More on Solothurn

St. Urs cathedral.  They had it closed off as I guess there was something going on.  I plan on coming back and will go inside then.

Heading to the Basel gate. Construction began in 1504.

And there I find a Lego store...I just have to go in and check it out for my grandsons.  Lots of action figures...

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Simpsons LEGO figures?

These towers are part of the Basel gate and were finished in 1535.  Holding up remarkably well!

There is a huge exposition taking place and hence the crowds.  This was a competition of wrestling.  Quite like Sumo wrestling but instead of being naked with only a ‘diaper’ these boys are more conservatively dressed with burlap ‘shorts’ over their pants.

Ah...the king of BBQ’s....I wander through tent after tent of all sorts of things and decide its time to leave.  I’d like to come back to this town when nothing extra is happening to get a feel for it.  I hop the train back to Biel and the bus to Kappelen.  First night of doing all the chores now that my “farm help” has departed.

Neuchâtel was a bust

On Friday Mary and I take the bus to Biel and then the train to Neuchâtel which is on the shore of Neuchâtel Lake.  We were looking forward to seeing this town as it sounded very charming and apparently totally French.  The train ride is very scenic as you travel along the shore of Lake Biel and then onward to Lake Neuchâtel.

As soon as we arrived there we kept getting all these signals...everything we do difficult.  Nothing was flowing.  It turns out that there is a festival the last weekend in September to celebrate the harvest of the grapes.  

This happens every year so instead of finding a quaint medieval town we found party central just setting up.  It wasn’t just one area of town.  It was everywhere!  It felt like the PNE on steroids.

Mary and I decide to have coffee at a cafe, sitting outside on the sidewalk.  All of a sudden these two men who had been setting up a food truck start arguing and then slaps and punches are exchanged!  The police are called and all mayhem erupts.  It is only noon and the festival doesn’t start until tonight!  We couldn’t leave fast enough. Trying to salvage what we could of the day we board the bus, go back to the train station and head back to Biel,

No photos of the fight.  I think I was in disbelief!  Back in Biel we felt safe and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon.  I hope to return to Neuchâtel after the weekend to give it a fair chance but we’ll see.

As we missed lunch in Neuchâtel we sit curb side while waiting for our bus.  We’re enjoying pretzels...one caramel and one chocolate!

This was Mary’s last day here before she returns to Zurich and then flys home Sunday.  Mary bought some Prosecco and a few other treats for our last supper.

Sunday I accompany Mary to Biel where she will catch her train to Zurich.  I am catching a train to Solothurn to check out this town.

Solothurn is having their Saturday market which makes it extremely busy.  It’s hard to get a feel for the town with all the stalls and banners covering everything.

The Clock Tower in Market Square.

It was very windy and cold.  I’m waiting for the sun to appear and warm me up.

St. Peter’s Chapel...don’t mind the guy in the picture...it’s just a mannequin as there is a store right beside the chapel.  Somehow that shouldn’t be allowed...just looks wrong! 🤔

Erlach on Lake Biel

We continue up the lake.

It’s just so picturesque.

We arrive in Erlach.

We go for lunch...

And check out the town.

Funky old houses..

Then we board the boat and it’s time to return to Biel where we will catch the bus back to Kappelen.  What a wonderful Day!

Lake Biel

It’s Thursday and Mary and I get up early in order to get the chores done and catch the bus at 9:19 for Biel.  We are going to go out on Lake Biel on a boat.  We buy our ticket at the Information Centre and it’s only a ten minute walk to the lake.  We’re early so we stop for a coffee.

And off we go.  It’s a beautiful day.

We’re loving it!

Lots of vineyards.  This is wine country.

The water is clean and clear.

First stop where we disembarkis St. Peter’s Island.

This is a small self serve store...quite a few items for sale and totally an honour system.

Beautiful farmland....great trails to walk around the island.

We stop at this hotel...they have a great restaurant in the courtyard.  We decide to take a break.

A cool one before we start the walk back to the boat to continue our voyage.

Waiting for the boat.

Back on the boat and on our way to the end of the lake and Erlach.

Arrberg

On Tuesday we catch the bus to Arrberg.

It’s a small town only about 20 minutes away. It’s where we usually get groceries at the Coop store. 

The train station.

First we cross over this very old bridge. It’s single lane only so traffic alternates.

Pretty solid.  Entrance to Old Town. 

Another bridge a short distance away. Very picturesque.

The heart of the Old Town. 

Very attractive buildings. 

Arrberg is planning on their own Oktoberfest celebration. I’ll have to see if I can attend! 🍺🍻

We then find the bus stop for going home but there’s 30 minutes to wait. What better way to pass the time. 

That evening we decide to have a traditional cheese fondue.  We had a wee problem with the cheese wanting to stay in one big glob but it was good.  So much cheese!!

Off to Biel\Bienne

It’s Monday so we decide to take the bus to Biel\Bienne.  It’s only 30 minutes away and a lovely drive through the country.  Everything seems to be so picture perfect.  Lovely homes and gardens.  Horses and cows in the pastures.  Beautiful.

We take the number 86. It runs every hour and cost 3.70 Swiss francs which works out to approximately $5.

These bakeries are everywhere...we can’t get away from all these gorgeous goodies.

After going to tourist information we head to the Old Town.  The weather has changed and there is a very cold wind blowing.

Interesting old buildings..

The heart of the old town.

We duck into a church as we hear music...as we sit below we see that someone is playing the organ..

Everything seems to be closed...we learn later that most business are closed on Sunday and Monday.  We will comes back later in the week.  This is a very sweet town.

We find this restaurant open and quite a few people eating here.  It’s a good sign.

Lovely lunch of potato soup, cheese, bread and beer.  Feels good on this chilly day.  The waiter tells us that the building goes back to 1450.  It is actually a cave.  Very cool.



And then home we go.  We will come back as we want to take a boat ride on Lake Biel.  It’s supposed to warm up again so we’ll wait until then.