Berner Münster

Gargoyles on the Berner Münster : Bern, CH

The Berner Münster, or Cathedral of Berne, is Switzerland's largest Gothic cathedral. Construction on the cathedral commenced in 1421 and was completed in 1893--a span of 472 years. Within 30 years of the founding of Bern (Swiss spelling), a chapel was built on the grounds where the current cathedral stands. Over the next five centuries, the building grew as the city grew. The church was originally Catholic, but as the years progressed switched to Protestant, which is what it is today. The cathedral's tower holds the largest bell in Switzerland: 10 tons in weight and 8 feet in diameter. The bell was cast in 1611. To hear the cathedral's seven bells, go here. To see more pictures of this edifice, go here.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/10

At the Alpage IV

Ringing of the Cow Bells : Alpage : Annecy, FR

Just a couple more shots from the Alpage. Today's feature the parade of the cow bells. My guess is, these are the farmer's with the highest producing cows in the region. They come through with these huge bells on yokes. Immediately behind them then come herds of cows. It's a pretty noisy, prestigious affair!

Goatherd and a sneaky pickpocket : Alpage : Annecy, FR

I featured this picture yesterday in my slideshow, but I like it so well and it has a story that I decided to post it. These goats and their herders stopped in front of where I was standing and, while they were waiting, the goat next to this woman kept trying to steal corn out of her basket. The two of the together we're pretty funny! She finally got hold of him and managed to get him to stop pickpocketing her long enough for me to take this photo.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/09

LABELS: Alpage, Animals, Europe, France, Locale-Annecy, NaBloPoMo

Two Things Challenge: Early / Late

Early : Kuhglocken on a farm building : Brienz, CH

This week's Two Things Challenge was Early / Late. I took these pictures today in Brienz, Switzerland, near the open air museum of Ballenberg. The first picture was taken in the early afternoon while the sun was still a bit behind and above this farm building with the cow bells (Kuhglocken), while the second was taken about five hours later.

Late : Kuhglocken on a farm building : Brienz, CH

If you'd like to participate in 2 Things Challenge or see how others interpreted this week's challenge, go here.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 08/09