Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich

Boats, flowers and mountains on Zurichsee

Chamomile and bees in Zurich

Swans, swimmers and sunbathers at large on Zurichsee

This is the Lindt Chocolates corporate building, I believe.

Gorgeous railing. Notice the lion head in the center of the roundel, and the rosettes at other intersections.

Very often, in old cities, the new buildings share common walls, or are in close proximity to very old buildings. These are all of the same era.

These buildings are of various eras. There is movement and change and interest.

I have always imagined that Bill Murray had been to Zurich and perhaps had seen this particular decoration. It reminds me of his goofy look as the grounds keeper in the movie "Caddy Shack."

More interesting architecture. The colors and styles are eye catching. Pleasing to the eye. The narrow walkways and roadways keep things in human scale. It is very different from the high rise skyscrapers in many big cities.

Very often in the old cities, the streets are more about foot traffic than automotive traffic. In my opinion, this makes a place more livable.

I love these bay windows. First and second story windows that have this feature are quaint. They add to the visual texture of the exterior architecture, and visual and physical space to the interiors.

Intercity stairways do not deter shops, or parking for bikes! Traffic on these staired paths is, of course, foot traffic. Taking it slow means that one has the time to notice things in a shop window and chat with neighbors.

This is a rather formal building. I believe it is the rathaus or city hall, if my memory is correct.

This is a splendid view from the park at the top of the stair walking path. Not seen in this photo is a ferry that operates on a cable system across the river. It takes people from one side of the river on the small boat to the opposing bank. This is either the River Linth or the River Limmat. Again, notice the varied styles of architecture. Nothing boring about Zurich.

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Bern, Switzerland

Details of ?Parliamentary building? The corbels are articulating the division of space between the arched windows.

Details of an interior ached walkway with a niche containing a fountain.

Decorative corbels on the ?parliamentary building?

Traction on the stone pavement of the covered walkways are made with chisels and hammers. They alternate the diagonals on the pavers to help with traction.

Morning glories define the arched entrance of a covered walkway.


These covered sidewalks have many benefits. In the winter they offer walkways that are not snowcovered. In the rain, shoppers and shopkeepers can come and go without being soaked.

A building housing a theatrical company

Sts. Peter and Paul Church architectural details.

Warrior Animal Sentinels line the street on both sides. Eves of the buildings are sometimes brightly painted and embellished.

In the old town, every space is utilized for commercial space. This store is in the basement area of street level shops. This is very common in Bern.

Bright red tram going through the old town of Bern.

River Aare with homes directly next to the water. Steps leading out of the river are useful for those cooling off in the river and disembarking from boats.

The homes, churches and other buildings make great use of all available land, even on the inclines.

The River Aare is crossed many times over in Bern with lovely bridges. In the hot summer weather, people will often float downstream in the river and make their way to the banks to return upstream.

This is the rathaus. Notice all the coats of arms near the fascia.


Monkey soldier keeping watch over a main street.

This is Sts. Peter and Paul Church. This church was built in the 1900s. It is near the rathaus or city hall.

This cathedral was constructed in the 1400s. This photo was taken while the cathedral was under a restoration project. The scaffolding is 9 stories high. 

River Aare with a city view and swimming pools

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Unstaged Flora Photography

These are flowers on a maple tree in early spring. People generally don't think of deciduous trees as being flowering. These tiny delicate flowers are captivating in their form, but they are not eye catching in color.

This lovely rose was in full sun in the early morning. The bees were already out and ready to collect the nectar they use to make honey. I can imagine the delicately flavored honey to which this bee will contribute.

These luscious blossoms were in the constant wash of a fountain of potable water.

Five dew drops lined up on the central vein of this leaf. One dew drop on the side waits to join the others.

Flowers, clover and ?, from Achen, Germany.

Delicate flower, upclose, in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Chamomile in Zurich

Thunbergia alata (black-eyed Susan) in Zurich, Switzerland

Beautiful flowers at Matterhorn

More beautiful flowers at Matterhorn

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The Black Forest, Germany

Cool, fresh morning in the Black Forest, Germany

There is variety in color and texture. Bright yellows, soft violets, light greens, and mature, deep pine greens are all muted with the mist of altitude.

Sheep graze in a pasture at the highest point in the Black Forest. It is a perfect scene of serenity and relaxation.

Dainty Queen Anne's lace. Each delicate flower is distinct from the next.

Dead wood drapes over a steep incline. Flowers, shrubs and trees continue their lives striving for the sun.

Finally, descending into a valley, the Black Forest gives over to a vinyard.

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