The Einstein Museum And Work Delayed

I used my second full day in Bern to check out the Einstein Museum in the southern part of town. Along the way, I climbed up the cathedral spire as Stefan suggested for a great view of the city. The snow, which he said was unusual for the region, turned the environment into my image of a winter wonderland. If there weren't so many clouds, I would've been able to see the Alps.

The Einstein Museum was developed from what was to be a temporary exhibit. It was a relaxing and peaceful way to spend an hour, though I don't know that I learned anything new about the man. And I certainly didn't develop a better grasp of his groundbreaking theories, despite the animated video lessons.

I returned to Stefan's apartment, though he was still hanging around with a friend at an indoor climbing wall. When they got back, we had a bite to eat, and I was invited out for a drink. Neither of them were particularly keen to go to work Monday morning. I was feeling tired so I initially declined. Mike, Stefan's friend, then offered to buy me a drink and I did not protest his generosity. Stefan said he normally rode a bike everywhere, so he lent me one and we pedaled back to the center of town where we dismounted outside one of the most upscale restaurants/lounges in the city. It seems we were going out for more than just a beer.

Kornhaus Keller was the name of the centuries old, underground building we entered. We found the only available set of leather seats back by the cigar room. I declined Jameson in favor of a drink I would actually enjoy, a Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic.

Going for broke, Mike suggested cigars, though I declined them as well in favor of a few puffs from Stefan's. They chose the cheapest ones on offer, at $9 apiece, or about half the cost of my drink. An hour or two were passed in the dim light of the exclusive haunt before Stefan and I returned to his apartment. I thanked him for everything, and retired in the comfort of one of his six roommate's beds. He was set to begin a new job in the morning, while I intended to sleep late, and catch a train to Interlaken.

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.