Swisstory

Ten things to do before moving out of your Swiss Apartment (part 2)

2010-05-11T15:36:00.001+02:00

Photos from the last few months of our Swisstory

Well, this is not a mistake... I am really blogging on Swisstory even though I no longer live in Switzerland. Imagine that! Meghan, a fellow, also soon to be former-Swiss Expat blogger, is leaving Switzerland and going back to Maryland, but before doing so she asked that I finish what I started with this post about 10 things to do before leaving Switzerland... and well, in this case I figured I better get out of retirement and see what I could do! We Swiss Expat Bloggers take care of eachother!

So let's see if - almost 6 months after leaving Switzerland - I can dig up a few more tips for those expats during that inevitable time - the Ruckkehr - the return back home!

5. Get organised.
Once you know you are leaving, and you've given notice at the Gemeinde that you are leaving you can pretty much tell anyone you want and you should, as there are lots of things that you'll need to do in advance, many of which I detailed in the last things to do post, but honestly the best policy I can give you is to contact anyone and everyone that you have had contact with and tell them you're leaving and ask if there is anything you need to do in advance. There were heaps of things that we just learned about too late - like for example that I had to give 4 months notice on my allotment garden and that while you'll need to post back your Cablecom box, and you think you have paid all your bills in advance, you actually have only been paying a portion of each month in advance - this is the one that got us! We had a late notice on Cablecom so make sure that is all sorted out. They also need 3 months notice and a letter from the Geminde! GEEZ!

And then, what I did was put all the latest bills for all the utilities, the tax details, the letter from the Geminde, and all that jazz that you think you don't need after you leave aside in a folder and I took it with me ON THE PLANE! Do not pack it away as no matter what happens, those papers will be in the box that you can't find or that you unpack last and no doubt, for some reason, you'll need them the most. So I'd put a statement for all policies (so you have the policy number in case you need it and the telephone number for support) in a folder and carry it with you on the plane. It helped me when I had no idea why I was getting a late notice for Cablecom and when I needed my Swiss tax details on the spot. Either that or scan it into your computer and email it to yourself - then it's also wherever you go, ready when you need it! I also recommend copies of passports and visas - especially the Swiss ones you're giving away. You never know when you need to show that again, just in case... so keep it digital.

Also, get the year's worth of mail forwarding. It has really been a great thing for us... it has given me some reassurance that I closed up all the accounts and left nothing outstanding. It's also fun to still get a bit of Switzerland every once in awhile in your post. ;)

Not sure if I said this yet - but also get everyone's email addresses or online details so that you can contact them from overseas if you need to. This has proven to be really helpful for us - with HR contacts, the tax people, with the apartment people, and more... you might think you sorted it all before you go-but ultimately, you'll need their email address. And email them all once you have left, so they have your contact details, too!

4. Get it in writing - especially when it comes to your deposit! And then hold on to that money!
If you do number 3 right, you'll have all your notes from all the places you contact and hopefully you'll have details in writing about the finnicky ones. The one that ended up being a bit crazy for us was our three months deposit for our apartment. I think you can get your deposit check deposited wherever you want, but we kept our Swiss bank account open so that we could have it deposited to our Swiss account, and then we're holding on to it to pay for our Swiss taxes. The Swiss always pay for their tax in arrears - so we have until the end of this year, I believe, to pay for our 2009 taxes... foreign residents do get money taken out of their pay but we ended up owing more so this was a simple way for us to be able to budget that money and put it aside.

To get our deposit back, we had to fill out a form that initially looked like the agent was going to steal all our money, and actually that is what the form is - they ask that you release the money to them so that if there is something you need to pay, they can take it out of your bond and then give you the remaining funds. We did this, and then it took - I kid you not - 2 months before we got the money put into our account!!! This wasn't so bad as we knew it was going to taxes - but still, to have this one BIG thing outstanding is a strain, especially because I couldn't beat the women down with a wooden spoon from thousands of miles away if she did walk with my money! Luckily she didn't - we got it - ours was held up though as they had to negotiate repairs to the wooden floors from the chemical burns caused by the cleaners. This could happen to you, too, as they have to get quotes for repairs and then they take that out of your bond. In the end, we got our entire bond back as the apartment agent worked hard for us and pretty much vouched for the fact that we couldn't have caused those marks in the first place... a lot of people hate Wincasa, but in our case, no complaints. Oh and I had her email address so we were in constant contact and I emailed her once a week to ask WHERE IS MY MONEY!?

Now, another question I get asked is - can you keep your Swiss bank account open? When I contacted UBS, they said that we could keep the account open as long as we wanted but that we had to cut up and return our credit card accounts... interesting, eh? So yeah, we still have Swiss bank accounts, but to be honest, as soon as the government cleans us out (again, don't forget about the taxes!!!), we'll close the account by withdrawing all the money.

Another thing you want to get in writing- as an aside - is your referral if you worked in Switzerland. You might not think you need the Swiss format, formal, written referral... but I've used mine already and Jace has used his a few times... it just makes it easier for potential new employers to get your background. So get it in writing! Use it!

3. Get your new life organised
So you haven't even left yet - is it too soon to be arranging an apartment? getting a new job? getting in touch with old friends? The answer it - no!!! It's never too soon. I can't tell you how much easier it made the transition having things worked out on the other end. For example, I got my new job via a referral and I interviewed over Skype - ok so having two days between landing and starting my new job was NOT such a hot idea, but since Jace has had a bit more trouble finding the right now, my having a job has made the transition WAY easier. I also gave notice to the tenants that rented our house WAY in advance, more so than they needed but that ensured we got into the house sooner and didn't have to rent a place in the interim. We also got in touch with utilities in Australia, ensured all visas were up to date, and enquired about things like new licenses and transport before we even left Switzerland... you might think you have all the time in the world, but trust me - in between all those goodbyes and the reuniting on the other side, you have little time to get your stuff in order after you land. Them ore you can do in advance the better.

For example, we saved HEAPS by getting into our house sooner as we didn't have to pay the movers to store our furniture and container for several weeks or months. We were able to get our health coverage turned back on in Australia before we left so we were covered for the flight and didn't need expensive travel insurance, and we were able to proposition relatives and friends for furniture in advance so that we didn't spend too many days sleeping on the cold, hard floor a la our first few weeks in Switzerland.

(psst... we ever got on the puppy wait list months ahead so that we could get our little Sasha - the Labrador - earlier than expected!!!)

2. Make a list of last things to see and do.
You will miss heaps once you leave Switzerland. It is a fact... a hard fact. I ate a chocolate croissant a few weeks ago that made me want to cry - and no, not because it was good. Damn Swiss. You've ruined the flaky pastry for me for life. The bar is so high.

While you won't be able to get it all in, as you are no doubt saving money to move back all your new European possessions, and to get home and to get a new home and the list goes on... make sure you have a Swiss-moon or something. Celebrate going home and do it big style. Just make sure it contains the following, as you'll miss these the most: mountains, mountains of cheese, huge mountains of Swiss chocolate, travel by efficient and clean trains, drinking from water fountains in the street, strolling around Zurich and memorizing the sounds of every last bell... honestly, I think we took advantage of Switzerland as much as one can, but there are so many things now where we say, "Well, if we were still in Switzerland, we could..." Yeah, you'll miss it. Soak it all up... and then soak up some more. The good life is coming to an end, and perhaps an even better one is around the corner, but you'll miss Switzerland. No doubt about it.

1. Enjoy the ride.
You knew this day would come... this is the definition of an expat... you have to go home eventually, even if it's just for a visit... so make the most of it all. Get gifts for friends and relatives far in advance, perhaps even send them home instead of packing them or sending them with your container, as you must ensure that you pack light (packing restrictions are way tougher than what the used to be - I almost got stuck with a $400 fine for over-packed bags, even after throwing some stuff out!!! But thanks to the kindness of the Singapore airlines lady, she waived the fine... but only because the flight was pretty empty...). Give everyone your new address or facebook details or email address WAY in advance, as you will forget if you leave it to the last minute. Embrace ever red shirt with the white cross that you're given, every stuffed cow, every flag... and don't get hung up on the fact that it's taken you years to get in with the Swiss and now you're leaving! They make friends for life, remember? We've even had our first Swiss visitors already!

When things get you down - just remember that only a small fraction of Americans actually have a passport and only a small fraction of those with a passport will get to live in Switzerland... yes, you are one of the lucky few, and if you get really home sick (for Switzerland that is!- as you inevitably will!!!) I am sure a ski-vacation is just around the corner! Embrace the change and relish the fact that for a small amount of time you were an Auslander in Switzerland... and boy was that an amazing ride.

Thanks again to Meghan for getting me to write again on Swisstory. If you're still interesting in reading my stuff - and you're not asleep at the keyboard after this marathon post, visit me on Aussiestory. I'd love to read a comment from you soon! I am always keen to answer questions, too, about life in Switzerland. Feel free to contact me.

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Spotted by Locals Archive: Bürkliplatz Flohmarkt - Zurich's Best Known Fleamarket

2010-02-05T05:55:00.000+01:00

It’s Saturday morning. You just had your cup of coffee. The sun is shining on the lake, and you are strolling down the promenade without a care in the world. What could make this day better? Well one amazing bargain of course!

The best place to do a bit of bargain hunting and antique shopping is the Bürkliplatz Flohmarkt. Positioned perfectly between the Zürisee and the start of the Bahnhofstrasse, this most famous of flea-markets in Zürich is begging you to wander on by. I love to check out the jewelry, vintage clothes, old postcards, Swiss paraphernalia (think huge cowbells and copper pots), and your expected garden-variety junk and nick-knacks.

Make sure you have your bargaining hat on though as contrary to most shopping etiquette in Switzerland, it is okay to do a bit of haggling here – even if they refuse to drop their prices, you can try! Make sure you visit the stand with all the cowbells – I have it on good authority if you buy a big bell, you might get a small one thrown in for free! And if you need a bit of mid-bargain-hunting nourishment, a sausage stand is usually just a stone’s throw away. Happy hunting!

Details about this spot
Bürkliplatz Flohmarkt | Relaxing, Shopping
Bürkliplatz | Kreis 1 City (area map) | +41444117350
May – Oct Sat 08:00 – 16:00
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Spotted by Locals Archive: Bodega Espanola - Tapas muy deliciosas

2010-02-04T05:52:00.000+01:00

Tapas are all the rage now, and while the trend has not fully hit Zurich, there are a few restaurants here and there where you can experience a fully authentic Spanish tapas experience – and Bodega Espanola is the best in Niederdorf.

Downstairs in the dimly lit, rustic tapas bar you can get drinks and tapas at any time, while upstairs a full menu is on offer (no tapas). After you find a seat and order a big jug of sangria, have a wander up to the tapas case and pick out a few nibbles of your liking. The friendly guys behind the bar will tell you what everything is and arrange it neatly on a plate and bring it to your table.

Try a Spanish tortilla, which is more like an omelet and not at all like a Mexican tortilla, with eggs, potatoes, onions and herbs. Delicious! You can also not go wrong with an assortment of olives, chorizo and some roasted eggplant. Tapas are just 5 CHF per plate to live a little and try something new!

Come early in the evening for an appetizer… tables fill up quickly!

Details about this spot
Bodega Espanola | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Plate of tapas CHF 5.00
Münstergasse 15 | Kreis 1 City (area map) | +41442512310
11:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 23:00 daily
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Spotted by Locals Archive: Balthazar Cafe - Amazing Studel & Hot Chocolate

2010-02-03T05:50:00.001+01:00

Despite being situated in an elite location, just 100 meters from the Bahnhof (train station), this little cafe remains quaint and inviting. In the winter especially the cafe is warm and cozy, and if there is no room inside or downstairs (smoking section) you are always welcome to snuggle up with the sheepskin chair covers outside. In summer, hundreds of chairs are lined up outside – so simply take your seat and you are in for a treat. This is where you can do some of Zurich’s best people-watching right on the infamous Bahnhofstrasse!

It is hard to miss the cafe’s pastry specialties on one of the carts strategically placed near the entrance – a not to miss being the homemade Apfel-Strudel. Oh the delicate pastry, warm apples, and vanilla sauce made with real vanilla bean are calling my name now (6.90 CHF + no skimping on the 2.50 CHF sauce). Or go nuts with my new favorite and try it with the Cinnamon Glaze! It is devine! What was that? The homemade hot chocolate (6.50 CHF) is more your thing? That’s okay, too. I sometimes have them together and call it a week. In summer, I recommend a big Weiss Bier (beer).

Don’t worry – they serve a wide selection of coffees, sandwiches, cakes, and even champagne so everyone can find something to suit at this darling cafe.

Details about this spot
Balthazar Cafe | Coffee & tea | Apfel-Strudel CHF 6.80
Bahnhofstrasse 104 | Kreis 1 City (area map) | +41442117866
Mon – Fri 06:30 – 22:00, Sat 08:00 – 22:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00
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Spotted by Locals Archive: Bäckerei-Konditorei Stocker

2010-02-02T05:46:00.000+01:00

This is one of my all-time favorite bakeries in Zurich. If you go by on a weekday, they have a table out the front with all sorts of lovely baked goods such that you can easily swing by on your way to work or to your next engagement and grab a delicious, fresh baked something on the way. There is usually a line but they mean business here so it will go quickly.

On a weekday, and only on weekdays, make sure you try one of the excellent pretzels on offer. I like the one with sunflower seeds but they have several flavors – perhaps one for each day? They seem to have more croissants and rolls with nuts and seeds on a weekday, and more loaf like breads and delicate pastries on the weekends. But I dig it – it allows you to try something new no matter what day of the week!

They have some amazing specialty cakes, too, and they have their own brand of gelato or ice cream in the warmer months. Try something new! You cannot go wrong at this bakery near the Stadelhofen train station. (ps. this is a chain, so you can also find these babies in the Hauptbahnhof – or main train station – if you are not near Stadelhofen…)

Details about this spot
Bäckerei-Konditorei Stocker | Snacks | Sunflower seed pretzel CHF 3.50
Stadelhoferstrasse 22 | Kreis 8 Seefeld (area map) | +410442612663
Mon – Fri 06:00 – 18:00, Sat 07:00 – 18:00
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Happy New Year! Happy New Blog

2010-01-03T04:42:00.000+01:00

Happy 2010 everyone! New post over on Aussie Story Blog.

I will be blogging full time over there from now on - so get the RSS feed now or sign up for email updates so you don't miss any of our new adventures Down Under!
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Guest Post: An Expat in Switzerland Demystifies Those Christmas Cakes

2009-12-23T05:41:00.002+01:00

By Chantal Panozzo

Each December, the Swiss grocery stores overflow with different Italian cakes and it didn’t seem like a good idea to keep myself wondering just what the heck they all were. So I tried them, and here’s my take:

The first cake I tried was Pandoro. I admit that my husband and I bought the cake more out of our excitement at opening a “Pandoro’s Box” than anything else (terrible pun, I know, but I’ll use anything as an excuse to eat new desserts). Anyhow, the Pandoro was a tall yellow cake, which came with a packet of powdered sugar. I wanted to love it, but I didn’t. To my over-sugared American taste buds, the cake wasn’t sweet enough—even with the packet of sugar—but it was still a fun thing to eat, made more fun when I found out the cake originated from the Verona area in Italy, where some of my ancestors were from. To be fair, the Italians call this stuff bread, not cake, so maybe I had the wrong mindset when I ate it. Darn, I just might have to try another for the sake of justice. Poor me.

Panettone, sometimes known as Italian Christmas bread, originated in Milan. My ancestors would be disappointed, but I preferred this bread to the Pandoro, mainly because the Panettone was filled with raisins, candied oranges, and almonds. If I only could have added the powdered sugar of the Pandoro to the Panettone it would have been perfect.

Anyhow, before you invest in a big Italian bread/cake thing, I recommend buying a mini one of each kind to see which you prefer. Mini Panettones and Pandoros can be found at Migros, perfect if you just want to sample each (or bring some home to the family). Some people even pack these for their lunch. Sounds like a good idea to me. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Do you have a favorite Christmas treat that you enjoy in Switzerland? Please share.

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Chantal Panozzo is a writer and blogger. She’s the author of One Big Yodel and Writer Abroa d . She also blogs for a new expat community blog. This blog offers affordable calling cards in Switzerland as well as information about living abroad in Switzerland and in many other countries.

Guest Post: Why Being an Expat Blogger in Switzerland is a Great Thing

2009-12-10T06:53:00.002+01:00

by Chantal Panozzo

When I started my expat blog, One Big Yodel, back in 2006, I had no idea what I was doing (and also no idea that anyone would actually read it besides my mom). It was an innocent little hobby that helped me relieve the stress of not knowing a German word from a Swiss German one and it was just an added bonus when someone like my husband would actually leave a comment.

Fast-forward three years, and my blog is now getting over 3,500 visits a month and comments from people I actually don’t know but can’t wait to find out more about. Maybe it’s lame, but now I’m addicted. How many comments will this post get? Will someone else subscribe to my blog today? I’ve gone from blogging newbie to blogging nerd. And it hasn’t taken much.

I’ve made friends through what I’ve deemed “Blogger Blind Dates”, gotten writing and blogging jobs, and found a sense of community here in Switzerland that I couldn’t quite find through traditional organizations meant for the proper Hausfrau that I am not. And I’ve got my blog to thank for it all.

If fact, blogging has been so great, that I recently started another blog, Writer Abroad, for all of you expat writers out there (and those just dreaming of being an expat writer). This hasn’t done much for my Internet addiction, but I won’t blame myself, I’ll just blame the power of the all-mighty blog.

But now I’m starting to get nervous. There are thousands of unread blog posts in my Google Reader and I’m determined to read them all. Because if I don’t, I’ll feel like I’m letting down my big blogging family. And that would just be wrong.

Why do you blog? Does it make being an expat in Switzerland (or elsewhere) more bearable? Are you as addicted to blogging as me?

Chantal Panozzo is a writer and blogger. Besides keeping her own blogs, One Big Yodel and Writer Abroad, she also blogs for a new expat community blog. This blog offers affordable calling cards in Switzerland as well as information about living in abroad in Switzerland and many other countries.

Cleaner NIGHTMARE

2009-12-08T15:41:00.001+01:00

So Chantal asked if we could detail what cleaners we used and I was all ready to write up a big report about how expensive but how great they were, but then they SCREWED IT UP! Let me explain.

When you move out of your apartment in Switzerland, the place has to be clean. And this is Switzerland after all, so they mean eat off the toilet seat clean... they mean so clean you can sterilize things just by placing them in the uber clean oven. We are talking spotless. So when it came to deciding whether we would clean the place ourselves or hire someone, we decided to hire someone... mostly because hiring someone meant that we had a guarantee that during handover the cleaner would be there on site, mop in hand, in the event that something needed to be spot cleaned... AGAIN.

We knew this would cost a pretty penny from stories we heard, but we also had heard that if the cleaners were not called in and the apartment was not handover ready and the rental company had to call in cleaners to clean up after you, they would take the cost of this out of your deposit anyway - so you might as well pay for it the first time and save yourself the back ache. This was our plan....

So I got two quotes for cleaning. Both four digit figures. I am NOT kidding you. (Keep in mind, these quotes were based on our Swiss equivalent 4.5 room apartment with two bathrooms...)Now, I imagine there are back door services you could use that would indeed be cheaper, but I used services that came recommended on the expat sites - I got quotes from Markus Leutenegger and MrClean. In the end, I went with MrClean because their quote was CHF 500 cheaper... plain and simple.

To be honest, MrClean really did a great cleaning job. I did in fact eat off the toilet seat before leaving the apartment and didn't taste a thing... just kidding. But really, all was SUPER clean. We are talking every nook and cranny, they powerwashed the blinds (lot of work), cleaned the oven, machine washed the carpets, got all the calk out of the taps, and did a makeover on our two bathrooms. They even locked up on their own and showed up to the handover on time... but...

When I arrived at the handover, I noticed something on the floor and thought, 'Well, good thing they are coming as they will have to do that again for the price I paid them...' but after I showed it to them, I realized after much scrubbing on their part that it was not just dirt, they had chemically burnt the wood flooring in two places - right in the middle of the entry and near the dishwasher. At first they wanted to blame it on the movers but I made a big hoo ha and told them that I walked the movers through the place the day before after all was packed - no damage - and that this was their mess and they would pay for it. After some arguing, they decided to send their specialists and Wincasa sent theirs and the latest word is that it is chemical damage... and someone (NOT US!) will have to pay... that is the nightmare part of this whole story....

I am not sure how we could have avoided this, or if we could even, or if this means I would not recommend MrClean as it was obviously a spill from one of their super cleaners, but I cannot help but be disappointed that my handover was marred and my bond is being held until this crap is dealt with... so Cleaner Nightmare indeed, but I am still really glad that we had the professionals do it.

Moral of the story - professionals good.... just take photos of everything before they clean so you can assess damages afterward. I realize that is crazy as I type it but what else could we have done.... ah the joys of moving out of your Swiss apartment.

There you go, Chantal! ;) Speaking of Chantal - she will be guest posting on Swisstory tomorrow about
Why Being an Expat Blogger in Switzerland is a Great Thing... do join us will you? ;)

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Update! 10 Days in Australia and counting...

2009-12-07T14:54:00.000+01:00

Hello all! Well, I am still alive. I am totally off the grid, but alive. How did we ever survive a life without cell/mobile phones and the Internet before? I have NO idea. All I know is that I cannot wait to be connected again. The application is in with iiNet (any former colleagues want to do me any favors? now is the time! :) and Virgin owes me a mobile phone that I ordered before I left Switzerland. Once I am back in touch with the world, you will hear and read more from me. I promise. Until then, a short update.

We have been REALLY busy getting back into the Australian way of life. Last week I started my new job - that is right, I already had a job lined up before I left Switzerland, and I started oh three days after landing back in the country. Finding the job before leaving Switzerland - brilliant. Starting the job before getting over jetlag - DUMB. Needless to say, I am over the jet lag as of this past weekend but for some reason I REALLY suffered this time. We are talking waking at midnight and not getting back to sleep until 4 am, and all that the night before my first day of work.... NIGHTMARE. But I made it through and I am really enjoying the job so all is well on that front. Thank goodness they did not throw the towel in on me during those first few lethargic days! ;)

We are back in our house as well - which is also lucky as the tenants could have been in the house until December 11th. On the other hand, that means we are sitting around in an empty house until January 10th at the earliest when our container arrives. Thankfully, a few good friends and family have set us up with extras - extra fridge, extra bed, etc. With that and the stuff we had stored at family, we are set! Just don't be stopping by for dinner unexpected as we only have so many camping chairs and frozen pizzas to go around. ;)

Sometimes I feel like Switzerland is so, so far away in my mind and like it never happened - being back in a familiar place with familiar friends and places. It makes me sad sometimes that we left, especially during my favorite time of year - Christmas. The holiday season is just not the same when instead of snow and Gluhwein you have Santas in board shorts and barbecues. I have to keep reminding myself that when I see 'Summer' on campaigns at work it means they go live NOW and not in six months. But I will suffer through the seafood buffets and Christmas pool parties and endless days of sunshine and blinding tinsel, thinking of you all that I left behind.... oh yes. I will suffer. ;) But what I wouldn't give somedays for some Apfelchuechli and some snow... once I get this Internet hooked up at home and don't have to 'borrow' it from neighbors I will read all the Swiss Christmas blog posts with a tear in my eye... and perhaps some hot cocoa (probably a la mode - this is Australia) to remember the good times.

I have not been blogging much on the new blog, Aussie Story Blog, but only because of the lack of Internet. Rest assured I am taking lots of photos and blogging in my mind, waiting for the day when I will be back on the net... until then, know we are doing well, that we are happy to be home, and that we are thinking of all of you. Thanks again for all the well-wishes... moving back home is a lot of work, and it is sad to leave those behind, but being the first time I have returned to a place I can call my home, I am happy to say it is a really nice feeling to be back.

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We made it back!

2009-11-29T22:19:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know we made it back safe and sound! A few highlights that I hope to blog about this week from the trip are:

The movers - all about how great Crown Relocation is. This will have to be a two part thing, as we have to wait until January 10th at the earliest when our stuff arrives in Perth. But so far, tre impressed.
The clean up. We paid a rather ~~small~~ (make that large) fortune to have our apartment professionally cleaned, and they mucked it up. More on that this week. I am livid... I hope they will cover their damages without me having to come back and open up a can of whoop-a$$ on them.
The handover was EASY apart from the cleaning damages... I think the professional cleaning really helped despite the costs, but... see above. More coming soon! I will dish it all out.
How to pack light and avoid 500 CHF fines from the airlines for excess baggage - actually, this was a NIGHTMARE but we did not have to pay it in the end. I might have an open marriage proposal out there to the airline employee that saved me this fine. I think Jace is ok with it though considering the dough we saved.
The return home - seeing your old country with new eyes... well, old eyes as it would be this time. I have to admit, I am in a bit of shock after having been away for 4 years. Plus this is probably the first and therefore only place I have returned to in my life, knowing I am going to be staying for awhile. How do you get over the fact that things have changed while you were away and that the things you liked might be gone and those you did not like before might still be there... it is easier to escape to another country, we'll see... but all in all, I am ready and willing to start this new adventure in Australia and see the old girl with new eyes! ;)

I will have limited access to the internet for a few weeks (unless any former iiNet colleagues want to give me a hand here ;) , so please be patient and if you are still interested in guest blogging, please email me! Thanks again for all the kind wishes for a safe trip home. It is really great to be back!

Ps. I have started a new blog as promised!!! It is really in the early phases as I am still posting on both Swisstory and the new Aussie Story Blog.* Please sign up for the email alerts on Aussie Story now or add it to your feedreader, because when then New Year begins, this is officially where our adventure continues.

*I know I am so creative when it comes to blog names...hope you like it. ;)
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Räbeliechtli - Photos!

2009-11-27T06:35:00.014+01:00

Today I am flying across the ocean to our new life in Australia... but I have not abandoned you yet! Here are some of the best shots from the Räbeliechtli - which MrsMac explained via her GuestPost a few weeks ago. All of these lanterns are made from turnips!

It was an amazing event, despite the rainy weather. The parade went about an hour and half. I would advise getting there early as the streets fill with people quickly and you want to ensure you get a good spot to take in the action but not be taken out by a float - some of them are very wide!!! Just grab something yummy from one of the many street vendors and find your spot.

Before or after the parade, make sure you walk around the neighborhoods as well, because all of the houses and side-streets are also decorated with the turnip lanterns, making for a very magical display indeed. It's highly recommend that you take this in next year - the date is set for Saturday the 13th of November, 2010 in Richterswil. Thanks again to MrsMac for sharing this traditional event with Swisstory readers. Be sure to check out her blog, Swiss Family Mac.

Here is a slideshow with all of my best shots. . . see if you can guess what some of the floats are!

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Guest Post: What do the Swiss think of Expats in Switzerland?

2009-11-26T06:22:00.000+01:00

By Chantal Panozzo

After some conscious research and experience living as an expat in Switzerland over the last three-plus years, I’ve come to some conclusions about what the Swiss think of us, the expat in Switzerland. This is by no means scientific research, and if you’re Swiss and would like to throw in your two cents (I mean Rappen), please do.

The Swiss think we American expats in Switzerland all used to be fat. But then we got here, and suddenly we got skinny. (If this were true, the South Beach Diet would have been replaced with the Swiss Chocolate one long ago). Anyhow, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a Swiss person say, “Wow, you must have been here awhile. Because you’re not fat anymore.” Or the other good one is, “You don’t look like an American at all. Because you’re not fat.” Oh, Switzerland.
The Swiss think it’s weird that we eat chips with our sandwiches. To that I say, just wait. The new Subway in my little town of Baden is already stuffed with kids from the school across the street. And they’re all buying the meal combos that include your choice of Zweifel chips. Poor Switzerland. It will soon be as chip crazy as America.
The Swiss don’t understand why we don’t smoke since smoking makes you skinny. To that I would just tell them, “No, don’t you remember, me being in Switzerland alone makes me skinny. I don’t need to smoke.”
The Swiss like us as individuals but think as an expat group that we’re ruining their country. As my neighbor once said to me. “Now Baden is trashy, dangerous, and filled with foreigners.” I looked at her and then she added, “Oh, I don’t mean you.” They never do.

What do you think the Swiss think of us based on your experiences? Or if you are Swiss, please tell us, what do you think?

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Ten things to do before moving out of your Swiss Apartment (part 1)

2009-11-25T06:34:00.000+01:00

I am not sure if you are aware or not, but the Top 10 Things to do Before Moving into Your Apartment in Switzerland is the most read article on this blog. So I figured, it is only right if I let everyone know the 10 things to do when leaving your apartment in Switzerland as well... here goes:

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10 - Give notice regarding your apartment
This is VERY IMPORTANT - as I mentioned before the notice periods are WAY in advance in Switzerland. We had to give four months notice, and you cannot give notice to leave in December... the whole December thing is tricky to me, so if you plan to move out in December, contact your agency FAR FAR in advance to ensure this is possible - as most tenants want to stay put in the holiday months.

You also have to give notice IN WRITING. I had someone assist me here to ensure the German was appropriate. You should also send the letter via registered mail. The way you do this is you write 'EINSCHREIBEN' above the to address on your letter, and when you take it to the post, the post person will know that you want to send it registered. This costs CHF 5 to ensure a signature is received. This is a requirement as far as I know. So just do it!

9 - Give notice to the EKZ and Cablecom
These two need the most notice, as EKZ (electricity company) needs to set up a time to do the final meter reading - usually the day after you move our and you do not need to be on site. Cablecom requires a 3 month notice for cancellation of accounts, or you can do it at any time if you have a letter from the Gemeide notifying them that you are leaving. See number 8.

8 - Deregister from the Gemeide
I wrote all about this already, it was an ordeal. What is important to know here is that you MUST do it before you leave the country. Do not leave this important, important step out or you may not be able to return to Switzerland again. If you want a confirmation of your deregistration, and I recommend this as we needed it for several service cancellations and our retirement money transfer, it costs CHF 30 per person for the confirmation letter and any additional original copies you want/need. Make sure that you keep your now de-registered permit - our has holes in it now so that officials know it is no longer valid - and the confirmation letter in a safe place, especially to show officials if required when leaving at the airport.

7 - Get quotes from Movers
We contacted two moving companies to get quotes - Crown Relocations, who moved us to Switzerland in the first place, and Interdean. In the end we went with Crown because they were cheaper for our move and we were very happy with their professionalism in moving us to Switzerland. We went back and forth between moving our stuff and selling our stuff. It is a personal choice, definitely dependent on your finances. We saved up so we could take our stuff back with us to have something to start with in Australia. Make sure you also look into any insurance options, storage, additional charges for stairs or delivery, etc. They always seem to get you with those extra charges - and also check if the charges for moving some and/or all your stuff differ much. The difference in cost to move all our stuff compared to just some was so small that in the end we decided to take it all. I guess once you get above a certain volume, you get a container and the cost is pretty flat after that. So check all options... then decide what stays and what goes. I will let you know after we get our stuff back in Australia whether it was worth it or not! ;)

6 - Get quotes from cleaners
Have you heard? The Swiss are pretty anal when it comes to cleanliness... so you can either clean the apartment yourself, or you can hire someone. Just know, that if you do clean it yourself, you really need to be thorough. The list of things they are going to clean in our apartment, as we decided to hire someone to clean, is HUGE. And as we need an empty apartment to clean it and we will have no supplies, we thought it worth the effort and cost to get someone to assist here. Also, on handover, it something is not cleaned to scratch you either clean it again or it comes out of your bond to have a professional clean it. By hiring the professionals from the start, the handover is included and someone will be there on the handover day as well from the cleaning company, so that if something is not clean enough - they will do it again. It really saves us the hassle and allows us to hopefully keep our entire bond/deposit. Here's hoping. Again, get multiple quotes, as the differences here were great for us - the second quote was about CHF 500 cheaper! And they were doing more! Shop around. But I would advise you go with the professionals if you can as I can only imagine the troubles if your cleaning is not up to snuff.

That is part 1. Part 2 next week! Stay tuned. ;)

Tomorrow, Guest Post from Chantal!
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Guest Post: Look Me in the Eye and Say That!

2009-11-24T06:17:00.001+01:00

by Kathy Lyon

Yesterday I was riding along in the tram, staring out the window absentmindedly, and it happened again. I caught a passerby's eye. This inadvertent eye contact seems to happen all the time here, and it startles me every time. Then there's the staring. And not sexy come hither looks, but just some unknown person who clearly feels perfectly comfortable observing you as you wait for the cashier or while you read the paper on the train.

This just does not happen in the US. Looking a stranger right in the eye is an invitation or a threat. Looking at directly at a stranger for more than a few seconds, staring, means you are evaluating that person as a partner or an enemy and you want them to know it. (It can also mean you're crazy.) These actions are never neutral and accidental eye contact is really pretty rare.

Not here in Switzerland. However, I get the feeling that looking at a stranger here is relatively neutral. Maybe that's because the (German speaking) Swiss are accustomed to much more prolonged eye contact than Americans. There's the toasting ritual, where you look the other person right in the eye and toast them by name (repeated in pairs for the whole table). And then there's the expectation that when meeting people you will maintain direct eye contact for the whole introduction and ensuing conversation.

I had read about this, and I made every effort when we were looking at apartments and opening our bank account to demonstrate my probity and general good egg-ness by looking people right in the eye for the whole interaction. I couldn't do it. Especially not with the male bank manager. It just felt much too intimate.

These kinds of cultural differences are tough. Eye contact is not something we usually think about or try to consciously control. The same is true for the physical distance we maintain from others (jammed hip to hip on the train or carefully maintaining a micro-millimeter separation?), or for speaking volume in public, and for hundreds of other little things we just never think about. But all or any of these can push another person's cultural buttons.

Good to know, in abstract at least. I say tomato, you say Tomate. Not so easy in real life. Hey! Stop staring at me!

Kathy Lyon is an Expat Living in Switzerland. She writes about her adventures on her blog TwoFools in Zurich.
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Catch up... the last week!

2009-11-23T20:01:00.001+01:00

Our last week in Switzerland is here. I really felt sometimes that this day would never come, and other times I felt like it could not come soon enough. We are stumbling over ourselves and bags (and bags of garbage - where does all this stuff come from?!) and the piles of things to take and things to leave with friends. The week will be filled with movers, cleaners (really expensive ones, too - so the white gloves WILL be coming out), handovers and hopefully a bit of fun and relaxation inbetween. Can we do it? I think so. Do we have a choice? Not anymore! We have left our jobs behind us, the apartment is officially someone elses come December 1st and as of tomorrow our bags will be packed... Bring on Perth!

Last week and the weekend was both really tough and really memorable. Last Thursday at work we had a bowling event, which turned into a quasi going away party, in which I showed off my smooth bowling moves and had a really good time downing the beers and the pints. It was great, too, since it was a work event everyone had to come out - plus there were few surprise guests - Martin, where is that email! - so no one was able to sneak away without saying goodbye.

Moreover, Friday was the big last day at work - handovers and cleaning up are never fun, but the work crew really made me feel special giving me a warm sendoff and one of the best going away gifts EVER. More on that later... actually, I got TWO very thoughtful, wonderful gifts. That in addition to the warm words and cards and I felt completely, totally bummed for leaving everyone here behind. Pity it took so long to make these friendships, but I am so lucky to have met and worked with the people I did. Thanks again to everyone for making the last few days so unforgettable.

The weekend was spent cleaning up and organizing everything to get us to the state we are at now - one in which I feel comfortable that we are not taking anything we do not need (hopefully less cubic space to pay for!) and we are not forgetting anything we need for the first 4 weeks - the minimum amount of time it will take to get our gear to Australia.

I had a great Sunday as well - a really wonderful sendoff from a few friends, which included a trip to Alpamare (I am a sucker for a water slide) and some crazy antics inbetween. ;) Thank you again so much to everyone for making us feel so special and that we will be missed. We will surely be missing each and every one of you - and the spare bed is ready in Perth (well... it will be in 4 weeks!).

This is not my final goodbye on the blog, so don't go anywhere... I have some great Guest Posts coming this week from Kathy and another from Chantal... this is just a little update to say we are still going strong, ready for the big week ahead, and a big thanks to everyone that gave us such a great sendoff. We could not have asked for more!
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Taking our Swiss Retirement with us...

2009-11-18T13:45:00.005+01:00

Our days really are numbered now. I can count them on my hands without having to use my toes. Boy am I talented indeed! Our last days are filled with mini adventures, but not like you might think - more like showing our apartment, throwing out the crap that accumulates after a few years abroad, figuring out what we can and cannot take back to Australia due to customs regulations, and therein arguing about whether or not down comforters are allowed in the country... to say I will be happy when this whole moving scene is over and I am on that plane to Australia is an understatement.

One of the things we have had to do a lot of leg work for in the last few weeks is getting our retirement money back. Now, I am not really hip on all the terminology when it comes to the Swiss retirement scheme, so bear with me, but what I do know is that if you work in Switzerland, you contribute to a retirement plan and (I believe) a pension scheme automatically. When you leave the country permanently, this money is yours to take with you. If you leave to go to another European company, you can easily transfer the money to your next retirement scheme - very much like American 401k programs or Australian Super programs. If, however, you leave Switzerland to go far, far away, outside of Europe, you can get the money paid out to you to go on a shopping spree!!!!!!! Err, I mean, to put into your international retirement program of choice. Er hum.. That's right.

Just so you know what we went through to enable this retirement plan payout and in order to help others, here is my retirement payout checklist:

Deregister at the Gemeinde and get the 'Abmeldungsbestätigung' This is important, because in our case SwissLife, the retirement program, neededw confirmation that we were in fact leaving the country. Information about how we deregistered...
Fill out necessary paperwork that says you are leaving and where you want the money sent - in our case we are having it deposited into our Swiss bank accounts and we will transfer it to Australia before we leave. We got this paperwork from our employers - so enquire within if they do not come to you with it first.
If you are married, and this is important, you need your spouse to sign off that it is OK that you are getting this retirement money paid out - so that at least the government knows you knew where the big spending spree money came from in the event your significant other decides not to support your future... so not only do you, as a spouse, need to sign the form, but in our case you also have to...
Get the form witnessed - not only does the spouse need to ok the pay out, the signatures must be witnesses... All in all, we needed 4 signatures witnessed at CHF 20 a pop or CHF 80... just another example of how Switzerland likes to rip off the foreigners as they leave... did I mention the Abmeldungsbestätigung in step 1 cost CHF 30 each!??!
Make a copy of said form and witnessed forms for your own safe-keeping. You will thank me later. It is always a good idea to keep a copy or scan yourself a copy if you are going GREEN.
Send the form, copy of the deregistration confirmation and witnessed signatures to your HR department or directly to your retirement agency...

This should be all that is needed - or at least it was in our case - and you can just sit back and wait for the money to roll into your account and be used for Christmas gifts... er, I mean, be used for your future retirement goals. In all honesty, we are big fans of saving and compound interest, so not to harp, but do roll it over and start saving early. At least we are trying to do so! :)

More on our last days and tips for leaving Switzerland coming soon.... 10 days to go. Good God.
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Guest Post: West Side Story in Basel

2009-11-17T05:13:00.002+01:00

Guest Post by Tejal

Planning a weekend in the Swiss autumn is a no win proposition - there is the gorgeous colour and that sweet nip in the air that makes you long to be outdoors - only, when you are outdoors, the chill and the damp make you long to be in the warm indoors, cozy and tucked in.

Go out we did, the Musical Theatre in Basel was staging a revival of "West Side Story ". I chose this because it presented a great cultural alternative in a scene otherwise dominated by Depeche Mode and the guy who takes you trekking (also, I confused Basel with Bern, I thought it would be a oneish hour drive from Geneva. Yes I'm that clueless.)

The stunning drive to Basel made the journey totally worthwile from the get go. And the play was in English (the one fact I got right!)

While it can't be said that the production staged at Basel is upto A list Broadway or West End standards, there were a few great moments - Oneika Philips, playing Anita, managed to strike a chord.

To summarise, West Side Story is a Romeo and Juliet style love story set in the backdrop of teenage gang wars in New York. It has become iconic for its choreography and music (I Feel Pretty, Somewhere , America)

Check out "I Feel Pretty" as the theme song for this really cool Nike Commercial.

The unexpected icing on the cake was the beautiful town centre of Basel, as we wandered around the autumn goods market in the town centre, we regretted not getting there early enough in the day. Well... there's always a next time

(The West Side Story runs at the Musical Theatre in Basel till the 22nd of November, tickets can be found at www.ticketcorner.com)

Guest Blogger Bio: Tejal Nangla is a blogger and amateur writer, currently writing on her blog, Wide Eyed Gypsy.

Car Owners BEWARE: Marders Eat Your Car's Rubber!

2009-11-16T11:24:00.004+01:00

Picture from Autopartner-atr.de

A friend of ours recently had the unfortunate experience of taking his car in for its regular service, only to be totally shocked by the quote for the work when he came to pick up his car. When he asked why it was so expensive, the mechanic had one word, 'Marder.'

I imagine the conversation went something like this.

Friend: You want to charge me how much for this regular service? Is this highway robbery or what?

Mechanic: No, it's marder.

Friend: Yeah, I know I am going to be a martyr if I pay this ridiculous bill... you have to be joking.

Mechanic: No, it's marder, Sir. Little animals. They eat car.

Friend: Uh huh. And if I feed my car at night-time it also turns into a wild gremlin. I get it. HA HA. I want to speak to your boss. This is a disgrace.

Mechanic: No, no, you do not understand. It is a marder. These animals like hot tire smells and rubber smells and eat your car if you not careful. Marder. (showing teeth in a fast chewing motion, hands like paws crouched at the chin, making a chewing sound like a crazy rabid animal...)

Friend: Oh you think you are funny, eh? You think I am supposed to believe there are some rubber eating weasels out there that like the smell of my tires? HA! Well, we'll see about that! Yeah, that is what you will look like when I am done with you, you stupid cow. (Tearing quote into pieces and storming out...)

There ... my role playing is fulfilled for today. :) But honestly, this is true. The scene above is not, but the marder is real enough. I would not have believed this had I not heard it from a very reliable source... make that several reliable sources because all my colleagues at work went on and on about how this little weasel creature will and does in fact ruin lots of cars in Switzerland, eating the hot rubber at will. There are even insurance plans that protect your car from these creatures, although I am certain the Swiss do not buy them as I am convinced that the Swiss do not inform the foreigners in advance of this real-threat of a car rubber eating creature, there in turn protecting their own Audi's from imminent consumption... It is a ruse, a conspiracy I tell you! Show me THAT in the Living in Switzerland Guidebooks! (Ok, if it is in there, I give up! :)

So PLEASE if you have a car, make sure that you are doing something to protect it from marders - or else you might, too, be slapped with a heafty fee to replace all your marder eaten rubber plumbing in your car. Good luck!

More on the Marder here - in German and in English, although I am not convinced it is the same creature as described in the German text.

More about Marder's eating your cars:

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Guest Post: Räbeliechtli

2009-11-13T05:43:00.002+01:00

by MrsMac

Last Saturday my husband and daughter attended our town's Räbeliechtli. It's a parade celebrating turnips. Kind of. Basically, the kids parade through the town carrying hollowed out and decorated turnip lanterns with floats made out of turnip lanterns.

We were lucky that a friend of ours made the lantern above for Marion.

I'll be perfectly honest and tell you all that I have tried my hardest to find an explanation behind Räbeliechtli and have come up with nada. I've googled, I've questioned neighbors... nothing.

But that doesn't stop us from enjoying it! Our town's parade was fairly small but all the kids got involved.

Pictures above by MrsMac

However, this Saturday night, Richterswil is having a fair, Räbechilbi, before their Räbeliechtli. The whole town is lit with lanterns to celebrate.

The Richterswil Räbeliechtli is the largest turnip (or sugar beet) parade in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. And from the pictures I've seen online...

Picture above from myswitzerland.com

... it looks gorgeous!

The festivities start at 3 pm and the parade at 6:30 pm, Maybe we'll see you there!

Guest blogger bio: MrsMac's is an American expat in Switzerland. She enjoys exploring life in a different country with a bossy toddler and sweet little baby in tow. She writes about her adventures abroad in Switzerland on her blog, Swiss Family Mac.

Note from Swisstory: I am really excited about this and hoping Jace wants to check out some turnip-o-lanterns with me. I did find some more information about this interesting holiday, but in German only... and more here.. After reading this, I found out that this is a kind of Thanksgiving, as in the middle-ages turnips were the modern day potatoes, so the townspeople gave thanks for the bounty and celebrated the harvest each fall. Now it is just another tourist event - the residents of Richterswil are REQUIRED to decorate their homes during the big event with turnip lanterns - and over 25 TONS of turnip are grown in the Zurich area each year for this event alone. WOAH. Thanks, MrsMac for sharing this cool tradition. It is the first I have heard of it! See you Saturday in Richterswil!

Flammkuchen = gastronomic heaven

2009-11-12T07:40:00.002+01:00

Are you hungry? I hope not, because I am REALLY hungry now after looking at these photos of the Flammkuchen we had for lunch in Colmar, France... they are not helping AT ALL. Yummy, yummy, yummy. Let me explain what these are if this is your first do-si-do with the Flammkuchen.

Flammkuchen (or flammekuche in Alsace or sometimes called tarte flambée in French) are, as described most wonderfully by Wikipedia: '...one of the most famous gastronomical specialties of the (Alsace) region' but you can find them in Switzerland, too. For example, I have had them in Lucerne before.

These thin bread pizzas are traditionally served with a topping of crème fraîche, onions and bacon. And I have to tell you, this traditional combination is the most wonderful - add some mushrooms, like mine below, and lit is gastronomic heaven. Jace's was also nice - had chorizo on it as well as the standard base... but honestly, mine was SO MUCH BETTER! :)

This is one of those dishes in which each time we eat it, we promise ourselves that we should eat it more often, or make it at home! I would recommend you do the same - it is a delicious lunch or dinner, freshly baked in a wood fired oven most often, quickly served which is great if you are ravenous like we were that day, and light enough that you have room for a pastry afterwards - which is important if you also happen to be in Colmar!

If you are not in an area where you can walk down the street and order up one of these babies, try out these recipes - in German. I am sure there are also some in English or please share your own in the comments. YUM! ENJOY!

Flammküchen Recipes from Saison Kuche:

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Colmar, a wonderful day trip from Zürich

2009-11-11T07:37:00.002+01:00

Colmar, another little gem of a city in the Alsace Region of France and also just hours away from Zürich, was visited on our way back from Strasbourg a few weekends ago. The city has the most lovely Altstadt, or old town, and every new corner is somehow guaranteed to be quainter than the last. A canal runs through the city, offering lovely outlooks from here and there, as well as beautiful reflections of the colorful houses and being that we went in November, in our case, also of the colorful Fall leaves.

We arrived via train (take the fast train to Basel and then the regional train to Colmar - takes 2 hours or so - there is also a TGB to Strasbourg and a direct connection from Colmar to Zürich if you get the timing right) and as the old town was not as clearly marked as we would have liked, so we grabbed a map and were happy to see that the major sites were within 10 minutes of the train station. We enjoyed slowly meandering around the town, catching glimpses of things not on the tourist trail, but finally making our way to the more touristy bits. For a Sunday in a touristy town, it was pretty empty... which made for a really relaxed visit.

Watertower in Colmar

Fall is here!

There were people (presumably tourists) in the small boats on the canal, just gliding along and seeing the sites. I would like to do that if we return to Colmar someday - looked enchanting...

Many of the houses in Colmar are of this wooden beam style - can someone please tell me if this style has an official name?... or do they just call it GORGEOUS? Then again, when you are inside these houses, they seem a bit wonky! :)

I was surprised to see that while a lot of the shops were closed, being a Sunday and all, many of the restaurants, cafes and bakeries(!) were open. I think that the culinary delights in Colmar are many- there was chocolate, cookies, pastries, cakes and of course Kugelhopfs all over the city. Make sure you come with an appetite! More on what we ate on Friday...

The center of the town is marked by a cathedral, just like Strasbourg, and although this one is not as ornate, I found the sandstone and red brickwork to be just as charming... and I loved the green tiled roof of the side chapel! The city is full of beautiful architecture and photo opportunities really.... Even Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is from Colmar - so there is a miniature Statue of Liberty in town, but we did not see it unfortunately.

All in all - lovely. I think this ranks high on my day-trips from zürich list. If you want more information, Kerrin has done Colmar better justice - especially if its Colmar's culinary pleasures you seek, please visit:

Tomorrow - a public service announcement about the small animals eating your car right now... I am not joking. Until then. :)
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Guest Post: How to Make Friends in Switzerland, Part Two

2009-11-10T05:09:00.004+01:00

By Chantal Panozzo

Last week over on ACC, I talked about the difficulty of making Swiss friends and gave a few tips for how to make friends with your neighbors.

Today, I want to tell you a story about my friend Peter. Peter recently started a new job in Zurich after changing companies and for his entire first two weeks at work, no one asked him if he’d like to go to lunch and most people barely acknowledged his existence. He told me he was frustrated with being ignored, but slowly, he started to make some friends, especially when he approached people first about going to lunch or getting a drink. And Peter is Swiss.

The point? It’s not just you, the expat, having problems making Swiss friends. Even the Swiss people have trouble making Swiss friends. The main ingredient needed? Patience. Like the story of not knowing my neighbor’s first name for an entire year even though we ate cheese together a lot, the Swiss are private
people. They need to get used to you just being there. Slowly but surely, they will most likely warm up to you. Just give them the time and then, put in the effort. Learning a bit of their language will help too.

Even though you might be the new one at your office, it might have to be you to ask your Swiss officemates for a lunch date first. This can be a shock to Americans like myself, who may be used to organized welcome lunches on their first day of employment.

Strangely enough, another way I’ve made Swiss friends is through my blog. I’ve had a number of “blogger blind dates” with some of my readers—in fact I have another one next week. Blogging is a great way to network, and you’d be surprised that there are Swiss out there that blog in English and by reading their blogs and leaving comments, you may just make a friend.

More information of making on friends in Switzerland can be found here:

Chantal Panozzo Bio: Chantal Panozzo is a writer and blogger. Besides keeping her own blog, One Big Yodel, she also blogs for a new expat community - www.affordablecallingcards.net. This blog offers affordable calling cards in Switzerland as well as information about living abroad in Switzerland and many other countries.
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Thanks for a great post, Chantal! If you, too, would like to be a guest blogger on Swisstory while we are in transition, please email me at jessica (at ) swisstoryblog .com!

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Snails in Strasbourg, France

2009-11-09T07:32:00.002+01:00

Two weekends ago, we decided that we needed one last mini-weekend adventure, so we bought some tickets for the weekend to Strasbourg, France - a beautiful city, the seat of the Region, in the Alsace Region of France. The tickets for two with half-tax cost 200 CHF and then I snagged a four star hotel for 80€. Not bad for a weekend getaway.

Stasbourg (or Strassburg/Straßburg in German) is a strange city actually, because they speak French and are French but being on the border and having changed hands so many times throughout history, a lot of the city feels 100% German - I mean, check out these buildinging above - nothing says Germany to me like these wooden decorated homes with the geraniums. Perhaps everyone in Strasbourg suffers from a bit of a cultural identity crisis. In one hand, they have a big fat Bavarian-style pretzel, in the other they are washing it down with a Bordeaux. Not literally, but that is how I would best describe Stasbourg.

The highlight of Strasbourg, like many major German cities - er... nevermind... is the Münster or Cathedral. This beautiful piece of Gothic architecture was definitely the highlight of the city. The church is made of beautiful sandstone - in need of renovation if you ask me - and inside is a very nice astronomical clock in which a skeleton chimes the bell on the hour - very similar to the astronomical clock in Prague, which in in my opinion is the better still.

Details on the Strasbourg Münster door and entry-way.
I love gothic entry-ways with all the carvings.

Naturally, when going to Strasbourg, you will want to make sure you stop in one of the many bakeries and try some of the regional specialties - there are sooooo many yummy looking bakeries to choose from. We of course, at the advice of Kerrin and others, had to try a Kugelhopf, local to the Alsace region.

Perhaps it was just me - then again, Jace agreed - they look sweeter than they are. If you have had the British/Aussie Easter specialty, the hot-crossed bun, they are just like that (bread with raisins and powdered sugar) but without the ever so sweet and delicious icing cross on top. So I liked the Kugelhopf/Gugelhopf, but I prefer something with more sweetness - like one of the million other cookies in the bakeries or the chocolates and macaroons on offer in Colmar - more on that on Wednesday!

The souvenier possibilities are HUGE in Stasbourg if you love to cook - lots of lovely French linens and tablecloths and these great big pots. Any idea what these are for? Just casseroles or are they more like a big cast iron pot? I think they were ceramic actually. They were lovely, but I could not buy any more now that I know how much it costs to take it all back to Australia with us! :)

For dinner, we stumbled upon a restaurant overlooking the locks, and of course being in France, Jace just HAD to have snails. We really like them really and if you have never tried them, I recommend you do! Honestly, if you like garlic and butter you will love snails. I understand these were done Alsace style, but honestly the butter and garlic was no different - perhaps it was the addition of a bunch of parsley? Either way - yum! Do try them. Up to you if you get 12 like Jace, or 6 like me. :)

Enjoy Strasbourg if you are looking for a getaway just 2 and a half hours from Zürich by train. It really was a lovely little spot for a relaxed Saturday . More from the Alsace Region on Wednesday, as we also visited Colmar! Tomorrow, a guest post from Chantal!

Ps. If you would like to be a guest blogger on Swisstory, contact me. Through the end of the year, while we are in transition I am looking for guest bloggers. I look forward to hearing from you!
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International Ski School Apero - November 11th

2009-11-07T18:04:00.000+01:00

Just got this via email - for all of you wanna-be snowboarders or skiers, this is a MUST DO for your first snow season in Switzerland - the International Ski School! I highly recommended joining. You learn a lot and it is totally worth it - here are posts from my lessons last year:

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11.11.09 Info Apero Online Registration Ski School 2010
A get-together with the chance to get information about ski school, the new online registration, etc. Ski instructors from Flumserberg and members of the ISCZ committee will be there to answer your questions. Or come by to just party!

Place: SwissotelTime: 18:00
How to get there - http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Switzerland/Swissotel+Zurich/Hotel+Home/Maps+and+Directions

Address:
Am Marktplatz Oerlikon
Schulstrasse 44
8050 Zürich
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Wanna be a guest blogger on Swisstory?

2009-11-05T19:16:00.000+01:00

It always happens like this. I have a good idea - but I keep it to myself... then someone says, 'Hey, what about this?' and I say, 'That is exactly what I was thinking!' And then I do it. I don't get the credit - that is cool - but I get the confirmation that it was a good idea in the first place.

This is one of those times. Chantal offered to be a guest blogger on Swisstory while we are in transition, and I jumped on the offer as everyone loves her blog, One Big Yodel.

So I thought - yes, guest blogging is good. Why not offer guest blog spots to others?!

Would you like to be a Guest Blogger on Swisstory?:
As a guest blogger on Swisstory, your blog will be exposed to the hundreds of daily visitors I have and you will hopefully get some new readers and great link juice. If you are interested, please email me (jessica (at) swisstoryblog . com ) and we can work out the details. I would prefer Swiss related blogs apply, but I am open to other posts from bloggers that would appeal to my savvy travel, expat, adventure loving readership. :)

So email me already and I look forward to seeing your posts on Swisstoryblog!

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Update! 3 Weeks until D(eparture) Day

2009-11-05T09:00:00.001+01:00

I have been pretty lazy with the postings lately. I chalk it up to a few things -

I am making a Blurb book for Christmas this year of the Swiss Tour 2009 that I took with my family, and if you make a book before the 24th of November, you get 20% off... (Promocode for 20% discount is: BLURBTREAT3) so the pressure is on and my free time for blog photo editing and publishing is tight. Ps. I made this book with my brother last year for Christmas and it went down A TREAT! Highly recommend book gifts.

Family Favorit...
Family Cookbook
By Jessica Cartwright
Book Preview
We are in the thick of getting things together for the move:

More people are coming to check out the apartment tonight. If you are looking for an apartment, conact me via email for details and come on over! I will even let you look in my fridge. :) Just so you all know, we have no obligations regarding the apartment - we have given our proper 4 months notice, so all we have to do it leave. We don't need to pay any penalties because we complied with the notice period. Actually, we are not vested at all in whether or not someone takes our apartment before we go - hence, I am so moody that we have to show the apartment for the 4th time tonight, as I am tired of the inconvenience of having to clean up everything for strangers to come through when I don't care if they take it or not! Ok... Sorry for the ranting. That is off my chest. Come on over. You can see my dirty clothes pile! :)
Handed in the mail forwarding notice at the post...
Figured out how to get all our pension and retirement money back.
Filled out all the customs paperwork and ensured that we are not brining anything into Australia that we should not.
And much more... more on all that fun stuff later. There will be a BIG POST coming soon about all the things to do before you leave Switzerland.

Finally - to be honest - with all this leaving talk - I get a bit depressed. Don't get me wrong - we are excited to go back to Australia! But at the same time, it is a chapter closing and it doesn't get my creative juices flowing as well as they did when we had just arrived and the Swiss adventure was full of excitment and promise. . . so bear with me . . . posting will be a bit thin but I am still here... and a new blog will be up shortly!

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Gemeinde Update

2009-11-02T10:47:00.001+01:00

We had a great weekend in Alsace. More on that this week. For now, I wanted to write a quick update about the Gemeinde and how we (FINALLY!) successfully deregistered on Friday.

Actually, I called before Friday and talked to my favorite Gemeinde employee, Frau B., and asked her what it was that we were supposed to be doing - because if you recall, the last instructions we received were that I was supposed to call all the utilities again and ask exactly what form they wanted this letter in to prove that we were leaving the country....

Well, I did that. And when I asked, "What is the name of this form? As the Gemeinde tells me they have heaps and I should know the name of the form..." they (Cablecom, Assura, the Radio thingy) were all like... "There is no name... it is just a deregistration confirmation." Dandy.

So this is what I told Frau B. when I called on Wednesday, and she was like, "Um yeah just come in and get the general confirmation for 30 CHF per person and be done with it." GREAT! Where were you last Friday. "I had a day off..." Figures.

Then I asked her about the fact that now that we are deregistered and they want to take away our permits how do we get around without being thrown in jail. And she said, "Oh that is easy - we don't take your permit - we just punch holes in your permit, you can carry it around until you leave and keep it as a souvenir and if you get stuck show them the hole-y permit and your deregistration confirmation and you should be fine."

Uh... what about the "We have to take it from you NOW! You will never see it again!" that I got last week? "Um, no that is not what happens," said Frau B. GO FIGURE. Never leave me again, Frau B. NEVER!

The moral of the story is - talk to someone who knows what they are doing... because, as if by magic, when we went in on Friday, I got the same girl as last week and THIS TIME she was suddenly of the same opinion as Frau B. - giving us three original copies each of our deregistration confirmation, punching holes into our permits and handing them back and wishing us a wonderful day. Ahrrrrrrrwww... I wonder if this all would have gone easier if I had done it in English. I really do.

If only that had happened the first time, I would still picture Gemeinde Urdorf Einwohnerkontrolle as the utopia of Swiss registration... Either way, we are deregistered now. No going back. And the letters are in the mail to stop services on all our utilities and accounts.

Just a few more weeks to go...
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Also, thanks to everyone that stopped by on Saturday for the World Blog Surf Day. If you missed it, you can still surf from blog to blog - although it might not link you to the exact post from the day. And make sure you sign up to partake next time if you missed out!
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Favorite Holiday in Switzerland: Christmas

2009-10-31T00:00:00.024+01:00

Welcome The Spotted Sparrow & World Blog Surf Day Readers!

My favorite Swiss holiday has to be, without a doubt, Christmas. I am so unbelieveably bummed that we will be in Australia this year for December, so I will miss all the Christmas festivities - but that does not mean that you have to miss out on them!

Naturally, Christmas is an important religious holiday in Switzerland but most of the Swiss partake in the Christmas celebrations in one way or another. At the beginning of December, the Advent begins, in which families count down the days until Christmas, either with an Advent Calendar or an Advent candle, marking the Sunday's until Christmas with a candle for each Sunday (4 candles total). But Santa actually comes long before Christmas Eve! In Switzerland, Santa, or Samiclaus, comes on the 5th of December and kiddies that have been good get some sweets, nuts and mandarins (and probably some toys!) on the 6th. Those that have been bad get a sack full of coal from Schmutzli - the anti Santa. Otherwise, Christmas is very similar in Switzerland compared to the US or Australia - tree (check), gifts (check), lots of food (check)... but the festivities are very special and celebrated by many families.

Last year I committed the entire month of December to Swiss Christmas celebrations and the Advent count down... There is just so much to love - the Advents candles, the Apfelchuechli mit Vanillesause, the Zürich Samiklaus Swim, and the Weihnachstpyramide - but my favorite part of the Christmas festivities are the Christmas markets! Here is a list of Swiss Christmas Markets in 2009.

If you time it just right, you can probably hit up at least 4 or 5 Christmas markets, perhaps even some in Germany or France where they are also a big to do.Christmas markets tend to start at the end of November and run through Christmas Eve and sometimes the day after Christmas. Make sure you take some warm mittens and lots of money with you - as you will definitely want to sample some of the Glühwein (to keep you warm of course!) and buy some of the best handicrafts and decorations available.Fröhliche Weihnachten (in October) everyone. Start making those Christmas plans now! Before long, it will be 2010 (wowzers has time gone by!) and you will have to wait another 12 months for Christmas. :)

Now, please check out the Next blog on the World Surf Day Tour - Peterhals in Zürich...

I read this blog often, and know you will enjoy Deb's post. Thanks for stopping by Swisstoryblog and please follow me to get future updates on our adventures in Switzerland.

This post was written as part of the World Blog Surf Day. You can also follow the World Blog Surf Day on Twitter, thanks to our Twitter reporter Karen. Karen is an American expat blogger last seen in Prague. The Wall Street Journal said, "Her blog makes a fun read for anyone looking for reassurance that change can be a wonderful thing--and also for anyone interested in visiting the Czech Republic." Read Karen's Czech Republic Expat Blog-Empty Next Expat.
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Zürich Archeological Underground Tour

2009-10-29T07:47:00.005+01:00

The group at Lindenhof, where our tour started

with the Roman ruins underfoot.

Last Sunday, I organized a little private tour for the Swiss Expat Bloggers with Zürich Tourism. The tour was called 'Archeological Windows' and was a tour of Zürich's archaeological highlights, including the Roman remains under the Lindenhof, the old city walls, and even a medieval sewage system under the Niederdorfstrasse. Unfortunately, this tour is only run on a private basis, but everyone really seemed to enjoy going underneath the city and seeing some of the hidden jewels of Zürich's past, so I would highly recommend going on the tour if you get a chance. Here are a few of the highlights that we saw:

Medieval painting

Rosemarie, our wonderful guide that got a few extra keys to places not originally included on the tour, as we opted for the longer 3 hour tour, showed us a medieval painting in a former dance hall/entertainment hall. This painting is inside a private apartment in the Niederdorf area and was totally beautiful even today.

Exhibit with the old city walls and

interesting drawings of Zürich in medieval times

Near the city library, we entered a building that has pieces of the old city wall in the basement. It was cool to be under the city and see the hidden jems - old sewer pipes and pottery, too. There were lots of interesting drawings on display as well of how the city used to be set up - and something about deer living inside the moat. Does anyone remember what was up with the deer in this next photo?! Help! :) This deer street is now called Hirschengraben though - get it?! Deer... Hirsch!!! Nice. Anyway, we also looked at this Murerplan a lot - a medieval map of Zürich which shows all the water wheels and how Bahnhofstrasse used to be a cow path. :) (zoomed in version here)

This is just a sign I saw on the tour - the person who this is meant for will recognise it I hope. :)

Medieval Sewers

Another highlight was walking through a tiny, itty bitty door on Niederdorfstrasse, into a medieval sewer. I have to admit - the Zürich Tourism does a great job as all these secret places have great signs and information (underground that is) if you have enough time to read it all. My favorite was an informational sign for the sewer display that said, 'Even in the middle ages, the big question was, 'What do we do with our poo?''... ok it did not say that exactly, but something like that. Oh I loved it. It killed me.

Speaking of which, here is a monk that slipped on some poo and was like, 'Man, I wish we had running water already.' Ok so it did not say that either, but I wish it had! You can see the straw above the loo for wiping back then. Ouch!

Inside the Helmhaus - only enterable by key.

We also went underneate the Helmhaus, the site of Zürich's first church which was built by Karl der Grosse on the site where two of the city's Saints, Felix and Regula, were decapitated, then walked 40 paces up a hill where they then collapsed and were later buried. You can still see a rock down there where the supposed decaptation took place under the Helmhaus!

If you are a history buff like Jace, I am sure you would remember more of the details, but even for a non-history buff like me, it was a fun tour... I did not even mention or show pictures of the Roman baths under the city that we saw or the new stained glass windows open for viewing at the Grossmunster Church... both sites open full time to the public...oh there was so much more. If you also have a post about this trip, please leave me a comment to your blog so I can share your feedback!

Again, thanks to all for coming on the tour and hopefully we can arrange another for those that missed out on the first. If you are interested, leave a comment on the Swiss Expat bloggers network or here.

Archeological Windows Tour - Zürich Tourismus
Website
Private tour run by appointment in your language of choice
Maximum 20 people
+41 44 215 40 88

Also check out the write up on this tour from:

Amanda at Queso Suizo

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Must See's/Do's from the Swisstory Fall/Winter Archives

2009-10-26T08:46:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow I will have a post all about the great tour we took of Zürich yesterday that took us below the streets and through Zürich's archeological remains! Today, I thought I would feature a few articles from the archives that are relevant this time of year, as I realize that not everyone is Swisstory obsessed and reads the archives. Enjoy!

Wine Messe Zürich - it is on again and I highly recommend you plan a day to check out all the European wines on offer and get sloshed... er, I mean, sample them all. The event is on October 29th - November 12th this year. More info available at expovina.ch. Here my write up from last year on the Wine Messe!
It is raclette and fondue time again! So get your cheese and heat up those burners for some tasty cheesy delights. I got my cheap fondue pot at the Brocki-Land. And stock up on fondue essentials like Fondue packets (we love Appenzeller!) and fondue seasoning at your local supermarket now.
Ski Season is coming - save a bundle getting to the slopes with the Snow N'Rail Pass from the SBB. We used this to get to Flumserberg last year for our snowboarding lessons with the Zürich International Ski Club. Signups this year for lessons are (thank God) online. Make sure you sign-up early, because if it is anything like last year (where I had to wait in line for hours...) these spots are HOT! and will go fast. Online Sign-up for Zürich International Ski Club Lessons.
Metzgete: I have seen the signs - so I know Metzgete time is coming soon! If you want to try something awful, er, I mean some Swiss offal, look out for the Metzgete. If offal makes your stomach churn, like it does mine, at least try some of the wild meat on offer at the moment - like venison or wild boar. These are tasty.
Christmas is coming! And since the supermarkets don't think it is too early, I don't either - it's time to start planning your Christmas market trips. Here are some Christmas market tips from Swisstory readers of the best markets, and don't forget to check out my Christmas Advent from 2008 for some not to miss Christmas events... I am VERY upset that we are leaving just before December, when all the markets really start. Bummer. But enjoy them for me!!!

Enjoy!
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World Blog Surf Day - last day to sign up!

2009-10-24T17:01:00.000+02:00

Swisstory will partake in the World Blog Surf Day on October 31st. Today is the last day to sign up if you are interested!!! Sign up for World Blog Surf Day here
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Not just cheese - Appenzeller specialties

2009-10-22T08:11:00.001+02:00

Lots of Appenzeller delicacies - but what exactly is glooozbrod?

After having THE BEST Appenzeller mac and cheese at Gasthaus Traube in Appenzell, we could not help but stop across the street and browse the huge selection of Appenzeller specialities on offer at the little market called de blacke Chrömer. I was really shocked to find that aside from the Appenzeller cheese, which of course they had in big wheels, begging to be cut and taken home, they also had a huge variety of other local specialities for sale...

Naturally, there were several types of Appenzeller beer, which I witnessed many of the locals proudly drinking at the cafe that we visited.

Birnenweggen and gwoozbrod (left) and Appenzell Bitter right.

One can also find the Birnenweggen everywhere in Appenzell - these are pastry breads with dark, dense, delicious pear filling. Also readily available (but not pictured) are the marzipan-like filled pastries called Biberbrot, which I love. I have no idea what Gwoozbrod is - and I am not making that name up, see the sign - but it looked very much like a fruit cake. The sign describing it says in Swiss German:

'ii so ees hescht no müd gaad kaa mit dere allebescle Follig - moscht unbedingt probiere!'

Which my friendly translator says this is a spiced bread or 'Gewürzbrot' and the sign says...

'So etwas hast du noch nie gehabt, mit dieser allerbesten Füllung - musst du unbedingt probieren!'

And in English:

'You have never had something like this before, with this amazing filling, you simply must try it!'

So it still does not really explain what it is - but this is a great example of how Swiss German is so.. well... different than hoch Deutsch! Thanks, Andrea!

As for the Appenzeller Bitters - well I am not a big fan of those types of alcoholic drinks, but I have heard that those that like it end up LOVING it. You have to be into the bitter alcohols though which I am not - but it would be worth taking a small bottle home to try, I think.

I have talked about these sirups before, but I have never seen a selection like what they had in this market. There was so many new syrup flavors that I wanted to try - apricot and ginger, lemon and honey, hollanderbluten, raspberry, lime, and a whole lot more. There was one that was even made at a local monastery nearby! I got one that was lemon and ginger I think - and I was told it was the most popular flavor. We mixed it with some sparkling water and had it with raclette instead of white wine. I think it went down a treat.

You could also take a taste of this Appenzeller honey at the store and it was divine. I admit, I never had honey like they have in Switzerland until we moved here. It is not runny like in the States - it is sometimes quite hard and think and crystalized. I love it. You must try it.

And there was so much more that I just did not photograph - we are talking cookies (y mom bought some amaretti cookies, as did my aunt and hers were cappucinno flavored), dried fruit, nuts, cake mixes, tea, cider, Swiss hot chocolate, and lots lots more.

If you do not stop in and buy something from this store when you are in Appenzeller... well, you might as well just cry me a river now. It would be that sad.

de blacke Chrömer
Marktgasse 3
9050 Appenzell‎
071 787 19 43‎
Google maps
Website

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Where to get cow bells in Switzerland

2009-10-21T07:30:00.006+02:00

The search was on for these babies... well, sort of...

When my family visited in September, we went on the Swiss Tour to take on all tours... visiting Zermatt, St. Moritz, Stein am Rhein, Rapperswil, Appenzell, you name it. We were all over Switzerland. And naturally, my family wanted to take back something typically Swiss as a souvenier and well - it doesn't get more Swiss than a cow bell... however, being my family, it wasn't just a simple cow bell search. Oh no, actually, we wanted horse bells... ! There were horses all over Zermatt with horse bells, so it should be easy in the land of cow bells to find a few horse bells, right?! (Um... Wrong.)

Dog collars - often available at the same place as cowbells... love it.

You see, my family has grown up with horses their entire life - I somehow missed the horse gene - I love them but I was never really great at riding so the hobby was short lived in my case (sorry Mom and Dad about that trailer you got just months before I decided I was no good at riding!)... In any case, my aunt still has horses and wanted to get a few bells to use or give as gifts. And in the search for horse bells - which we eventually found at the Bürkliplatz flea market, at Bürkliplatz in Zürich on Saturday mornings - we found a lot of interesting places that sold cow bells... the best being this handicraft shop in Appenzell (where the bell straps are actually MADE and you can smell the leather and oils wafting down the street, long before you venture inside).

Just take a trip to Appenzell and on Poststrasse in the main town area this little shop is open from 13:30 pm to answer all your cow bell desires. We did buy some little bells here, although they were for cows, not horses, and you can get a wide array of brass (?) or metal decorations, including dog collars, cowbells, and the decorations used on Appenzeller's suspenders and belts... see the decorations on the dog collars above. Just like those!

I was keen to buy this bell as a souvenier, but for some reason the hundreds if not thousands of francs it cost were a bit out of my budget - plus I doubt I would have made it home with this on the train let alone plane! Nevertheless, I did get a very touristy little bell at one of the other shops in Appenzell. But if you want THE REAL DEAL, this is the place to go:

Kunstgewerbe Dörig (aka your one stop shop for Swiss cow bells)
Poststrasse 6
9050 Appenzell
Google Maps
Website
Open Tuesday - Friday 13:30 - 18:00, Saturday 9:00 - 11:45 and 13:30 - 16:00

(Ps. Want to learn about the difference between 'cow bell' two words and 'cowbell' one word - check this out!)

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I love the Gemeinde. Swiss de-registration woes.

2009-10-19T07:43:00.002+02:00

Repeat that 100 times. Then try to believe it. (Ps. if this whole 'we are leaving' thing is new to you, read this post...)

Jace and I went on down to the Gemeinde on Friday, as the good little cititzens that we are. We were going, because every time I call a utlity company or the health insurance, for example, to tell them we are leaving and moving overseas, they insist that I send them some 'Cancellation confirmation' that is approved from the Gemeinde. So basically, they want the proof from our local council (Gemeinde) that we are leaving permanently and not just trying to get out of some contract for the hell of it...

So down we marched on Friday to get this piece of paper... but first back flash to last Wednesday in which I called the Gemeinde and told them I needed this paper and asked them if I could come down and get it now or if I had to wait until shortly before we were leaving when we wanted to deregister. They said come on down, that we can already do the 'Abmeldung' or deregistration now as we are leaving in 6 weeks and that is not too far in advance... So great, I thought - go in... deregister... get confirmation... go to work. No worries, right?

WRONG.

To make a long story short. We filled out the deregistration and then they wanted to cut up our permits or take them away. I said we wanted to keep them until shortly before we left and we just wanted to get the confirmation now so that I could cancel all the services. Well, this lady layed into me then about how I had the wrong form (which they had just given me), how if I filled out said wrong form they would have to take my permits on the spot, how there are 5123 different types of deregistration confirmation forms and the one which I was talking about costs CHF 30/person so I better know which one I needed before I paid for the wrong one, and that I basically am just an idiot for coming in to see them without knowing exactly what it is that I needed.

Um... hello. I thought you guys were the experts and you could tell me. Sorry.

So now I have to call up all the service companies AGAIN and ask them in black and white which form it is they want to see so that I can cancel and I have to figure out how we can get around and perhaps travel without our Swiss permits in our wallets if we deregister early.

I think in the end, we will probably end up getting the CHF 30/person deregistration confirmation papers, BEFORE WE ACTUALLY DEREGISTER (make sense? um no...), and then have to come in shortly before we leave to actually deregister and give up our permits. Believe me though - with the hassles we get at the airport lately, we will have copies of the given up permits and the said deregistration confirmation so that immigration does not give us hell for leaving, thinking we overstayed our visit.

All very complicated. All should not be - especially since they probably want us to leave... make it easy already, eh?... Err... I used to be so proud that I had never had issues with the Gemeinde. The Urdorf Gemeinde is so nice usually... and yes, this lady was just trying to save me CHF 60 if she can... but COME ON! Just give me a break with the 'tude already.

Anyone else love their Gemeinde?
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Marroni Zeit! Sweet Noodles of Chesnut

2009-10-16T08:03:00.000+02:00

Maroni cake - Seasonal speciality in the Swiss Fall

I am tempted to write all about my bad run in at the Gemeide this morning... but instead, let's enjoy our Friday and share in the sweet, sweet pleasures of living in Switzerland and not the bureaucratic crap that one must endure sometimes in order to do the right thing...

Instead, allow me to tell you what the right thing to do this weekend would be that would bring pleasure to you and everyone you know... you ready for this gem of advice.... ? Ok...

GO EAT CAKE!

Go forth and eat lots of cake this weekend, and if you know what is good for you, you will seek out the seasonal delights with Maroni (or sometimes spelled Marroni in Switzerland). Maroni are chestnuts, and in Switzerland they puree these little babies into a paste and squeeze the sweetened spagehetti strands of goodness all over cream laden cakes and pies. More about Maroni in English and German. . .

At first, I was not a fan of this brown puree, thinking it was a little too bland for my sweet tooth. But I have found it depends on the cake and this one above from a bakery in Appenzell went down a treat... and don't get me started on the meringue garnish on top. HEAVEN.

And well, if you don't like cake, I am sure you will find some other option during these days quickly grown cold... perhaps something traditional and warm and apple-y... hhmm... not sure exactly what... but I am sure you will find something. :)

Apfelstrudel also from bakery in Appenzell

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It's ok. You can 'du' me.

2009-10-14T08:21:00.001+02:00

I love speaking German. This we know. But sometimes, the rules of German just make me CRAZY. For example, the other day at work, someone was talking about how she had reached a point with a client that she can talk to her 'per du.' This was a BIG DEAL. She was excited about it. It meant she had broken the barrier and the two were on informal terms... they were officially on 'du' terms. No longer on 'Sie' terms... What is all this du and Sie mess? Well, this is one of the biggest differences between English and German (besides the three genders and the four cases) -allow me to explain the phenomenon that is German formal speech.

Say I run into an old friend at the store and we used to play naked in eachother's paddle pool (direct Bridget Jones reference for any fans...), I would greet this person in informal German:

'Hallo! Wie geht's?' or 'Wie geht's dir? Hast du Zeit?'

But if I ran into a complete stranger or a new client at work, and we have never played naked in any pools together, let alone never met before, and we are not on a first name basis, I would greet him/her in formal German:

'Guten Tag, Herr XXX. Wie Geht es Ihnen? Haben Sie Zeit für mich?'

So in German, when it is informal and you know the person well and are on a first name basis, you can go per 'du' and 'dir' and the accompanying verb forms ('hast du, or bist du, etc) without worry. In formal German, you have to use the formal tenses (haben instead of hast) with Sie or Ihnen. Sometimes, neighbors and work colleagues are forever on Sie terms. They never cross to the dark (albeit friendly) side. It is just not going to ever happen...

I mix up my 'du's' and my 'Sie's' a lot. It is the crux of being a non-native German speaker. I speak 'du' with colleagues at work. It is an American company - so we are naturally all friendly and open and work 'per du.' :) Then in the real world, I naturally 'du' everyone and screw up my whole intro and have to go back and 'Sie' the crap out of the conversation so the person knows I know what I am doing and wanted to give them the respect they deserved...

So on one hand - it is great to have this respect thing built into the language - but on the other hand, I think the German speakers should just give up this whole 'Sie' thing. I think it keeps them at a distance, it keeps them cold and at arms length. I have had conversations with Swiss that are oftentimes confused - 'Well, she du-ed me in the email but I don't think we are per du yet, as she is always like 'Sie' this and that on the phone. What should I do?!' OH THE PAIN OF THE DU- SIEs!?!' To du or not to du. That is often the question.

Well, here is your answer -just 'du' it already, I say... it will make the world a better place and make German easier for us non-native speakers.

Here - I will take the first step. You can all du me.

There ... one down. :)
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Last Chance - Vote for Valentina!

2009-10-12T10:11:00.002+02:00

This is the big day. 5 Points Worth! Please Vote for Valentina and if she wins today, we will see her present the upcoming Switzerland vs. Israel soccer match!

Please vote today and tell your friends! Thanks for your support!
Vote here!!!

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What will you do with your garden?

2009-10-12T08:13:00.000+02:00

That is the other most asked question I get now that I am leaving...'What are you going to do with your garden?' I fear that I have become a bit of a green thumb during my Schwebergarten (allottment garden in German) period here in Switzerland... we all know it.

The good thing though about the system here in Switzerland is that I just rented the garden. I rented it indefinitely and would have paid for another year come Spring if we were staying, but as fate would have it, we are not and I will be handing the land back over to whomever the next lucky person on the waiting list is. I will give up my key, and my soil, and get my deposit back... but leave with a lot of good memories...

When I get back to Australia, I have big gardening plans, so stay tuned on the new blog. I love Australia native plants and I intend to go to town in the backyard, creating my own little (dog friendly - or rather dog proof if that is possible!) native oasis... And I intend to get a colorbond/aluminium raised garden bed to try my hand at some fruit and veg in Australia, too. It all comes down to the dirt in Australia - it is really sand - so you have to bring in the good stuff (compost rich and dark), preferably in its own area or pot, which I will do, to make a success of it... and WATER A LOT!

Until then, let's remember the good times, with a few photos of the last weeks of the garden - also when my brother was here and he let me use his fancy macro lens to capture a few shots. Thanks, Nate! A lot of these photos are his. So please contact him if you would like to rip off his work. heheh :)

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Someone please take my apartment so I can stop showing it... please?!

2009-10-09T08:26:00.000+02:00

Ok, here is the deal. I am annoyed. It is not Wincasa's fault, and it would be easier to blame them, but I won't. Yet, I am still annoyed. Allow me to explain.

We handed in our notice to Wincasa about... oh 8 weeks ago now. Yes, we have a four month notice period with our current apartment. I would say that is INSANE... but really it is BEYOND INSANE, although I have heard of some notices that can only be given on the night of a full moon when the temperature is 24 degrees. Ok, not really, but I have heard of some where you can only give notice like in September or May, or two months of the year. I know - INSANE. Anyway, so we have known for awhile that we would be leaving the apartment, and so has Wincasa.

And when they confirmed our notification, they wrote a nice line in the letter about how great it would be if we could 'cooperate' in terms of them finding a new tenant. Sure, ok, no worries. I will cooperate. You wanna show someone around - go ahead - you have a key...

Oh, what? You don't have a key?

Oh... I see... I will just leave it in the mailbox and you can show them on in. That's cool. I trust you. I know where you live.

Um... oh... what's that? You require that we are here when you show people our apartment? Ok - so you don't require but you prefer that we are here? Oh, I see. So you want me to be here while strange people go through my fridge and peruse my underwear drawer and why don't I show them the washer and dryer in the basement, too...??!! Sure... ok... COME ON DOWN...

So I have complied with this little ruse and I have made myself available for not one but TWO open nights so far in which I sit here and watch people go through my home and shake their head about how it just won't work... or get all excited about the place, but knowing in the end that ultimately no contracts have come. I know it is not my place and I should not be attached - but hell, it is my place right now and I should not have to witness this abuse.

Then I get another email today... "Um, no contracts yet... when can we come again?"

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Does anyone else think that this is insane? I know that this is how things are run in Switzerland and like no one owns their own home but why do they have to make it so no one can own their own privacy too!? Of course I will do the right thing and say come on over with bells on next week so that I can watch some more strangers make mental notes of all the things they would like to steal or how there is no way they would put the TV in that location... but I am only doing it because I like the Wincasa lady and she complimented my gourds... the quickest way to my heart, I tell ya. But I still say that I just wish it were like Boston where the apartment is showed during the day when I am at work or after I move out perhaps?! ERRRRRRR.

So... if you want a great 4 1/2 by Swiss standards apartment in the roof in a quiet neighborhood in Urdorf, just say the word. I will personally show you around... not because I want to though... but because I am a sucker that cannot say no to a lady that knows a good pumpkin when she sees one...
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The Rose that is Rapperswil

2009-10-08T07:44:00.003+02:00

In the distance, the Capuchin Monestary in Rapperswil

We went to Rapperswil when my family was in town, and I have to admit... I loved it. I thought it would be bit too small - a bit too boring. And while it was small, it was far from boring. This little village at the end of the Zurichsee is honestly delightful. I can't imagine why we didn't visit it sooner - oh yeah, that's right - because Jace thought it would be small and boring. Note to self - Jace doesn't know what he is missing... all he knows is that Rapperswil is fun to say... "Rappers - veeelllll!"

Rapperswil castle

The highlights of the town include Rapperswil castle (now the Polish Muesum is housed inside as well as an über-expensive restaurant)...

... the wooden bridge to Hurden, one of the longest wooden bridges in the world...

Wooden bridge in the distance

... and the picturesque alleys of the Altstadt. The town is also famed for its multiple rose gardens, one of which I stumbled upon with a few open blossoms before Fall hit...

... not to mention the Capuchin monestary on the hill - seen in the first picture, and the vineyards surrounding it are below.

Whether you come via train or boat, I would recommend Rapperswil for a lovely little weekend outing or daytrip from Zürich. There is a lot more to see than you would expect, and the size is just right for photo lovers or familes. Enjoy!

Want more?

Ladies that lunch in Rapperswil by Peterhals

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Traumjob gewinnen : VOTE FOR VALENTINA!

2009-10-07T09:26:00.001+02:00

Hey everyone - one of my friends has applied for a dream job to be a sports moderator, and if she wins, she will get to moderate during the Swiss vs. Israel game coming up and get a whopping CHF 5.000! Please vote for her every day from now until next Monday the 12th and help her realize her dreams. (Only those that live in Switzerland can vote, so please tell your friends!)

PLUS- if you understand German, her video is super cute and definately the best!

GO VALENTINA!!! My hero! ;)

VOTE FOR VALENTINA

Thanks everyone.

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We are moving back to Australia!

2009-10-05T08:35:00.007+02:00

This is the post I thought would never come, but knew was eventually inevitable, such is the life of an expat. Jace and I, after much thought and deliberation, have decided to move back to Australia. Due to several factors, the timing is right. And while on one hand we are both sad to close this chapter of our cosmopolitan lives, on the other we are really excited to open the next by returning to Jace's home of Perth, Australia and trying our hand at planting some roots...

Let's cut to the chase though as you must have questions, and I have prepared some answers to those questions that we seem to get a lot of now that the word is out.

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When are you leaving?
We will be leaving at the end of November. That gives us a few more weeks to enjoy Fall in Switzerland, tie up our professional lose ends, and pack a lot of stuff.

Can I have your stuff?
Nope. Sorry. We are taking it with us... it was a big (expensive) decision which I question daily and will no doubt chronicle here, but no, this is my toaster and I am taking it with me.

I want to live in Switzerland... can I have your job? your apartment?
Um, as for the job, it is on Monster.com. I have no influence in who gets it, but I can highly recommend it. As for the apartment, I believe it is still available and in Urdorf. We loved it and can highly recommend living in Urdorf... As for living in Switzerland in general - I recommend you throw your hat in the ring if you get an opportunity to live abroad. It is a wonderful experience, and if you don't try, you'll never know... so just do it !

What is going to happen to the blog? Who will write it now?
Well, that is a good question. I definitely cannot write a "Swiss" story blog from Australia, but my blogging days are far from over. I have a few ideas in the back of my head for a new blog (Note to self - need cool new blog name...suggestions welcome...) and let's face it - it will still be an Expat blog (me being American and all- or an Ami as the Aussies say). I am hoping all of you will come along and join me for the virtual ride. This blog will remain online so that future expats can still benefit from the wealth that is Swisstory. And the Swiss Expat Blog Network will stay, too, and I will no doubt be checking in although I will obviously be taking a less active role.

Are you sad to go?
Yes. Of course. Living in Europe was a dream come true for us. I still have a long list of things to see and people to do... scratch that, reverse it... but let's face it, we are still in our 20's. We have some time, right?! ;) I see retirement cruises in the Mediterranean in our future... if not earlier vacations/adventures!

You just got the handle on your German and now you are leaving?!
Well, I know. That sucks doesn't it? Or should I say, "Das ist total doof, oder? Es macht mich auch verrückt." But that is cool - I am already taking applications a la Paris Hilton for my new Super Cool German Speaking Aussie Best friend. Please contact me for details. ;)

What are you going to do in Perth?
I am looking at online marketing/digital roles in Perth. If you have an opportunity for me, let me know. I am available to rock your digital world as of December 2009. Otherwise, we will be living it up in our house that has been waiting for us these last few years - albeit in the hands of what I hear are clean freak renters (thank you, we love you), dreaming of our future labrador puppy whose name I will spare you for the time-being, and no doubt Jace will be keeping my long list of Asian vacation plans in check.

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Got another question - post it in the comments and I will answer it here.

So that's it. We're leaving. Ho hum. But -until we leave and probably even into 2010, I will continue to blog about our lives in Switzerland and the process of returning home... after all, the blog has to come full circle eventually and the harmony in that gives me good Chi and Zen and super Shui feelings simultaneously.

I thank you all for following us in our expat adventures, especially those of you who have taken the time to connect via email, comments, in person or on the network, and I look forward to sharing our new adventures down under with you in a new blog soon. Until then, let's continue our Swisstory adventures, shall we? ;)
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Stein am Rhein? More like total GEM!

2009-10-01T07:53:00.001+02:00

(A few weeks ago now...) on Wednesday, we took off for a place that everyone seems to love as I have read and heard a lot about it - Stein am Rhein, which literally means, Stone on the Rhein. The Rhein is a major river in Europe and it just happens to border Switzerland to the north. However, I think that this village was totally jipped when it came to names, as this is no stone on the river, but a priceless jewel, a wonderful little village (albeit tourist swamped) which after visiting I would 100% recommend as one of the best day trips from Zürich on offer. (By the way, the only historical evidence I could find of why it was named Stein am Rhein was that there was a stone bridge here during Roman times...)

We arrived at Stein am Rhein in a round about way - a route recommended by my sister in law, Sarah, who visited a few weeks before us. We took a train to Schaffhausen first, being sure to sit on the left side of the train from Wintertur to Schaffhausen, as instructed by our helpful SBB ticket agent, so we could see the Rheinfalls out the window. Stunning!!! Then when we arrived in Schaffhausen, we took a bus to the river (2 minute ride, or 10 minute walk) and then took a scenic boat to Stein am Rhein. (All in all, took about an hour and a half to get to Schaffhausen from Zürich, the boat ride was 2 hours from Schaffhausen to Steim am Rhein and worth it... then we trained back from Stein am Rhein. Simples.)

The boat is run by the SBB as well, so if you have a GA pass or Swiss pass, like my family did, you're covered! I got a special day pass that got me great savings on this trip with my half-fare card. Enquire at your SBB ticket office.

We got on the boat around 11 am and arrived at Stein am Rhein at 1pm - just in time to be famished and devour a few delicious crepes at the creperie recommended by many (thanks again!) on the main street... the street is tiny, so you cannot miss this quaint creperie quite near the ice cream parlor.

The highlights of Stein am Rhein are the medieval city walls and gates, ornate painted houses - especially those on the main street...

...and the medieval castle up on the hill, which you can see in the distance from the main street... not to mention the lovely vineyards and Rhein river surrounds.

The medieval city streets are also pedestrianized, meaning no cars - so considering that and all the beautiful features of the city, I would say Stein am Rhein is a photographer's paradise. My mom and brother really loved it. I could not keep them with me for a minute longer after lunch - they were off shooting every nook and cranny within seconds.

So if you need a great weekend getaway or a dose of Swiss architectural beauty, check out Stein am Rhein. I am glad we did, and I even got a few photos myself. ;) Check out my slideshow.

Next on the agenda... Rapperswil!
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Bürkliplatz Market

2009-09-29T07:31:00.002+02:00

After doing Zermatt and the Glacier Express and stopping in Chur on our way back from St. Moritz, I thought we might just need a bit of a rest day in between all of that Swiss highlight action. And I was right. Considering that my family loves to take photos, I decided that we would sleep in but try to make the Burkliplatz market for a bit of photography inspiration as well as to pick up some yummy Swiss cheese and other nibbles to try later in the evening.

I love the Burkliplatz market because it is like a dependable friend. It is without fail always open on Tuesdays and Fridays, always comes ready to please with stalls and stalls of vendors, and you never leave disappointed... unless of course you buy too much! And everything is always so beautifully displayed - don't believe me? Check out this slideshow!

After a stroll through the market, we wandered around my favorite parts of Zürich, then had lunch at one of my new favorites on a sunny day, the Restaurant Bauschänzl i, right on the Limmat near the market. Read my write up on this biergarten on Spottedbylocal - Zürich!

Then we went home and chilled, to prepare for the next day's adventure - Stein am Rhein!

Ps. If this post looks familiar, that is because I did a similar one in May last year. Can you blame me though? The market is incredible!

Bürkliplatz Market - May 2008

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I LOVE Picasa 3.5

2009-09-28T08:07:00.001+02:00

I upgraded to Picasa 3.5 a few days ago, and it just finished checking all my photos with its new face recognition tool! And I absolutely love it, because now all my photos can be referenced by person, and I hardly had to do a thing. Here's what you do:

Download the upgrade for Picasa 3.5 - this takes all of a few minutes based on your connection speed
Picasa will go through all your photos looking for faces and will group those that it thinks are similar together.
If it is correct, you accept the group and give it a name - usually the name of the person
If not, you ignore the group and/or can put it into the proper group
From then on, all new photos are scanned and categorized and if it is unsure about one a question mark displays so you can confirm the new photos... and you have all your photos automatically categorized by person!!! I LOVE IT!

It is totally awesome, because now I have a file with all of the 400+photos of me from this year and one with the 800+ of Jace! I wonder who is the photographer in our family... ;)

Then you can make cool collages of all the photos in the file - like this one above. I am sure there are more uses for this... but all I can think of are all the collages I am going to email people and make them think I painstakingly collected all the photos of them. ;) Or I will save the photos over years and years and send a historical montage. hehe... I just won't be looking at the one of me over the years. Too scary!

What will you do with this cool new feature?!

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Chur - One of the oldest settlements in Switzerland

2009-09-24T08:13:00.001+02:00

Ok... let's get one thing straight first of all. It it not pronounced with a 'Ch' sound like the word 'chuck' like it would appear. Instead, Chur is pronounced like 'Ku-ir.' And the more you can prolong the 'oo' sound, the better. Good luck with that... carrying on.

We stopped on the way back to Zürich from St. Moritz in the town of Chur. We thought it would be tiny, but actually this capital of the beautiful Graubünden region was a nice size for an afternoon lunch stop and wander, not to mention quite enchanting actually - a warm welcome after the airs put on in St. Moritz.

Chur is nestled into the hills and mountains of the area, and this former Roman city and meeting point of many alpine routes is also one of the oldest settlements in Switzerland, making the old town a really scenic place for a stopover.

Here are some photos of the old town for you to enjoy.

This is smack dab in the middle of the old town - the church and fountain. Lovely area. When you turn around the corner, down the next lane is the first photo in this post.

Walk behind the church in the center of town, and follow the signs to the cathedral... just up these steps a ways. It was a nice cathedral but I preferred the sights of the alleys and streets in the old town.

Psst. this is my future garden. That is right. Be jealous. It was beautiful, and we ate lunch right across from it at a bit of a dive which had great food in the end, even a specialty of the region called Capuns or chrutcapuns which are bundles of Swiss chard stuffed with dried meat and smothered in butter and cheese. I was not a big fan, but my mom and brother had them and enjoyed them. Here a recipe from my favorite Swiss food magazin e for capuns.

I would recommend a stop in Chur if you are coming back from St. Moritz. It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from St. Moritz and another 1 and a half or so from Zürich. It breaks up the trip just perfectly and is a picturesque, small town, hard to get lost in, but hell - why not?! It is that lovely. Next... our day trip to Stein am Rhein!
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Goodbye Kraft Mac - Hello Älplermagaronen

2009-09-23T08:52:00.003+02:00

I interrupt this series of posts about my September Swiss Tour 2009 to talk about something very important... something that I feel I have a duty to tell you about before the moment just passes us by.... please allow me to present: Älpermagraronen.

I am not sure if that is the right way to spell it in Swiss German or not - but this is Swiss Mac and Cheese. And it is THE BOMB. I had that humdinger of a plate up there in Urnäsch over the weekend, inbetween cow sightings and pig races, and at the recommendation of Chantal and although my lactose intolerant intestines still say 'No!' my eyes and my palate are still saying 'Yes, yes, yes!'

First of all, the noodles are not anything like the boxed variety. These are more like spätzle, or little Swiss dumplings. The cheese is naturally no form of processed cheddar either - this is Appenzeller cheese, and it is my favorite Swiss cheese by far. The dish is generally made with fried onions on top as well which I think rounds the creaminess out perfectly as well as gives you some really tasty after-breath... but it is worth it. Do not be deterred.

And SAY YES TO APFELMUS PEOPLE! That is applesauce and the combination of apple and cheese is of course classic, but the smooth, creamy homemade applesauce generally served with Älplermagaronen is so heavenly that if I were left alone in a room with a trough of it, I would not be able to help myself...I really wouldn't! I love that stuff.

Here is Betty Bossi's Älplermagaronen recipe in German if you are feeling up to making it yourself, but check for this specialty on menus in the Appenzeller region and get ready for a treat...! YUM x one billion!

Chur tomorrow!

Ps. Here is the version that Susan mentions in the comments from Gasthaus Traube in Appenzell... more on that little town later! It was also a stop on our Swiss Tour!
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St. Moritz in September

2009-09-22T07:55:00.005+02:00

Sankt Moritzersee, Sankt Moritz

After 8 well-spent hours on the Glacier Express, we finally made it to our destination for the night - St. Moritz. While the Queen and Prince William were not joining us this time at this ski-destination for the rich and famous, we still had a lovely time without them eating a great dinner in town, walking around the posh town the next morning, seeing the sites.

While my family was having fun taking photos of this conditorei in the background, I asked this man with a nice bum which way it was the the See (lake) and he was polite enough to show us the way. Jace on the other hand was stuffing his face as usual... come on Jace, let's go see the lake!

We eventually made it down the hill to the lake, and it was a beautiful sunny day. Actually we had great weather the whole week!

I can only imagine how stunning the views and mountains would be in winter, covered with snow and little men skiing up and down.

There is a great viewing platform in the middle of the lake, easily accessible from the parking lot next to the train station in St. Moritz. Here my Mom and Aunt are busy taking photos. We lost Nathan long ago - I think the giant ice cream cone may have side-tracked him as well.

We had a fun time walking around the lake, taking in the fresh air, and posing for future St. Moritz postcards that would have a headline like, 'St. Moritz - Where you are as free as a bird, but as a poor as a beggar.'

Or perhaps... 'You will jump for joy when you realize how much money you saved by visiting in the low season and not in the peak season! St. Moritz! Yeah!'

So um, yeah, it is an expensive city because it is so touristy and posh, but it was still lovely and worth it for taking in the entire sites of the Glacier Express. Next time, we will leave some time for hiking as the area was truly gorgeous... next update - CHUR!

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Alpabfahrt Urnäsch - Appenzell

2009-09-21T08:50:00.006+02:00

On Saturday, I went with my work colleague, Michele, to the Alpabfahrt in Urnäsch, a small village in the Appenzeller region, an area fast becoming my favorite in Switzerland due to the wonderful landscapes, tradition, and cheese!

We went on Saturday for the Alpabfahrt, which literally means 'Alp descent,' and the name suits perfectly as that is exactly what happens. In the Fall, before the weather turns cold and snowy, the (milk) cows are brought down from their lush summer pastures in the Alps, where they grazed all summer long on the vitamin rich herbs and grasses between the Bergs. And their journey down the mountain is celebrated with a traditional march and festival, full of music and dancing and food.

Urnäsch Alpabzug 2009

As taken from the Appenzell Tourism site, here is what happens during the Alpabzug:

The procession of the Appenzeller Alpabzug can start as early as 2 or 3 am, when the farmers start the journey to bring their cows out of the mountain. It is said that in the early hours you can actually hear the cowbells ringing in the distance. When the Alpabzug arrives in the city, the procession is led by a boy, generally in Senne dress, leading a pack of white, hornless Appenzeller goats, herded by a girl in a brown-or blue-striped dress. The herdsman is next in line in Volltracht, or in full traditional dress. On his left shoulder he carries a richly carved bucket. He is then followed by three of the farmer's most beautiful cows that carry the heavy Senntumsschellen or ornate cow bells.

Next march four farmers in the traditional costume (with earrings in the right ear, part of the traditional costume!) followed by the rest of the unadorned cows, or Viehhabe, and the horse with the milking gear, or Alpgerätschaften, and the baby cows and perhaps a dog make the conclusion of the train.

I loved every minute of the event - waiting for the Senne to come, seeing all the cows and hearing the crowd talk about 'What a beaut' that one was or what fine coloring that one had. The atmosphere was great - lots of food and music, and not at all as touristy as I thought it would be, especially considering that this event is what I - and no doubt many others - imagine when they think of quintessential Swiss tradition. There are many more Alpabfahrts happening this fall in case you missed the one in Urnäsch. Just have a search online for events near you.

Beautiful Appenzeller Region - quickly

becoming my favorite area in Switzerland.

Other great posts about the Urnäsch Alpabfahrt:

Peterthals -Yodel-yea-hee-MOO
Twissted Swisster - Alpabzug - Bringing the Cows home in Urnaesh
Swiss Family Mac - Urnäsch Alpabfahrt
One Big Yodel - Yellow Knickers Live On
Did I miss your post on the Alpabfahrt? Leave me a comment!

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Review of the Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz

2009-09-17T08:34:00.003+02:00

Ok, before I show you the pictures of the Glacier Express - which was AWESOME - let me explain a few things. You are on a moving train for a long time (almost 8 hours if you do the whole strek, which we did...), so a lot of the pictures are, well, let's just say blurred or blocked by things in or on the train or completely ruined due to glare if you have the fortune of a beautiful sunny day, which we did. So I will be the first to say that the photos are crap but please do not let that persuade you from partaking in the Glacier Express yourself, because it was a pure pleasure... ok... I am glad I got that off my chest. Now let's look at the best of the bunch of crappy photos as I tell you why you need to make reservations for this scenic train experience for 2010 right now.

We boarded the panorama train in Zermatt and reserved tickets for the full journey to St. Moritz - but you can get off and on at any of the stops inbetween. The full journey is about 8 hours - which in hindsight was probably a bit too long and we could have happily gotten off in Chur.

In addition to a normal ticket for the journey, you have to make an additional reservation for the Glacier Express. Don't forget this step! It is CHF 30 per person for this special reservation. We did the journey on a day pass, my family on the Swiss pass, and then we all reserved seats and lunch. So in the end it really wasn't very expensive to take this scenic trip across the lower half of Switzerland.

The ride is very comfortable and you have a great view due to the huge picture windows to the ceiling and in the ceiling - although it can make it a bit dizzying at times!

You also get ear phones in order to hear the commentary along the way and a nice bell chimes to let you know when the next commentary will be on. So you not only see a lot but also you learn a lot as well.

I also booked us a reservation for lunch on the train, which was somewhat expensive but very good. We got the daily menu which they served at your seat and even offered seconds! Jace got a huge steak and probably put his vegetarian neighbors into a bit of a panic - sitting on a long train, cows in the hills and on your table... haha - but it was delicious. If you have a bit left in the budget, I recommend eating on the train despite all the reviews on TripAdvisor that say the service is poor - it was still fun.

The best part of the ride naturally is the gorgeous scenery.... lots of mountains, valleys, gorges, canyons, green pastures, ski areas and more! I really enjoyed the trip for the diversity of landscape that you were able to see from the comfort of the train. Not great for photography lovers, as I mentioned above as it is not the best location to takes shots of the stunning scenery. This can be painful sometimes as you just want to take a picture of the amazing site before you - but alas - your shot turns out like this:

Regardless, we were able to get a few nice shots to prove the ride is worth it! Beautiful Switzerland unfolding around you...

The Glacier Express runs from the end of May to the end of October. I would recommend booking in advance, lunch too, especially if you are traveling in the summer months. You can also get some great rail and hotel packages, too.

Make sure you include the Glacier Express in your travel plans - it was a great adventure and means of seeing some of the most beauftiful Swiss country on offer!

More resources:

Glacier Express Website in English
Check out more Reviews of the Glacier Express on TripAdvisor.

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King of Switzerland's peaks: The Matterhorn

2009-09-14T10:34:00.000+02:00

Last week my family was in town, and I took it upon myself to have a mini blogging-break so that I had time to enjoy my time with them and also plenty of time to explore all the wonders that Switzerland has to offer. Thanks again to everyone's advice on where to go. We took a lot of it on board and I look forward to telling you what we got up to over the next few days... first up - ZERMATT & the Matterhorn!

We left Zurich on Saturday morning around 9 am and traveled via train to Zermatt (the most direct route is about 3.25 hours over Visp). The scenery along the way is stunning, of course, and hence the time went by quickly. As my family was traveling on a Swiss Pass, all train travel over the 8 days they visited was included in the pass. Great bargain! And we started our journey in Zermatt as we had reservations the next day with the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. More on that tomorrow!

After a quick lunch in Zermatt - a ~~tourist trap~~ city with few permanent residents but packed with tourists - we headed for the Gornergrattbahn, a scenic train ride lasting just 29 minutes that takes you up Gornergratt for one of the most stunning views of the Matterhorn. The tickets for this train are not cheap - we paid CHF 76 return for the two of us - and that was with the half-fare card! Luckily, the SwissPass also got my guests half price as well - but it was well worth it for the stunning views from the top. The trains run about every 20 minutes and the ticket office and loading zone is directly across from the Zermatt main train station. You cannot miss it. (Ps. Zermatt is a car free city! Oh yeah... others that do not need a car in Switzerland! So if you drive, you have to park in Täsch and take the commuter rail into Zermatt...)

Once at the top, we were greeted with a beautifully clear day and the magnificent Matterhorn in the distance. Actually the views from Gornergratt in every direction are pretty inspiring - full of mountains, lakes, glaciers, and mountain goats! Don't take my word for it though - check out these photos from the top of the world:

As we were waiting for the train to go back down to Zermatt, we spotted these mountain goats, coming to get something out of this container - we think it might have been salt. And if you thought mountain goats were agile before, check out how precariously this little guy is perched above the mountainous cavern below! (Ps. if this is not a goat - please tell me what it is...thanks!)

Top left - See that white speck - next to that, that is him!

Again! Top left is the goat... WOW! How do they do it?!

There were other creatures up top, too - strange creatures these... they have six legs! :):

There were also some bees up top at 3000 meters, buzzing around the only flowers seen for miles. Crazy bees. No wonder they are all dying off...

After walking all around and taking about 4.2 million photos, we were in need of some refreshment - and despite the onset of a cold (typical eh, as soon as visitors come!) I could not help myself and Jace and I enjoyed some local beer and a plate of meat and cheese from the region at the cafe/hotel on the summit. Yum!

Make sure you bring a jacket to the top with you - as it is much cooler up top than down below, despite the direct sun. Oh and don't forget that sunscreen. Slip, slop, slap ya'll.

It was the start of a great Swiss adventure - first the Matterhorn, then THE WORLD....! Ok, so then the rest of Switzerland... ;) More on that coming soon! But I would highly recommend a trip to Zermatt. It is the pinnacle of Swiss tourism and well worth the visit to see this majestic mountain in all its glory.

Stay tuned for more Swiss Adventures from my September 2009 Swiss Tour... including the Glacier Express, St. Moritz, Appenzell and more!

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Knabenschiessen starts Saturday!

2009-09-10T21:49:00.002+02:00

Just a quick heads up - you might have noticed that I have taken a leave of absence this week as I am entertaining my family that is visiting... I just wanted to let everyone know that in case you did not hear yet, Knabenschiessen starts on Saturday here in Zurich. I wrote about it last year - or at least the fact that I missed it... but I won't this year! Make sure you at least check out the big fair, or Chilbi in Swiss German, that starts on Saturday and goes through Monday, open from 11 am until late. I believe the event is at Albisgütli...? Is that correct? So whatever you do, don't miss the fair, ride some rides, eat some sweets, and enjoy a half day off on Monday!

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Zeughauskeller - My favorites at the best Swiss restaurant in Zurich

2009-09-08T08:07:00.002+02:00

A must eat in Zurich - Zuricher Geschnetzeltes!

This post has been a long time coming, and actually I posted about this gem of a restaurant awhile back on Spottedbylocals - the Zeughauskeller is hands down my favorite restaurant in Zurich. I love to take my guests there, I love to go there with coworkers, and I just love eating there. It is the epitome of Swiss cuisine for me. There is something for everyone and all leave happy and full every time.

I paid these kids in Schnitzel to point at the restaurant and dance Swiss
traditional dances for me. heheh.

My favorite, most recommended dishes to order at the Zeug are as follows:

1) Geschnetzeltes Zuricher Art - this is THE dish of Zurich. I think if you leave Zurich without having this you should be smacked with a wet noodle... this is veal served in a savory mushroom cream sauce with a golden rosti (translated on the menu as hash brown potatoes Swiss style - spot on actually) next door, soaking up all the saucy goodness you could not lick up. I love this with the house beer. See the first photo!

2) Haxen - this seems daunting, but it is not really and you will be so glad you ordered it after you devour every last piece of moist meat on the bone. This is a whole pork shank, skinned, marinated with fresh herbs and oven roasted in dark draught beer, served with the best potato salad you will find in Zurich. On the menu in German, it says "es halt solong es halt" or something similar, that basically means - 'get it while you can' as this baby sells out fast.

A rare occasion in which I share this yummy cake - VERY rare.

3) This is the Zeughaus cake - it is an ice cream cake which is pretty rare in Switzerland actually, and that is only part of why it is so delicious. The rest is because the ice cream is flecked with hazelnuts and chocolate and sandwiched around a delicious cake. I always get this - if I can fit it in around favorites 1 and 2 and a couple of pints of beer - and still have the energy to waddle to the train, or the tram in dire circumstances and then crawl onto the train. It is worth it though - so please do save some room!

Make sure you read the Spottedbylocals article about the Zeughaus, as I detail a the Kanonenputzer entre as well... a meter long sausage dish that makes me jump with glee every time I see it being served at the Zeug. It is just too good. I have yet to be in the company of people adventureous enough to share this with me - but there is still time - oh yes, my day will come. And make sure you go for dinner, as this place is only for meals and they will throw you out if you try to just come for a beer or coffee and cake - believe me, I know from experience.

So go forth - enjoy - and report back what your favorites are! (Ps. Make a reservation if you can, this place is ALWAYS very busy, but I also always get lucky if I go before 7 pm.)

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Fall Swiss Allotment Garden Update

2009-09-04T07:59:00.000+02:00

It is true. It is officially Fall and while the garden is slowing down, I by no means am. Things seem to be getting busier and busier. I am little sad though that the garden will soon be shut down due to the change of seasons... I will soon pick the last pumpkin. I will soon load up the compost one last time before winter. I will see the last sunflower fall. The garden teaches us much, does it not? But until then, let's enjoy it shall we?

There are still a few cherry tomatoes and zucchinis left. I am hoping the last of the corn will also make it through and a few last beans. The chilies (as in chili peppers) are hot and coming thick and fast - time to make some spicy oil for my favorite pizzas! I also seemed to have planted way more gourds and pumpkins than one can humanly handle. But I am enjoying placing them around the house and filling big bowls with them. I can't tell you how many times though people at work think the three I placed on display are fake! Hoot! Doesn't it just look like a Fall garden now? (Ps. Sid - is it possible you gave me a sunflower plant? I will take a photo this weekend! ;)

One of my garden neighbors actually totally beats me hands down when it comes to growing pumpkins - even if I only bought the small varieties! Check his out...

And a shot for comparison sake... mine on top of his! HOOOOooot! ;) That is a baby bear on the left on top of his giant pumpkin and a little wee one on the right on top of his monster one!

Enjoy the Fall weather my friends... just remember - it could be snowing soon! ;)

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Be a guest blogger on OneBigYodel

2009-09-03T15:56:00.001+02:00

Want some exposure for your blog? Looks like Chantal could use a hand - literally! - and is looking for guest bloggers. Feel free to contact her or leave a message on OneBigYodel if you are interested!

Velobörsen (Bike Market) on Sept. 26th in Zürich

2009-09-03T07:06:00.000+02:00

As I mentioned yesterday, we do not have a car in Switzerland... and although it would be nice to have one, we probably won't buy one any time soon... we are rebels! We are living on the ohne Auto edge. Boo-ya. That said, I would possibly consider getting a bike if they were not so darn expensive. We live just down the street from a new bike shop, and the bikes that I like are $2,000 and upwards. Yikes! What happened to the $199 bikes from Target, eh?

If I were in the market for a bike though - I would get it at one of the bike markets, like the one coming up on September 26th at Helvetia Platz in Zürich from 9:00-15:00. Juanita did a great write up about this in April... so don't take my word for it. Read Juanita's post about Getting a Bike in Zürich, used or new!

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Living without a car in Switzerland... the European Way

2009-09-02T07:30:00.004+02:00

I just realized the other day, that we have been living in Switzerland without a car for over a year and a half. Try to pry the American man's best friend, his car, away from him for even 24 hours and you will no doubt hear the cries of pain. But here in Europe, where the world is built to support mass transportation, the time ohne Auto seems to have passed by somewhat painlessly. Here is how we make do:

Annual Train Pass - Both Jace and I have an annual train pass that allows us to travel an unlimited amount within a 12 month period for the zones on our car. There are multiple options here - I have a two zone pass and when I paid for 12 months, I got 3 months free. Jace has a pass that allows him to travel anywhere within the Zurich Kantonal zones and his card is subsidized by his work so he pays next to nothing to travel around. If you are lucky and have the cash, I recommend a GA card which allows you to travel limitlessly in Switzerland for 12 months. This is the best deal and really should get you motivated to get out and about.
Mobility - Although I have only used this system once as I prefer the trains, the option is there to use this car sharing program in Switzerlan d. You simply get a membership, they send you a card after checking out your creds, and you are ready to reserve one of the thousands of cars available for when you need it. On the day, just tap the card on the window, the car opens and the keys are inside... zoom, zoom, zoom. Easy.
Travel by Train in Europe & Switzerland - When we want to get out and about outside of Zürich, there are many ways in which we do so - 1) We buy supersaver tickets. These are only available through September 15th, so don't delay if you want to save a bundle on train tickets within Switzerland. 2) We buy day passes if we are traveling within Switzerland and will return on the same day. These are a great deal once the supersaver tickets are gone. 3) We buy in advance - if you buy in advance for trips around Germany for example, you can save a lot of money! You also save if you are traveling in a group of 5 and if one of the people's names is Juergen. Just kidding, but there are really good deals out there - just keep your eyes and ears open. And I guarantee, the prices for your tickets will probably still be less than what you would pay for car insurance! Oh and don't forget the Swiss Pass for tourists! And the Snow & Rail Pass come ski season! And above all the half-fare pass!!!!
We walk... I walk to the grocery store and carry my bags back - and about 20 pounds of Diet Coke - thank you Jace for helping me to have toned arms. And I walk all around Zürich to do my shopping - if a tram doesn't come on time that is! We don't have a gym membership here and we probably don't need one as we do much more walking and get a lot more exercise (can you say garden?) here than in the States - all because we decided to forgo the car (and save a BUNDLE of money) and use the excellent public system. And if we weren't such tight-wads, we would get bikes, too... and oh boy would that be fun!

I get asked all the time if you can live in Switzerland without a car - and we are living proof... living, healthier, happier (I think so - my budget is happier) proof. So go ahead and give it a go - the worst that can happen is you need a ride to IKEA once in awhile, but that is a crutch I myself can allow. :) Good luck!

How many others live without a car!?
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New must read blogs from Switzerland

2009-08-31T10:25:00.002+02:00

Every now and again, I do a bit of a blogroll shout out and I figured it was high time to again spread some of the Swiss blog love around. Here are a few more blogs from expats living in Switzerland that I think you should be reading:

Settling in with the Swiss
Anneliese and André are getting around town and roomba-ing (is that a new word like googling) around... I love the variety of posts on this site, and they are adventureous and fun with their photos and activities - like Feuerbowles at the Zeughauskeller (favorite restaurant!) and how to rent lenses in Switzerland (great tip!).

From A to Z
Kristi and the boy moved from Atlanta to Zürich recently and as Kristi has been in touch with me for months prior to the move, I have been looking forward to her blog for many reasons - 1) her emails were always funny and entertaining and I looked forward to getting them - and the blog is no different 2) their adventures include two Boston Terriers tearing up the town with them (so cute!), and 3) after having met them both this last weekend, the desire for adventure is palpable and they will be traveling up a storm. I cannot wait to follow their adventures!

Switzealand
A Kiwi's perspective of the Swiss - get it - SwitZEALAND?! Ooh, that kills me that I just got that. Ok - this is like a 'Go to' list of where you should travel next in the area with great photos. These places are on my list now - and thanks to Jordan I have a good overview of what to see - Bern and Rheinfalls - OH - And I love this post about 'What is the world coming to'... hoot! And this one for the photos!

TwoFools in Zürich
I think the articles on this blog are spot on - case in point, Kathy tackled Health Care Reform last week and wrote up one of the best, most thorough reviews of the Swiss Health Care system I have read. If you want to understand the system and get motivated to revamp the US system read this post about How Health Care Works in Switzerlan d.

The Peterhals
Just met this couple over the weekend and I can feel a million adventures coming from them - perhaps even with their little pug, too! I love the name of the blog and the design - perhaps aided by a Google designer - hmmm? :) Deb wrote a great post about making friends in Switzerland and I think she is spot on - the expat network is definately the place to start, and I agree that how quickly you make friends will make or break your experience.

Check out my prior blog roll-calls:

Some of me favorite Swiss blog-chens
First ever Zürich Bloggers Meet-Up (list of blogs at the end of the post)
Want more - check out my right side bar for a full list of blogs I read.

Got a Swiss blog you want to see on my blogroll? Want your blog listed? Comment me!

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How I learned German... and continue to learn!

2009-08-28T08:09:00.005+02:00

I loved all the positive feedback related to my love list posted on Wednesday. Thank you for spreading the Swiss love around. A lot of you questioned number one on my love list though about how I love speaking German. Well, I have a few things to share here that may shed some light on why it is easier for me to speak with the locals, but then again, I actually did put in a lot of hard work to learn German in the first place. So let's do it - Here is the story of how I learned German:

Way back in the fall of 1996, sitting in my high school home room class, I heard an announcement over the morning intercom about a study abroad program in Germany - a scholarship program for a 1 year exchange. Naturally, going to a school that had no German foreign language program, not many (meaning none) were interested, but after having just quit the basketball team - no small feat being one of the few über tall girls at school - and eager to see the world and get away, I decided to apply. Heck - you never know unless you try, right? So I threw my hat in the ring, and a few months later I was accepted into the 1997/1998 Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. (Sounds suspiciously like how we ended up in Switzerland... hmmm...) (Ps. this program is still running - so if you know a high school sophomore or junior that would like to spend a year abroad - what are you waiting for!)

Starting that Spring, I threw myself into preparing for my exchange - meaning, study hall each day and any free time I had consisted of me trying to learn German - on my own. That means for about 2 hours a day, I was writing out verb conjugations, listening to tapes, memorizing flash cards with vocbulary, and chatting online with teens in Germany (thank you AOL). By the time I actually arrived in Germany in August 1998, I tested in at an intermediate level. So you see - it took quite a bit of effort, but it paid off. I still have all those books and they sit, covered in dust, on Jace's bookshelf. :) So Tip 1) You have to invest time into learning the language.Doesn't matter how you learn - but it does take an investment of time and energy... so make time.

Picture of my exchange group in Washington DC, before taking off to Germany...
where's Jessica? Just looks for the big fro.

In Germany, all the exchange students had a month of language instruction in Adenau, Germany before being sent off to our families - this was great, although I think I was more interested in running around town with my new exchange mates and teasing all the cute Adenauer boys, oh and gelato... oh Straccietella from Adenau, I will never forget you. Fast forward, and the next 10 months were spent in my host family - I recall the first month or two being very hazy, little understanding, but lots of listening. I forced myself to listen. And eventually, words became very clear - I perhaps understood only 50% of the conversation but I got the jist.

So this is my Tip 2) Listening is key. Whether it be the TV or the office or the grocery store. DO NOT TUNE IT OUT. I know it sounds funny (especially in Swiss German) and may seem impossible, but the more you listen, the more you recognize and the more you learn. When we arrived here in Switzerland, after not having used my German for over 5 years, I was beyond rusty. But between interviewing and starting my job, I picked up a lot of words again - to the point in which the HR guy thought I was taking a course - NOPE! I was watching Criminal Intent and Friends in German every day and simply listening and recalling more words... so force yourself to watch an hour of German TV every night - and eventually, words will sink in here and there!

Me about half-way through my exchange, and half-way
through the chocolate section at Schlecker...
(someone please cut this girl's hair and tell her to lay off the Rittersport...)

Finally, while in my host family and at school and even now, I insisted on speaking German... Ok, so I had a crutch, too, that being Yara, the one on the far right, another exchange student in my town from the program who I got to speak English with often... but in my host family, they were relentless. Although my host dad could speak English, we only spoke German at home.

It is the same here in Switzerland now - I admit it - when it comes to speaking English, I am a bit of a witch. Up until just a few weeks ago, regardless of what language the other person used , I answered in German. Regardless of the topic, I spoke in German. You insist on speaking English with me?! - Good for you, but I am speaking German. I don't care if the other person has to wait for me to find the words or if we have to go back and forth 4 times before you understand what I mean - I am here to speak German and that is what I am going to do. I am darn stubborn when it comes to German speaking actually, and you know what - it has paid off! I get mega-respect and compliments at my improvement. So tip 3) and the most important - be relentless and speak German as much as you can. Find a language exchange partner (you in German, he/she in English), speak only German at work, have a German hour at home with your partner. Whatever it is - DO IT - and stick to it. There is really no excuse here not to - German is all around. Get stuck into it.

How about classes? I have had a lot of instruction in my day, too. And I think it is important but not essential. I had lessons in Germany, I studied German in college, and I had instruction as part of my compensation package here in Switzerland. It has paid off in the grammar and self-esteem department. I am in favor. But if you cannot afford it - go and get Rosetta Stone. Both Jace and I have used this and we love it. It works for us. It is expensive, but then again, you get to keep it and it is no doubt less expensive than lessons in Switzerland. Regardless of lessons or software though - in my opinion, if you do not embrace my three tips above, you will just be wasting your money...

So - after all that - I love speaking German. I get compliments. I still make a heap of mistakes - but I am still learning. All this did not come easy. I tell everyone though that like me, if you put in the effort, you can learn the language quickly as you have one advantage that others learning language do not have - IMMERSION! Living in Switzerland or another country is the fastest way to fluency. So turn on that TV, go chat up a neighbor, ask questions at Migro for the hell of it, try reading a book or the free newspapers in German, and get out there and use the language... and perhaps you, too, will add number 1, the joy of speaking German, to your love list soon, too. :)

Enjoy your weekends, or should I say, schönes Wochenende wünsch ich euch! :)

Need more tips? Want a recommendation for a book or online resource? Leave me a comment!
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Swiss Love. Ten things I love about Switzerland

2009-08-26T08:31:00.001+02:00

So I created this bit of art about a year ago with my (at the time) new pen tablet and just found it on my computer yesterday. Oh you like it, too? Well, I will sell you a copy of this Picasso if you want. Just leave a comment. :)

I really like it because I remember doing it in a hurry and just throwing it aside, but for some reason it caught my attention and spoke to me... it said - inspiration is everywhere - forster your creativity and release positivity and create a list of things you love about Switzerland. Go ahead. Do it.

So I did. My Swiss Love List:

I love speaking German. It used to be a pain in the butt in the beginning. I struggled. I did not cry but I probably wanted to at times. It is hard when you struggle to be understood, knowing you could easily rattle it off in English and probably be understood, but you persist because you want to learn the language. And I did. And it has paid off. I am constantly amazed at how it just flows now. I have to stop myself from time to time to make sure that what I am saying makes sense - because to be so seemingly fluent is still so shocking to me. I went to the doctor's yesterday and even she, having seen me a few times now, said my German rocked and it really made my day. Ahh to be able to speak another language. It is a gift - as Jace says. And I am really glad I got the opportunity to hone the skill here in Switzerland. Swiss German, you ask? Just don't ask... this is a love list after all.
I love organization. Ok - for those of you who know me - tidiness and organization are not the same, so no judging now. But I love the feeling of going to the Doctor and having the appointment always start on time. I love that the train drops me off just in time for the bus to pick me up. So make that organization and efficiency. I love them both equally.
I love being in the center of Europe. Check out the category on travel to see how much I relish this feature. We get out. We see. We conquer. It is good. I have made approximately 7 Blurb adventure books now. I love travel.
I love eating fresh produce grown locally - sometimes from my own garden! I won't bore you all with garden updates here... but can you say fresh cherry tomatoes and sweet corn. Oh yeah. But I actually appreciate now that produce that is not in season is not on sale. This is how it should be.
I love mountains and hiking and Wanderwegs. We should get out and do it more often. If only I weren't so lazy...
I love snow. Bring on winter I say. This sweaty weather is starting to tire me. Then again, anything that is not rain is lovely in Switzerland.
I love blogging... and photography. Both of which I can do and enjoy here and meet new people. Thanks, guys. Sniff, sniff.
I love chocolate. Have you tried the seasonal white blueberry (from Frey ~~Lindt I think~~)? Oh my it is devine. (Note to self... buy more of this tonight!) And the Rittersports. My how I love you. I think I could have named at least 10 pounds after you when I lived in Germany during my exchange 10 years ago now... I have found the Rittersport dark chocolate and peppermint now and it tastes better than a york peppermint patty. YUM! I also tried the Sprungli Mint Chocolate Luxemburgli last week (I know that is not chocolate, but...) and it is also DIVINE! Thank you Switzerland for enabling me to gain a few extra pounds and then (hopefully) walk it off.
I love markets. I wish they had them every day. If only I could wake up early enough on Thursday mornings to go to the one in Urdorf. Heck - tomorrow is better than never. I will do it!
I love visitors. I never had so many visitors as I will/do have in Switzerland. There is a draw. Perhaps everyone else loves Switzerland, too!

Blogs can sometimes be such a negative sounding board for expats... but really... what do you love? There must be something, or else we would all go home. :)

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September Swiss Tour 2009 - Help!

2009-08-24T07:23:00.001+02:00

So... we have a lot going on at the moment, visitors leaving (thanks for visiting Sarah! we enjoyed having you!), visitors coming in September, and I have to admit I am a bit behind on the planning. I am going to have to whip up the details of our September trip this week, and I was hoping you all might have some hot tips for me!

Here is the run down:

My mom, brother and aunt are coming in September for a week. They arrive on a Friday and I will be nice and allow them to rest it up and chill that Friday before I walk their butts off. I might let them see the garden - and maybe have some fresh corn and potatoes for dinner. We'll see. I don't want to be tooooo nice.

Then on Saturday it is off to Zermatt! We want to see the Matterhorn, eat some great Swiss food, and take lots of photos. I have a hotel booked, but if anyone has some tips here or a blog post I missed, please let me know! I would love to know where the best views are and what activities we should not miss during our afternoon in Zermatt.

On Sunday, we are going to do something I am super excited about and glad that the family was keen to come along - the Glacier Express! This train ride is World Heritage listed, the route goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz and is supposed to be phenomenal. As the website says, the 7.5 hour trip goes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels and up to 2,033 meters at the highest pass! I have booked this, and as I have Swiss Passes for my family, all I had to do was reserve the seats and book lunch on the train and voila! Bring on the beauty and please be good weather!

On Sunday we will check out Zermatt and head back to Zürich on Monday, stopping with the train in Chur for lunch. I would love it is anyone had tips on where to eat or if there are other things to see in Chur. Anyone?!

Here is where the planning goes a bit fussy and I would love some advice. As we have the Swiss Passes, Switzerland is our oyster and I would like to take them on day trips around the area, with break days in Zürich. So Tuesday I might let them rest a bit, but I think we should head up to Uetliberg if the weather is nice or perhaps take the boat to Rapperswil for the day. Then Bern, Stein am Rhein/Schaffhausen, Lucerne and or Appenzell are on my list of possibilities.

What do you think? If I want to give them the Swiss Tour 2009 - do you think I have got the highlights covered, or is there anyother day trip opportunity that is not to be missed!? By the way, the family loves photography, so specifically picturesque locations that can be manouvered with a tripod would be ideal. :)

Thanks for the tips in advance!
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A Flight of Swiss Foods

2009-08-21T07:21:00.001+02:00

Don't you love my play on words? A Flight of Foods... man, I am genius... I kill myself. Ok, sorry, matter at hand - I was a guest blogger on the cheapoair blog yesterday. I talked about one of my favorite recurring topics on Swisstory - Swiss food! There are a few photos that did not get published, but even so I think the top 10 Swiss foods featured are winners.

Let me know what you think and indeed check out cheapoair - they are not paying me to say that - I just want to as even before the guest post, I would have to say I have bought at least 4 international flights with them. They have very cheap airfare deals. Check them out!
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Umbrellas, Parkas and Fishnets - Otherwise known as Street Parade 2009

2009-08-20T07:05:00.000+02:00

Two weekends ago we partook in the annual techno fest in the streets of Zürich, otherwise known as the Streetparade 2009.

And let's face it - from that first shot above - you know it was a bit of a flop. Yes, it was still all about the music and the crazy costumes - but the rain really put a damper on the whole event and our spirits... and the crazies did not come out in the forces seen in 2008... pity.

Everyone got all dressed up though still - or at least enough to make it interesting. For me, this year that meant in addition to my once a year eye liner debut, I also donned a big poncho. I know. It's see-through... and SEXXXXXXXXY.

It was either that... or this below....

Perhaps next time. :) Jace's sister Sarah is/was in town and she enjoyed the event as well. I hope so at least as she planned her trip around the date. Stupid rain. But we partook in the festivities - beer, then hundreds of trips to the toilet stands where we paid 2 CHF to pee, then more beer, dancing, good food, me complaining that no one wears ear plugs and they are all going to be deaf when they are older, etc... it was a good day in the end...

These nurses actually came in handy, too, as I saw a few partiers being taken away by ambulance crews. The cold and 'activities' of the day just don't mix with rain. So for 2010 keep your fingers crossed for sunshine and you will have this to look forward to! Enjoy!

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Marillenknödel - Sweet Balls of Goodness

2009-08-18T08:06:00.003+02:00

Hello my lovely readers. I hope you excuse me for not posting yesterday. We went to PARIS (yeah!) for the weekend with Jace's sister and therefore I did not get much time to update posts on Sunday. You excuse me? It is ok? Oh thank you, you are so kind. I knew I liked you.

As a special treat for you being so wonderful, I have brought back something very interesting from Vienna from the Vienna Film Festival food fare... are you ready for it?!

MARILLENKNÖDEL!

Knödel you already probably know as one of those potato balls served beside your goulash or in your soup - but Marillenknödel are a special sweet form of Knödel - filled with chocolate or (usually apricot) jam, rolled in bread crumbs (in my case breadcrumbs and dried coconut) and sprinkled with powdered sugar! The dough in these sweet balls can be the potato dough or a quark (soft cheese) based dough.

Mine even had a bit of chocolate and strawberry sauce for dipping!

I have to admit - I would take a crepe or a bit of Kaiserschmarrn instead of these if I were given the option, and at the Rathaus Film Festival you definately do have the choice, but this was a great new Viennese specialty to try. Very chewy like a normal Knödel but soft and the warm filling was so gooey and unexpected. I had trouble finishing off the three balls - but I am sure you will find it easy if you take a light hand when it comes to the international food stalls and Bowles on offer... then again - good luck!
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Fräulein Gardener

2009-08-14T08:43:00.002+02:00

"Oh Fräulein ..." Am I dreaming? Or did I hear something? I am definately the only one out at the garden at this time of night, I thought, as I snapped away with camera on my new fancy tripod, trying to capture my beauties in the last minutes of precious twilight.

"Fräulein ..." said this time a bit louder.

What is this? I asked, pulling the camera trigger and adjusting my eyes to look around. Am I suddenly in the Sound of Music and nobody told me? Who thinks they can call me 'Little woman?' I looked around, and that is when I saw the neighbor, a garden neighbor whom up until now had avoided me like the plague, and I was fine with that after my run in with creepy Italian. But this time he was the only one around, and he seemed to think he was calling my name.

"Fräuuuuuuleiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin..."

I squinted across the tomatoes and what has quickly become a pumpkin patch now that the beans are all frozen and tucked away for another day and the onions are mostly pulled up. There, standing just on the other side of my personal yellow marigold boundary, was the neighbor, holding up a bag obviously swollen and heavy with something, nodding that I should come over and get it. Slowly, I walked over...

"Fräulein... would you like tomatoes? Me too many. Soon I need pull them all out. Two weeks all gone. You take."

This was harmless, I realized. And free bounty. He was my new best friend. I knew we would get along just fine. So I took the bag and asked about 100 times if he was sure, before I realized that if I kept asking I might just get a tour of his garden. Too late... he did have enough and I was happy not to refuse his bounty of perfect plum tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines. All things I did not grow. Coincidence? I think not. So I took the items and thanked him - then he asked what I was doing and I explained in slow German that I was photographing the plants. He was surprisingly unalarmed and showed me some beans he wanted me to take a photo of, and I promised I would. Then as I was getting my camera, he disappeared into the night - leaving me with my camera and at least 10 pounds of produce.

Just call me Fräulein Gardener. As long as you come with produce in hand, I don't mind one bit.

Messing around with the new tripod...

What's left in the garden?

Sweet corn - yum!
Chilis - two types
Lots of basil, parsley, dill and spring onions
A few more pickling onions and large yellow onions
A million marigolds, both the large ones and the small mixed variety
Pumpkins galore - orange ones, gourds, little baby ones... I am a sucker for the pumpkins and love finding the gourds hanging from the long ago blossoming sunflower stalks
Zucchini - but not for much longer
Salad - the late varieties are coming now along with the spinach and winter cabbages and Asian salad variety again
Tomatoes - although I got hit by the blight that everyone warned about, I have had a few handfuls of the cherry tomatoes and there are more to come, still hopeful
And a few more things that I cannot remember... but the dog days of summer are gone, replaced by mosquitoes and a very big compost pile... ;)

Not too shabby for planting it all from SEED! Is it?!!! ;) (Except for the potatoes and onions...)

Have a great weekend and enjoy the lovely weather!
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Bowle Fever

2009-08-13T07:11:00.001+02:00

Yesterday, I mentioned that one of the best activities to hit up in Vienna in the summer is the Vienna Film Festival. And while there, I realized something very important about the Viennese... they love their Bowle's!!! (or is it Bowles? or Bowlie-Bowls? :)

Everywhere you looked amongst the international food tents, your eyes happened upon another Bowle - Himbeerbowle, Erdebeerbowle, Pfirsch-Bowle, Kirschbowle, etc, etc. What exactly is a Bowle!? Well it is an alcoholic (sometimes non-alcoholic) punch with fruit in it and the Austrians appear to be CRAZY about them. Not only were a lot on sale, but a lot were being consumed as well - far more than beer! (Unfortunately, I did not try one - but I did try something really yummy, a dessert and not Apfelstrudel, that I will report on next week. Yum! )

Until then, if you too want to experience Bowle Fever there are hundreds of recipes out there on the www. Just do a quick search on Google for Bowle and you will see what I mean. Enjoy!

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Vienna Film Festival at the Rathaus until August 30th

2009-08-12T07:12:00.001+02:00

If you are going to be in Vienna from the end of June to the end of August, you need to listen very carefully to the advice I am about to impart. These nuggets of wisdom are gold, I tell you. GOLD! Ok, are you ready? Repeat after me.

If I am in Vienna in the summer, I will visit the Vienna Film Festival at the Rathaus. I will come hungry. I will love it.

Now lather, rinse and repeat again.

From June 27th until August 30th this year in Vienna/Wien the Film Festival is on at the Rathaus (Google map). Every night from about 6 pm onwards the food stands along the Rathaus park open up, offering all kinds of delicious and exotic international food fare... we are talking Mexican, Chinese, Iranian (I had this, yum!), Thai, Austrian, and Czech foods to name a few - there was even an Australian booth! Thank goodness this is not in Zürich or else I would be atleast 10kg heavier.

Then after you fill your belly, wait with a cold Viennese beer in one of the seats set up near the Rathaus and await the show at 9pm (program here in German). The beautiful Rathaus building is an excellent backdrop for the film - and you might even treat yourself to a bit of Ben & Jerry's mid show. I did not make it to the film festival last year, but I am glad I went to check it out last week after work. It is really the place to be in Vienna in summer. I highly recommend it! Enjoy!

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Who wants to visit me in Switzerland for free?!

2009-08-11T08:06:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, while checking the prices for the Swiss Pass for the hundredth time as my family is coming to visit in September (yeah!), I stumbled across this site sponsored by the Swiss Travel System (trains, buses, etc. system in Switzerland) in which they are giving away an 8-10 day trip to Switzerland in September for FREE so long as they can follow you around and video parts of your stay for promotional material. Heck - you can even bring your dog! I cannot apply - no Swiss residents are eligible - but YOU my fellow American or non-expat- yes YOU CAN!

Just register online then create a video saying that you want to come to visit me - er, I mean come to Switzerland, and post it according to the rules on YouTube. Then wait to see if you won! How fun! Full details of how to apply are online. Heck, I will even allow you to use pictures of me in your film and explain why you want to come to the great Swiss lands - well, besides the fact you want to see the natural beauty of the Alps, the wonderful cultural landmarks, and try a bit of Swiss cuisine - we all know you are really coming to see me! :)

By the way, if you have not heard about the Swiss Pass, allow me to tell you what a great bargain it is. I am getting one for each of my family members visiting as we are going all around Switzerland. Actually, better yet, quoted from the Swiss Travel site:

The Swiss Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the rail, bus and boat Swiss Travel System network. The Swiss Pass is available for 4, 8, 15 or 22 days or one month. (Note Jessica: I am getting the 8 day consecutive pass for them! There is also a non-consecutive pass for a bit more and as they are traveling together there is a 15% reduction on top of the price...)

This pass also covers scenic routes and local trams and buses in 37 towns and cities and will offer 50% reduction all most mountain-top trains and cable cars. (Note Jessica: SCORE!!!) The Swiss Pass will also include the Swiss Museum Pass, allowing you free entrance to over 400 museums and exhibitions.

This pass is only available to non-residents of Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein. No photograph is required: simply present your passport or identity card.

So if you have some visitors coming and you are going to travel predominately in Switzerland, you can save a bundle with this Swiss Pass. I fully recommend it for all foreign travelers that want to get around Switzerland quickly and cheaply!

But heck, go on and apply for the contest and you won't even need to buy a Swiss Pass... come on over already! :)
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In Ulm, um Ulm, und um Ulm Herum

2009-08-10T07:30:00.000+02:00

Ulm Rathaus and Ulmer Münster

The title of this post is a well known tongue twister about Ulm, Germany, a very charming city in Baden-Württemberg that I had the pleasure of visiting two weekends ago (Streetparade write-up tomorrow!). Last year, around this time, Ingo - Jace's colleague - invited us to witness the Memmingen Fischertag, and this year we were invited back to visit his family and we were treated to a visit to the picturesque Ulm, about 30 minutes away from Memmingen by train.

Ulm Art Museum

The city was almost completely distroyed in the war, so it is now a mix of old and new, and a fine mix if I do say so myself. The modern and the old do not clash but rather somehow compliment themselves in this modernesque city.

The highlight of the city is definately the Ulm Münster, and it is the tallest church in the world! The steeple is 161.53 meters (or 530 feet) high, and it is 768 steps to the top... I know this not only because I read the sign on the door (below), but because I also ran up to the top... ok, so I walked... ok, fine... fine... so I might have crawled, but I did it!

After climbing up all the spiraling steps, all 768 of them, you are rewarded with quite a view of Ulm, Neu Ulm and the surrounding area. (I cannot help myself when places are named 'New' something... I would have loved to have been at that city meeting...'Order, order... we need to name this new place... the one next to Ulm...' Small guy in the back says, 'How about 'New Ulm.'... all heads nod in agreement. 'Brilliant! That is the best name ever. Genius. Give him the keys to the city. Meeting adjourned.'

The Gothic cathedral/church is really quite amazing up close (check out those gargoyles!) and from afar. I recommend a visit even if you do not go up the spire... but if you do...

you are naturally rewarded with views like this:

Ulm from the Münster

... and views of the market below -great Saturday market!

After all that climbing, some of us were in serious need of a sausage... those that climbed that is (no names will be mentioned... ahem... ahem...)... the rest, well they had one too - cheaters. :) This was an excellent bratwurst - ask Jace if he agrees... Jace, good Bratwurst?

Oh he is too busy eating... Ingo, good bratwust?

Oh he is busy, too it seems... hmm.. moving on. :)

We then headed down to the Danube and walked along the city walls, taking in the view and the quaint houses along the river before making our way to the Fischerviertel, the fishermen's quarter.

The Fischerviertel is situated along the Blau River, and is so picturesque that it makes me well up inside.The area is full of cobblestone streets, foot bridges, wooden/timbered houses, and everything so wonderfully and stereotypically German.

Fischerviertal, Ulm

This below is the schiefes Haus or crooked house right on the Blau and it is really a wonder of architecture. You can see it above in the distance, how it jets out above the water!

Even if you don't have great friends that take you to awesome places in Bavaria and across the Danube into Ulm, I would highly recommend a visit. Ulm is great for a day trip - try the local beer, too, it is tasty, and perhaps then head on over to Münich afterwards - it would make for a lovely weekend.

By the way, the tongue twister title of this post means: In Ulm, around Ulm and about in Ulm :)
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My Orange Cinema Review

2009-08-07T07:30:00.001+02:00

Last Sunday, I had the extreme pleasure of going to my first Orange Cinema movie showing. And it was great! Despite the rain all day, I checked my new best friend - the moving slide doppler radar tool for Switzerland - and he said it would be dry for the movie so we put on our waterproof suits and braved the elements to see the show - and you know what - it was dry the whole time! Thank you doppler! (Jace and I missed our first showing due to extraordinary squalls and storms... my oh my...)

The outdoor cinema is really great - super posh with bars and food and right on the See so you get a great view of the boats lit up and passing in the distance and the moon glowing overhead. When it is time for the show (we saw 'Up' - great new animated Pixar film, very cute!), the screen lifts up, like it is emerging from the water, although naturally it is not touching the water at all, and the lights go on and it is SHOW TIME. Very magical.

I went with my colleague, Michele. We both really enjoyed it. They really take care of you at the theatre, too - nice seats, free ice cream, red carpet entry, free rain ponchos (that say 'don't worry' on the back, and we've got you covered, hehe). Loved it.

There are a few more movies left in the season that you can see at the Orange Cinema and you can get tickets sometimes on the day from the ticket office on site. Tickets cost 20 CHF each and the cinema is located at the Zürihorn, just a 15 minute walk or so from Stadelhofen. Enjoy!
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Street Parade on Saturday!

2009-08-04T14:39:00.002+02:00

One of the craziest, best events of the year is happening this Saturday and I beg you to check it out - at least for the schock and awe value if nothing else. Hey, you might even find you like a bit of techno... or just techno pants. Whatever rocks your boat, check out the Street Parade 2009 this weekend. Perhaps we will bump into one another! :)

My Street Parade links:

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Just in time for Fondue Season - Pickled Onions

2009-08-04T07:19:00.003+02:00

You know those essential little onions (auf Deutsch 'Perlzwiebeln' - pearl onions) that are served with the essential little gerkins alongside your fondue and racklette? Well, they are actually really super easy to make, and if you make some now and store them away, you will have them just in time for fondue season. SCORE!

I looked online for a simple recipe and there are plenty out there. Just search for 'pickled onions.' In the end, I used the one in my Fanny Farmer Cookbook. It goes something like this :

Pickled onions:
Put a pint or so of peeled, washed pickling onions in a bowl and cover with cold water and 1/4 cup of salt. Everything should be cold if you want crisp onions. Leave the onions to brine for at least 24 hours. Then when ready to pickle, wash the onions well under cool water and pat dry, then wash and sterilize your jars (important step). Place the pickles in your jars and cover the cold pickles with cold vinegar and pickling spices. I could not find pickling spices so I am just using a flavored peppercorn mix. We will see how this works... fill the jars with vinegar and a 1/2 teaspoon of spice each - in one of the jars I used red wine vinegar, the other two are normal white vinegar. I am leaving them in the fridge for about 2 weeks before Jace can have at them and I will report back on the flavor. So far, we had a peek and all is coming along nicely.

Good luck! Tomorrow - my Swiss cookbook recommendations!
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I love Saisonküche Magazine

2009-07-30T23:14:00.004+02:00

Hey you - yeah you foodie you. I am talking to the one that likes all those food blogs and is trying out the new recipes and likes to eat... yeah, that is right - YOU. (wink) Hi there. :)

I thought you might like to know about a magazine that I read in Switzerland - well, the only magazine I have a subscription to actually so that should be telling enough (subscriptions are not $10 like in the States, but more - what's new - this is Switzerland you know...). But I loved this food magazine so much that I had to subscribe to it and I am glad I did.

Saisonküche is a monthly magazine about food, cooking, and food culture in Switzerland. The recipes are great and I specifically love the article each month that deconstructs a typical Swiss recipe to try (see Schweizer Klassiker online). This month for summer they had a Wurst-Käse-Salat (Sausage and cheese salad - and it uses all the stuff from the garden right now - score!).

Now, I know that the magazine is in German - but I think that is actually a good thing, as what better incentive than a big tasty something do you need to learn a bit more of the language? The other potential downside is that the magazine is sponsored heavily (if not owned?) by Migros - so a lot of the ads and food used are Migros products, but that is not too bad. They have really great offers for members to save on cookbooks and cooking equipment, too. And their website gets better each time I look at it.

So if you are a foodie like me and you want to learn a bit more German and enjoy great food - go ahead and get a subscription to Saisonküche and let me know what you think! I guarantee you will enjoy finding it in your mailbox each month.

Bonus! I just realized you can get a free copy of Saisonküche to try. Just fill out this form online.
Enjoy!

More tomorrow on how I celebrated Switzerland's National Day in Ulm, Germany - I am crazy - I know! But you still love me right? And a few more cookbooks I recommend as this might just have to be a cooking week on Swisstory! Enjoy!
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Happy 718th Birthday Switzerland!

2009-07-30T00:23:00.002+02:00

Saturday, August 1st, is the 718th Swiss National Day! Time to grab your grill and a few cervelats, head down to the river and light up those fireworks to celebrate.

Word on the street and on wiki is that the action is at the Rhein Falls near Schaffhausen, where they light up the falls and set off an impressive fireworks display. I heard that driving there is a nightmare - but then again, what would a fireworks display be without the annoying midnight traffic back-up? So hop on the train or check out what your local area is putting on for the big day (the chances are good something is happening locally - in Urdorf it's on baby) and enjoy the show.

(For all those hard workers - bummer the holiday didn't fall on a week-day, isn't it?) ;)
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Harvest time at the Swiss allotment!

2009-07-28T20:40:00.003+02:00

So the garden is in full swing and that means harvest time! All the Swiss plots are full of great fruit and veg and the plots are a flurry of excitement as everyone rushes to harvest their crop at the best times - having garden parties to celebrate the bounty... and me too! Here's the run down on what I am harvesting at the plot this week:

The beans are in full swing - yellow and green - and lot of them! They are a bit small at the moment, but I figure if I pick them over time I will get some small and some big ones and it will even out. Yum - fresh beans!
The onions are ready - I have spring onions, pickling onions (which I will try to pickle for Jace - fingers crossed that I don't end up with a moldy grey jar of vinegar - it can happen!), and regular big ol' yellow onions. They are coming up over time and eventually I will lift, dry and store them all.
We have carrots! For some reason, I figured I would totally fail with the carrots as the soil has to be just right, well draining, forked through and perhaps a bit sandy. I have great soil so I thought I would have forked carrots. Not so! They are awesome - both red carrots and orange.
Um, see those huge green things on the right - those are zucchini and yeah, I left them for a bit too long. Can you say zucchini bread, zucchini brownie (so yummy!) and ratatouille? Oh yes, and then some. After making all that, I still have these big daddies. Bread em' and bake them, Mom says. I think I might have to tomorrow.
Chilies (hot peppers I mean) are coming. So are the tomatoes. I had to move the chilis this last weekend actually because the tomatoes and pumpkins were drowning them out. They are happy living where the peas used to be, I hope. I hope moving them so late was not a mistake!
And how can forget those potatoes? They are all up now - and although they are not huge there are enough of them to last until winter if they store well (paper sack, in a dark, cool place)...

Honestly, I still cannot believe I have grown all this! It has been a lot of work - but it has been worth it for sure. More is still to come - fresh sweet corn, pumpkins (to eat and to decorate), lots more carrots, onions, radishes, chilis, tomatoes, beans, spinach, chinese cabbage, and more!

Enjoy some photos of the harvest - and check in again soon!

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Thanks for your help with the Photo Walk Submission!

2009-07-27T09:47:00.002+02:00

Busy weekend... busy week ahead! Just a quick post for today - but I have a garden update coming up tomorrow.

Here are the two shots I submitted for the World Wide Photo Walk - wish me luck! Thank you to everyone for your great feedback and encouragement!

You can see all the photos that were submitted by the Zürich walkers (or at least those that submitted a photo!) here: Zürich World Wide Photo Walk submissions

There is also a great Flickr page with a lot more shots from the day. Enjoy!

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Almost Famous - Swissnews Article by Chantal

2009-07-23T09:17:00.005+02:00

So a few months ago, a fellow blogger and mega-talented writer, Chantal Panozzo, interviewed me for an article in Swissnews about blogging and it just came out today! There are some great bits in there about what I do, how I blog for fun and for fortune (albeit a small, tiny, could carry it in my pocket fortune), and how Jace is my editor and chief (Ooh I love that quote the most!).

I am not the only one featured - Julie from Zurika and Toma from the Antiques Diva also were featured - rightly so, I love their blogs. Please check them out. The article turned out smashingly - if I do say so myself - and I hope you take a second to check it out and let me know what you think.

Read the article:

Blogging for business & pleasure by Chantal Panozzo - Swissnews (August 2009)

OH - and welcome Swissnews readers! Thanks for stopping by! (Now click on those ads...! - just kidding... :)
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Walk on the Wild Side...

2009-07-22T09:53:00.000+02:00

Another great shot from the Worldwide Photo Walk...

Switzerland is full of rules. Sometimes too many. Here are a few things to do if you want to be a bit different and walk on the wild side in Switzerland. Have fun.

'Rechts stehen, links gehen.' Have you heard this before? It means 'Stand to the right, walk on the left.' It pertains to when you are standing on an escalator - you should stand on the right and walk on the left. Want to be different and piss some people off in the meantime, how about standing in the middle? Or perhaps you want to lay down on the escalator. Be my guest. (Jace hates this too! hehe)
Instead of kissing on the cheek - go for the hug. It throws the Swiss off... way off... perhaps it is too much contact. Then again, I would rather hug a lot of people than come that close to them with my mouth. Up to you!
Don't dry your hair. I do not even own a hair drier. I cannot tell you how many weird looks I get when I wear my hair wet or come to work with wet hair - despite it being 80 degrees out. I think it goes against all Swiss principles...
Eat peanut butter in public. Man - this is almost a universal annoyance to anyone that is not American. No one, especially the Swiss, can fathom why you would spread peanuts on bread - and couple that with jam or jelly and they just go INSANE.
Dip pineapple in your fondue... I love to tell the Swiss what I like to dip in their fondue. If it is not bread, it just drives them mad... 'Oh yea, I love to dip pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower... all that straight into my Appenzeller. Just dip it right in, yum, yum, yum.' And watch the jaws drop.
Answer the phone with just hello. Oh does it stop them in their tracks. RING RING... 'Hello.'....... PAUSE FOR 16 hours... 'Um...Gruetzi, Frau Schweiz am Apparat..'... and then just say 'Ja.' Oh is it great. Then again, I don't like answering the phone so sometimes I just don't.

Got any others? What do you do to have a bit of fun with the Swiss... (before they take their alphorn and beat you over the head with it for making them resent letting you into their great country...) :)
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Worldwide Photo Walk (Help!)

2009-07-20T22:21:00.003+02:00

1. Reflections of you.

Saturday afternoon, amazingly during a dry spell, I took part in the 2nd annual Worldwide Photo Walk in Zurich. Over 900 cities around the world took part in the walk, organized in part by the notorious Scott Kelby with help from sponsors and local organizers around the world.

The goal: Walk around with a group, take some shots, meet new people, enjoy photography, and win great prizes. Who knows if I will win anything - most likely not. But I had a lot of fun watching all the photo enthusiasts scurrying around Zurich, shooting up a storm... and I got a lot of fun shots! But don't take my word for it - see for yourself!

Ps. This is where I need your help! I have to submit 2 photos to the Walk site/competition. Here are those that I liked. What do you think? Help! Let me know in the comments what you like best! And check out the photo walk site in August to see shots from other participants around the world.

2. A clean game of chess

3. The bars of Zurich

4. Handling it all

5. Swiss scenes

6. First steps together

7. An apple a day 1

8. An apple a day 2

9. Church scenes

10. Fish out of water

11. River contemplations

12. Round the corner

13. Steps

14. Chess pieces

15. Defeat

16. Thirsty work

17... Woops! This is Kerrin! She and Nik were both on the walk as well! Nik already posted a lot of great shots (of us!) on Facebook from the event - here is one of my favorites... hopefully we will see more of their shots on their blogs!

Now - back to the matter at hand - which shot do you like? ;)

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Day 2 - Stereotypical Prague

2009-07-16T08:57:00.007+02:00

Day 2 in Prague was much more relaxed. We did a bit of shopping and walking around the city - lots and lots of walking - and took in all things that are stereotypically Czech.

For example - we did some souvenir shopping. It seems that if you are in the market for some typically Czech souvenirs, you cannot go wrong with the following: marionnette puppets, matroyska dolls (Russian dolls but also Czech specialties, like those in the first picture), and decorated eggs. And don't forget the crystal... no pictures of that though.

I just had to take a picture of these marionnette puppets together - doesn't this just scream scandal? And the eggs were amazing but I did not know how I felt about carrying around real eggs (YES! Those are real eggs they decorate! Not wooden!). It would just be a disaster waiting to happen with me...

I believe for breakfast we also went full out and had sausages... scratch that, we had kielbasa. That is right, I tapped into my heritage and roots to ensure we had the really good stuff. Everywhere in the tourist area there are carts full of sausage for you to dig into, and the ladies behind the counter serve you with a smile and ask, 'Sausage, please?'... 'Drink, please?' Ah it killed me.

Here Jace said, 'Yes, pleassssssse!' And it was good.

The other thing that is typical about Prague is that it seems to be the party capital of the East - perhaps even of Europe - and the sin taxes are low and the sin establishments are high. So you can get cheap beer, absinth, cigars, and dancing girls all probably while waiting in line for KFC. Thank you fall of Communism, hello rise of commercialism. So you see a lot of these party limos around town, just begging to take you to a smoky, dodgy establishment where you can no doubt get all that above at cheap prices... Sugar Bar anyone?

Then again, if that is not your style, how about this sweet ride I stumbed into? Talk about a blast from the past.

Prague is also a music center - I believe several famous classical composers are from Prague - anyone want to remind me who? So we took in one of the many advertised concerts on Saturday night and heard some Mozart while the sun went down... if you don't want to pay for a concert, perhaps you will run into a rag time band like this one below, playing on the Charles Bridge.

And finally, as Tina mentioned when I asked for tips before leaving for Prague, do not miss the dark beer. Jeez was it good. It was like molasses and brown sugar and honey and barley all having a party in my mouth... I think. I am not a good beer connoisseur, not like Tina. But I know what I like, and Tina was right. This stuff is GREAT!

So did you get that list of sterotypical Prague things to do? Let me reiterate:

Get a typical souvenir: decorated eggs, marionnette puppets, matroyska dolls, Czech crystal, etc.
Eat a sausage.
Pay your sin tax - or at least bask in the flashiness of it all.
Catch a concert.
Drink some dark beer.

Enjoy!

More on the Jewish Quarter of Prague tomorrow. It was very moving and interesting... until then, how about another slideshow?!
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