Bern: Where the City Takes Care of Its Own

There is something about small historical cities that appeals to my imagination. Strategically located between Geneva, Basel and Zürich, Bern is the gateway to the Alps, bordered by the Aare River and characterised by its hilly terrain. The city boasts a rich history which left me intrigued.

On a busy Saturday afternoon, we strolled through the city and the market on the Bärenpl. square with vendors selling fresh produce; the hustle and bustle of daily life was quite audible. To my surprise, the square shifted later in the day from a market to a large terrace area for the restaurants and cafes surrounding it. That therein is the intricate dance of cityscapes, having the ability to transform into whatever space the user intends it to, and sometimes with an element of surprise.

And finally, the river Aare, the longest river in Switzerland. And no, people do not swim to work as the myths say. But on a hot summer's day, there is only one thing to do: drift along the river. The longest route, from Thun to Lake Wohlen, takes around 4 hours. Those who prefer to drift past the landscape in a more active way either swim or use a stand-up paddle board.

That, to me, sums up the very essence of a small city: taking care of its inhabitants, and together shaping the way the city evolves.