A close-up and personal look at Switzerland
The national schwingen and folk festival is in a different location every 3 years. It was the weekend of August 27th and 28th in the French speaking Estavayer this year (2016). It was especially hot and tickets were expensive, so… Read moreSchwingen, a New King is Born
The Swiss love their animals, so much so that they have one of the strictest animal right laws. Good for them! I love animals too and although I think that what this law says is obvious in many respects, it… Read moreTreating your Pets Well
Ben and I have been to a lot of wedding ceremonies. Still, I can count the number of times we have been invited to a Swiss wedding party on two hands. They are small, only family and the very best… Read moreSwiss Wedding Bells
Not even counting Roger Federer and the first Bond-girl Ursula Andress, Switzerland has had a large number of impressive inventions and exports throughout history. Some of which you may not be aware of. Here are four from a long list… Read moreAmazing Swiss Inventions
There is so much joy in seeing a sparkle in someone’s eyes and knowing that you have given them memories to cherish. That childlike feeling of not knowing what you want to do next, everything looks like fun – let’s do it… Read moreA Joy Shared is a Joy Doubled
Most Swiss love having guests over for dinner and entertaining and we are no different. Of course with the number of people toasting with red wine and eating tomato sauces and red foods you would expect more things to happen… Read moreSpills and Thrills
The obligatory school is only 9 years in Switzerland but in reality only very few are truly done with schooling after that. The curriculum in the school is different in each canton. For example, each canton dictates which second language… Read moreSchooldays and Teachers
We do it. Many of our friends do it, in fact, I know of very few people who have never played the lottery. The Swiss have a national lottery, the funds go to sponsoring sports I believe. If you are… Read morePlaying and Winning the Lottery
One of the unique Swiss pastimes is playing cards. Their favorite game is Jass (pronounced yahss). The deck consists of 36 cards (6 to Aces) using either the French cards or the German cards. There is also a special mat you… Read moreJass and Hearts are Trump
All my knowledge about the Swiss military service is secondhand but I have heard a lot of stories. It’s a topic that all Swiss men can relate to and have an opinion about. At dinner parties when the men start… Read moreThese (Military) Boots Were Made for Walkin’
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