Looking for New and Different

First Modern Residence I've Seen in Switzerland

Looking at the map and Google, I choose Solothurn for my day of looking for something I have never seen. I figure that any place that promotes itself as "Switzerland's Most Baroque City" surely is a place I should visit.
The train station is on one side of the River Aare (which I have seen many days here in Switzerland) and you must cross it to get to the old town.

I've Seen Skyline Like This Before

The Aare Flows through Here Also

They Swim in the Aare Here Also

I Think This Is the First Modern Hotel I've Seen on the Aare

I've Seen Town Gates But This One Is Still Used

This Is a Very Nicely Maintained City Wall

I amble around the Old Town for a while.

I've Never Seen an Aviary in a Swiss Park Before

I;ve Seen Houses Like This Before

I Like This Park with the Cathedral

I'm Impressed

I Don't Like Swiss Modern Office Buildings

Yes I've Seen Many Streets Like This But I Still Like to Photograph Them

I'd Like to See More of This in North America

I Never Get Tired of Looking at the Swiss Fountains

This Was the Best Nicois Salad I've Seen or Eaten

For some reason, the castle is closed on Fridays. Every town has maintained or repurposed its castle differently and I had thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast this one to the others I have seen in the last four months.
Instead, I chose to visit the Museum Blumenstein, a 19th-century patrician family home. When Napolean's army invaded the area, Solothurn was chosen to house the French Ambassador. Solothurn still feels "a little French."

It is less than a two-mile walk to the museum. I start to walk there.

Why Is There a Cow and a Camel Next to the City Gate

Oh the Circus Is In Town!

I Don't Understand Why There Is a Milk Cow in the Circus

I've Never Seen Circus House Trailers Parked by a Naked Boy on a Horse

I get tired and it starts to rain. I decide to get on the bus.
Oops this bus is turning and going in a different direction. By t.he time I get off the bus, I have no idea where I am. Google maps helps but I am a little confused. It is just a little drizzle. I continue my quest for things I have never seen.

Why is a Bust Placed in the Middle of an Old RR Track

Surprise

I've Seen Many Cemeteries Before

But I Will Walk Through This One

If It Weren't Raining Maybe I Could See the Time on This Sundial

I walk through many fine streets, alleys, and lanes. All the homes are very fine - probably 19th century- but they are all behind walls or hedges so I don't take any photos. Also, it is too difficult to hold my umbrella and my camera simultaneously.

Finally I See a Sign Pointing the Way to the Museum

Finally I See the Museum Blumenstein

I'm Sure Offen = Open But I Can't Get the Door Open

Now I See This Is a 24-Hour Clock

I've Seen More Impressive Dining Rooms

I Do Like This Soup Tureen and the Way It Is Displayed

I've Seen Many a Recreated 19th Century Kitchen Before

I'd Like to Sit Down in This Gameroom

I'd Like to Know if These Are Residents' Portraits

Solothurn Very Catholic and Very French During This Time

This Is Not Fancy

I learn later that the museum hosts many activities. One of them is a dinner where guests roleplay a member of the household or community while seated at this table. Obviously, they don't get to use the fine china in the real dining room.

What's This

This also demanded an explanation in English!
There was an abbey near here. When the catacombs were discovered in Rome with all the skeletons, the Vatican wondered what to do. Many were professed to be the remains of saints and distributed to parishes, convents, and abbeys throughout Europe. At least two were in the nearby abbey. The nuns of the time had adorned the skeletons in finery befitting the remains of a saint for adoration. The museum is currently restoring two skeletons to their former glory -at least as the abbey adorned them and not as the Romans placed them in the catacombs.

Closing time is approaching.
The sun is out; the rain has stopped.

I Have to Examine This to Know How to Open the Door to Exit

Time to get to the train station, go to Burgdorf, and feed the cats.

Even Though I Liked It I've Seen Enough