Ampelmännchen

The charming cross-walk men in the former East.

Biking, part two

We biked a 45 kilometer loop out to the beach for our second bicycle outing. It rained twice, and we found shelter both times. In Belgium, bike itineraries are indicated by a list of numbered intersections rather than paths. There's a nice little video here showing how it works.

Street sign

Just around the corner from the Centre Pompidou.

Basel buffet

We took the train to Colmar, France, last Saturday, changing trains in Basel, where there is a noticeable difference between the French and Swiss train terminals. This former buffet is on the French platform.

Bern donkeys

We visited Bern yesterday to tour the Parliament Building and see the old-town sights. At one end of the market, there was a fundraiser for people with genetic diseases featuring a small pen with donkeys for petting and riding.

Minimum wage

The concept of a minimum wage is up for a vote in a couple weeks.

Swiss band

A sign listing the bands playing at a local festival a couple weeks ago. I can't help but wonder how the last band listed on Friday, a local Swiss rock band, came up with their name.

Swiss agriculture

"Farmer, but also a specialist in well-being. Swiss farmers ensure the well-being of animals."

This is part of an advertising campaign for Swiss agriculture.

Horse parking

This sign is posted in the center of Hauterive. Loosely translated: don't leave your horse here.

Burritos à la suisse

This sign caught my eye as I was walking to school yesterday.

Mexican burritos -- Swiss beef and red beans

Indian burritos -- Cold chicken with curried mayonnaise

Chinese burritos -- Swiss honeyed pork and bean sprouts

Oriental burritos -- Lamb

ZARA

The combined name Zak's cousins gave us (also an international clothing brand).

This is the end of the Emilia-Romagna photos. Back to Switzerland tomorrow.

Swiss milk

"With milk, naturally in shape."

Swiss McDonalds

I haven't yet visited a Swiss McDonalds, so I don't know their prices. 

I can report that unleaded gas is CHF 1.58/liter, which corresponds to $7.32/gallon.

Bulgari bus stop

One of the goofier examples of these posters at the bus stop in front of the Bulgari building.

Stop à la bureaucratie absurde!

"Stop the absurd bureaucracy for the love of Switzerland."

I photographed this sign in the Val-de-Ruz, but now I've seen it around Neuchâtel as well. It's sponsored
by the PLR, the fourth largest party in the Federal Assembly.

Stopper l'immigration massive!

This billboard went up in the place of last week's signs encouraging political participation. 

It's sponsored by the UDC, a conservative party with the most seats in Switzerland's Federal Assembly.

Elections posters

"Define the face of Switzerland."
These signs encouraging political participation are currently all over town.

Vacances

"Closed July 11 to 29, 2011. Happy holidays."
The vacation season has started for businesses around town.

Manifestation!

Most road signs are easier to decipher than this one.

Nano mania

I've been collecting "nanos" from the Migros grocery store for the last couple weeks. I can't wait to
open the packages to find out what a nano actually is.