Day 5: Bern! Part II
On our way back to the market, we stopped by St. Vincent's Cathedral. We walked around the gardens outside and looked out on the city again. We also found a mini playground which included trying to walk across a mini bridge (close to the ground) that moved. I found it to be easy but I think skating has helped with that. Putri, Jessica and Mariam tried (and succeeded!) and we attracted the attention of some other tourists who also tried it out haha.

I completed walking over the bridge (again)

We met the other vollies in the market. While I ate my lunch, I watched people play life-sized chess (not as big as in Harry Potter but big enough to play standing up). The men playing the chess were very intense about the game....though I think chess is played differently than in the U.S. because I did not see a queen place and other pieces could do different things than I remembered that they could.

After lunch, we headed back to the St. Vincent's Cathedral. On our way there, we saw a demonstration of a  gas fire in front of the parliament building and two older versions of fire trucks. One fire truck had a band playing horns in it. It was a little random but I think it was an intentional demonstration by the firemen for something. 

 At St. Vincent's Cathedral we climbed up the tower. The steps were very narrow and numerous. We started in the dark but then could start to see the view out of the windows on the way up. The height of the tower started to make me feel a little scared but I kept going and tried not to think about how high up I was going. We finally reached the first part and the platform all around was also narrow but the view was spectacular. In one direction, the bridges over the turquoise river, the terracotta roofs, the roof of the parliament roof. On another side, more tops of buildings, the clock tower, the spire of the Church of the Holy Ghost. On the other side, mostly river, houses far away and the distant alps. The last side, the river, the old part of the city and where the bears are kept. The view was awesome and I could also see the intricate arquitecture of the church up close. The spires had intricate curls and balls on them and above I could see statue sconces. We then went to another stairway with narrow steps and climbed up to the highest point that we could climb up to. There was a little bit of construction surrounding the inside of the platform but the view was still spectacular from farther up...the birds-eye view of the city was cool and the city looked like a miniature version. I was a little scared of heights and I sung a little Phantom of the Opera when I was on one side alone.

St. Vincent's Cathedral. The tower (under construction) is the one that we climbed.

Putri and the architecture of the tower 

A view of Bern from the tower

The staircase....so narrow!

On the way back down, there were two secret set of stairs that went into the church. Both sets of stairways led to the bell towers. The bells were caged in (probably so visitors don't fall down the church cavern). It was dark inside and there were two large bells. I imagined how in the medieval times, someone would climb up and ring the bell. It is pretty high up and they probably had to climb the stairs and pull a rope dangerously close to falling down. I think it probably would have been a fun yet dangerous job.

The stairs led out to the inside of the cathedral. The cathedral has high decorated ceilings and wooden pews along with stained glass windows lead up to a candle and the pulpit (that part though is blocked off). Behind that is a decorated altar and to the left but high up was an medium-sized organ attached to the wall. On the other side of the church, on the second floor, was a giant decorated organ with a golden piece on top. The cathedral had divided off into a smaller section on the left hand side. A third wooden organ stood nearby where the cathedral divided into the section. In this smaller section, there was a statue of Mary and Jesus. It was very impressive...the cloth on the statue looked real, though it was made of stone. There was also a pool of floating tea candles and I added one, saying a silent prayer for Nanny. I also wrote in the prayer book out of spirituality and to give thanks for my family, friends and opportunities in life given to me.

The giant organ in the back of the cathedral

The floating pool of tea lights

The life-like statue of Mary and Jesus

After the cathedral, we stopped in shops along the streets. We went to a Co-Op chocolate store. Co-Op is a large store like Sam's Club that sells groceries, household items and chocolate! I had a hard time deciding what to buy but I am trying to find the best chocolate while in Switzerland. I got some milk and dark chocolate along with a biscuit with a bear on it. Swiss milk chocolate is much sweeter and creamer than American milk chocolate...I like it better here haha. Currently my chocolate stash is on the shelf above my bed ... :)

Afterwards, most of the vollies stayed to shop and eat dinner out in Bern. I was exhausted and looking to save money for future travelling, so I left around 3pm with Putri and Jessica. Before we caught the train, we had some gelato. I had caramello which was a creamy caramel flavour! My first ice cream in Switzerland!

We caught three trains and a bus back to Adelboden and then up to Our Chalet. I learned three things on that time back.
1) On the second stories of trains, there are kids sections where there are mini playgrounds! I went down the slide

2) When you dance near the flagpole and think there is no one watching....the spring vollies may be watching you from Stockli house. Embarrassing but it was still fun.
3) When hitch hiking on the mountainside back up Our Chalet, you may catch a ride with Catt!! (Yay!!!)
We got back right in time for dinner!

Update on Staff Challenge: I got more points yesterday for the staff challenge! I got 2 for taking a day trip to somewhere in Switzerland (whoo Bern!). I also got 2 points for sleeping in the eves of the attic! In the attic, where I am sleeping, there are closets that lead to the edges of the attic that are filled with different supplies. I pulled down a mattress kept in there and set up my bed for the night. The cabinet I picked is right behind my bed and I slept soundly with the door open. It was a cozy place to sleep (other than the dustiness in the air!)
75 points to go!!!!!!