Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Switzerland”
Many Happy Returns On Your 725th Anniversary, Switzerland! In 1291 three communities (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden) in the mountainous region banded together to ward off outside interference, mainly against the powerful Habsburgs, and founded Switzerland. We learnt in school all about the founding of Switzerland, how canton after canton joined the confederation, the many bloody wars they fought against intruders, …
Sunday Before Fasnacht Fasnacht always starts on Sunday with the legendary pasta party at home. And each year we have the same discussion as to when we started this tradition, I think it must be close to 50 years! The traditional yellow bouquet The same procedure each year: sherry for pre lunch drinks, mache salad with celery (finely grated) and …
The new year is not yet one month old and we celebrate the first highlight in Basel: Vogel Gryff Vogel Gryff is the most important holiday in Glaibasel (little Basel on the right bank side of the river Rhine) and is always celebrated in January, 13, 20 or 27 alternately. The three figures – Wilde Maa (the savage), Leu (the …
A Day in Neuchâtel, Switzerland Switzerland is a small country and has much to offer off the beaten track. Neuchâtel is easily reached within 1 ½ hours by train or car. We chose to go by train and enjoyed the morning ride via Delémont, Moutier, Grenchen, Biel to Neuchâtel. The weather was absolutely stunning: a light fog covering the rocks …
Sometimes you do not get what you wish for and sometimes your timing sucks! Big time this year: a week before Fasnacht (carneval) I caught a cold (or so I thought) and could not practise, try to play the piccolo (or any other flute) with a cough! I finally heeded the advice to go and see my doctor. He prescribed …
Vogel Gryff – A Local Custom I believe that taking part in local customs is root building, strengthens our social skills and – well – let us just have some fun! This last Friday, on a rather rainy and grey day, we celebrated a local custom in Kleinbasel (the part of the town which is on the right side of …