The move is complete, almost all boxes are unpacked, only a few pieces of furniture are missing and I am slowly getting used to my new surroundings. The latter happens mostly by walking around the neighborhood with my camera and taking the occasional hike.
My new Hausberg (German for the mountain most prominent in the immediate vicinity) is called Niesen which is the German word for ‘sneezing’ and it never fails to make me smile – especially when I do have to sneeze while on top. I’d been up there a few times before but last Sunday was a first for hiking down. That’s about 1600 m or nearly 5250 ft altitude difference. Normally it should take about 3 1/2 hours but closer to 5 1/2 and so many photos later I finally made it. With all those new sights to capture and having to crouch on the ground to get the right angle for certain flowers I was moving forward with the speed of a snail rather than that of an average human being. No complaints though. The photos were all worth it and lingering here and there to enjoy the scenery is good for the soul after all.
The Niesen as seen from the Harder Kulm
Up I went with the funicular. It’s got two sections and it takes about 30 min to reach the top – 30 very steep minutes with this beauty.
Up on top there’s quite the pretty playground called the Niesendorf – Niesenvillage.
The mountain is popular for paragliding.
That day there were especially many due to some event of which I have forgotten the name. When was about half way down I walked through a little valley and when I came up again this is what I saw.
It felt like they came out of nowhere. Quite the spectacle. But back to the top for a moment which is where you can find those lovely piles of stones…
…and from which you have the perfect view over Lake Thun…
…depending on where you stand all the way into Lake Brienz.
From there my slow descend started along flower-lined trails.
With a view on to the Fromberghorn.
Never losing my way thanks to tons of yellow signposts.
Chasing butterflies.
Refilling my bottle with clear spring water.
Walked past a self service cheese box of which I naturally bought a couple for the boyfriend.
Enjoying the view into the valley I would have to cross.
Then there are the two lakes again.
And eventually past a stream indicating that I was coming closer to my destination.
Which would be this village.
I loved every bit of the way but my feet hurt terribly in the end and climbing stairs the next day was a bit of a challenge.
A few more random photos coming up and then I will sign off for today but before I do so: Is it just me or does this stone look like a fish – maybe? I think I see a nose and a slightly open mouth.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Bowl Of Oranges 