Channel

Switzerland - Bern and Interlaken (via Thun)

Austria - Vienna and Innsbruck

Vienna, Austria
The city of Mahler, Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert-home to Sigmund Freud and Karl Kraus, birthplace of modern music and modernist architecture--the city has been both dream and nightmare in recent times. At the turn of the century, Vienna flitted between elegance and decadence, waltzing in the shadow of the world war. A young Adolph Hitler was enraged by the carefree aestheticism of the fin-de-siècle city, rejected by its art-school jurors, and intrigued by the provincial anti-Semitism of mayor Karl Lueger. Huge crowds thronged the streets to greet Hitler's triumphant return in 1938. Amid the pleasant cafes, elegant theatre, and efficient trams, the traveler can scarcely discern the tragedies of the past.

Innsbruck, Austria

Encircled by snowcapped peaks or wildflower-strewn meadows, depending on the season, this small city with only 120,000 people is one of Europe's most scenic places. For much of its history the capital of Tyrol was a major crossroads of the Holy Roman Empire. Innsbruck is an Alpine village in the true sense of the word, with bracing fresh air, narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, and mountains on all sides.

The Winter Olympics were held here in 1964 and 1976-and with good reason. It's a skier's mecca throughout the year. But even if you don't ski you'll be treated to a spectacular Alpine panorama, museums, a picturesque old town, and a relaxing way of life.

The nicest accomodations of our entire trip at Pension Paula. The people are nice which was a nice change from the rudeness in Vienna.

Bern, Switzerland
Capital of Switzerland since 1834, Bern is a serene city of cobblestones, arcades, and colorful fountains. The city received its name when its founder, Berchtold of Zahringen, was advised by his counsels to go on a hunt and to name his town after the first catch. The famed beast was a bear; today the heraldic animal is everywhere. After a fire destroyed the town in 1405, it was rebuilt entirely of sandstone; the buildings of the old town still retain a calm being uniformity.

Bern Clock Tower

The then famous Bern Bear Pits, where you throw carrots to the bear to incite him to do frivolous trick. Really not P.C. but kind of fun if you're holding the carrots!

Interlaken, Switzerland

Snowcapped mountain peaks, cool lakes, the jingle of cowbells breaking the perfect silence--this is where Heidi and Toblerone come true.

I never did find out what the cows where doing in town, maybe it's a regular occurence here?

Next Stop: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium (click here to follow me)

Jean's Title Page

Click here to go to our Photo Site ==> Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug or Click here to go to my seldom used YouTube Channel