Sunday, July 13, 2008
Zurich and Aargau
Zurich is the home to the Heidi Weber Pavillon by Le Corbusier, for Le Corbusier. Ms. Weber, a successful interior designer from Zurich, was the first person to ask for permission to manufacture Le Corbusier's furniture designs from the architect himself for which she was granted permission. In the early 1960's she commissioned a museum of sorts to celebrate the architect. A 50 year lease on prime Zurich lake-front property was granted and Ms. Weber spent her own money to have the museum built. There is only one word for this building: MASTERPIECE! A series of cubes with fantastic spaces and an open-air, covered rooftop area to die for - we toured the place with our jaws agape. Afterwards we took a short walk along the lake and did more people watching than anything else. On the way home we took in two towns in Aargau: Bremgarten and Lenzburg. Both of these towns were totally delightful examples of cities founded in the 11th century which were worth a half hour walk through the altstadt (old town) each. See the pictures of Zurich, Bremgarten and Lenzburg.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Sedona, Arizona
Robert was working in Tucson again, so over the long holiday weekend he took a trip to Sedona. The first day he drove on Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive between Sedona and Flagstaff, but an impending storm hastened his trip back to Sedona. Just enough time for a short hike, dinner, and a drive to an overlook that provided a very nice sunset. No fireworks this year... the area is too dry and the west doesn't need anymore fires. The next day he took a guided tour with Pink Jeep Tours. A nice and easy off road drive that provided nice views over Sedona. Happy 4th of July! See the pictures here.
Mt Lemmon, Tucson Arizona
A co-worker invited Robert on a 6 mile hike on Mount Lemmon in Tucson. Charred trees are still visible from a fire that burned there a few years ago. Anyway, at the furthest point from the car, a freak rain storm (complete with marble size hail and ankle deep water) made for a not so ideal situation. It gave new meaning to their use of the term monsoon season. That, with common 110+ degree temperatures and the dust storm from the last trip completes the weather trifecta! See all the pictures from Tucson here.
Best Swiss Hikes: Saignelegier (33) - Gurnigel (23)
In the heart of the Jura Mountains and only minutes from the French border, this hike started in Saignelegier and was perfect for me since Robert is away in Tucson. Although I like the mountains, I don't mind going somewhere close and 'flat'. This fit the bill perfectly: pretty meadows, a beautiful lake and lots of terrific wild flowers. I LOVE SUMMER! See the pictures.
On Sunday I thought I try another hike since the weather continues to be perfect (mid-80's and sunny). Once I arrived in the correct location (Gurnigel is a mountain pass, not a town so the navigation system in the car had problems finding it) - I knew I had made a mistake. This was not flat or close. I will have to return because I wouldn't want Robert to miss it. High above Thun and the Thunersee there were incredible views of the mountains and the valleys AND a ridge hike too! New views over every pass - too good not to go back. Check out the pictures.
The Home of Swiss Cheese: Emmental
We took a terrific little trip to the heart of swiss cheese country, Emmental, which is just north of Berne. Starting in Utzenstorf we discovered the most charming castle (Schloss Landshut) literally tucked away in the woods. Usually they are perched high on a hill, but this one was quite hidden AND it has a moat with unbelievably clear water - we've never seen anything like it! Next up, Burgdorf (photos). Robert worked here at a Roche office for nine months, but never made it into town. Its castle is one of the oldest brick buildings in Switzerland. Our last stop was in Langnau where we went for a short hike and an unbelievable view of the Alps right in front of us - incredible!
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