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Attending A Wedding

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

In Switzerland for a marriage to be legally binding the couple has to go to the registry office where the two officially get married. There is normally a very small ceremony led by the clerk at the registry.

It could be a couple of days or even a few weeks after the legal marriage that the couple then invites family, friends and colleagues for their public wedding.

Often, quite some time before the event, the couple to be wed sends out rather creative invitations for their public wedding. Traditionally, the inner circle is not only invited to the ceremony, but also to the wedding banquet afterwards. These people usually also get a wish list from the couple where on a specified website they can pick a gift that the couple would like to have. These can be an iron, or a voucher at IKEA, or a contribution to their honeymoon etc.

Quite a few people still like their wedding ceremony to take place in a church setting as has been the tradition for centuries. However as the Swiss are increasingly secular some wedding ceremonies are held in rather exotic settings (in free fall or under water) without necessarily Christian elements. The bride and the bridegroom usually are quite free to organize a wedding the way the personally like to.

The wedding I attended took place on the grounds of a vinery. The Christian wedding ceremony included the entry of the the bridegroom followed by the bride led in by her father, songs of worshipping God, a down to earth sermon by the pastor, the bridegroom and the bride exchanging their personally formulated marriage vows and the exchange of their wedding rings, a kiss and then a prayer of blessing by the Christian parents for the newly wed couple. At the end the bride and bridegroom were cheered on as they made their way out (see picture above).

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a rich buffet served in the vinery. There were tables with many different kinds of cheese, meats, backed products, wonderful deserts along with great vine and beer. Later on a band played, there was some dancing along with some funny productions.

Attending A Wedding2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

Paragliding over Mürren

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

In the Bernese Oberland (the alps in the canton of Berne) there are several companies offering tandem paragliding. One of the best flights is probably from the village of Mürren across the valley deep below towards the majestic „Wall of the Jungfrau“.

Airtime is a local company with professional pilots who have done a thousand and more flights. The flight from Mürren down to Stechelberg is called The Wall. It takes around 10’ and costs CHF 170.-. These guys are really fun to fly with. It might be best to reserve your flight a day or a few hours before take off.

The start is really quite easy. The pilot helps you get into the gear and then gives you instructions. These are rather simple. At his command run fast down a grassy slope (only about 3-4m) and then you are already airborne. As you sit comfortably you sail across the valley towards the towering wall of the Jungfrau only hearing the noise of the wind. The pilot will take you in circles high above the ground while you are gently loosing heights. The touch down is soft and easy too.

If you want the pilot to record scenes of your flight he will take his go pro along. The set of recording costs another CHF 40.-.

By car the drive from Berne to Stechelberg takes just one hour. From Stechelberg take the thrilling cableway (another 20’) to the very top, the Schilthorn at almost 3000m. On the way down get out in lovely mountain village of Mürren and enjoy and unforgettable flight down to the bottom of valley.

Paragliding over Mürren2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

The Lake of Thun

2016-11-19T20:05:58+01:00

Thun is a beautiful old and compact city at the lower side of the lake. At the other side, where the Aare river enters and mainly feeds the lake lies the village of Interlaken.

The lake of Thun is a mountain lake fed by water flowing down from the partly icy heights of the area. That is why it is also a rather cold lake. Even at the highest point of summer it reaches a maximum of about 22°C. However swimming out in this lake in the midst of a majestic mountain scenery is a most thrilling experience….

The lake is on an altitude of 558m. The Aare river meanders on flowing through Bern that lies another 20km down the river. In summer many people float down the river on rubber boats.

A great way to explore the lake is via boat. There are five different boats that crisscross the lake according to a set schedule stopping at the major villages on both sides of the lake.

In Interlaken it is easy to stroll across to the port for boarding a boat cruising the lake on the other side of Interlaken, called the lake of Brienz.

The Lake of Thun2016-11-19T20:05:58+01:00

Interlaken

2017-02-27T15:32:36+01:00

The village of Interlaken is situated between the lake of Thun and the lake of Brienz and has steep mountains on two sides. The village consists only of about 15’000 inhabitants. However especially over the winter and summer season there are many more people from all nations spending nights in the place. Many shops not only serve their customers in German, French, English, Italian and Japanese but also in Chinese and some also in Arabic. Especially the latter two languages these days are frequently spoken!

The village itself isn’t as beautiful as the much older Thun or Berne. However it is really a magnet for tourists. Why?

Interlaken is a good starting point for exploring the area. There are more than 45 mountain railways, cable cars and even boats and other means inviting to great excursions.

The nearby Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are certainly the most famous mountain peaks that dominate the area with the famous Jungrau Joch. However many other less known destinations are certainly worth exploring too such as the Schilthorn, the Schynige Platte, the Niesen, the Stockhorn and the Niederhorn which offer spectacular views as well.

The city of Berne is just a mere 45 minutes car / train ride away.

Interlaken2017-02-27T15:32:36+01:00

The Lake of Hallwil

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

Two beautiful natural lakes are part of the valley of the lake (Seetal): the lake of Hallwil and the smaller lake of Baldegg. Here in the picture is the lake of Hallwil (Hallwilersee). It is surrounded by soft green hills.

The lake of Hallwil is 8km long and very clean, like almost every lake in this country. The water has virtually drinking water quality.

In spring when the many fruit trees are in full bloom the area looks like in a picture book.

In summer the temperature of the lake reaches easily a comfortable 25°C. The lake offers a very popular and relaxing swimming experience and all sorts of water sports.

Usually in mid October a 21km jogging event takes place leading around the lake.

Occasionally in a very cold winter the whole lake can freeze up. The last time this happened in 1986.

Beinwil am See is the biggest village sitting on the lake and is part of the Canton of Aargau. Quite a few artists have made their home in this charming area.

Opposite of Beinwil am See is the village of Aesch (belonging to the Canton of Lucerne). On the sunny hills of Aesch a great vine is produced by friends of ours. This wine has won several prices for its outstanding quality.

The lake is about 1 1/2 hour away from Berne when taking the slightly longer and very beautiful scenic route via Huttwil.

The Lake of Hallwil2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

August 1: Swiss National Day

2016-08-05T10:48:31+02:00

725 years ago (in 1291) the three cantons Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden swore an oath of Confederation. This was the beginning of Switzerland. Nowadays 26 cantons belong to the Swiss Confederacy.

The Swiss National Day is one of the official public holidays where people are off work.

I attended a celebration in Oberhofen at the lake of Thun. It started at 9 am with Alphorn blowing and swinging of flags. The peak was a speech held by a now retired very high ranking army officer. Mr Faustus Furrer noted how peaceful and blessed Switzerland is the midst of so many conflicts past and present in the world around us. He encouraged the listeners to hold on to the values that shaped our country. At the end the national anthem was sung which gives glory to God, who is blessing the nation.

In the evening many Swiss will enjoy a barbecue with family and friends. There are many fireworks taking place. The one on lake of Thun is famous. At 10pm the five big boats of the lake will pass by the bigger villages, stop and send beautiful fireworks into the sky.

August 1: Swiss National Day2016-08-05T10:48:31+02:00

VAT 8%

2016-07-25T09:51:51+02:00

In Switzerland the VAT (Value Added Tax – or MWSt – Mehrwertsteuer) is set at 8% for most articles. Basic foods and medication are only taxed 2.5%.

This is an indirect tax on all services and products purchased within Switzerland. The state gets about a third of its income through the VAT.

Companies offering services or products within Switzerland with less than a CHF 100’000 revenue may be exempt from having to charge their customers the VAT.

The VAT of 8% in Switzerland is quite low in comparison with Germany 19%, France 20%, Italy 22%, Austria 20%, UK 20% and Sweden 25% etc.

Visitors from China who buy expensive watches in Switzerland are probably best advised to pay the VAT in Switzerland because at home the China Sales tax is 17%.

Switzerland is quite an expensive country. Salaries are very high. That is a main reason why services are expensive in comparison with Europe or the rest of the world.

For Swiss residents it is tempting to shop across the borders. Services and goods are a better deal than at home. When crossing the border the Swiss residents can additionally apply for a tax return.

VAT 8%2016-07-25T09:51:51+02:00

Zakhar Bron Academy Prodigies

2016-08-15T15:29:49+02:00

Recently we were treated to a concert by a few students of the Zakhar Bron Academy in Interlaken. We were blown away by the young soloists playing at a level beyond belief!

Professor Zakhar Bron has a Russian background and is a master violinist. He has won prizes at the world’s most prestigious competitions including the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and the Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition in Poznan.

The gentleman is a very active retiree. About a 100 days a year he lives in Interlaken, where he teaches master classes to young people with an outstanding talent. Professor Bron is able to individually coach the best out of his students, who travel from all over the world to Interlaken to be taught by him for a week or two. When Professor Bron isn’t residing in Interlaken he travels the world teaching, playing music and looking out for young prodigies!

In the concert we attended the youngest violin soloist was a girl, barely 10 years old, with a British and Chinese background. She played the very demanding Tschaikowski’s Souvenir d’un lieu, op 42.

Elli Choi from Korea, Eleanor D’Melon from Jamaika and Elvin Ganiyew from Turkey and Azerbaijan and a few other extremely promising young people performed as well. We, the listeners were were just stunned by the skills and the ease with which these young people played extremely difficult, demanding and beautiful classical music.

When Professor Bron teaches in Interlaken his master classes are open to the public. Check the net for a classical treat in Interlaken or find out, when he is near you.

Zakhar Bron Academy Prodigies2016-08-15T15:29:49+02:00

The City of Neuchâtel

2016-07-12T17:32:45+02:00

Neuchâtel is a delightful and noble city with the charm of the french speaking culture of Switzerland. It is sitting on the shore of the lake of Neuchâtel and goes up on Jura rising behind the lake. The typical yellow stone facades stand in stark contrast to the blue sky and the blue water of the lake. Along the shore of the lake many vineyards dot the countryside and add to the beauty of the area.

Neuchâtel is the capital of the canton of Neuchâtel and has a population including the agglomeration of less than 80’000 people.

The first written record dates back to 1011 where Rudolph III, king of Burgundy (F) made the Novum Castellum (or the new castle – Neuchâtel) a gift to his wife Irmengarde. The city kept slowly growing and expanding over the next centuries. Some of  the rich nobility started building houses outside of the city walls. Part of their money also was made with the flourishing slave trade.

Before the 19th century the river Seyon often flooded parts of the city. Between 1839 and 1843 the river got canalized and on top of it the Rue du Seyon came into being. 1859 the train station was built. Also the shore of the lake got reshaped land was regained and built on.

Since 1910 Neuchâtel has its own university. It has a good college of commerce (Ecole Superiore de Neuchâtel) where also quite a few of the better off families from the Swiss German part send their kids to college for higher education in French.

Culturally Neuchâtel has quite a few things to offer: Every September after the vine harvest „la Fête des Vendanges“ is celebrated and attracts 100’000 visitors. Beginning of June a four days open air festival (pop, rock, hiphop and electro) attracts quite a crowd.

Neuchâtel is only about a 40’ car drive or train ride from Berne.

The City of Neuchâtel2016-07-12T17:32:45+02:00

BREXIT

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

The British Embassy in Bern with the flags of Great Britain and the EU.

On June 24 the official result of the vote was out early in the morning: the UK is going to leave the EU (European Union)! Shockwaves rocked the markets. Fortunes were erased. Nobody had anticipated that this would happen. Everybody thought that by a small margin the UK would opt to stay. It seems that even Boris Johnson, who as a lead figure for leaving the EU, was taken by surprise. He then soon announced that he would not want to be a candidate for the job of the next prime minister.

Great Britain is quite divided over the issue. Greater London was clearly for staying in the EU. Scotland and North Ireland also wanted to stay and might now possibly leave the UK to reapply as new members of the EU. At the moment the consequences of the Brexit no one is really able to fully anticipate and it will take years to sort it all out.

Switzerland is working closely with the EU but is also not a member of the EU. It is feared that some of our important negation points with the EU are now put on the back burner as the EU has more pressing matters to attend to.

In crisis moments many investors opt for the stable Swiss Franc. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is buying heaps of € in order to keep the Swiss Franc from rising and hurting our export industry. Switzerland also hopes that big UK companies will move their seat to Switzerland.

Another unexpected Brexit happened last week when during the Euro Soccer Cup the prestigious English team lost the eighth finals on June 27 to Iceland (1-2), a nation of just a few hundred thousand heads!

BREXIT2017-08-03T12:14:27+02:00

Euro Soccer Cup 2016

2016-06-29T18:08:32+02:00

In Europe soccer (or football, as it’s called) is the biggest and most popular sport.

The UEFA men’s football European championship takes place only every four years.

This year it’s up again! The event unfolds in France from June 10 to July 10, 2016. 24 are  teams playing in 51 matches in 10 venues across France. After the recent terrorist attacks in France safety is a big issue.

On Saturday June 25, at 3pm the Swiss (in red) and the Polish (in white) football team met for the game in Saint Etienne. There were around 20’000 Swiss fans attending the game and a huge crowd of polish supporters as well.

In the first half the Polish team scored their first goal. The Swiss team got better and better and scored an excellent goal at the 82nd minute. The Polish team started wearing out as the Swiss kept pushing for more shots. As the game finished with a tie of 1:1, a penalty shootout had to break the tie and show who would go on to the quarter finals. The Swiss missed one shot and lost the game. Great disappointment hit the Swiss fans. The Swiss were definitely a better team but lost at the shootout. So the Swiss are out now and the games will go on without them.

However many Swiss at home or in one of the many public viewing platforms will happily continue watching the rest of the games. For many this one of the big events of 2016!

Euro Soccer Cup 20162016-06-29T18:08:32+02:00

The Canton of Neuchâtel

2016-06-27T07:16:04+02:00

On our Swiss number plates the flag of Switzerland is on the left and the one of the canton on the right.

This canton is one of my favorites. It is a smaller french speaking protestant canton with a population of only about 180’000 people. The city of Neuchâtel is located on the lake bearing the same name. Along the lake many vineyards grace the countryside. Behind the lake the Jura rises up with beautiful valleys such as the Val de Travers and the Val de Ruz. In the Jura of Neuchâtel there are the two bigger cities located: La-Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. The border of France is very close to both of these cities. The highest peak is the Chasseral (1600m) with a tremendous view across the three lakes below and the whole range of the alps on the horizon. One particular attraction is the „Grand Canyon of Switzerland“ or le Creux-du-Van.

In the middle ages Neuchâtel was part of the kingdom of Burgundy. Around the year 1000 the German emperor Rudolf II inherited the canton. In 1308 Neuchâtel and Bern made a first pact. By 1530 under the influence of the reformer Guillaume Farel (sent by Bern) Neuchâtel turned protestant. In the later troubles of the reformation many Huguenots found refuge in the sparsely populated Jura mountains of the canton.

At the beginning of the 19th century Napoleon took Fribourg and Bern but left Neuchâtel almost untouched. The Canton only fully joined the Swiss Federation in 1815.

Neuchâtel is just 3/4 hour car drive from Bern. The city has an elegant flair along with the easy going French speaking culture. The mix of the lake, city and the beautiful Jura are unique.

The Canton of Neuchâtel2016-06-27T07:16:04+02:00
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