Ice Skating

2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

Ice skating is a popular sport in this country. In really cold winters some lakes freeze up and are great for ice skating. Every city or even village normally has an ice skating ring.

For a few years an ice skating ring has been set up in a very prominent location: right in front of the houses of parliament. The square in front of these federal buildings in Bern is very popular for all sorts of activities be it sports, art or even for protests etc.

The ice skating ring is set up just before Christmas and is taken down before the end of February. Opening times are 11am to 11pm. There is no entrance fee. People can rent equipment (CHF 10.- / adult or CHF 7.- / kids) to go skating or just bring their own along.

In this wonderful location it is really fun to go skating with some friends or families with their kids. After the activity many people then love to go to the restaurant that is part of the setup.

The menues served there are quite local foods such as sausages, cheese dishes, soup and fondue! This year 6’000 fondues were sold. Obviously a very popular dish!

Over 45’000 people came skating this season. 900 kids received training on special kids’ afternoon.

The local government has already granted permission for the same set up next year. So mark it in your agenda and book a table at the restaurant early in order to enjoy a great time together with your friends or family.

Ice Skating2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

First Snow Bells

2017-02-22T19:52:39+01:00

This year mid February temperatures are rising again. The last patches of snow are melting away. And today I discovered the first snow bells in our garden. Nature is again preparing for the amazing bursting forth of spring in all it’s colours and variety.

Higher up people are still enjoying winter sports. Skying and snow boarding are still very popular. But down in the lower areas people are happy for the sun to break through and to drive the fog away.

First Snow Bells2017-02-22T19:52:39+01:00

Health Care

2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

Switzerland is famous for it’s excellent health care. It offers a very comprehensive as well as highly specialised range of treatments. Quite a few wealthy people from the gulf states are known to come to Switzerland for special medical treatment.

However the price for the national health care system is also very high. Anybody who is registered as living in the country has to get a compulsory basic health insurance. There are many different companies offering the basic services and many additional products. Prices vary with age and even location.  For a 30 year old person the basic package costs at least CHF 300.- / month. Every year the costs go up by about by 2-5%. Indeed health care is quite expensive.

The basic compulsory national health insurance does cover  all kinds of health issues except dental problems.

In case of an emergency it is best to directly go to the emergency unit of the nearest hospital.

For any other health issue most people consult their physician. If the issue needs specialised attention the patient gets referred to a hospital. The process is on the whole quite easy and carefree.

In hospitals people with the general health package are put up in rooms with 2 or 3 beds. People with a more individualised and therefore also a more expensive coverage can stay in a room on their own and choose the doctor / professor who should treat them.

Normally everything is provided for at the hospital such as care and food. Relatives or friends are not welcome to stay there over night. However visitors are welcome to drop in during the day. It is best to check out the time before visiting.

Health Care2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00
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