Hello Switzerland Spring 2011

Issue 1/4

Spring 2011

Contents

1

Hello Switzerland is an English-language magazine published 4 times a year as a service to the English-speaking community.

In this issue: Readers‘ Page

4

Chalet Wildschwein

8

Sturgeon and Tropical Fruit in Frutigen

11

Inside Air-Glaciers

12

Artistry in Wood

14

Basel Region: Brief News, New Children‘s Hospital, Fasnacht-“Typisch Basel“

17

Brauner Mutz, Anglo-Swiss Club Basel is 100 Years Old!

20

Berne Region: Brief News, Cecily‘s Fund, The Canton of Berne in Motion

23

The Caretakers

27

Round About the Gotthard

29

Cars and Art at the Geneva Auto Show

34

Romandie Region: Brief News, Geneva‘s Tower of Babel, Cossonay Cricket Club

37

A Night Out in Lausanne, The Buffet de la Gare

40

Zurich Region: Brief News, ZIWA, Room to Read, Eye-catching Rapperswil

45

Zug/Lucerne Region: Brief News, Lucerne Fasnacht, The Swiss Path

50

Travel: Quedlinburg: UNESCO World Heritage

53

What‘s Going On In Switzerland

55

Voluntary Organisations & Groups

58

Places of Worship

61

Classifieds

63

Free Subscription www.helloswitzerland.ch Editor-In-Chief Caroline Thonger / +41 (0)27 565 4128 +41 (0)79 874 5004 Caroline@helloswitzerland.ch Co-Editors Basel Anitra Green Anitra@helloswitzerland.ch Zurich, Zug, Lucerne Allison Turner Allison@helloswitzerland.ch Berne Querida Long Querida@helloswitzerland.ch Romandie Catherine Nelson-Pollard Catherine@helloswitzerland.ch Contributors Roland Arnet Barbara Bächler Roger Bonner & Edi Barth Caroline Clarke Christine Gilbert Barbara Gnägi Zuzana Kawaciuková Markus Klein Carolyn Lüönd Laura Messenger Matthias Müller José Santiago Hilary Sharp Bryan Stone René Welti Cover photograph Spring in Buonas, Canton Zug (photo swiss-image) Publisher Network Relocation Ltd.

Presenting partner:

Advertising Lukas Hayoz / +41 (0)31 888 14 13 Lukas@helloswitzerland.ch Pre-press Layout ABC-DESIGN, Graphic Studio www.abcdesign.ch www.roche.com

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© The articles in Hello Switzerland may not be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior permission of Network Relocation Ltd. or the author. Hello Switzerland accepts no responsibility for the views or opinions expressed by its writers.

Printing Jordi AG – www.jordibelp.ch Distribution 13‘000 copies all over Switzerland Deadline for the Summer Issue 20 April 2011

Editorial Dear Readers, Welcome to the first edition of the magazine for the year 2011 under new editorship. When I agreed last year to take up the reins of this excellent publication, I thought the undertaking ahead of me would be daunting in the extreme—because of the high benchmark set by Anitra Green. In some ways working on this my first issue has been a baptism by fire. Yet the support I have received from our dedicated editorial team, as well as our contributors, has turned a seemingly impossible task into an enjoyable challenge.

Air-Glaciers

12

Gotthard-Furka

29

Geneva Auto Show

34

Lucerne Fasnacht

51

Our regular readers will notice some considerable changes to the magazine.

The most significant of these has been the changeover to full colour, thanks to recent advances in digital printing technology. There is an introduction to a new section covering Swiss people with unusual jobs—see the portrait of Stefan, the fine furniture maker, on page 14. And an insight into the dangerous missions carried out by a unique Swiss rescue service on page 12.

Spring in Switzerland is heralded by the arrival of Fasnacht in the month of March—the most famous of course happening in Basel. This time we also have an account of the (almost as well-known) three-day Fasnacht event in Lucerne (page 51). Another Swiss event of worldwide renown at this time of year takes place in Romandie: the Geneva Auto Show (see page 34).

Under our “Discover Switzerland” section, Anitra our travel expert gives a vivid description of how to experience six spectacular passes in two days, in the Gotthard-Furka area (see page 29). And this year the Swiss Path will be celebrating its first 20 years—discover the trail along which you can trace the origins of the Swiss Confederation, while enjoying the scenic beauty of Central Switzerland (page 52). Further ideas for two-day city breaks are provided in the special deals offered by the SBB’s RailAway on page 7.

Our regional sections provide the usual mix of news, interesting events and stimulating articles—including a review of the restaurant once patronised by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (page 41). We hope there is something to suit all tastes—and we have even included a new “useful tips” box on the Readers’ Page on page 4. Our regular storywriter, Roger Bonner, has provided a delightful short story illustrating another amusing facet of Swiss life (see page 8).

I would like to thank my hard-working, capable and enthusiastic editorial team, as well as all the contributors who have helped create the appealing mix of topics in the magazine. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it all together.

Caroline

caroline@helloswitzerland.ch

Contributed by the Hello Switzerland Editorial Team

4

Readers’Page Useful Tips Box Out and about and want to know when your next train is?

Letters I very much enjoyed Anitra Green’s article about Dresden. When I visited that wonderful city for the first time last spring, it was quickly obvious why it is called Florence of the North. So much architecture, culture, history, art and music to be seen in one small area are a feast for the eyes and camera. Your readers should not miss the quirky and surprising pastry to be found only in Meissen. It is called a Fummel and its delicate construction was originally used to test the suitability of prospective transport vehicles for carrying the precious porcelain produced in Meissen. Thank you for the article, which reminds me why I have booked a flight back to the area to cycle the Elbe this spring.

Judith Butler Ed: Glad to know you enjoyed the article, Judith.

SWITZERLAND

I’d like to let you know much I enjoy and appreciate “Hello Switzerland” and look forward to every issue. Having lived in and around Basel for many years, I particularly enjoy the articles of local interest and am truly amazed at how much I have yet to discover about places and events I thought I was familiar with.

“Hello Switzerland” is an excellent magazine and offers useful and entertaining information for every reader and every taste. In particular, it extends a warm welcome and provides valuable and practical tips and advice for all English-speaking people who have recently moved to Switzerland. I only wish that such a publication had been around when I first arrived in this country. Keep up the good work!

Felicity Häusermann, Witterswil Ed: We very much appreciate your positive comments, Felicity.

Swiss Railways SBB offer a useful feature for travellers.

Just send an SMS to the number 222 on your mobile phone. Type in your station of departure and then the station you want to arrive in, and almost immediately you will receive an SMS in reply from SBB letting you know the time of your next train. Very handy if you want to know whether to stay for another drink, or make a quick dash!

SBB App also offers: • Door-to-door travel information • Real-time information in the event of an incident • “Take me Home” function with GPS support • Buy and display tickets for public transport services • Ticket payment via credit card For more information: >>> go to SBB App

Stopping the post/mail while on holiday Going on holiday and want to stop the mail building up in your letterbox while you are away? Did you know that the Swiss post office offer a service, which holds deliveries of mail to your address for up to two months?

You just need to give four days’ warning to initiate the service and pay an admin fee of CHF 10. Ask at your local post office for the form called “Demande de garder le courier à l’office de poste” or “Auftrag Post zurückbehalten”.

Winners

Congratulations to the lucky readers who won the Prize Draw, Winter 2010.

1st prize—VIP Weekend in Wengen Barbara Sienkiewicz, Richterswil 2nd prize – Overnight stay in the Jungfrau area Antonella Tusa, Neuchâtel 3rd prize—Two tickets for the Ice Republic show Wengen Ken Goldie, Riehen 4th prize—Two tickets for the Ice Republic show Wengen Wendy Edwards, Zurich

Roche Bobois The new Roche Bobois 2011 catalogue is now out.

All the top French labels are displayed inside on a voyage of discovery of all the new collections, materials, current colours and creations of various designers.

Totalling 212 pages, this stunning catalogue entitled “Conçu Pour Vous” shows the entire range on offer, and is immediately available in all Roche Bobois outlets.

Don’t miss out!

Please see: www.roche-bobois.com

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CITY BR

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Leave your everyday cares behind you and enjoy the charm and vitality of one of Europe’s major cities for two whole days. Travel by rail on a City-Hit ticket to the city of your choice. For further details, ask at your local station, call Rail Service 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19/min. by land line within Switzerland) or go to www.sbb.ch/city-hit.

* Price for an adult with a Half-Fare Card, 2nd class, train journey with TER from Muttenz to Colmar

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City Breaks

7

City-Hit—2-Day City Excursions

yourself be bewitched by this typically French “art de vivre”.

T

Quintessential Alsace—Colmar In terms of art and history Colmar rates as the most inviting of the towns of Alsace. Imprinted with a glittering past full of culture, the city has succeeded in protecting its architectural heritage.

Colmar lives up to its name as a renowned historic nucleus through its extensive pedestrian area. You only have to wander about there in order to soak up the particular atmosphere marking out Colmar as a city of the arts.

Contemplative Freiburg in Breisgau The historic old town with its striking minster, the ancient and modern versions of the Town Hall, the distinctive town gateways—as well as numerous cultural offerings in the form of museums, theatres, festivals and events—all combine to make Freiburg in Breisgau a fascinating city to explore and experience. About 30,000 of the 220,000 inhabitants of the university town of Freiburg are students. Here in Freiburg, an enduring city of science, of sport and of culture, the traditional and the innovative go hand in hand.

Stuttgart—nestling in one of the largest wine-growing regions in Germany Wonderful views, impressive parks and gardens, glorious castles and buildings in the most varied architectural styles—such as the futuristic World of Mercedes Benz—all make the capital city of Baden Württemberg a favourite travel destination. The opera house with guest performances from famous Broadway musicals, and the numerous galleries and museums, have to be visited and experienced. And of course taking time to wander around the shops in Stuttgart’s elegant pedestrian area is an absolute must.

Munich, capital of Bavaria Here are just a few of the innumerable places of interest that combine to make a visit to Munich so worthwhile.

Schloss Nymphenburg, the old and new Pinakothek art galleries, das Deutsche Museum (the German Museum), the new Town Hall on Marienplatz, dozens of theatres and jazz clubs, its successful film industry, the 1972 Olympic village,

Strolling in Colmar

the futuristic World of BMW, the Allianz Arena, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the legendary Hofbrauhaus (beer hall)—or simply a beer with Weisswurst und Brezen (local sausage and pretzel) in one of the traditional breweries or in the Viktualienmarkt (old food market).

Milan—Mecca for Shopping There’s something for everyone in Milan: art, culture, shopping and culinary delights. Spend time exploring the cathedral and La Scala opera house, or else marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous fresco “The Last Supper”. Find out what the latest trend in fashion is—for what would a trip to Milan be without shopping? You’ll find inspiration and ideas in the Via della Spiga, in Via Sant’ Andrea or in Via Monte Napoleone—the “golden triangle”. Relax in one of the many bars with a refreshing aperitif, and then enjoy a plate of homemade pasta.

Strasburg—Capital of Alsace The seventh largest city in France offers animated history, excellent regional cuisine, cultural flights of fancy and a particular type of hospitality. It’s a world city in terms of its shopping area, as well as its artists’ quarters. Let

Dijon—the City of Mustard Numerous historic buildings bear witness to a turbulent past. Dijon’s picturesque old town with its gorgeous half-timbered houses invite you to take your time exploring on foot. The principal city of Burgundy that is also the secret capital of mustard offers its own culinary delights, and is always worth a visit.

Paris—Unique World City with Charm Discover Paris and allow yourself to be enchanted by its very special characteristics: bistro tables and basket chairs, pain au chocolat or a pastis, luxury shopping or the flea markets, gourmet restaurants and world-famous landmarks. All these impressions result in a unique “rendez-vous du savoirvivre”.

Easy on Your Pocket Thanks to CityHit The 2-Day City-Hit Ticket makes city trips to Germany, Italy and France the most affordable of destinations. Take advantage of a reduced-cost journey by train. To book accommodation in your intended destination city, please contact our SBB Travel Office or phone Rail Service on 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19 per minute from Swiss landlines).

Further information about the City-Hit Ticket can be found at your local station or at www.sbb.ch/city-hit

SWITZERLAND / EUROPE

he City-Hit 2-Day Ticket makes a spontaneous city excursion all the more attractive. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know European metropolitan centres. They each hold interesting and varied tours of discovery in store for you.

Contributed by Roger Bonner with illustration by Edi Barth

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Chalet Wildschwein The story of an old chalet, a farmer and his cow.

O

n a hill just above our little chalet in Kandersteg, there is a weatherworn chalet called Wildschwein, the Wild Pig. Two bristling, rather shapeless-looking creatures are carved into the upper front with the year of completion 1942 inscribed between them. The chalet belongs to a farmer in the village. A dentist from Basel and his family rented it as a holiday retreat for almost fifty years, but they

all grew old and left. In these modern, sanitary times, nobody wants to stay there anymore because the place has no running water and the toilet is an outhouse next to the cow stall down on the ground-floor.

Wrens nest in the chimney and some foxes have apparently dug out a den under the rickety stairs, which I find ironic because the owner once told me

not to be afraid if we heard a shot in the night. In winter he uses the chalet as a hide to hunt foxes. I guess the critters are clever enough to know when the season begins and hightail it out of there in good time, or else they stay put and are quiet as a field mouse.

I have always felt that there is more to Chalet Wildschwein than meets the eye. So one day I asked Elisabeth, our neighbour who lives in the farmhouse downhill from us, who had built it.

“Oh,” she said, her eyes brightening, “that’s a funny story.”

Elisabeth is eighty years old and knows something about everyone and everything in Kandersteg.

“Well, tell me,” I said, pulling up a chair to her living-room table.

“A little old farmer by the name of Gottlieb put it together with his own hands,” she said as she poured me a cup of coffee.

I pictured him gnarled and sinewy with a bushy beard such as you occasionally see in remote parts of the Alps.

“Gottlieb was thrifty and didn’t waste a penny,” Elisabeth went on between sips of coffee. “And so he used wood from a hut that had been destroyed in a storm.”

SWITZERLAND

“How did he get the wood up there?”

I asked as I patted the head of Dona, a large Newfoundland dog that had just snuggled up against my leg.

“He hauled it all up on a cart. Took him a couple of years to build the thing, but that’s not the best part.”

I was getting curious about this Gottlieb.

“He only used old nails,” Elisabeth said, “and most of them were crooked.

So he would sit on a tree stump with a

9

I could feel for Elizabeth. I used to live in a flat below a compulsive woman who was always hanging up pictures, then changing them around again.

“He finally managed to finish the chalet,” Elisabeth said, “and was ready to move in lock, stock and barrel.”

I thought that was the end of a charming story but the way Elisabeth started to chuckle, I knew more was coming.

“Now Gottlieb had this cow and, boy, was she huge with calf. He tugged her up the hill on a rope and when he tried to get her into the stall, he saw that the entrance was too narrow.”

I too began to laugh.

“He pushed and pushed.” Elisabeth held her stomach. “But he just couldn’t get that poor cow into the stall.”

I could imagine little Gottlieb behind the cow, hands firmly planted on her haunches, his face turning purple, while she plaintively mooed away.

“Good thing she didn’t calve right then and there,” I said.

“And now comes the best part,” Elisabeth said.

I braced myself.

“He gets this saw and cuts a large halfmoon piece out of each side of the doorframe and shoves the good cow into the stall.”

We laughed so loud that the dog started barking.

That evening I walked up to Chalet Wildschwein. The last beams of sunlight glinted on the small windows as the sun sank behind the peaks of the Gelihorn. I headed for the back when a black cat shot out from a woodpile and dashed across the field. Otherwise no one was around to see me going up to the stall and running my hands

along the smooth, shapely curves that Gottlieb had once so lovingly sawed out of the doorframe.

Roger Bonner is a Swiss writer/ poet who runs a writing/editing business, Right Style. You can reach him at info@roger-bonner.ch or go to his new Home Page: www.roger-bonner.ch A collection of his funniest stories and columns entitled “Swiss Me”, with illustrations by Edi Barth, has been published by Bergli Books (CHF 24.90). It is available at the Bergli Bookshop, Rümelinsplatz 19, Basel (www.bergli.ch).

Need a cartoon for a birthday or anniversary or other event? Edi Barth, who regularly illustrates Roger’s columns, is also a freelance artist/ tattooist who will draw a witty cartoon of whatever you want for that special occasion. He can be reached at: edi.barth@bluewin.ch

Member of the Swiss Institute of Certified Accountants and Tax Consultants

SWITZERLAND

hammer and an anvil between his legs and straighten those nails. You could hear the tink…tink…tink sound of him pounding all day long for weeks on end.

Nearly drove us batty.”

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Sturgeon and Tropical Fruit in Frutigen

11

How the world’s longest road tunnel brought this unlikely combination to the Bernese Oberland.

S

One of the major problems for the LBT is that it cuts through a big layer of limestone. Limestone is typically very porous and carries a lot of water.

The north side of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel therefore provides around 100 liters of warm (around 20°C) mountain water every second. This water cannot be simply directed into one of the local rivers like the Kander as it would significantly warm it up and therefore cause tremendous damage to the local fauna, especially the native lake trout, which has its breeding grounds in the small rivers and creeks that come out of the mountains of the Bernese Oberland.

So Dr. Peter Hufschmied, a former engineer of the senior construction management of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, had an innovative and fascinating idea: a sturgeon fish farm and a tropical indoor garden. This was the origin of the Tropenhaus in Frutigen.

When you are driving into the Kander valley on a pleasantly sunny day, you pass the large pyramid of the Niesen before arriving in the small town of Frutigen where the valley splits up into two. One side continues to Kandersteg and the old Lötschberg tunnel; the other brings you up to one of the nicest locations in the Bernese Oberland:

The Tropenhaus attracts visitors of all ages with its interactive, hands-on exhibits

Adelboden. As you approach Frutigen you notice a large greenhouse to the right of the road and that is the Tropenhaus— or to be more precise, the tropical fruits and plants part of it. When you enter the building, the first way leads you into an exhibition room which tells you all about the origins of the Tropenhaus.

Of course there are also other things to learn about too. There are exhibits about topics such as energy conservation, sturgeon fishing and caviar production with plenty of interactive displays for visitors of all ages. The tour then leads you back outside to the basins in which the sturgeons are being raised.

Some of them have windows allowing you to see the impressive fish that are originally native to Siberia. Their long snouts and almost shark-like fins create a memorable impression. Sturgeon are the largest fresh-water fish in the world and there are some big ones in the tanks, but I didn’t see any that had quite reached the maximum size of two meters and 200 kg.

On your way back into the building, this time into the greenhouse part that you had already spotted from road, don’t miss the small exhibition about the tradition of fishing in Switzerland, where you can learn more about the native fish.

The greenhouse is your chance to see how tropical plants and fruits grow without having to travel far from home. From the somewhat ordinary bananas, citrus fruits and peanuts to the more exotic papayas, guavas and pomegranates, it’s interesting to see how fruits we usually only know from the supermarket actually grow. Mixed in with the fruits you can find exotic spices like ginger, chili, vanilla, pepper or cinnamon and also a huge variety of orchids in their natural habitat, i.e. growing on tree stumps as they would in nature.

The experience is topped off by two restaurants, in which you can try the sturgeon and other products from the Tropenhaus and the Frutigen region. In both restaurants diners are surrounded by tropical plants and enjoy lovely views of the surrounding landscape. The Terrasserie has a more family-friendly atmosphere with a children’s section play area, whereas the Esturgeon is a fine gourmet restaurant.

So if you are heading into the Bernese Oberland for a trip with the family or want a break from the unavoidable skiers’ traffic jam between Kandersteg and the highway, spend some time at the Tropenhaus in Frutigen.

BERNE

witzerland is one of the major transit countries for trucks and cars through the Alps. In June 2007 the Lötschberg Base Tunnel (LBT) was opened and its length of 34.57 km (21.485 mi) made it the world’s longest road tunnel in operation. Neither the Seikan Tunnel in Japan nor the new Gotthard Base Tunnel will change this, as they are not transporting trucks and cars but are only open for passenger and freight trains. Yet digging a tunnel through various layers of geological rock formations is not an easy task, and comes with a lot of questions that are not immediately related to the operation of a road tunnel.

Contributed by Caroline Thonger

12

Inside Air-glaciers The Alpine rescue service with a difference.

I

SWITZERLAND

t is midday on the last Saturday of November 2010 when the alarm is raised at emergency control. A sudden avalanche has engulfed a group skiing off-piste, near the resort of Ovronnaz, and one of them has sustained serious fractures. The met office warns of seriously deteriorating weather conditions, nil visibility and temperatures dropping to 15 degrees below zero. The doctor on call, managing to stay in contact by mobile phone with the victim’s friends, advises them to move their comrade to shelter as far downhill as possible, despite his injuries, because of the even greater danger of hypothermia. A mountain rescue team sets off uphill on skis, but the atrocious weather hampers their progress and it could take them three hours to reach the victim. At the same time an Air-Glaciers helicopter has been scrambled from the base at Sion.

With great skill the pilot manages to land two rescuers at 1800m, to join the team on the ground. Then thanks to a brief “window” in the weather, the pilot succeeds in depositing the second guide-paramedic in his crew near the victim, who is safely winched up and flown immediately to hospital.

The 26-year-old makes a full recovery, but has been very fortunate because early-season snow can be notoriously unstable.

This is just one example of the difficult assignments regularly carried out by the Air- Glaciers group in the Valais region.

Just nine months previously, in midFebruary, they completed 23 mountain rescue missions out of Sion in a single day. The four medically equipped— and instantly recognisable—red-andwhite helicopters were on constant duty throughout the 12-hour day, handling skiing injuries that included broken legs, dislocated shoulders, and traumas to back and head.

While the rest of Switzerland is covered

by REGA, the national rescue service, the topography of the Valais—with the greatest concentration of 4000m peaks in the Alps—requires a far more flexible range of helicopters able to cope with high-altitude missions. And whereas other countries will typically have rescue services provided either by an arm of the military (e.g. Coastguard and/or Air Force in the UK and the USA), or by a branch of the police (e.g.

Air-Glaciers HQ at Sion Airport (Photo courtesy of Air-Glaciers SA)

Peleton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne or PGHM in France), the infrastructure of Air-Glaciers as an independent, privately-run mountain rescue organisation makes it unique not only in Switzerland, but in the world.

Based at Sion Airport in the heart of the Valais, Air-Glaciers’ HQ is housed in a modern glass-and-steel building called intriguingly “Maison FXB” (see fact box below). The base contains hangars for maintaining their whole range of rescue vehicles, including ambulances, as well as the familiar red-and-white helicopters. The life-saving role of this multi-function rescue centre is greatly enhanced by their fleet of versatile helicopters, the principal types being the Alouette III and the Lama, both made in France. Added to these are the new generation of single-turbine machines in the form of the Type B3 and Type B4 Ecureuil helicopters. Where there is difficulty of access, the Lama can function at altitude in high winds because of its open-strut tail, but has no space for more than the pilot with navigator and a stretcher. In extreme situations it will be used to bring the victim down to the Alouette at a lower level.

On a typical mission, the four-man crew of the Alouette—which is fully medically equipped—will be commanded in strict order. Firstly the pilot, in consultation with the met office, will make the ultimate decision of whether to fly or not. He will be accompanied by a co-pilot who also acts as navigator. Then the guideparamedic, with extensive knowledge of the geography of the area, will assess the risks on the ground and if it will be possible to land the medical expert.

And finally the doctor will assess the urgency of the patient’s injuries. If the weather conditions make it impossible to fly, a ground rescue team will be organised. In every rescue mission, there is one helicopter with one doctor on board per victim, the urgency of the task being all the greater if the latter is unconscious, juvenile or has multiple traumas.

13

The greatest hindrance to rescue sorties is fog, because helicopters usually have to be piloted within sight of the ground.

There are also indices of luminosity at night—in extreme cases the pilot may fly with night goggles, but only if the moon is extremely bright. The overriding consideration is to assess the risks to everyone concerned—safety is always of paramount importance, especially that of the helicopter team.

On a final note, for all those undertaking high-altitude activities in the Swiss Alps (whether summer or winter) it is well worth considering taking out the extra insurance offered by Air-Glaciers. If you have the misfortune to be injured in the mountains, this will probably be covered either by your health insurance or else by your additional accident insurance.

If you simply get lost, however, neither insurance company will pick up the tab. An evacuation by helicopter can cost tens of thousands of francs. Patrick Torrent sums up the philosophy of all his fellow professionals on Alpine rescue missions: “Il faut toujours respecter la montagne”—mountains should always be treated with respect.

The Alouette III in action (Photo courtesy of Air-Glaciers SA)

Fact Box: • In the last 10 years, the number of rescue missions carried out from all 4 AirGlaciers bases has risen from 1200 in the year 2000 to an average of 1800 over the last 3 years, including in 2010.

• Separate to their 4 commercial bases in Valais, Vaud, Neuchâtel and Geneva, the 4 Air-Glaciers rescue bases can be found at Sion and Collombey covering the Valaisan Alps, with Saanen and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Alps • Maison FXB de Sauvetage, the Air-Glaciers mountain rescue HQ at Sion Airport, was officially opened in 1995 and is named after founder Bruno Bagnoud’s son François Xavier, who died tragically piloting a helicopter on a commercial flight aged only 24.

• Dedicated to the rescue not only of mountain enthusiasts but “of any person in moral or physical distress”, Maison FXB also provides weather updates, specialist research and advice facilities, and runs intensive training courses.

• All the Air-Glaciers pilots are capable of flying any type of helicopter on the base, while their guide-paramedics hold the diploma awarded by the Swiss ambulance service.

• 15-20% of Air-Glaciers rescue missions involve road traffic accidents.

• The remaining 80-85% concern mountain rescue, far more with winter sports than summer activities (such as climbing) because of the numbers involved.

• 98% of victims will initially survive an avalanche. But out of that number, 60% will die within the next 60 minutes (usually from suffocation). The rescue missions therefore have to be not only efficiently organised but also very rapid.

SWITZERLAND

Patrick Torrent, a long-serving and fully qualified guide-paramedic, has notched up ten years of experience on rescue missions and is on permanent duty at Maison FXB. “We have many sessions working on improving procedures,” he says. Despite the success of numerous missions carried out in extremely difficult circumstances, Patrick has seen the overall number of interventions increase by fifty percent over the last decade. He has a no-nonsense approach to the situation. “Look at skiing today,” he says. “In the old days it used to take weeks to learn the correct technique, but nowadays with the vast improvement in the technology and material of boots and skis, for example, there are some schools that boast they can get their clients onto a gentle slope in just two days.” There are therefore far more people at a lower level of ability on the slopes, gaining confidence much more quickly and mixing with advanced skiers, but without the experience to avoid collisions.

Contributed by Caroline Thonger

14

Artistry in Wood A profile of a Swiss conceptual fine furniture maker with unusual ideas.

S

tefan Hoehn has been making things out of wood since the tender age of four. Born in Winterthur as the son of a civil engineer, by the time he was fifteen Stefan’s creative carpentry had advanced to building tree houses. After graduating from cantonal school and completing a joiner’s apprenticeship, the young man with design aspirations undertook some three years of architectural studies at the ETH* in Zurich.

SWITZERLAND

The next fifteen years or so saw Stefan notching up a raft of experience, with work varying from technical drawing to avant-garde 3-D modelling projects in experimental materials. His work abroad took him from twelve months of constructing timber houses in Canada, to a placement in an architect’s office in Spain as a conceptual designer.

In between he worked as a jobbing carpenter for various companies assembling kitchens, staircases and windows. Yet although these jobs provided necessary wages, Stefan found his capabilities being frustrated by the restrictions of the industrial and impersonal nature of the business.

Now in his mid-thirties, Stefan has

Yazzmine, the Chevy hearse

The “Wellenbank” (wavy bench)

been running his own studio and workshop for the last three years, above a family-run sawmill in the small town of Rheinfelden in Aarau (situated on the Rhine in northwest Switzerland, some fifteen kilometres east of Basel city centre). Visitors taken up to the studio through the sawmill cannot help being bewitched by the delicious scent of sawdust, as the huge logs are propelled

through the screeching teeth of the saw. And it is fascinating to see planks of wood in the “raw” state become transformed into smoothly planed and beautifully crafted shapes.

After years of yearning to create conceptual rather than functional objects, Stefan’s true ambition is to produce bespoke furniture for individual clients. On the technical side, Stefan’s skills in precision engineering and his eye to detail are qualities that have been the hallmark of traditional Swiss craftsmen throughout the centuries. Yet it is his artistic imagination that gives his pieces their unique flavour. Working in more than 80 types of wood, each one with its own individual characteristics and patterns, Stefan’s pieces include an ingeniously constructed bed, clever shelving, striking table-and-chair sets and wavy benches—all capturing the beauty of the grain and which can be viewed on his website (see below). His unique concept for a set of barstools has grabbed considerable interest.

The slightly quirky side of Stefan’s nature is manifested in his choice of vehicle: a black Chevrolet hearse he has

To further enhance his talents as an artisan in wood, Stefan has been partaking in a one-year course at David Savage’s school of fine furniture making in Devon, England. His particular

intent is to perfect his skills in making chairs, apparently the most difficult of all the types of furniture to make and the highest discipline in woodcraft.

Architect, draughtsman, carpenter, assembler, joiner, cabinet-maker, modeller, programmer, artist, conceptual designer … Stefan has been and still is all of these things. But the common denominator underlying all these disparate skills is his passion for crafting in wood—as a working material, in the graphic arts or in the form of cultural artefacts. “Of course I take pleasure in the qualities of wood such as feel, texture and aroma,” he says.

“But for me it is my daily preoccupation with this unique substance that is such a joy.” Of further satisfaction is the newfound interaction Stefan enjoys in the one-to-one relationships with his individual clients.

Customers’ wishes can veer from the haziest of ideas, to very strong notions of what they want. In the former case it takes a delicate touch to inspire confidence in them. In the latter, Stefan has to reach into the core of the image and transform it into a creation, which in the best scenario exceeds the clients’ expectations. On a human level, this is the most rewarding aspect of Stefan’s work.

15

It is the passion imbued into his creations in wood that is becoming the trademark of the “Stefann” label—transforming the unique pieces of furniture he designs and makes from the merely utilitarian into objects of artistry. * Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule or Swiss National Polytechnic www.stefann.ch

SWITZERLAND

baptised Yazzmine. This eye-catching car was bought from an undertaker’s in Sierre (Valais), where it had been used in the business for 25 years. When questioned why this particular make, Stefan states that he has always loved Chevrolets. He also points out that before emigrating to the United States the original Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss racing driver from la Chaux de Fonds, and anyway something simply appealed to him in the style of this surprisingly elegant automobile. Painted on the side of the car is Stefan’s logo “Stefann. ch”—the double-n was deliberate so that the name would stand out from the ordinary.

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Contributed by Anitra Green

Brief News from Basel Bye-bye Bergli Bookshop First the bad news: by the time you read this Bergli Bookshop on Rümelinsplatz will have closed its doors and the premises occupied by someone else.

So no more talk parties, no more welcoming smile from founder Dianne Dicks and her team, and you’ll have to go elsewhere for your books in English.

She’s been looking for someone suitable to take over the business for some time and cast her net really wide, but no luck.

Now the good news: the publishing side, Bergli Books, will continue. “Since I am not getting any younger, I’ve had to decide to dedicate my energies to Bergli’s core business since 1990 – publishing books that focus on making

WE NEED A NEW HOME!

17

the most of living in Switzerland,” she says. So Bergli is still in business, and Dianne will still be around – look out for her next publication, Sue Style’s long-awaited book on Swiss cheese (see p.22). Other books are on the way, she says.

Watches & Jewellery at BaselWorld One of the biggest and most prestigious watch and jewellery fairs in the whole world, BaselWorld, attracts about 2,000 exhibitors including all the great names, some of whom come exclusively to this event. Though designed for the retail and wholesale trades – including the semiprecious stone sector – it’s a fabulous show to visit, a cross between Aladdin’s cave and fairyland. Regularly attended by about 100,000 visitors from around 100 countries, the exhibition shows all the latest trends and innovations, and there’s a full programme of supporting events. The eight-day show opens this year on 24 March. www.baselworld.com

More flights out of Basel The biggest carrier operating out of Basel may be Easyjet, but the choice of

The Gucci stand at BaselWorld

flights by other airlines is improving all the time. Low-cost flights have just been launched by Air Berlin between Basel and Berlin—two direct flights a day in both directions, morning and evening, with connections to Scandinavia, East Europe and overseas. Unlike some other low-cost airlines, Air Berlin will automatically rebook its passengers on the next flight in case of cancellation, and meals on board are included in the price.

Swiss is also offering more destinations from Basel with the start of its summer schedule on 29 March, in cooperation with its codeshare partner bmi. It will serve London Heathrow three times a day and add a second frequency to Hamburg. In addition Swiss will launch a daily flight to Rome and six flights a week to Copenhagen.

Stop press:

Born in Canada in 1999, we have spent most of our lives in Switzerland and must stay here when our owner relocates.

We come with vet references, shots and pet accessories.

Please consider adding us to your family!

Contact Judith Butler at ookpik@bluewin.ch

Royal Wedding special As we were going to press, we heard that plans are being hatched to organise a public viewing in Basel of the royal wedding to be held on Friday 29 April. This will enable you to watch Prince William tie the knot with Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in the company of all your friends and acquaintances and probably a host of other royal watchers as well. No details are available yet, but keep your ears and eyes open – you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity of seeing the wedding of the decade in a suitably party atmosphere!

BASEL

We are Muggins and Mr Bean, two healthy, handsome, wellgroomed brothers, very friendly and people-loving.

Contributed by Anitra Green

18

New Children’s Hospital Opens in Basel It’s colourful, child-friendly and state of the art: the new UKBB forms part of the existing hospital complex.

I

t’s always traumatic when a child is seriously ill or has an accident. Up till now it’s been a bit of a puzzle to know where to take a child in case of an emergency, as there were two local hospitals dealing with different types of medical crisis and functioning under different administrations, depending on whether they were in the canton of Basel-Stadt or Basel-Land.

All that has now changed with the opening of the UKBB (UniversitätsKinderspital beider Basel), or university hospital of both Basels for children, at the end of January. It has everything: emergency unit, polyclinics, therapy, operating theatres, x-ray unit, intensive care and out-patient facilities, oncology and haematology departments, as well as a self-service restaurant, seminar rooms on the second floor and solar cells on the roof. Two open days over a weekend in mid-January attracted about 20,000 people, many bringing their children along to show them what it was like, just in case. I didn’t bring any children with me, but, like everyone else, I was allowed to look practically all over the hospital.

BASEL

The first thing that strikes you is the colourfulness and the clean lines of the architecture, both inside and out. A lot of thought has been put into details: all the waiting areas are equipped with seating in an encouraging shade of lime green and things to play with for the children.

There are playrooms for children of all ages, a library and several spacious terraces, some with table-tennis tables.

And just to make everything more friendly and re-assuring, all the floors of the corridors are red and the walls clad with wood.

Rooms are designed for single or double occupancy with a wide upholstered bench by the spacious window: this doubles as a bed for a parent in case of need. The bathroom adjoining each room is one of the most practical and

UKBB’s splendid new facilities

simply designed I’ve ever seen, with no awkward ledges to step over to get into the shower – the floor’s all on one level. All rooms face onto the garden enclosed by the U-shaped building, which gives not only a nice view but also the necessary degree of peace and quiet.

The other impressive thing is the very high level of technology—a must these days, but the number of screens, terminals and so on is still an eyeopener. One of the areas visitors found most interesting was the operating unit.

The only time you usually see the inside of an operating theatre is if you’re lying on the bed, so it’s a real education to be able visit an empty one and have everything explained to you. Both children and adults were fascinated.

Most modern in Switzerland The UKBB boasts that it’s the most modern and child-friendly children’s hospital in the whole of Switzerland.

It attaches huge importance not only to giving children and young people a high level of care, but also to treating them appropriately according to their age, understanding them and explaining

whatever’s necessary. Incidentally, it’s not just a children’s hospital, but also, as befits its name, a teaching hospital, training young doctors and nursing staff.

Just to give an idea of the scale of things, the UKBB treats about 78,000 out-patients a year, which makes it the biggest establishment it its kind in northwest Switzerland. It has 100 beds and 16 cots for premature or sick babies, and has one of the most modern MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) units in the world.

Useful information The emergency unit is open round the clock seven days a week with an interdisciplinary team of medical staff, and there’s even an interpreting service for people who don’t speak German.

Tel: 061 704 12 12 (24-hour service)

Anitra Green Originally from London, studied classics and came to Switzerland before women even had the vote.

Contributed by Bryan Stone

3 March 2011 Join us for our event Preview of Basel Fasnacht www.packimpex.ch/events for more information

Fasnacht – “Typisch Basel”

19

Basel’s traditional Fasnacht, the biggest in Switzerland, takes over the whole city.

A

s I write, it is snowing. On a Saturday night in 2006, it snowed in Basel, and on Sunday morning 30cm lay in the streets broad and narrow of the old city. Beautiful it was, but Fasnacht, with some 15,000 active costumed piccolo and drum players, all those Tambour-majors, Vorträbler, Laternenträger, some 100 painted lanterns up to 4m high, and probably 120,000 spectators (called Passiv), was to start on Monday morning at 04:00.

Waggis, a typical character in Fasnacht

People watching the Cortège – the clown is to sweep away impertinent children!

it’s ordered chaos, each clique playing a different March. Fasnacht reigns for three days, solemn, uproariously funny, perfidious and crafty. That’s Basel. And the rest of us were there doing what we could to enjoy it. That’s “typisch Basel” – typical Basel—too.

That early, cold start, taken from old military traditions at first light, leads to hours of swaying, crackling, piping march music, but by 06.00 you need a hot drink and a bowl of flour soup (Mehlsuppe) or an onion tart (Chääsewaije). The other 120,000 seem to be there first, but it happens, and then what? You go home, or to work.

You’re soon back. Monday afternoon we’re out again, and the real procession (Cortège) takes place, as it does on Wednesday afternoon too. Now, this is all very fine, with music (and in the afternoon and evening also Guggemuusig, which I won’t describe, and which some even enjoy) and sweets and oranges for the crowds. But what’s going on? Watch carefully. Each Clique is really telling you something. They have a subject (Sujet) taken from public or private life, and they play it for all it’s worth, with biting humour, irony, painted lanterns, handbills (Zeedele) and costumes. That’s the serious bit. It’s why we are here. Of course it’s all in best Basler Dialeggt, polished up for the

occasion, so outsiders don’t understand much. But that too is “typisch Basel”!

This is a game in public for insiders.

The traditional costumes are 18/19th military style or, most beautiful and haunting, Commedia dell’Arte figures.

They weigh a lot, are fiercely hot inside, and very expensive.

There’s lots more to see and hear, like the rhymes recited by disguised singers (Schnitzelbänggler) in every restaurant (Beiz). It’s Basel, and Fasnacht, and that’s what counts. But please don’t come in theatre make-up or with funny noses, or drunk. That’s not Basel.

By far the best description in English is Peter Habicht’s little book “Lifting the Mask”, published by Bergli Books.

Basel Fasnacht 2011: starts at 04:00 on Monday 14 March, ends 04:00 on Thursday 17 March. Processions at 13:00 on Monday and Wednesday.

Bryan Stone Born in Walsall (UK), worked in the railway industry until retirement in 2003. Now at home in Ettingen, a widower with two grown-up Swiss daughters, and still loves trains, local history, Switzerland and writing.

BASEL

To say, “Well, it did” tells you a lot about Basel and its people. That Sunday the snow was pushed aside, trams, cars and buses left to stand, the narrow streets were gritted and salted, and although we tramped through deep snow to get into the city, we were all there. In a Fasnacht costume (called a Massgge) under a mask (called a Larve) you can’t see much, and watching your feet is impossible; you go with your company (Clique). At 04:00 the street lights go out, and the order rings everywhere, “Morgestraich, Vorwäärts – Marsch!”

You march off to the first haunting melody, called indeed Morgestraich.

Basel piccolo marches are in 3 or 4 parts with drumroll accompaniment.

The darkness is lit only (in theory) by your lanterns and torches (called Steggelaterne). Three minutes later

20

Return of the Brauner Mutz The “Brauner Mutz”is expected to be back in business by Fasnacht.

T

he traditional pub on the Barfüsserplatz is one of a dwindling number of traditional beer-halls in Basel. Known as “dr Bruuni”, it’s been a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike for generations, serving not only beer but also other beverages, tea and coffee and a good line in food.

So when rumours started circulating a few years back about selling it off and converting it into a fast-food outlet, the outcry was immediate and deafening.

It’s hard to know how serious this idea was. Yes, it’s been sold, and yes, it’s under new management, and we all know it’s been a building site for months past. But, no it’s not a fast-food outlet.

The Candrian family from Zürich have a great respect for what Baslers want (they already run several other places in Basel) and, with the new owners, have put about CHF 10 million into totally restoring the entire building to its former glory. It’s taken longer than planned because of structural problems and the exciting find of an old wall painting of, yes, a bear, but otherwise all’s going to schedule.

The beer-hall on the ground floor, which always had a terrific atmosphere especially at Fasnacht or during the October Bierfest, retains its old character of a brasserie with wooden furniture and a new parquet floor. The

The Brauner Mutz

restaurant area that used to be to the right of the entrance is being turned into a bar. In both parts, the emphasis is on local beers with several different types on tap plus a selection of well-known bottled beers and reliable Swiss wines.

The classy restaurant on the first floor (“Au Premier”) will also continue to serve its guests with first-class food in an elegant atmosphere (a big contrast to the brasserie below!), but it’s not likely to open until some time in April. www.braunermutz.ch

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Contributed by Anitra Green

Anglo-Swiss Club Basel is 100 Years Old!

21

Basel’s oldest surviving English-language club celebrates its centenary on 29 May.

1

.11.11 is a date that occurs once a century. It was on this auspicious day a 100 years ago that the Anglo-Swiss Club Basel was founded by a meeting of “some 20 ladies and gentlemen”, according to a newspaper report at the time. Few records survive from then, but extant from 1921 is an invitation to a Familieobe, or “family evening” on 17 December at the Café Spitz, with musical and other entertainment with orchestra, a tombola and a ball, and a Sunday afternoon walk next day to Arlesheim to recover!

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There have been a lot of other changes, though. Founded originally to provide a place for English and Swiss people to meet—which the Swiss loved because they could practise their English—it’s now open to everybody who speaks English. Lantern-slides have been replaced by beamers and laboriously typed letters by emails. Nobody has much time any more because they’re all so busy, but there’s still a hard-working committee organising all the weekly meetings on a voluntary basis. And it’s always been a friendly club that has a lot of fun.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the club is holding a brunch party on 29 May with brunch, entertainment, speeches, a display of old photos and memorabilia and guests from the Basel scene and other, similar clubs in Switzerland who are also part of the Federation of AngloSwiss Clubs (FASC). Here’s to the next 100 years….. www.asc-basel.ch

BASEL

ASCB committee members (l to r): Eric Clark, Rosemarie Kuhn, Flicky Häusermann (secretary) and Claude Böhler (president), in Bider & Tanner’s bookshop, which sponsors the club

One thing hasn’t changed: the ASC still holds its Christmas party at the Café Spitz in the splendid Merian Saal, and coincidentally it will also be on 17 December this year. The orchestra’s reduced to a one-man band and the musical entertainment to singing Christmas carols, but everyone still turns up in formal dress and there’s still dancing.

Advertorial

22

“Cheese—slices of Swiss Culture” Bergli Books is pleased to announce the spring 2011 publication of the latest book by Sue Style, with photographs by Nikos Kapelis

J

oin Sue Style, author of “A Taste of Switzerland” and one of Europe’s most respected food writers, on her quest throughout Switzerland to meet the country’s finest cheese makers and to discover the finest Swiss cheeses.

upheld for several centuries. You’ll also meet some of the most creative cheese masters, lovers of their craft and of the exciting flavours that can be conjured from wholesome, mostly raw milk from cows, goats and sheep.

Discover the exciting range of great cheese being made here, learn how it’s made, what makes it so special and what to look for to treat your taste buds.

Cheeses from all around the country are portrayed: Appenzeller, Berner Alpkäse AOC*, Berner Hobelkäse AOC, Emmentaler AOC, L’Etivaz AOC, Le Gruyère AOC, Sbrinz AOC, Tête de Moine AOC, Tilsiter, Vacherin Fribourgeois AOC, Vacherin Mont d’Or AOC—as well as a handful of newly created cheeses and some of the

All the prize-winning cheeses are small-scale and artisanal, some of them located on remote Alpine hillsides, following traditions that have been

prize-winning goat’s and sheep’s milk cheeses.

Maps are included to enable you to hike along ancient cheese trails, visit lively cheese markets, festivals and museums, and seek out spectacular speciality cheese shops. You’ll be able to create the finest cheese plates and enjoy making twenty of Sue Style’s new, delicious, easy-to-make recipes using these cheeses.

Photographer Nikos Kapelis captures the steps in the cheese-making process and the awe-inspiring landscapes where these unique products are created.

Numerous historical documents and works of art from the Roth Foundation reveal the historical and cultural significance of cheese for Swiss people, and their respect for and pride in the way of life of the cheese makers, who continually strive for perfection, taste and beauty in their cheeses. *Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée or Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Cows grazing peacefully by Lake Sils, Upper Engadine (photo © swiss-image)

Hardbound gift edition, glossary of terms, index. About 200 pages. ISBN 978-3-905252-20-0. Guide price subject to change: CHF 40. To reserve your copy contact Bergli Books, Falknerstrasse 13, Basel or email info@bergli.ch www.bergli.ch

International Jazz from Tuesday to Saturday

BASEL

International stars as well as the national jazz scene celebrate Jazz and related styles of today with all its shades and varieties in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. the bird’s eye jazz club is one of the most popular and renowned jazz clubs in Europe. Musicians and audience appreciate the intimacy of the arch-shaped club with its brilliant acoustics.

THE BIRD`S EYE KOHLENBERG 20, 4051 BASEL 061 263 33 41, www.birdseye.ch

TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 8.30 – CA. 10.45 PM (JUNE/JULY/AUGUST: WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY) ENTRANCE CHF 12.–/14.–/24.– REDUCED: CHF 8.–/8.–/16.–

Contributed by Querida Long

Brief News from Berne

23

1st Berne Design Fair

There could be no better setting for rare and vintage furniture than the Zentrum Paul Klee. Dealers and collectors from Switzerland and abroad will showcase pieces from Paul Klee’s lifetime and the 20th century as a whole. The fair isn’t just for furniture; there will also be 20th century lights, lamps and luminaires, glassware and ceramics, fabrics, books, advertising materials and accessories.

The Berne Design Fair takes place 5—6 March from 10:00 to 18:00 at the Zentrum Paul Klee. www.zpk.org

Fabulous Fasnacht

“The Niesen by Night” by Karin Widmer from the book “Mr. Whiskers, the Niesen Fox” by Judith Josi

“Bernese Gnomes and Mythical Creatures” is the theme for Fasnacht 2011. The bear will be freed from the Käfigturm, and thus Fasnacht will officially begin at 20:00 on Thursday 10 March. The children’s parade starts at 14:00 Friday afternoon on the Kornhausplatz and then makes its way to the Münsterplatz where kids can enjoy confetti fights and a concert of Guggemusik that isn’t quite as loud as the Monster Concert on Saturday. The main parade begins at Nydeggstalden at 14:30 Saturday afternoon and makes its way to the Bundesplatz, where the 54 groups will take part in the Monster Concert.

The Bärner Fasnacht is also on Facebook. www.facebook.com/baernerfasnacht

on the Jazzfestival’s official website www.jazzfestivalbern.ch.

The 36th International Jazzfestival Berne runs from 11 March to 21 May. The festival kicks off with a concert at the Theater National featuring JeanLuc Ponty and the Bireli Lagrène Trio.

Tuesdays through Saturday during the Jazzfestival there will be two concerts a night at Marianne’s Jazzroom. On Sunday 1 May the Wolverines Jazz Band play a benefit concert at the Dählhölzli Tierpark. Gala Night is 19 May at the Stadttheater Berne. Prelocation tickets are available at www.startickets.ch or

On 17 March 2011 the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which was created to combat famine and create better prospects for the future throughout the world, will turn fifty. Under the motto “Fifty years SDC—More than aid”, the SDC is hosting several events throughout the year to celebrate its first fifty years and to contemplate the future. The first of these events is an audiovisual exhibition called “Die andere Seite der Welt” (The Other Side of the World) at the Käfigturm in Berne. The exhibit is open to the public 10 March to 25 June and is free of charge. www.kaefigturm.ch

The Berne Grand Prix Billed as the ten most beautiful miles in the world, the Berne Grand Prix is the biggest racing event in Germanspeaking Switzerland and loads of fun for both runners and spectators. About 20,000 people of all ages and abilities are expected to sign up for the race which will take place on 14 May. www.gpbern.ch (German and French)

On 11 April 20ll a new children’s book in English will be launched at the Buchhandlung Krebser in Thun. “The Tale of Mr. Whiskers, the Niesen Fox” is written originally in English, and translated beautifully into German under the title “Die Geschichte vom Niesenfuchs”. Local firm Schlaefli und Maurer are the publishers.

Author Judith Josi tells the story of the fox whose evening task is to light the beacon at the top of the mountain, seen from both near and far. The story combines a world of imagination with the real animal world based on the Niesen. The 40 pages are enchantingly illustrated by Karin Widmer, a freelance illustrator of children’s books.

The price of the German hard cover version is CHF 32, and of the English soft cover version around CHF 25. It will be available in most bookstores in the Berne area from April of this year.

All proceeds will go to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund at the Insel Hospital in Berne. The author will forego any royalties.

To reserve your copy of the book in English, please contact Judith Josi on judith.josi@muri-be.ch or for further details ring 031 951 54 94.

BERNE

Springtime is Jazz Time

Exhibit at Käfigturm

Mr. Whiskers, the Niesen Fox

Contributed by Hilary Sharp

24

Cecily’s Fund British-Swiss volunteers transform the lives of Zambian orphans.

A

lison and Basil Eastwood, who lived in Berne while Basil was serving as British Ambassador to Switzerland, established Cecily’s Fund—a UK registered charity—in memory of their daughter Cecily. She died tragically in a road accident during her gap year in Zambia, where she was volunteering with an organisation to help children orphaned by AIDS. Working with local partners, Cecily’s Fund now enables more than 9,500 children to go to school. Each year in school gives them more skills and confidence to improve their chances of earning a living, and of staying healthy and safe from HIV when they leave.

BERNE

Swiss Friends of Cecily’s Fund (SFCF) is a local charity that has supported this amazing work from the beginning, and continues to do so with various events throughout the year. Having formerly lived in Africa myself, I was drawn to Cecily’s Fund’s work with African children, and by its Swiss and UK links.

I was particularly inspired by the way Alison and Basil had made something positive in the long term come from the tragedy of losing a child.

Although the cause being supported is a very serious one, raising funds for charity can be enormous fun. Establishments such at the International School of Lausanne, the American International Women’s Club of Lausanne and the Scots Kirk in Lausanne have organised many fundraising events for SFCF, including talent shows, Christmas pantos, sponsored runs, jam sales and golf tournaments—which between them have raised thousands of francs to pay for shoes, uniforms, pens and exercise books for Zambian children who would otherwise have had no opportunity to go to school. The International School of Lausanne alone has raised enough over the years to help more than a thousand children go to school. A Swiss Friend of Cecily’s Fund, Cynthia Gunn, did a sponsored walk in 2008 around the entire perimeter of Lake Geneva despite having recently had surgery on her feet!

Nicholas Marquardt organised over 100 people in a sponsored run for Cecily’s Fund—as part of the “Course à Travers Pully”, which spans 10 km of beautiful Swiss countryside, surrounded by

Hilary with a Cecily’s Fund supported student and family

mountains, lakes, and vineyards. In December Diva Opera—one of Britain’s top chamber opera companies—put on a sparkling performance of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Theatre du Passage in Neuchâtel.

In July 2010 I joined Alison, Basil and a group including Sandra Darra, the Honorary British Consul and other Swiss Friends of Cecily’s Fund, on a trip to Zambia to see for ourselves the work we were helping to make possible. The trip was full of unforgettable images and encounters, and a journey which has charged me with the desire to raise consciousnesses about what I have seen and move people to support the work of Cecily’s Fund in one of Africa’s poorest countries.

Starting our journey at 6 am from Lusaka, we travelled 5 hours by bus to Kitwe in the Copperbelt region. Our hectic schedule included introductions and briefings by staff members of Hodi (the Zambian NGO whose education work Cecily’s Fund supports), meetings with contact teachers (the all-important link with the schools and the supported children), home visits to Cecily’s Fundsupported children, lunch with Peer Health Educators (former Cecily’s Fund funded pupils who are then trained to run HIV awareness workshops in schools), visits to students at Kitwe College of Education who also receive funding from Cecily’s Fund, plus a workshop with the Men from the Education Ministry, and a blast of facts and figures from CHEP, which runs the Peer Health Education programmes.

Along with their contact teacher, at the end of the school day we visited three pupils from Malela High School in their homes. They live in Mulanga Township on the outskirts of Kitwe, an overspill settlement not intended to last: it has no electricity, running water or plumbing—but an apparently indelible community has grown up, linked by myriad paths between mud brick houses. There are small displays of vegetables or bags of charcoal for

Garden pride

playing in groups with improvised toys, and everywhere food preparation over charcoal braziers.

We met a young man called Andrew (his name has been changed to protect his identity), who was forced to drop out of school after the death of his parents left him without funds to pay for his uniform, school materials and fees. Thanks to Cecily’s Fund, Andrew has now returned to school. He lives with his grandmother and younger sister. Andrew grows vegetables, as his deceased father taught him. Otherwise shy, he becomes animated as he shows us his crop.

sale before a house: this is how families eke out a living. Others might offer a valued skill such as hairdressing.

There is an air of community bustle in the township, children in uniform returning from a school shift, others

For more information about the work of Cecily’s Fund, and how you can join in with Swiss Friends of Cecily’s Fund’s events and activities, please contact me on foster-smith@t-online.de or Yvonne Bomonti on yvonne@bomonti.ch. More

information about Cecily’s Fund’s work can be found at: www.cecilysfund.org

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Hilary Sharp works at the University of Berne.

She is from the UK and moved to Switzerland in 2007. She formerly lived in South Africa.

www.successmatch.ch

BERNE

Personalized and Confidential Dating and Matchmaking

Contributed by Barbara Gnägi

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The Canton of Berne in Motion Berne has hosted yet another big sporting event in 2011. But this is not the only reason why the Canton of Berne is always on the move.

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fter successfully hosting games for the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, and crowning the ice hockey World Champion during the IIHF in 2009, Berne brought another major sport event to Switzerland. The 2011 ISU European Figure Skating Championship took place place in Berne in January. Over 200 athletes from 40 countries were competing for prized medals. Among them was Switzerland’s own ice princess Sarah Meier, who was very excited to perform in front of her home audience. Driven by her personal and professional motto “work hard, be yourself and have fun”, she surpassed her impressive results in 2007 and 2008, by becoming the European Champion.

The Berne Economic Development Agency (BEDA) invited exclusively 25 women for a VIP-Event to see Sarah Meier succeed.

BERNE

If you were inspired by the ISU European Figure Skating Championship, you have the opportunity to ice skate in a very special setting in front of the Parliament building (Bundeshaus) in Berne. The

ice rink on the Federal Square is open in January and February every year.

City and canton of sports Throughout the year, there are several sporting events taking place in the Canton of Berne. Be it national league ice hockey games, featuring SC Berne and EHC Biel/Bienne; football games starring super league clubs BSC Young Boys and FC Thun, or events like FIS Ski World Cup in Adelboden and Wengen, as well as the Allianz Suisse Open tennis tournament in Gstaad; there is always something on the move in this canton.

Endless possibilities If sport is not your preferred pastime, there are many other interesting things to do in the Canton of Berne: visiting the expansive Bären-Park, admiring art at the Paul Klee Museum or the architecture of Westside – the new shopping mall just outside Berne.

BEDA publishes the annual magazine “bernecapitalarea”, where you will find interesting stories on businesses,

research and development, as well as lifestyle and cultural topics. You can order the magazine online at www. berneinvest.com/bernecapitalarea_en or read it as an ePaper. For news and general information regarding basic needs and easy assimilation for Berne’s English-speaking community, please visit www.berneinvest.com/wohnen_ en. If you are thinking about relocating your business to the Canton of Berne, we are ready to assist you in joining the wide range of renowned international companies already headquartered here – such as Cemex, eBay International, Pepsico and Swatch Group.

New events for expats With two new events initiated in 2010, BEDA is continuously expanding the opportunities for expats to increase their networks. The Berne Expat Breakfast fosters closer social and business contacts among expatriates, local businesses, embassies, international clubs, schools and other related organizations. In 2010, four Berne Expat Breakfasts were held at eBay International, Universal Postal Union, CSL Behring AG and PepsiCo. The series of breakfasts will continue to offer expats the possibility to get to know Berne’s companies in 2011 (see www.berneinvest.com/expatbreakfast for the dates).

2010 also saw BEDA launch another new event. Prior to the Berne International Business Cocktail, ambassadors and commercial counselors were invited to attend the first Ambassadors’ Reception Canton Berne. Ninety guests from 35 countries attended the reception, held at Berne’s City Theatre. Andreas Rickenbacher, Minister of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Berne, wants to remain in close personal contact with the ambassadors and plans to hold the event every other year. This year BEDA will be hosting the 12th Berne International Business Cocktail.

A lovely spring day at the Bären-Park

Berne Economic Development Agency www.berninvest.com

Contributed by Matthias Müller

S

ome people love theatre, and some people love theatre so much that they actually go on stage and go through the tedious business of rehearsal after rehearsal—in order to put a working production on stage. But then there are people who are so addicted to theatre that they feel the need to found their own society. And a need like this might result in the founding of a theatre group such as The Caretakers.

The Caretakers is a Berne-based, non-profit-making theatre society aimed at encouraging English amateur theatre without restricting itself to standard performances of established playwrights only. Instead, they want to promote stage productions in general—including readings, drama workshops, improvised theatre, musical and musical acts. They are particularly looking to encourage people who write their own plays and want to put them on stage. Thus the society mainly wishes to support the theatre productions or other productions of its society members.

This allows for several productions to run concurrently. But for now, first of all The Caretakers have to get started properly.

The founding members of The Caretakers have known each other for several years, all being affiliated in some way to the English Department at the University of Berne. The departmental drama

group, The Art’s Council, has been host to countless theatre productions over the years, and has given students the opportunity to act on stage. Over the last few years, the casts and crews of the various productions launched

by The Art’s Council have consisted of many actors and participants with a keen desire to take part in at least one production a year. The problem was, however, that some of them had already completed their studies and were no longer attached to the University while still wanting to be involved in drama activities.

This led to the founding of a society that was not connected to the University in any way, and that would welcome anybody interested in English theatre—students or non-students, teaching staff or non-teaching staff.

That is how Nathalie Dulio, Alexander Sigrist, Marcel Röthlisberger, Simon Hicks, Eva Grädel, Diana Leuenberger and Matthias Müller got together and decided to lay the foundations for a proper theatre society that matched their various individual ideas and backgrounds, and opened up the opportunity for them to finally get on stage and to encourage other people to join them.

Prior to the founding of the society proper, which took place on 21 October 2010, they informed as many people

27

Currently The Caretakers are preparing their first production to be held on 17, 18 and 19 May 2011 at the ONO Theatre in Berne. The dates are drawing ever nearer and some of the plays are still in the last stages of creation. At the moment of writing there is little information available about the plays to be performed at the ONO Theatre.

What can be confirmed, however, is that there will be six plays all written and performed by the members of The Caretakers. And true to the theme of the evening, “Making History”, these will address familiar issues like love, life, death and friendship in ways that might be surprising to the spectator.

For more information about The Caretakers and their activities, and about how to become a members and offer support, please visit the website at www.thecaretakers.ch. You can also contact them at info@thecaretakers.ch Matthias Müller is a student of English Linguistics and Literature at the University of Berne, and is currently finishing his Master studies. Apart from his studies, when he’s not on stage he’s fascinated by all sorts of music and likes to hide behind the sound-mixing desk in his bedroom. A founding member of The Caretakers, he was elected PR Manager at the society’s foundation meeting last October.

BERNE

How an enthusiastic new society is promoting English theatre in Berne.

interested in joining as possible, and dragged them all to a preliminary meeting. The subsequent initial assembly was held last May, attended by numerous people. In order to get the group off to a good start, it was decided to stage a one-act play evening called “Making History”. As the founding members of The Caretakers believe all the members should take an active role in the society, it was agreed that the plays should be written by those willing to participate themselves. In mid-August the group held a very productive workshop to gather some first ideas, by which time some of the plays had already taken shape in their heads.

28

Cooperation of ISBerne with K12 Inc The International School of Berne cooperates with K12 Inc, one of the largest providers of proprietary curriculum and online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school.

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n 15 November representatives of K12 Inc and the International School of Berne (ISBerne) signed a definitive agreement of cooperation.

BERNE

For ISBerne the cooperation opens up new perspectives for the longterm development of the school. “The Cooperation is a great opportunity for the future of ISBerne,” Mr David Arthern, President of the Board of Directors of ISBerne said. “It will offer added values to students and parents and will distinguish ISBerne from its competitors.” ISBerne is a renowned International Baccalaureate World School with 50 years of tradition. The CIS and NEASC accredited school is an inclusive school and authorized to offer all three of the IB Programmes: the Primary Years, the Middle Years, and the Diploma Programme. ISBerne Diploma Programme students graduate with a prestigious IB diploma and have been accepted for entrance to first-class universities throughout the world. In the 2010 May exams ISBerne students attained 100 % pass rate.

ISBerne is a renowned International Baccalaureate World School with 50 years of tradition

For K12 Inc the cooperation will bring an enhancement of the range of international courses, which give students in more than 50 countries access

K12 Inc’s courses give students in more than 50 countries access to a high quality education

to a high quality education. “We’re very enthusiastic about ISBerne joining the K12 family,” said Ron Packard, founder and CEO of K12 Inc. “We believe ISBerne’s experience in international programmes strengthens K12’s position as a leader in education and the synergies created by this partnership will broaden our curriculum.” More information on K12 can be found at: www.K12.com More information on ISBerne can be found at: www.isberne.ch

International School of Berne Mattenstrasse 3 3073 Gümligen Tel. 031 951 23 58 office@isberne.ch www.isberne.ch

Contributed by Anitra Green

Round About the Gotthard

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A journey over some of the most spectacular passes in the Alps.

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veryone knows the Gotthard passhead – the lake, the beautiful ring of mountains, the hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and so on – and you tend to think that once you’ve been over it, that’s it for the Gotthard region.

But stay and explore this area for a few days, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Here we changed to a postbus to go over the Lukmanier pass – steep and heavily wooded on the way up and slightly less so on the way down. At the top the driver made a coffee stop – I skipped the coffee and admired the view, which from 1900m is quite something. On the other side is a lovely little place called Olivone in Ticino, where there was another pause. These pauses are not just for the tourists; they’re also for

Stunning views at the Nufenen pass-head

The steam train at its highest point, the station at Furka

the drivers, who have a demanding job negotiating hairpin bends all day, even with the modern postbuses – which I have to say are magnificent.

On to Biasca down the Brenno valley, which is very popular with Swiss families looking for something off the beaten track. Here we took the train back to Andermatt via Airolo, and were glad we weren’t travelling by road when we saw the congestion at the tunnel!

The Gotthard itself was a must, and we duly took the postbus up the following morning, past the famous Devil’s Bridge on the old mule trail, made the obligatory stop by the lake at the top, then down the other side, where you have a superb view of the very windy old road. At Airolo (again – it’s a busy place in a lovely setting) we took another postbus over the Nufenen pass.

The Nufenen to my mind is the most spectacular of all. At almost 2500m, the view is unparalleled, and it was great to have half an hour to explore, despite the attractions of the restaurant. If the view from the top was marvellous, the way down was breathtaking: anybody who can conceive the idea of building a road down a slope that steep, then doing it, is either crazy or a genius.

It’s a long way down to the Obergoms – a gorgeous valley well-known for crosscountry skiing in winter and walking in summer. Oberwald, at the top, was very busy late summer last year, for the last stretch of the splendid old steam railway over the Furka pass via Gletsch to Realp had finally been completed.

Though the train was booked out till the end of the season, we had seats with all the other snap-happy tourists from all over the world and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I even bought some Alpine cheese at Furka station, where opening celebrations were still going on. Restoring the railway has mostly been done by train fans from all over the world, and the attention to detail is meticulous. This railway is only open in summer till October, and reservations are essential (www.furka-bergstrecke. ch).

So that was it – six passes in two days, superb scenery, and fine weather as well.

Of course we could have done better, for example with the four-pass postbus trip within the day, from Meiringen with lunch in Airolo. This is just one of several routes they run in the Gotthard area (www.postauto.ch). And this being Switzerland, there are excellent connections to all train services.

SWITZERLAND

We started in Andermatt (www. andermatt.ch) and set out to bag as many passes as we could by public transport. Our first trip took us over the Oberalpass with the MatterhornGotthard train MGB – a lovely route which winds up the hill giving you plenty of opportunity to photograph Andermatt, past the tranquil lake at the top and down a wide and picturesque valley (which even has a golf course) to Disentis. This is best known for its huge and beautiful monastery, and I made a mental note (again) to visit it.

For the gift of time.

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Coop‘s Online Supermarket is now in English!

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’ve often heard, and experienced myself, how challenging the grocery shopping experience is when first in a foreign land. The stores and parking lots (if any) are generally smaller, the checkout culture is a mystery, and the products are interesting, but not in English. You can, of course, bring along your Duden’s while shopping (“Baking Soda” is “Natron Bicarbonate de Sodium”). Or, you can go to www. coopathome.ch, and find the brands and product names you know from home – in English.

SWITZERLAND

coop@home is Coop’s online supermarket. Not only do you get to shop in English, but you get to have someone else do your shopping and bagging for you, and deliver it to your door – usually within an hour of your choice. For those who live outside the major agglomerations, you get front door delivery as well via the Swiss Post – at the same times and the same locations in which they deliver your packages. So Relax! From the comfort of your home you’ve access to a shop which includes fresh and frozen grocery items, pet food, household goods, liquor and the largest online wine selection in Switzerland. You have a large Coop supermarket at your fingertips, and all at the same prices as in store shopping.

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The End of Lump Sum Taxation?

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For people benefiting from the lump sum taxation, a cold wind is blowing through the country– but that is no reason to pack your bags! ne peculiarity of the Swiss tax system is that foreign nationals who live in Switzerland but who do not work here have the right to pay a fixed amount of tax per annum instead normal income tax and (cantonal) wealth taxes. This form of taxation based on expenditure is known as lump sum taxation (Pauschalbesteuerung).

At present the basis for assessment is normally five times the rental value of the taxpayer’s own house or five times the rent that he or she pays and bears no relation to actual income or wealth.

In addition to the statutory minimum basis for assessment, general everyday expenditure is also calculated, based on factors such as family size and lifestyle.

In addition, a control calculation is applied to produce a lower limit for assessment basis. The higher value in each case then serves as the basis for assessment for the calculation of the sum of tax that has to be paid.

For decades, numerous foreign nationals have taken advantage of this Swiss peculiarity, including many high profile personalities such as Michael Schuhmacher and Victor Vekselberg.

At present, some 4500 people in Switzerland benefit from the lump sum taxation, most of them living in the cantons of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Ticino and Graubünden.

As the special treatment of rich foreign tax payers has led to an increasing resentment among Swiss people, primarily due to concerns over the fairness of this tax system, a fierce and controversial political debate on the abolition or restriction of lump sum taxation is currently underway. Those in favour of the current system point to studies that have shown that the people benefiting from the lump sum taxation in Switzerland are still a major source of income, and that they bring economic growth and generate jobs.

The Federal Council is now proposing that the basis for the assessment for lump sum taxation for both federal and cantonal taxes should be increased to seven times the notional rental value or seven times the rent paid. In relation to direct federal taxation, a minimum assessment basis of CHF 400,000 should also be introduced. For example: take a notional rental value for an apartment of CHF 30,000. CHF 30,000 x 7 = CHF 210,000. However, as the minimum assessment basis amounts to CHF 400,000, it is this amount (and not the CHF 210,000) that is used as the basis for calculating the amount of tax due.

The current position in the cantons varies. In the Canton of Zurich, voters decided to abolish lump sum taxation back in 2009.

In the Cantons of St. Gallen, Bern, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, AppenzellAusserrhoden and Thurgau, voters will have the opportunity to decide on whether to abolish lump sum taxation in the coming year. In the Canton of Glarus, the People’s Assembly will vote on the issue in May 2011

With or without lump sum taxation, Swiss tax law offers an abundance of reasons to stay

careful planning the tax burden can still be kept at an advantageously low level, according to the Swiss tradition.

As a result, changes in the system of lump sum taxation are far from being a reason for leaving Switzerland. They should however provide the impetus for reviewing your tax situation and for putting plans in place to optimise your future tax position.

In the Canton of Basel-Stadt, a bill on the abolition of lump sum taxation has been drawn up.

In the Cantons of Zug and BaselLandschaft, petitions calling for the abolition of lump sum taxation have been started.

In several cantons, parliamentary requests for its abolition have also been submitted. Some have already been rejected, while others are still pending.

But regardless of whether the system of lump sum taxation is changed or even abolished, Swiss tax law still offers an abundance of opportunities to optimise the tax position, and with

Donatus Hürzeler Tax attorney Head of Tax and Legal for the Mittelland Area BDO AG E-mail: donatus.huerzeler@bdo.ch Tel.: 031 327 17 90

SWITZERLAND

O

Contributed by Laura Messenger

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Cars and Art at the Geneva Auto Show Motoring delights to suit every taste.

W

hen it comes to cars, people fall into one of two categories. For those in the first category (and I admit I am one of them), a car represents nothing more than a machine that gets you from point A to point B. But for that second category of people, a car is a marriage of design and precision technology wrapped in metal (or even high-tech plastic). Once a year, the people in Category Two get their chance to marvel at the intersection of auto and art at the Geneva Auto Show.

Even those of us who, when we think of cars are more likely to think first of a 1980’s rock band than a Rolls-Royce, can discover something that catches our eye.

SWITZERLAND

The Geneva Auto Show is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Last year the salon, which featured over 150 world, European and Swiss premieres, attracted almost 700,000 visitors.

With about 40 percent of attendees coming from outside Switzerland, it is considered one of the most international of all auto shows. And there is something for everyone here.

You can find all manner of goods: not just vehicles but everything from auto parts and accessories to apparel and mini versions for future drivers. You may not be able to buy the full-size Ferrari, but there are numerous model editions for sale at the Auto Show.

Even those who say they are not into cars (like me) can’t help but be dazzled by the displays that the automakers have devised; they find numerous ways to present their wares and in many cases create interactive experiences. I was charmed by one exhibitor’s space featuring rainbow walkways and a section in which I could throw virtual “paint” at a car to see what it would look like in different colors. At another booth, I could even get a manicure featuring a shade of nail polish

Fabulous Ferrari (Photo courtesy : Geneva Car Show Photos HD 2010 - © Chardonnens)

formulated in the same color as that of one of the manufacturer’s display models! When hunger strikes, don’t despair: you can find a spot to get food and drinks, maybe even a bit of bubbly.

The 2011 edition will take place 3-13 March at Geneva Palexpo (near the airport). Last year’s show focused heavily on eco-driving, with many manufacturers displaying electric and hybrid cars, and the featured color this year will once again be “green,” with an “eco pavilion” featured prominently in the exhibition space. Wear comfortable shoes—the space is huge and the number of exhibitors is dizzying—and if crowds make you nervous, try to go during the week when the number of attendees is smaller (weekends are very crowded).

Geneva Auto Show Quick Facts Opening times: Monday-Friday 10:00—20:00 Saturday-Sunday 09:00—19:00 Admission: Adults, CHF 16; children from 6-16 and pensioners, CHF 9; group rate (more than 20 people), CHF 11 per person. There is a 50 percent

discount on all entry tickets sold on site after 16:00.

Getting there: Yes, it’s an auto show, but consider leaving your own in your driveway as the roads to Palexpo can be congested and parking can be difficult.

Instead of driving, you can take various Geneva Public Transport (TPG) buses, or you can catch a Swiss rail train to Geneva airport station. Combination transport/show admission tickets are available from TPG and from Swiss Rail.

For more information about the show, including a list of exhibitors, visit the show’s website at www.salon-auto.ch Laura Messenger Writer and researcher originally from the US, Laura has lived in Switzerland since 2001. Her interests include travel and dance. When not exploring the world, she can be found either in Geneva’s Pâquis or in the mountains of France’s Haute Savoie.

© 2010 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Brief News from Romandie

37

Neuchâtel Celebrates 1,000 years in 2011

Geneva International Book and Press Fair 29 April—3 May The Geneva International Book and Press Fair is the largest cultural and educational meeting-place organised every year in Switzerland, and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The event brings together members of the public along with authors, editors, booksellers, distributors, journalists and everything to do with the written word, culture and the media. Opening hours 09:30—19:00 (except for Monday evening until 21:30). www.salondulivre.ch/en/

Faster Geneva-Paris trains Fancy a weekend in the French capital?

Now you can get there even more quickly: the high-speed train from

“Open your windows” to celebrate Neuchâtel’s 1000th

Geneva takes just three hours five minutes thanks to the re-opening of an old line that cuts off a huge corner through the Jura mountains—just as fast as taking the plane and a lot less hassle. Called TGV Lyria, the service now offers nine trains a day in each direction instead of seven, and if you travel first class, you’ll be served an appetizing meal at your seat as part of the deal. But don’t expect high speeds on the re-opened line, which was built through difficult country in 1877: on the other hand the scenery’s so spectacular you really don’t mind. TGV Lyria also runs fast trains to Paris from Lausanne, Berne/Neuchâtel and Zurich/Basel. www.tgv-lyria.com

Magazine and website for Romandie—Loisirs.ch There are plenty of ideas of where to go and what to do in the Romandie area within the pages of “Hello Switzerland”.

However, if you are looking for even more suggestions, then you may want to take at look at the quarterly magazine and website called Loisirs.ch. The articles are in French but they contain

lots of useful information on leisure activities, suggestions for weekend entertainment, interviews and more.

Their last winter issue included an article on indoor rock climbing (for adults and children), and another on reasonably priced bed and breakfasts in Francophone Switzerland. Look out for it in newsagents or check out the site: www.loisirs.ch

New Radio Station—Mountain Radio Verbier There is now a new local English radio station in the Verbier-St Bernard area.

The station began broadcasting from the beginning of January this year.

Listeners will get the latest information on snow conditions and weather, as well as daily event guides and a special music mix. The station says it aims to target all tourists who use English as a lingua franca. It also hopes to create a bridge between these tourists and the local population, by talking about the rich cultural life of the region. Full details of the station’s frequency and shows can be found on: www.mountainradioverbier.com

ROMANDIE

The beautiful town of Neuchâtel celebrates its 1,000th year anniversary in 2011 and on 24 April 1,000 volunteers will light up 100,000 candles in the centre of the town as part of the celebrations. There are many other events planned over the year from photography exhibitions to contemporary dance events, including the creation of a massive forestry project called “Arbres du Milliénnaire” (in collaboration with WWF). Another interesting event on the agenda is a theatrical spectacle called “Ouvrez les Fenêtres”. Here windows of the old houses in the Rue Louis Favre will be thrown open and a small piece of theatre will be enacted in each window for the general public watching from the street below. There is a website listing the full programme of events for visitors over this important celebration. See www.1000ne.ch

Contributed by Zuzana Kawaciuková

38

Geneva’s Tower of Babel Other ways to learn French.

In the winter issue of our magazine (December 2010), we featured an article about the intensive courses held over the summer at the university of Geneva aimed at improving language skills in French. In this issue Zuzana recounts some different experiences of language learning amongst Geneva’s foreign population.

A

pproximately 40% of Geneva’s inhabitants are foreigners. Yet while the level of Swiss unemployed was only 2.7% in 2007, the number of jobless foreigners was three times that number—and higher amongst those from the Balkans and Southern Europe compared to the nationals of Northern Europe.

ROMANDIE

The authorities have been motivating immigrants to become full members of the community. The Swiss Bureau de l´Intégration des Étrangers (DSPE) is offering a helping hand by sponsoring French language courses. In 2010, the budget for language courses taught in the canton of Geneva amounted to CHF 890,000. This figure is expected to be increased annually, to meet rising demand.

The courses are mainly tailored to cater for economic immigrants caught up in the vicious circle of trying to establish a life, or find a job, without a basic knowledge of French. Learning the language also gives people immediate confidence, and helps them to integrate through being able to fend for themselves and solve their own daily problems, according to Anais Loutan, project coordinator for DSPE. “Lacking any knowledge of French, immigrants might feel paralyzed without access to information, resulting in ignorance of their basic rights and an inability to deal with the authorities,” she adds.

Josefa Martin, a 65-year-old Spanish pensioner, made the decision to stay in Geneva once she became a young

widow with three small children soon after her arrival there 39 years ago.

She never had time to learn French and worked solely in a Spanish-speaking job. Following her retirement her grandchildren encouraged her to take a French course. After three years on the Appren´tissage course, organized by the Town Hall of Plan-les-Ouates (a suburb of Geneva), she believes she has finally found her freedom. “It’s not just that I’ve met friends I can spend time with,” says Josefa, “but now I’m independent and I can do things on my own.” She feels confident arranging a doctor’s check-up or calling a plumber to fix the sink. “I have opened up and I don’t feel shy any more,” she adds proudly.

Appren´tissage began originally as a small course run by a group of enthusiastic supporters, soon growing into the professionally organized program it is today. The inhabitants of Plan-les-Ouates take French classes at three different levels for 90 minutes twice a week, paying the very modest fee of CHF 60 a year, where parents are encouraged to bring their young children, to be supervised by volunteers and exposed to the French language as well.

“The way the children of immigrants think about living in Geneva is critically affected by how much their parents feel integrated,” says Madeleine Sanchez, a former primary school teacher, who has been teaching on the program for three years.

Fakhria, a Kurdish political refugee from Iraq and mother of two young boys, had picked up only a few French phrases after more than 12 years of living in Geneva. Her main objective now in wanting to learn French is to make the lives of her children easier and to be able to help them with homework. Fakhria would love to return to her country, but she says this can only happen when the Kurds have been granted genuine autonomy.

For the time being, she wants to live a normal life in Geneva—to be able to talk to the teachers, deal confidently

The French class

with paperwork and speak French with her neighbors.

Another establishment promoting the importance of the integration of the future immigrant-Swiss generation is École de Parents, every year teaching more than 1,000 parents of children attending kindergartens and primary school. Although it is difficult to measure the outcome precisely, more than ten years of running the program has proved a successful tool in integration.

“Helping parents to integrate, and how to understand the Swiss school system and communicate with school staff are our primary goals,” says Beatrice Favre, director of École des Parents. The courses are free, except for advanced level and conversation, where a fee of CHF 40 per year applies.

The investment is clearly paying off.

According to an official report, the integration of Francophone foreigners who have been part of the school system has reached 80%, compared with 60% in the German-speaking and 67% in the Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland.

Says Beatrice Favre: “The new generation of foreigners, the children of immigrants attending schools in Geneva, will be better off in the future.”

Zuzana Kawaciuková is a journalist on maternity leave with young children. She is interested in home movie and video editing and has lived in Geneva for three years.

Contributed by Catherine Nelson-Pollard

At the Crease with Cossonay Cricket Club

39

D

espite cricket not being a national sport of Switzerland it still has a big following amongst fans, as there are 19 clubs which play across the country.

The Cossonay Cricket Club is one of these, set in the picturesque village of Cossonay just above Morges.

23 years not out 23 years later the club is the only club in Switzerland that has its own grounds and a permanent strip which is exclusively used for cricket. The club has over 30 playing members and more than 100 supporters receive its newsletter. The club also has the full backing of the local council (who even maintain the grass for them and provide a lock-up facility), and regularly attracts visiting players to the village through interclub matches.

The club holds social events such as fish and chip suppers (served with traditional mushy peas and homemade pickles!) or curry evenings. In winter the club remains open as it has a fully equipped indoor facility with a bowling machine and practice nets.

John McKillop, the club’s Public Relations Officer, says he is pleased to see that the club has developed over the years into the thriving organisation it is today. “Not only are we lucky enough to have the leading cricket ground in Switzerland,” he says, “but also a healthy membership which includes younger players. The club is fully equipped to accommodate junior members of all ages with special bats, pads, gloves etc.

Some youngsters find out about cricket when they try it out for the first time during *Passeport-Vacances week and

Cossonay Cricket Club

discover they like it so much they come back to the club to play again. The club has twice reached the semi-finals of the Swiss Cup and we are looking forward once more to a summer season playing in this beautiful part of Switzerland.”

Cricket Club also has a women players’ section and they compete in interclub matches. If you are interested in playing or even just going along to watch a game, then see www.cossonay-cricket. com for full details.

The club says it is “a friendly but competitive club” and they are always on the lookout for new players. Their members are international from around the globe, including Switzerland. The

* Passeporte-Vacances is a volunteer run programme for youngsters between the ages of 10 to 15 to enable them try out new sports and activities.

AUTOCIEL AND ZURICH4YOU HAVE JOINED FORCES TO REDEFINE THE TERM ‘JOYRIDING’ You are invited to join us on a day to remember. Test drive either Ford Mustang, Audi Q5 or a Mini Countryman on a day trip to the Ballenberg Museum – www.ballenberg.ch Y ou will be provided with your car and drive 120km, approximately 2 hours to the Ballenburg Open Air Museam where we will all enjoy a typical Swiss meal and a guided tour of the historical site before returning your new love to the Autociel rep. in the evening.

For further information please visit www.zurich4you.ch/a_joy_ride.html

ROMANDIE

According to the website, the idea for the club started back in 1988 on “a wind-swept, rainy Sunday afternoon in July, when three cricket enthusiasts sat around a beer-laden table”. They were in the premises of the English-Speaking Club of Lausanne and they decided that “the region needed a cricket club: there was equipment available and there seemed to be enough interested potential players”.

Contributed by José Santiago

40

A night out in Lausanne A musician reveals all about the vibrant city catering to everyone’s taste.

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ausanne offers a wide and eclectic array of nightlife venues that are definitely worth climbing its steep streets for. Whether you are planning a pub-crawl with friends, looking to sweat it out on the dance floor, or just searching for a place to enjoy good quality live performances, Lausanne has it all. So let’s take a walk uphill and discover what the city has to offer.

Live Music and Good Spirits By far my favorite spot is Le Bourg (www.le-bourg.ch), a hip and popular café bar that hosts a variety of concerts and shows. Want to flaunt your talent?

You can perform original songs, share a poem, show off your skills playing musical spoons or act out a scene from your favorite play at Le Bourg’s Scene Libre. It will quite literally give you your 15 minutes of fame (registration via website or telephone is required).

Also top of the list is Bleu Lizard (www. bleu-lezard.ch), a neat little package for those looking for a fun night out.

A bistro-bar popular amongst locals, it has an adjacent nightclub where you can enjoy a varied program of live performances. If you are dying to play with fellow musicians, Bleu Lizard plays host to jam sessions aptly named

Blue Jam, where you can hop on stage and play your favorite tunes.

Looking for a place that’s more low key? Bar Tabac (http://bartabac.ch) offers a cozy and classy atmosphere.

It’s a place to take your time alone or in the company of friends with a good selection of bottled beers, wines and single malt whiskies, yet despite the name it’s still a smoke-free space!

Alternatively, the Tacos Bar (www. tacos-bar.ch) in the heart of Flon offers a great space for those who enjoy live classic rock and blues. Located in a vast vaulted basement, it has decent TexMex food and multiple pool tables that add to the laid-back environment.

Meet, Drink, and be Merry The Great Escape (www.the-great. ch) is one of the more popular spots in Lausanne, especially among expats and students. It’s a great bar that arguably offers one of the best burgers in town and when global sports events are scheduled, it’s an ideal place to support your country/team on their multiple large TV screens. For more avid Anglophone sports fans—football, cricket and rugby are always covered at Ouchy’s White Horse Pub, that has the

The White Horse

authentic “ye olde Englishe pub abroad” feel to it.

Café Luna (www.cafe-luna.ch) on the other hand offers a more upscale vibe, being casual and trendy. Although in reality it appears more trendy than casual, as people go to check who is better decked out with the latest gear.

Still, it offers a lounge-like environment with live DJs where you can enjoy a good cocktail.

For a more up-market experience Kai Zen (www.kaizenrestaurant.com) offers classy cocktails served to you à la Tom Cruise or a decent bottle from their sophisticated wine list.

ROMANDIE

With such diverse venues, Lausanne can accommodate everyone’s particular taste. Whether planning to go solo or in good company, you will certainly find a corner to your liking, and I can say with certainty that you will want to repeat a night out in this vibrant city.

Shopping by day, partytime by night.

José Santiago is a musician, writer and language teacher who currently resides in Lausanne. Check out his website at www.donpinguino.com

Contributed by Catherine Nelson-Pollard

Lunch in the Footsteps of Richard Burton

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The Buffet de la Gare in Céligny.

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here are many restaurants across Francophone Switzerland called Buffet de La Gare; indeed the canton is well served by railway stations and many of them have a café alongside them. However the Buffet de la Gare in Céligny (15 km from Geneva) differs slightly from the rest, not only because the railway station that it faces is now defunct, but because the restaurant has a big claim to fame: for many years it was the watering hole and favourite spot of the British actor Richard Burton.

The restaurant today remains a favourite place for locals and visitors from afar.

The vine-covered building provides summer shade for outdoor terrace eating, and has an interior dining room in a mixture of art nouveau décor and elegant mirrors. Advertising signs, posters and plants all add up to a warm

A mouth-watering entrée

The Buffet de la Gare

but slightly quirky ambiance. However the restaurant’s food and service is anything but quirky: crisp white linen tablecloths adorn the tables, tall wine glasses and tableware are neatly aligned for an elegant (but not pretentious) dining experience.

One of the specialities of the restaurant is filet de perche and fish from Lac Léman, and on the day I visited, the menu offered an entrée of “Terrine de Féra fumée du lac et son coulis de poivrons doux”—a mouth-watering marriage of fish and sweet peppers in a creamy terrine. My fellow diner chose a vegetable quiche as part of the plat du jour entrée and found it equally delicious with perfect pastry and vegetables.

There was a good selection of main courses on the menu from duck to lamb to Noix de St Jacques, to a vegetarian option of poêlée de champignons. All the dishes are warmly and perfectly presented with a careful attention to detail. A laden cheese board looked extremely tempting but we chose desserts, profiteroles smothered in dark chocolate sauce for me and a fresh fruit tart for my companion, again both excellent. The price (without wine) for two non-alcoholic apéros, two entrées, one plat du jour, a main course, water and two desserts came to CHF 122.50.

Not your everyday railway station prices but considering its link to a former

stellar actor, not stratospheric either.

A restaurant very much to be recommended. Closed Sunday and Monday—Reservations advised. Buffet de la Gare de Céligny, Route de Founex 25 1298 Céligny. Tel 022 776 270 www.buffet-gare-celigny.ch Extra Facts: Check out the menu updated regularly on the restaurant’s website. You can also watch a video of when the restaurant was featured in a Swiss TV programme.

Richard Burton fans can visit his grave in the old cemetery in Céligny, a pretty and peaceful short walk from the centre of the village.

Catherine Nelson-Pollard is British, living in Nyon, and writes about expatriate issues for various UK and Swiss publications.

She can be heard on World Radio Switzerland, Thursdays, 18:10, talking about expat life. www.catherinenelson-pollard.com/ Blogs: www.livinginnyon.com/ http://the-perpetual-expatriate. blogspot.com/

ROMANDIE

To readers under the age of 30 to whom the name Burton means little, suffice to say at the height of Burton’s fame the media frenzy around him and Elizabeth Taylor (his American actress wife) was the equivalent of the attention that now surrounds Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Burton lived in the village of Céligny near to the restaurant and although the great man is no longer around, there are still a few photos of him gracing the walls of the establishment.

Geneva

Cologne

Moscow

Munich

Vienna

Zurich

5-6 April 2011 Zurich Exhibition

Parallel events

10th Exhibition for Human Resource Management KEYNOTE-SPEAKER 2011 Dr. Frank Arnold, Director ARNOLD Management GmbH Die Kunst, die Intelligenz des eigenen Unternehmens zu nutzen  The lecture is introduced by Speakers Excellence April 05th, 2011 - 11:20 to 12:05, Forum 4

Dr.-Ing. Lars Vollmer, Managing Partner of Lean-Beratung V&S Swiss AG

Wissen ist gut, aber erst Machen macht besser  The lecture is introduced by Speakers Excellence April 05th, 2011 - 3:40 to 4:50, Forum 4

Matthias Mölleney, Director of Zentrum für Personalmanagement & Führung der Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich HWZ

Die Zukunft der Arbeitswelt

TOPICS Software Solutions Hardware Temporary Employment HR-Services Consulting Services Top Speaker New! Workshop: HR im Public Sector Swiss HR Award 2011 Training and further education

 The lecture is introduced by Serendi April 06th, 2011 - 3:40 to 4:50, Forum 4

Main sponsor

In cooperation with

Media partner

Advertorial

Highlight of Human Resources Trade Fair

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Personal Swiss is offering a full program to mark its 10th year.

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The winners of the Swiss HR Awards 2010: Syngenta (2nd place), Cantonal Bank St Gallen (3rd place), PostFinance (1st place) and ESPRIT Consultancy Services AG (special prize for the best small and medium-sized business)

and a brand-new workshop entitled “HR in the Public Sector”.

visitors to 260 exhibitors and some 3,500 visitors.

Over the last ten years this trade fair has grown from 60 exhibitors and 1,000

Personal Swiss can be seen as a seismograph measuring the present trends and challenges in personnel management. Despite the economic crisis it is recruitment that has been experiencing a boom. Many trade articles have focused on the utilisation of various recruitment channels.

Employers in the public sector in particular are faced with challenges, a factor that will be addressed in the “HR in the Public Sector” workshop.

Personal swiss 2011 Packimpex will be present during the Personal Swiss in Zurich on the 5 & 6 April 2011. Our team is looking forward to welcoming you at booth number e.11 in Halle 5 for a friendly coffee, to learn more about our services, for a free demonstration of our remote orientation tour and more.

To receive a free ticket worth CHF 25.– please email lukas.hayoz@packimpex.ch Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win a weekend away in our free prize draw also available at our booth!

The history of Personal Swiss has been marked by a spin-off into the growing field of continuing professional development. “Swiss Professional Learning” has been showcased since 2008, an independent trade fair for the development of personnel and executives, training and e-learning which is closely allied to the HR trade fair.

The Swiss eLearning Conference, or “SeLC”, first took place in 2009 in parallel to the HR summit. The conference sets itself apart with new methods in training for the digital age. This year’s focal point will be “Workplace Learning”.

Further information can be found at: www.personal-swiss.ch and at: www.professional-learning.ch

ZURICH

he Personal Swiss trade fair has good reason to celebrate: on 5 and 6 April 2011 the Swiss venue for the personnel sector in Zurich will be providing information for the tenth time on trends, services and products for successful management in Human Resources. On the occasion of their first decade the trade fair is offering a full program with seven keynote speeches, six podium discussions and numerous expert seminars. Another high spot will be the presentation of the 11th Swiss HR Awards on the second day of the fair. Further events taking place at the same time will be the fourth Swiss Professional Learning Conference, the second Swiss eLearning Conference

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Contributed by Allison Turner

Brief News from Zurich

45

The Panda turns 50!

The Giant Panda

Zurich and Winterthur cohost the International Ice Hockey Federation 2011 World Women Championship from 16 to 25 April. Eight teams compete, checking is illegal, and the ticket prices compare very favourably with any men’s games of similar calibre. www.powerofwomen2011.ch

mediaeval spectacle at Münsterhof in 2008 show some participants being “ducked” in the fountain. Their transgressions, if any, were not recorded, but they were shown smiling in the tavern later. A less messy form of audience participation will be part of this year’s event: Living Chess, with visitors as the pieces. Authenticallymade handicrafts as well as food and drink will be available for sale among the market tents. www.mittelalterspectaculum.ch

Remembering the good old days

Sechseläuten

For those who yearn for a simpler time, there’s nothing like a historical mediaeval spectacle to take you back.

And the Gesellschaft zu Fraumünster (Fraumünster Society) that evolved from the Fraumünster Abbey, which ruled the city from 853 to 1524, are just the people to do it. The Gesellschaft zu Fraumünster will transform the Münsterhof square (right beside Fraumünster) into a mediaeval marketplace for the weekend of 20-22 May. Jugglers, dancers and musicians, all in mediaeval costume, will perform, while craftsmen demonstrate how their artifacts were made hundreds of years ago. And do watch your step, as the archive pictures from the previous

Zurichers can appreciate that, symbolically at least, winter will be over earlier than usual this year. Sechseläuten, the city’s traditional festival to say goodbye to winter, is on 11 April; usually it’s the third Monday of the month. The festivities include a children’s parade, the guilds’ parade and the burning of the Böögg.

The children’s parade is on Sunday afternoon; over 2,000 children in period costume and 800 musicians march three kilometres through town. The guilds’ parade on Monday afternoon features some 3,500 guild members dressed in period costume, walking or riding on horse-drawn wagons. The hapless Böögg is a firecracker-stuffed snowman who sits

Power of Women

atop a seven-metre-high stack of kindling.

The time it takes from when the bonfire is lit at exactly 18:00 to the Böögg losing his head is said to predict how nice the summer will be.

Along with welcoming spring, Sechseläuten serves to honour the guilds for their contributions to the city. The name Sechseläuten, meaning “six bells ringing”, refers to the fact that with the longer days of spring, the bells ringing the end of the workday will be at six rather than five. www.sechselaeuten.ch

Camps for Overweight Youth One-fifth of school-aged children in Switzerland are overweight, and the proportion is even higher in Canton Zurich. In an effort to reverse this trend, the canton launched a “Live lighter” programme a few years ago. One initiative has been summer camps for overweight 10- to 13-year-olds, who learn better eating and exercise habits against the lovely backdrop of the Bernese Oberland.

Now the canton has announced that a new sport camp for overweight 14- to 16-yearolds will be added, this one during the autumn holidays. www.sport.zh.ch/zack

ZURICH

The Swiss National Museum in Zurich marks the fiftieth anniversary of the World Wildlife Foundation, founded in Zurich in 1961, with an exhibition about the history of the organisation. The exhibition entitled “WWF: A Biography” will be partly indoors and partly outdoors.

The indoor portion brings to life the story of the development of the WWF, from the brainchild of a couple of dedicated British naturalists to a global network. The openair portion in the museum’s courtyard focuses on two of the most important environmental issues facing the world today: biodiversity and the ecological footprint. Visitors will be encouraged to calculate their own ecological footprints.

The exhibition runs from 20 April to 18 September. www.nationalmuseum.ch

For all the information you need for your life in Zürich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne & Zug: in English!

From local legalities and practicalities to comprehensive local business listings, your What’s On Guide for all across Germanspeaking Switzerland, FREE private classifieds and much, much more…

www.angloinfo.com

Open House Saturday, �� march ����, �.�� � ��.��am More information on www.fgz.ch

The monolingual and bilingual way at FGZ

www.fgz.ch

Contributed by Christine Gilbert

ZIWA: Your First Friend in Zurich

47

Funny where fate takes you, isn’t it?

W

ho would have thought that a dinner invitation from my husband’s colleague and his wife, six years ago, would have led to me sitting in Globus café today writing this? When my hostess asked me what I had been doing since my arrival in Switzerland just a few months previously, my answer of “Not a lot” prompted her to suggest that I join the “women’s group”.

The rest, as they say, is history.

I would not be living in the lovely apartment I’m now in—I found it through a ZIWA friend who was leaving Switzerland. Nor would I have been grape picking in my neighbourhood last season—the ZIWA Wine Discovery Interest Group introduced me to that activity, and I have done it every year since. Now when I’m out and about in town I’m greeted by fellow pickers and I can “Hoi Walti!” from across the street with the best of them.

Without ZIWA I would not have braved 20 kilometres of the Rhine rapids on a raft, or discovered that I’m a fan of

The Rafters

The Photo Club

caving, bodyflying and windsurfing but really not cut out to be a belly dancer. I probably wouldn’t have brushed up on my French, dabbled in sushi-making, improved my photography skills, taken alphorn lessons or hiked in every corner of Switzerland.

ZIWA has opened my eyes and expanded my knowledge in museums, galleries and towns throughout the country. It has even given me the chance to give something back to the local community by joining in one of its ReachOut volunteer work schemes.

The association was founded in 1985 by four women who wanted a friendship club catering for all nationalities. They saw that while larger countries were represented in Switzerland by their own clubs, women from smaller countries had no meeting place. Invitations to the first meeting were sent in November of that year, and the response by some 120 women was beyond the founders’ wildest expectations.

ZIWA has grown to about 750 members, representing approximately 70 nationalities from all corners of the world. Membership and its activities are open to women of all nationalities, colours, creeds, shapes, sizes and ages.

The youngest member is in her twenties and the oldest in her eighties.

All the club’s activities are run entirely by volunteer members, including the website (www.ziwa.com), monthly magazine (ZIWA NEWS), and all events. ZIWA is led by an Executive Board of seven members, supported by Interest Group Leaders who organise 75 different Interest Groups, including Book Clubs, Coffees, Language Conversation, Discussion, Creative, Food and Wine, Games, Out and About, and Sports and Fitness. ZIWA doesn‘t have an official headquarters; rather meetings and activities take place in various appropriate venues, from hotels and restaurants, to sports centres, to members’ homes. The annual membership fee is CHF 100, and the working language is English.

ZIWA bills itself as Zurich’s leading international women’s association, but I would go so far as to say that it’s the largest women’s group of its kind in Switzerland, and probably much further afield than that. Its aims of bringing together women of all ages and nationalities to help celebrate different cultures, expand viewpoints and build friendships have certainly worked for me. Find out just what you’re missing.

ZIWA P.O. Box 1022 8021 Zürich www.ziwa.com

ZURICH

The “women’s group” she was referring to was ZIWA, Zurich International Women’s Association. I will always be grateful to her. Without those few words of encouragement to join, I would probably not have stayed the course in Switzerland. If I had, my life would certainly have been much lonelier, much quieter and much less fulfilled.

Contributed by Carolyn Lüönd

48

Room to Read An organisation founded on the belief that world change starts with educated children.

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oom to Read believes that children can reach their full potential and contribute to their communities only if they can pursue a quality education.

Unfortunately, over 300 million children around the world, particularly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, do not have access to education. These young people need an effective educational infrastructure in their immediate neighborhoods if they are to learn to read and write. Hence Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.

Ever since its humble beginnings in Nepal back in 2000, when Room to Read delivered donated books to rural communities, our global organization has invested locally by hiring and empowering local teams to run our in-country operations. Room to Read works in close collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments. Convinced that sustainability and scale are the keys our programs’ success, we challenge local communities to co-invest in new initiatives. This ensures their active participation and gives them a sense of ownership.

ZURICH

Our impact & goal Since 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of more than four million children in Asia and Africa, and aims to reach 10 million children by 2015.

In conjunction with local communities, Room to Read has constructed over 1,100 schools, established over 10,000 libraries, published 433 new locallanguage children’s titles, and supported nearly 9,000 girls in their education.

Accountability, Transparency & Recognition For the second year in a row, Barron’s magazine has recognized Room to Read as a “high impact” giving

Room to Read library, Kampon Chhnang, Cambodia

organization in its annual “Top 25 Givers” issue. This year, Room to Read advanced two spaces in the rankings to place ninth overall. As well, for the fifth consecutive year, Room to Read has been awarded Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.

Our movement Room to Read has created a volunteer team with chapters in over 50 cities around the world. Through the chapters over 7,500 volunteers help to plan events and raise awareness for Room to Read.

Zurich Chapter The newly formed Zurich chapter is a growing group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, motivations and experiences who’ve made a volunteer commitment to promoting Room to Read within their networks. The Chapter fundraises, introduces potential corporate, foundation and individual supporters and acts as representatives.

A dinner and silent auction at the Hotel Alden in November raised CHF 11,000 to continue the mission.

Dedicated individuals are very welcome to participate in our volunteer

opportunities; we will be holding a commitment challenge for volunteers and potential volunteers (see below).

We can help people fundraise on their own by providing information and materials, and we need committee members for our development, volunteer management, events, annual fundraiser, communication and Students Helping Students committees.

Room to Read Zurich Chapter Commitment Challenge (13 March) Weisser Wind Oberdorfstrasse 20 8001 Zurich 16:00 - 18:30 To register and for further information, email: Switzerland@roomtoread.org

Contributed by Caroline Clarke

Eye-catching Rapperswil

49

The town sits at the east end of Lake Zurich in canton St. Gallen. riginally settled more than 5,000 years ago, it is packed full of history, culture, beautiful views and many opportunities for fun. Though its population is under 8,000, Rapperswil has something for everyone, young or old.

The three beautiful rose gardens in the town, which boast a total of 16,000 varieties of roses, give Rapperswil the nickname Town of Roses (Rosenstadt).

The rose garden in the grounds of the Capuchin Monastery is designed as a garden for the blind, with Braille signs and highly scented roses.

The old town (Altstadt) is dominated by the 13th century castle, which also houses a Polish Museum. The views from the castle are stunning and the quaint streets surrounding it are full of wonderful treasures for window shoppers. Below the castle is the Fischmarktplatz—thankfully no fishy smell lingers.

Rapperswil is the Riveria of Upper Lake Zurich, with its tree-lined path around the harbour. As a family we often visit this area when the sun comes out to feed the swans and ducks, enjoy the street entertainers, people-watch and soak up the views across the lake.

The harbour area has a bustling café culture, as soon as the weather is warm enough to sit outside without fifteen layers of clothing. There are many restaurants along this promenade with large outside seating areas and extensive menus including the essential ice cream desserts to linger over while soaking up the atmosphere. The place has quite an Italian feel and is very welcoming to families: some of the restaurants bring out crayons and paper for the younger guests and ensure they get their food quickly.

Right next to the harbour is the entrance to the Circus Museum; this is closely connected to the Swiss Circus dynasty

Familie Knie who have been present in the town since 1919. The Circus Museum has many exhibits including a dressing up area for children, and can also be hired out for interesting apéros.

The Knie Family Circus has a permanent base in the town, along with the delightful Kinderzoo, a main draw for families. Open from March until October, the zoo aims to promote interaction between animals and people. It is a child-friendly size and can easily be visited in an afternoon without feeling that you have missed half the animals. The opportunity to ride elephants, camels and ponies; feed elephants, ponies and donkeys; pose with a sea lion; take a carriage ride behind a Shire horse; and watch a sea lion show doesn’t come along every day—unless you are at the Kinderzoo.

My kids love this zoo and as soon as it opens for the season I am badgered into taking them. There is a large play area with slides, climbing frames, water play, an old train and much more. My kids have been known to make straight for the climbing frames, running past the rhinoceros, llamas and sea lions to show me how high they can climb (wince). On other days we time our visit around the elephant feeding and sea lion show. The zoo has two self-service cafés with a large outdoor seating area as well as several grill areas. Picnics are welcome, as are birthday parties. www.knieskinderzoo.ch

View of Rapperswil from the lake

article. Why not visit and see how many more you can enjoy—from the town Lido, to the great array of shops, to the children’s play areas, the annual Jazz festival www.bluesnjazz.ch, the seasonal markets, the museums, the art galleries and so much more. www.jona-rapperswil.ch

Another great asset to Rapperswil is the brew house. Here they brew and sell Rappigold, Blackbier and Maisbier as well as whisky. They also run workshops where you can brew your own beer. www.bierfactory.ch Rapperswil is easily reached by train, car or boat from Burkliplatz in Zurich.

Rapperswil has so many attractions that it is hard to summarise in one

ZURICH

O

Contributed by Allison Turner

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Brief News from Zug/Lucerne Dirty Hands Baar may not be the Bronx, but it is a surprising centre for hip-hop in Switzerland, thanks to the breakdancing group Dirty Hands. Dirty Hands was formed in 2001 and now comprises brothers Jan and Mark Dosenbach (26 and 30) from Baar, and Michael Hofmann (24) originally from Biel.

They put on breakdancing shows for companies and community groups and will be joining the Rock Circus show that tours Switzerland starting this spring. For braver folk, Dirty Hands also offers workshops that teach participants the basics of breakdancing and give them a feel for the music and their physical capabilities. If that (or a trial lesson, free on appointment) has you hooked, Dirty Hands also has classes for children seven and up, teenagers and adults, which combine choreography and practice. The classes are in German but the teachers all speak English as well.

The school is located at Oberneuhofstrasse 1 in Baar. For more information: www.dirtyhands.ch

The Boats are Back The ships on the Zug and Aegeri lakes return to their summer schedules on 24

Breakdancing by Dirty Hands

April and 1 May respectively.The full cruises on the Zug lake, from Zug to Arth and back, take about three hours, and are offered three times a day from Monday to Saturday, more on Sundays and holidays. On Sundays there are also one-hour cruises, which stay on the Zug half of the lake—or you can take the boat to Arth and the train back. The Aegeri lake is something of a hidden jewel, a fifth the size of its neighbour. A full-lake cruise takes an hour-and-a-half and runs twice a day. Regular cruises are part of the national rail network, meaning half-tax cards, G.A.s, Junior cards and day passes are all valid. The shipping companies on both lakes also offer special cruises, with food and everything from Jazz to dancing.These are year-round. www.zugersee-schifffahrt.ch

ZUG / LUCERNE

Greth Schell

Sailing on Lake Zug

Every year on the Monday of Fasnacht week, children shout “Greth Schällebei” as the old woman carries her drunken husband through the old town and back home. The carpenters’, turners’ and coopers’ guilds have kept this long-standing custom alive. Greth Schell is accompanied by seven jesters who throw handfuls of sweets to the children.

Sonnenberg­– 30 years in Baar Sonnenberg, the centre and school for blind and visually impaired children and youth, celebrates its 30th anniversary at its current location in Baar on 20 and 21 May. The institution was founded in 1925 and has moved and evolved several times over the years. It now offers both a day and boarding school, support and education for pre-school children and their parents, and assistance to teenagers as they train for their careers. www.sonnenberg-baar.ch

Swiss Museum of Transport The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne will participate in the International Museum Day on 15 May. This year’s international theme is “Museums and Memory”; museums store memory in the form of objects that belong to our natural and cultural heritage. Also at the Museum of Transport, a new special exhibit runs from 7 April to 23 October: Talent Show.

This exhibit allows you to explore and test your talents and discover new ones, as well as showcasing the diversity of the technical working world.

For more information: www.verkehrshaus.ch

Contributed by Barbara Bächler

Lucerne Fasnacht before the start of Lent.

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o one is neutral about the Lucerne Fasnacht: you either love it or you run a mile from it. As a true Lucerner, I myself have of course been looking forward to the three rüüdigen days for months.

Lucerne’s Fasnacht is one of the two major Fasnacht celebrations in Switzerland, along with Basel, and it has a long tradition. Some of the elements of Fasnacht as we celebrate it now date back to the 15th century.

The three rüüdigen days in Lucerne There are three particularly important days in the Lucerne Fasnacht: Schmutzige Thursday, Güdis Monday and Güdis Tuesday. Schmutzige in this case has nothing to do with dirt, but is rather an old dialect word for “fat”. The name harkens back to the old custom of eating plenty of fat sausages and sweets before the start of Lent. Güdis is derived from the word Güdel and means “stomach”. People would be sure to fill their bellies on these three days before the forty-day fast leading to Easter began.

Fasnacht begins on Schmutzige Thursday shortly before five in the morning, when a boat carries Brother Fritschi and his family on Lake Lucerne to the Schweizerhofquai. Brother Fritschi is the imaginary leader of the Zunft zu Safran, the oldest and largest guild in Lucerne.

Brother Fritschi and his family are led to Kapellplatz, where at exactly 5:00 Fasnacht opens with the Urknall (big bang), an explosion that can be heard throughout the city. Thousands of celebrants dance to the deafening Gugge music under the Fötzeliräge (confetti rain). At the end, Fritschi and his companions throw oranges to the crowd.

The second important day is Güdis Monday, organised by a different guild, the Wey-Zunft. On Monday Fasnacht begins at 6:00 by the BourbakiPanorama. More oranges are thrown to the crowd.

On Thursday and Monday afternoons there are parades, from Hofkirche, over the Seebrücke to Neustadt. Members of guilds and local businesses—and of course Guggi musicians—make their way through town, while stages mounted on wagons give performers the perfect position from which to satirize news and current events.

Another highlight of Fasnacht is the monster parade (known as Monstercorso or Monschterkonzärt) on Güdis Tuesday, the last day of Fasnacht.

All the participating Gugge musicians parade through the old town. Their order is determined by tradition, with older musicians at the front. The wild and rhythmic noise from almost 100 groups of trumpeters, trombonists and drummers is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Three things make Lucerne Fasnacht special: Guggen music Guggen musicians play an important part in the Lucerne Fasnacht. The name Gugge refers to any type of wind instrument, but Guggen music has strongly rhythmic undertones and is played off-key. The musicians are just slightly off the melody—you can recognize the melody but it just sounds a bit off. It is definitely easy to dance to and infectious—you can’t resist joining in. Every Guggen group has its own theme, which changes every year. The group then concocts extravagant costumes and masks to go along with this theme. In all, there are over 90 groups of Guggen musicians in the greater Lucerne area, who all join together for Fasnacht.

Masks Some people wear their own individual masks, while others prefer to match

Typical Fasnacht masks

theirs with their friends. Either way, the masks liven up Fasnacht and help make it unique. It’s amazing how much imagination and creativity people put into making their masks!

Strassenfasnacht The Lucerne Fasnacht is a real street festival, and the Guggen music and the masks are an important part of that. What makes it great is that it’s so chaotic and wild. Everyone can join in the disorganised mêlée.

Why should you come to the Lucerne Fasnacht? Because these three days give you the opportunity to see a completely different side of the generally downto-earth nature of Central Switzerland.

Nothing warms you better when the temperature dips below zero than a traditional Kafi Zwätschage (coffee with schnapps). And it’s simply wonderful to drift through the alleyways of Lucerne—in costume, of course!

This year Schmutzige Thursday is on 3 March. Not too long! www.luzerner-fasnacht.ch Barbara Bächler is 37 and married with a three-yearold daughter. She studied history and German and teaches German as a second language.

ZUG / LUCERNE

The other venue for merrymaking

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Contributed by René Welti

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The Swiss Path This enjoyable trail in Central Switzerland is celebrating its first 20 years.

T

he Swiss Path offers you a great one- or two-day Alpine hike where you can capture the essence of Switzerland’s history, culture and stunning scenic beauty.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Swiss Path is a 35 km trail system originally completed in 1991 to commemorate Switzerland’s 700th anniversary, which tracks the 26 Swiss cantons chronologically in the order they joined the Swiss Confederation.

Located in Central Switzerland, it contours the Lake of Lucerne/Urnersee and is easily accessible from Lucerne.

If you are coming from the Ticino, you can connect to the Swiss Path in Fluelen.

The Swiss Path provides you with a slice of Switzerland’s historic past and cultural present while enjoying Lake Lucerne’s one-of-a-kind landscapes.

Following Wanderweg 99, you are guided through villages, forests, green meadows and granite outcrops.

Walking along the Fluelen to Brunnen segment you can sense how it must have been during the legendary era of William Tell in the 13th century. Here, you are introduced to Swiss history and can begin to discover the reasons why

Switzerland was formed and how it has prospered.

The beginning and heart of the Swiss Path is the Ruetli, the meadow where Switzerland was founded in 1291.

Three men, representing Uri, Schwyz and Unterwald, raised their swords to swear a peaceful allegiance with another. They pledged to defend each other if attacked by a foreign power.

This banding together to protect and defend is still one of the core values of Switzerland. The area was and still is the gateway to Europe’s most direct North-South route—the Gotthard Pass.

The Swiss Path is easy to experience and can be explored at your own pace.

Divided into various segments, your walk can be planned according to your time, interest and energy levels. All the distances, altitude changes and path descriptions are described on the Swiss Path map, which can be purchased on-line through the Swiss Office of Topography (there is an English menu) for CHF 9.50. An upgraded version will be available to the public sometime this summer.

This year, the Swiss Path will be celebrating its second decade with a

The Swiss Path near the boat landing Tellsplatte

variety of special activities. Experience alphorn musicians in Brunnen, fireworks in Fluelen and cheesemaking in Seelisberg. Here are some hints on planning your own version of the Swiss path: • Decide on the amount of time you have available. From Ruetli to Bauen, you need about 3.5 hours for an easy walk. From Bauen, a boat can take you back to Lucerne.

• Public transportation is easily accessible in each segment. We are in Switzerland, so trains, boats and buses are all in synch with another.

• If anyone in your party has trouble walking one of the segments, be aware that there is a funicular or a bus available.

This way everyone can enjoy the walk!

ZUG / LUCERNE

www.weg-der-schweiz.ch

Raising the Swiss flag on the Ruetliwiese

René Welti has spent most of his life in the USA even though he is originally Swiss.

Now back in Switzerland, he lives in Lucerne where he is a Swiss Certified Hiking Guide.

He enjoys walking and hiking in the beautiful Swiss Alpine outdoors.

Contributed by Roland Arnet

Quedlinburg: UNESCO World Heritage For a rich cultural atmosphere, lots of history and beautiful scenery, go to the Harz mountains.

D

o you know where the Harz mountains are? Yes, that’s right, they’re on the edge of what was formerly East Germany, facing west, and lying south of Hanover, Brunswick and Magdeburg. The highest point is the Brocken at 1141m, which you can still reach by a steam railway built in 1898. At the top there used to stand the most important military listening post for spies from the west, which was operated by the USSR and the GDR and closed off to the public. This came to an end in 1991, and the railway line was re-opened. Now everyone has access to the Brocken with its beautiful panoramic views, and only the museum that’s there now reminds you of days gone by.

A mediaeval atmosphere in the centre of Quedlinburg

The Harz region is fascinating from both cultural and historic points of view, and has changed very little over the last 50 years. Pride of place is held by the town of Quedlinburg with a population of around 22,000, which was very much neglected in GDR times. In this mediaeval town, there are something over 1200 half-timbered buildings in an area of just one square kilometre, mostly from the 13th to the 18th century. It’s also interesting that

Quedlinburg has never been destroyed by a major fire (unlike so many places).

Modern times haven’t left much of a mark in the town centre either: as you walk through, you feel as if you’ve been carried back to the Middle Ages, and the wonderful mediaeval atmosphere is quite an experience. The only thing that really disturbs you are all the parked cars! Small wonder, though, that Quedlinburg was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

Wernigerode, another gem of a town

Only a few kilometres west lies the little town of Wernigerode. This marks the beginning of the 140 km network of the Harz narrow-gauge railway line.

Even in GDR times, this town was a popular place to visit. Unfortunately Wernigerode has been almost destroyed by fire several times over, and today only part of the town retains its original mediaeval character. Nonetheless, a guided tour round the town is recommended—I was lucky enough to have one given by a charming lady who was a real fount of knowledge. If you do book a tour, be sure to ask your guide to show you the private inner court of Jütters’ bookshop, owned by Rainer Schulze: what he’s managed to achieve in the middle of the town is an absolute gem. As well as being a bookseller, he’s a cabaret performer at the “Herkuleskeule Dresden” and was awarded the German Federal Cross of Merit in 2009: a most interesting character.

As well as these beautiful historic towns, the village of Stolberg with a population of 1300 also deserves a mention. You can get there from the station at BergaKelbra by bus, or at weekends by train using the Burgenlandbahn. Halberstadt, where the local bishop has his seat,

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Harz mountains. Other examples are the disused mine-works of Büchenberg and Drei Kronen & Ehrt, which are near the small town of Elbingerode.

Or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Erzbergwerk Rammelsberg, an ore mine near Goslar.

Useful information You can get to the Harz region by train, CityNightLine to Hanover or Halle, and then DB and the local HEX (Harz-ElbeExpress) network.

Quedlinburg Castle

was unfortunately 80% destroyed in 1945, but is also worth visiting. In short, there are numerous attractions and interesting places to visit in the

More information on the Harz region can be found at www.harzlife.de (German only). To find a map of the area, click on “Harzkarte” on the left, where you’ll find a direct link to all the points of interest shown. Links to hotels etc are also available.

For hotels, try the Schlossmühle in Quedlinburg (www.schlossmuehle.

de), a converted mill and superb value for money. In Wernigerode, the Travel Charm Hotel, next to the stunning Rathaus, is also splendid (www. travelcharme.com/gotisches-haus.de). www.quedlinburg.de www.wernigerode.de

Roland Arnet Freelance journalist living in Aarburg. An environmental specialist by training and a model railway fan by inclination, he also finds time to enjoy the finer things of life.

Im Gesundheitszentrum RailCity Basel, Bahnhof SBB / Muttenz / Riehen

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What’s Going On In Switzerland 1 MARCH Basel: “Beachy Head”, play by Dan Rebellato, Emma Jowett & Lewis Hetherington, at the Schauspielhaus.

Part of the English Abo of Theater Basel. www.theater-basel.ch Basel: exhibition of works by Giovanni Segantini, a Swiss pioneer of modern painting focusing on Swiss mountains and alpine farmers. At the Beyeler Foundation in Riehen, until 25 April. www.fondationbeyeler.ch 2 MARCH Villars sur Ollon: Villars Night Show 2011. An outdoor night show rich in jumps, descents, acrobatics and free flights. Pyrotechnics and special effects with background music. Also on 9 and 12 March. www.villars.ch 3 MARCH Geneva: 81st Annual Geneva Auto Show, Palexpo, until 13 March. See the range of environmentally friendly technologies on display in the Green Pavilion and the Green Test Drives. www.salon-auto.ch 5 MARCH Berne: English Book & food sale at St Ursula’s Church, 10:00—14:00 at St Ursula’s Church, Jubiliäumsplatz 2, Berne. www.stursula.ch 8 MARCH Lausanne: Geneva Women in Trade (GWIT) Networking “Happy Hour”.

Hotel de la Paix, 18:30 – 20:30. www.gwit.ch 11 MARCH Payerne: Easter Carnival– the largest carnival in French-speaking Switzerland. Until 14 March. www.brandonspayerne.ch Zurich: ZüriCarneval, parades and parties downtown and in Oerlikon, until 13 March. www.zurichcarneval.ch

Zurich: Alberto Giacometti—The Art of Seeing explores the process of seeing. Kunsthaus, until 22 May. www.kunsthaus.ch 12 MARCH Lausanne: Habitat Jardin 2011. The top quality home and garden show in Canton Vaud. Beaulieu Palace Exhibition Centre, until the 20 March. www.beaulieu.org 12 MARCH Zurich: Open House, Freies Gymnasium: “the bilingual way at FGZ”. 9:10--11:50. Further information at www.fgz.ch 15 MARCH Geneva: “Equus” by Peter Shaffer.

Performed by Geneva English Drama Society at Théâtre du Centre de l’Espérance, until 19 March. www.geds.ch 16 MARCH Zug: CH-uckles English Comedy presents Australians Mickey D and Colin Cole and American Erich McElroy. Theatre Casino, 19:00. www.chuckles.ch Zurich: Giardina garden and lifestyle fair. Messe Zurich, until 20 March. www.giardina.ch 17 MARCH Geneva: Geneva Women in Trade (GWIT) Networking “Happy Hour”.

Hotel Le Richemond, Jardin Brunswick.

18:30 – 20:30. www.gwit.ch 18 MARCH Berne: Museum Night -For just CHF 25 (children up to age 16 are free), you can visit more than 20 museums and special exhibitions. 18:00—02:00. www.museumsnacht-bern.ch Basel: “Doubt – A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley, performed by Upstart Entertainment. At the Cellar Theatre, Nadelberg 6. Also on 19, 24, 25, 26 & 27 March and 1 & 2 April. For tickets,

contact www-ticketino.com www.upstart-entertainment.ch 19 MARCH Berne: Day Away Spring Event, “Unleash the Gifts in You”, 15:00-17:30, Hotel Bern. www.dayaway.org 19 & 20 MARCH Geneva: “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, performed by the young actors of the Simply Theatre Academy. Casino Theatre, Carouge. www.simplytheatre.com 24 MARCH Basel: BaselWorld, in the exhibition halls at Messe Basel, with innovations by key brands from all over the world.

Until 31 March. www.baselworld.com 25 MARCH Cully: Cully Jazz Festival. The famous, intimate jazz festival with distinguished musicians from around the world. Until 3 April. www.cullyjazz.ch Berne: Quiz Night! Mark your calendar and start organizing your team (4-6 people). 19:00—23:00 at ISBerne campus, Gümligen. For information and registration, see www.isberne.ch Lucerne: Honky-Tonk Festival. This night of music in 30 bars and cafés around Lucerne covers many different genres, from folk to funk, salsa to soul. www.honky-tonk.ch 26 MARCH Interlaken: Interlaken Classic music festival. www.interlaken-classics.ch 27 MARCH Morges: The largest covered flea market in the region. Morges Halles CFF. www.morges-tourisme/en/events 28 MARCH Zurich: American comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his Identity Crisis Tour to the Hallenstadion, 20:00. www.hallenstadion.ch

SWITZERLAND

March

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April 1 APRIL Geneva: Grand Théâtre, “Punch and Judy”. A one-act opera, sung in English.

Until 19 April. www.geneveopera.ch 2 APRIL Versoix (Geneva): 7th Annual Chocolate Festival held in the village where chocolate-making has been a tradition since 1826. 09:00—18:00. www.versoix.ch/fdc.php 7 APRIL Nyon: Visions du Réel, the prestigious international documentary film festival featuring established film directors and introducing up-and-coming talents of the genre. www.visionsdureel.ch/en.html 8 APRIL Geneva: “Mama Mia”, the live stage production, in English. Geneva Arena to 17 April. www.geneva-arena.ch/programme.php Zurich: Teen singer/heartthrob Justin Bieber at the Hallenstadion, 20:00. www.hallenstadion.ch Lucerne: Lucerne Festival at Easter.

Three concerts by Brahms, a focus on sacred music, and much more. KKL and other venues, until 17 April. www.lucernefestival.ch

SWITZERLAND

9 APRIL Berne: Oliver Mosset: Born in Berne The artist, who has lived in the United States since 1977, delves into his earliest memories of the city of his childhood.

Until 19 June. www.kunsthalle-bern.ch Lucerne: Lucerne Festival at Easter.

Three concerts by Brahms, a focus on sacred music, and much more. KKL and other venues, until 17 April. www.lucernefestival.ch Lucerne: Fumetto Comix Festival, competition and exhibition of Swiss and international comics, until 17 April. www.fumetto.ch

10 APRIL Morat: Slow-Up bicycle ride. The first ride of the season for this popular family day outing on closed roads around Lac Morat. Free for everyone. Try the famous Gâteau de Vully en route. The site is not in English, but maps and information are easy to understand. www.slowup.ch Cham, Zug: The 4th Expat-Expo Zug. Learn about the goods and services available in your area in English. Free admission. Lorzensaal, 11:00—7:00. www.expat-expo.info 12 APRIL Basel: 10th Blues festival with international stars, at the Volkhaus.

Until 17 April. www.blues-festival-basel.ch 13 APRIL Morges: Arvinis—International Wine Meeting for wine connoisseurs and wine lovers. Halles CFF until 18 April. www.arvinis.com/index_e.html 14 APRIL Basel: Wellness Roman style at Augusta Raurica. Visit the underground spa that forms part of the Roman ruins outside Basel. Until 1 January 2012. www.augusta-raurica.ch 16 APRIL Morges: Tulip Festival, mid-April—18 May. Welcome to Spring. Parc de L’ Indépendence on the lakeside. www.morges-tourisme.ch/en/flowers_ nature/tulip 17 APRIL Zurich: The 9th Zurich Marathon follows the lake between the Mythenquai and Meilen. www.zurichmarathon.ch

21 APRIL Basel: 12th International Tango Festival with the best dancers from Buenos Aires and elsewhere. At Theater Basel, until 25 April. www.tangobasel.ch 23 APRIL Montreux: European Brass Band Festival. Stravinsky Hall. Until 1 May. www.eurofestival2011.ch 24 APRIL (Easter) Berne: Eiertütschen on the Kornhausplatz- Bring your Easter eggs and join the people of Berne playing the traditional game of “Eiertütschen”.

10:00.

28 & 29 APRIL Berne: Geranium Market on the Bundesplatz or order online and have them delivered to your home. Thursday 16:00—21:00 and Friday 8:00—13:00. www.bernergraniummaerit.ch 29 APRIL Geneva: International Book Fair. The largest cultural and educational meeting place in Switzerland. Palexpo until 3 May. www.salondulivre.ch/en/ Lucerne: Luga, the largest lifestyle show in Central Switzerland, with over 400 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors expected. This year’s guest canton is Appenzell. Messe Luzern, until 8 May. www.luga.ch 29 & 30 APRIL Aarberg: Aarberger Puce There’s no telling what you’ll find at the Aarberger Puce, one of the biggest flea markets in Switzerland. Friday, 9:00— 19:00 and Saturday, 9:00—17:00. www. aarberger-puce.ch

Basel: “Le Nozze di Figaro”, opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Grosse Bühne. Part of the English Abo of Theater Basel. www.theater-basel.ch

30 APRIL Lausanne : 30th year running of the Lausanne 20 km Marathon. http://marathons.ahotu.com/race/20km-de-lausanne

20 APRIL Zug: CH-uckles English Comedy presents Jeremy O’Donnell, Rick Right and Nick Wilty. Theatre Casino, 19:00. www.chuckles.ch

Basel: Jazz by Offbeat, jazz festival at various locations in Basel, with Bobby McFerrin, the Nigel Kennedy Septet and other great names. www.jazzfestivalbasel.ch

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2 MAY Lausanne: Executives International 1st Monday informal get-together for members and non-members in the LP’s Bar of the Lausanne Palace Hotel. www.executives-int.ch 3 MAY Basel: “Rock the Ballet”, a fascinating combination of classical and modern dance elements, from the USA. At the Musical Theatre, until 8 May. www.musicaltheaterbasel.ch 5 MAY Basel: stand-up comedy with Funny Laundry at the Kuppel, with Steve Hughes and Josh Widdicombe. Doors open 19:00. www.funnylaundry.com 7 MAY Epesses: Wine Bottling Day. A wine festival held in the centuries-old UNESCO heritage village, where you can watch the bottling process and taste the wine too. www.epesses-nouveau.ch Morges: The 104 annual Fireman’s Parade and competition with demonstrations, fire equipment old and new, exhibitions and fires to be extinguished. www.morges-tourisme.ch/en/events/ top_events/Firemen_parade th

Lucerne: 34th Lucerne City Run. 15,000 or so people, young and old, amateurs and elite, run one or several kilometres through the city. www.luzernerstadtlauf.ch 13 MAY Nyon: “The Producers”. Geneva Amateur Operatic Society annual Spring Show. College de Nyon-Marens.

Then 14 & 15 and 19-21 May. www.gaos.ch

14 MAY Vullierens: Visit the astonishingly beautiful Iris Gardens in full bloom of the Château de Vullierens near Morges.

Until mid-June. www.jardindesiris.ch/ 14 & 15 MAY Geneva: 7th Annual Geneva Marathon.

This year, running for UNICEF. w w w.ge n e ve m a r a t h o n .ch /i n d e x _ en.html 17 MAY Berne: Making History The Caretakers’ first production, a collection of short plays written and performed by their members. At the ONO Theatre in Berne. To 19 May. www.thecaretakers.ch 19 MAY Ouchy, Lausanne: Two plays in English—“Alternative Accommodation” and “In By The Half” with “The Village Players”, to 21 May. www.villageplayers.ch/Upcoming.php 20 MAY Zurich: Historical Mediaeval Spectacle, beside the Fraumünster, until 22 May. See Brief News.

22 MAY Basel: “Dreiländerlauf”, three countries run between Basel (CH), St Louis (FR) and Weil am Rhein (DE). Various routes and distances, all starting and ending in Basel’s market square. www.3laenderlauf.org 24 MAY Basel: “Eastside Story”, concert for choir and piano by the English Seminar Choir with “Zigeunerlieder”

by Johannes Brahms and “From the Bavarian Highlands” by Edward Elgar.

At the Gemeindesaal of the reform church in Pratteln, 20:00. Also in the Grosser Hörsaal of the English Seminar, Nadelberg 6, on 31 May. www.escbasel.ch 29 MAY Berne: ProSpecieRara Plant Market at Brunnaderngut. www.prospecierara.ch

UPCOMING NETWORK EVENTS

Would you like to meet new people, have fun, chat and discover Switzerland?

Then join us – we are organising a wide range of events.

Our Events over the next few months are as follows: 3 March, Basel Preview of Basel Fasnacht 17 March, Geneva Moonlight Snowshoeing and Cheese Fondue 24 March, Bern Guided Tour of the Swiss Federal Parliament Building in Bern 31 March, Zurich The Spirit of Swiss Cuisine 20 April, Lucerne KKL guided Tour 4 May, Lausanne Wine Tasting 12 May, Geneva Chocolate Factory Sightseeing and Tasting 2 June, Bern Jodlerbrunch Thunersee Detailed information on the events, photos and impressions will be published afterwards on www.packimpex.ch/events If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us on +41 (0)61 206 90 53 or send an email to events@packimpex.ch

SWITZERLAND

1 MAY Zurich: “The 40 greatest masters of Indian painting from 1100 to 1900” brings together 240 Indian masterpieces.

Museum Rietberg, until 21 August. www.rietberg.ch

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Voluntary Organisations & Groups Switzerland British Residents’ Association of Switzerland (BRA) Regional activities in Basel, Berne/ Neuchatel, Romandie, Ticino & Zurich. www.britishresidents.ch British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce Independent not-for-profit organisation based in Zurich, with chapters in Basel, Berne, Central Switzerland, Geneva, Liechtenstein, London, Ticino & Zurich. info@bscc.ch, www.bscc.co.uk Day Away Association For Women Sponsors breakfast seminars addressing life issues from a biblical perspective, with seminars in Zurich, Berne, Basel, & St. Gallen. www.dayaway.org Federation of Anglo-Swiss Clubs An association of English-speaking clubs all over Switzerland, with a wide range of social and cultural activities. www.angloswissclubs.ch Gymboree Play & Music programme for newborns and children of up to 5 years old in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Zug and Zurich. www.gymboree.ch.

SWITZERLAND

Hash House Harriers, Switzerland Popularly known as the drinking club with a running problem, with kennels in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich. www.harrier.ch Toastmasters International MeetingsinBasel,Berne,Geneva,Lausanne, Zug & Zurich. English as a mother tongue not required. www.toastmasters.ch

Basel American Women’s Club of Basel A non-profit social and philanthropic organization with about 160 members.

Maintains library at Centrepoint with over 5,000 English-language books. www.awcbasel.org

Anglo-Swiss Club Basel The ideal meeting place for crosscultural exchange, meetings usually on Thursdays. www.asc-basel.ch Basel Childbirth Trust BCT For English-speaking expectant parents and families with young children. For more information, contact: membership.bct@gmail.com www.baselchildbirthtrust.com.

Basel Cricket Club Weekly training sessions on Thursdays at the Gymnasium Münchenstein. www.baselcricket.ch Basel Irish Club A meeting place for Irish people and friends of Ireland. www.baselirishclub.com Boy Scouts of America For boys of all nationalities, 11 to 18yrs.

Meetings, 19:00 Wednesdays (termtime), International School of Basel, Reinach. Steve Crump, scoutmaster, steven.crump@bluewin.ch Centrepoint For expatriates of all nationalities and Swiss living in Basel. At the Lohnhof, with book & DVD library and full programme of events. Contact Janet Barreto: programmes@centrepoint.ch www.centrepoint.ch, 061 261 2002 Connexions Social Events Club Organises social events and activities for English-speaking adults of all nationalities in the Basel region. www.connexions.ch English Seminar Choir Open to all singers. Rehearses on Tuesdays, 12:15-13:45, in the Grosser Hörsaal, English Seminar, Nadelberg 6, Basel. www.esc-basel.ch English-Speaking Cancer Support Group Contact: Sue Style, 0033 389 07 30 34 s.style@hrnet.fr, or Alwyn Hinds Merk, 061 481 4767

Morris Dancing Group Meets on Wednesdays in the Halle au blé in Ferrette. Squire: Pete Sandbach, peter.sandbach@roche.com Contact: lizzie.gleaves@wanadoo.fr 0033 389 07 86 01 www.chamerion.ch/ferrette-morris Open Door Zwingerstr 20 4053 Basel. For English speaking families with young children.

061 361 1710, www.opendoorbasel.ch Professional Women’s Group, Basel An affiliate of Centrepoint with over 130 members. Meets on the last Monday of the month. www.pwg-basel.ch Rugby Football Club Basel Founded in 1975, now has 150 members including juniors and women. www.rugbybasel.ch Savoyards: Gilbert & Sullivan Society For all G&S enthusiasts, with regular meetings, singalong evenings, visits. info@savoyards.ch www.savoyards.ch Scottish Country Dance Group Meets every Tuesday at the Bettenecker School in Allschwil. www.scdgb.ch Semi-Circle Basel’s English-language amateur drama group, with regular readings and productions twice a year. www.semi-circle.ch

Berne American Women’s Club of Berne Founded in 1949, with a current membership of around 150 women. www.awcbern.org ASK: All Special Kids Berne Chapter of the Geneva-based non-funded, volunteer parent network, to support the families of children with special needs and learning difficulties. www.allspecialkids.org

Berne Dancing Bears American Western Square Dance Club, meets on Wednesday evenings, 20:0022:00 at the Cleehus in Bumpliz. www.squaredance.ch Berne Cricket Club For everyone who enjoys playing and/or watching cricket. http://berne.play-cricket.com Canada Club of Berne For singles and families who are from or have lived in Canada, with monthly events. www.canadaclub.ch English Club Biel Meets usually on Wednesday in its own club room at Nidaugasse 43 in Biel. www.englishclubbiel.ch English Speaking Club of Berne A meeting point for English speakers in Berne. Club bar open Thursdays & Fridays from Eight till Late.

031 381 6364 (bar nights only) www.englishclub.ch

Rugby Club Berne With teams for men and women. Plays at the Allmend (across from Stade de Suisse). www.rugbybern.ch Swiss African Forum (SAF) An innovative voluntary association on African Integration working within charities, organisations and NGOs. www.saf03.ch SAMS Swiss American Society Berne For fostering close contacts between the United States and Switzerland.

Secretary: Silvya Handy Laubeggstrasse 14, 3013 Berne thehandys@bluewin.ch Swiss-British Society Berne Meets about once a month for cultural events with a British flavour.

Contact: Regina Walter-Fuchs rewal@gmx.ch SwissEnglish Services Combines business promotion with networking in the English-speaking community. swisscc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com www.swissenglish.ch Upstage Berne’s English-language amateur theatre group, with twice-yearly productions, readings and workshops. www.upstage.ch

English Speaking Playgroup/School Founded as a playgroup for English speaking children, the group offers classes and examination courses for children aged 3 – 18 years old. www.esp-bern.ch info@esp-bern.ch

Romandie

Fribourg Expat Woman’s Group A new club with lots of activities and free membership. Visit http://fribourgexpatwomansgroup.com or email kerri@fribourgexpatwomansgroup.com

American International Women‘s Club of Geneva (AIWC) With 700 members from 50 different nations, speaking over 10 languages.

11 Route de Chêne, 1207 Geneva 022 736 0120, www.aiwcgeneva.org

Friends of ISBerne An extension of ISBerne’s Parent Teacher Committee to develop a deeper connection with the community. www.isberne.ch/about-us/friends-ofisberne

American Women’s Club of Lausanne With its own clubhouse at Avenue Eglantine 6, 1006 Lausanne 021 320 2688, www.aiwc-lausanne.org

International Club of Berne For people from all corners of the world with English as the common language. wd@bluewin.ch

Anglo-Swiss Club of Fribourg Meets monthly on Thursday/Friday.

Contact Reidar Magnus 026 481 5928 www.angloswissclubs.ch

English Cancer Association 21 ch. de Saussac, 1256 Troinex 022 300 2967 info@cancersupport.ch www.cancersupport.ch

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English-Speaking & Anglo-Swiss Club Lausanne Social club for all English speakers, with a wide range of activities.

Case Postale 541, 1001 Lausanne 021 802 2858 www.esc-lausanne.ch Geneva Amateur Operatic Society The largest English-speaking amateur musical society on the continent, with three to four major stage productions each season. www.gaos.ch Geneva International Cricket Club Plays at the sports stadium at Bout-deMonde. www.gicc.ch Geneva English Drama Society Holds three or four full stage productions per year, staged playreadings, workshops and social events. www.geds.ch Geneva Scottish Country Dance Club Meets on Thursdays, beginners’ classes also offered. www.genevascdc.com International Club Lausanne Social club offering 2-3 activities per month. Contact: icl@urbanet.ch http://home.worldcom.ch/icl International Women’s Club of Nyon Case Postale 2369, 1260 Nyon membership@iwcn.ch www.iwcn.ch Neuchatel International Club ‘The Nic’ is a social club for local English-speakers of all nationalities, with full programme of events for families and singles. www.thenic.ch The Village Players, Lausanne Amateur theatre group.

P.O. Box 7561, 1002 Lausanne www.villageplayers.ch

SWITZERLAND

Australia-New Zealand Contact Club Holds informal social events four or five times a year. tritt.bizland.com/anzcc

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Zurich American Club of Zurich Welcomes all US and Canadian citizens living in the Zurich area. For more details, call 079 243 5681. www.acz.ch American Women’s Club of Zurich With over 400 members in the greater Zurich area and its own club house at Schoentalstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich.

044 240 4455 www.awczurich.org

Irish Club of Zurich Monthly meetings. Contact: irish_in_zurich@yahoo.ie Living in Zurich (LIZ) English language orientation course covering must-know topics for newcomers.

Contact: 044 240 4455 for details

Asian Ladies Club of Switzerland Frequent social, cultural and other activities for Asian ladies and others with an affinity for Asia. www.alc-swiss.ch

Professional Women’s Group of Zurich The PWG is an in-person networking platform for women who live in and around Zurich. www.professionalwomensgroup.com

Boy Scouts English speaking Scout Troop for boys between 10 and 17. Meets on Wednesday evenings at 19:00. For more information call Chris Fuchs, 041 760 5822.

Rugby Club Zurich Regular training for men, women and juniors at Allmend Brunau Zurich. www.rugbyzurich.ch

DigiFotoCH Activity and discussion group for anyone who has an interest in digital photography. www.mydigifoto.ch The Elizabethan Singers Perform English music from 1600 to the present day. Director: Roland Johnson.

044 713 2194, www.e-singers.info English Speaking Club Zurich Meets several times monthly, with a regular “open house” on the last Tuesday. www.escz.ch “Expats-in-Zurich” Discussion List A discussion list and resource center for expats living in and around the canton Zurich.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Expats-in-Zurich

SWITZERLAND

International Club Winterthur A lively club with 150 members from more than 20 nations. www.internationalclub.ch

F.I.T. SWISS A multi-cultural forum for members to maximize their potential. www.fit-swiss.ch International Men’s Club (IMC) Weekly round table at the Mariott Hotel, monthly meetings with speaker and dinner. www.zimc.ch

Swiss Friends of the USA (SFUSA) Swiss-American Society to promote cultural and business relations. Holds monthly lunch meetings with speaker. www.sfusa.ch Swiss American Chamber of Commerce Non-profit organisation, holds regular meetings in Zurich, Geneva & Lugano. www.amcham.ch Women’s Activity Club For families of all nationalities, with playgroups and “Learning Tree Cooperative School”.

Winterthurerstrasse 18, 8610 Uster 043 305 9250, www.wac.ch Zurich Comedy Club Meets on Monday for play-readings; regular performances. info@zcc.ch, www.zcc.ch Zurich International Club Zurich’s largest expat community. www.zhic.org Zurich International Women’s Association (ZIWA) Over 700 members from 65 nations. www.ziwa.com

Zug/Lucerne Anglo-Swiss Club Lucerne Meets fortnightly on Wednesday.

Contact Robin Lustenberger 041 310 2912 www.angloswissclubs.ch English Theatre Group of Zug Produces musicals, pantomines and plays, also other entertainments for special events by arrangement. www.etgz.ch International Men’s Club of Zug Over 250 English-speaking members from around the world. Weekly “Stammtisch” on Thursdays at the Parkhotel, Zug, and many other events. www.imcz.com International Mums & Kids Club Zug The IMKC meets weekly at the Christlicher Treffpunkt in Baar, and also organises outings and family parties for traditional celebrations. www.imkc.ch Lucerne International Women’s Club Holds monthly luncheons, cultural and sports events and special projects for charities. www.iwcl.net Rugby Club Lucerne Training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursday at the Allmend, at 19:00 for women and 19:30 for men. www.rcl.ch Rugby Club Zug Practice sessions at Unterägeri. info@rugbyclubzug.ch www.rugbyclubzug.ch Swiss American Society Lucerne Over 300 members from all over central Switzerland, who get together for events and outings several times a month. info@sasl-lucerne.ch www.sasl-lucerne.ch Zug International Women’s Club The ZIWC offers a full range of activities with “Stammtisch”, outings, special interest groups, workshops, seminars and parties info@ziwc.ch, www.ziwc.ch

Places of Worship Anglican Church Sunday services 10.30 Adventshaus and 18.00 St Nicholas’ Chapel (Münster cloisters). Holy Communion 08.00 (first Sunday of the month only).

Chaplain: Rev Geoff Read www.anglicanbasel.ch Catholic Church Mass in English every Sunday at 5.30 at the Bruder Klaus Kirche. Contact Father Armin Rüssi, 061 735 11 57 www.esrccb.org Israelitische Gemeinde Basel IGB (Orthodox), Leimenstrasse 24, Basel Tel. 061 279 98 55 & 061 279 98 41 igb@igb.ch Israelitische Religionsgemeinschaft IRG (Orthodox), Ahornstrasse 14, Basel, tel/fax 61 301 49 47.

Migwan Basel’s liberal/progressive Jewish congregation. For more information contact Erica Bersin at erica@migwan.ch or visit our web site at www.migwan.ch

Basel Christian Fellowship We are an English-speaking church of many nationalities who have joined together in our desire to worship Jesus Christ and to learn from His Word.

Sunday worship 10:30 a.m.

Adullam Chapel Mittlere Str. 13, 4056 Basel with children’s ministry Office: Missionsstr. 32, 4055 Basel Tel.: 061 322 1211 Fax: 061 322 1228 info@baselfellowship.org www.baselfellowship.org Pastor: David Manduka

Quaker Meetings in Basel On 1st/3rd Sundays each month.

Clerk: Ursula Schuppli, 061 601 72 57 basel@swiss-quakers.ch

For seekers and believers, just like you, looking for answers and support in a home away from home.

A dynamic, fast growing Englishspeaking international church, with a worship service in an informal, contemporary style.

Services are held every Sunday at 10 am, with Sunday School and a nursery/toddlers’ playroom.

Reinacherstrasse 129, 3rd floor (near the VW/Audi dealership, Dreispitz).

Street parking or the Bus 36/Tram 16 stop Leimgrubenweg is within just a few steps of our entrance. Tram 10 & 11 stop Dreispitz is also just a short walk away.

Come and See! For more information about us, please visit our website www.crossroadsbasel.ch or call 061/331 70 10.

Quaker Meetings in Berne On 2nd/4th Sundays each month at the Reformiertes Forum Universität Bern.

Clerk: Art Funkhouser, 031 331 66 00 e-mail bern@swiss-quakers.ch Roman Catholic English Speaking Community Bruder Klaus Church, Segantinistr. 26, 3006 Berne. Tel. 031 350 14 14 St Ursula’s English Church Jubiläumsplatz 2, 3005 Berne Tel. 031 352 85 67

Romandie All Saints Anglican Church, Vevey 40, av. de la Prairie, Vevey Tel. 021 943 22 39 Baha‘i Community, Neuchatel Ch. du Pontet 6, 2013 Colombier Tel. 032/ 724-1583 bahai@bluewin.ch, www.bahai.ch

Berne

Christ Church, Lausanne Anglican Episcopal Church Avenue de l’Eglise Anglaise Case Postale 70, 1000 Lausanne Tel. 021 617 7670 info@christchurch-lausanne.ch

Berne Jewish Community Berne Community Synagogue Kapellenstrasse 2, 3011 Berne Worship: Friday at 18.00 and Saturday at 9.15. Tel. 031 381 49 92

Church of Scotland, Geneva Calvin’s Auditorium 1 place de la Taconnerie, Geneva Tel. 022 798 29 09; cofsg@pingnet.ch www.churchofscotlandgeneva.com

Berne International Evangelical Church (BIEC) Meets every Sunday at 17.00 in the FEG Chapel, Zeughausgasse 35, Berne

Evangelical Baptist Church, Geneva 7 rue Tabazan, 1204 Geneva Tel. 022 311 43 01; info@ebcg.ch

Berne Islamic Centre Lindenrain 2a, 3012 Berne Tel. 031 302 62 91 Berne Switzerland Temple The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, Tempelstrasse 4, 3052 Zollikofen. Tel. 031 915 52 52

Grande Synagogue, Geneva Place de la Synagogue, Geneva Ashkenazi rituals with regular services Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Geneva Rue du Mont Blanc, Geneva Tel. 022 731 51 55 geneva-htc@anglican.ch

SWITZERLAND

Basel

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Islamic Center of Geneva Also known as “the Little Mosque” 104, rue des Eaux-Vives, Geneva Tel. 022 736 75 86; www.cige.org/cige

Chabad Lubawitsch Schweiz Rudigerstrasse 10, Zurich Tel. 044 289 70 50 Rabbi Rosenfeld speaks English

La Cote Anglican Church www.lacotechurch.ch

Christian Women’s Fellowship ‘Helferei’ Kirchgasse 13, 8001 Zurich Tel. 044 262 39 76 (Susan Pluess) Meetings: third Wednesday each month, 9.30-11.30. Babysitting available.

Lausanne Free Church English-speaking, evangelical, reform church, services Sunday at 10.30.

Chemin des Fleurettes 36, Lausanne Tel. 021 799 48 10 paula.hill@gmail.com www.lausanne-english-church.com Neuchatel Church International English-Speaking Church Chapelle des Charmettes rue Varnoz 1, Neuchatel Tel. 032 730 5183 info@neuchatel-church.ch

Modern Orthodox: Israelitische Cultursgemeinde Zurich Synagogue: Lowenstrasse 10, Zurich Tel. 044 201 16 59 Rabbi Marcel Ebel speaks English Reform Or Chadash Synagogue: Fortunagasse 13, Zurich Tel. 044 221 11 53 Seventh-Day-Adventist Church Cramerstrasse 11, 8005 Zurich Tel. 044 880 7280; info@crami.ch

English Church Zurich Höhenringstrasse 11, 8052 Seebach Tel. 079 458 5135; ecz@cfaith.com www.englishchurch.ch

The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints Hohlstrasse 535, 8048 Altstetten ZH Tel. 044 430 10 15

Quaker Meeting House, Geneva Every Sunday at 10:30 at Quaker House, 13, av. du Mervelet, 1209 Geneva Clerk: David Hay-Edie, 0033 450 313 201 geneva@swiss-quakers.ch

English Speaking Catholic Mission of Canton Zurich Neptunstrasse 60,8032 Zurich Tel. 044 382 02 06 info@englishmission.ch

The Mosque of Zurich Rotelstrasse 86, 8057 Zurich Tel. 044 363 52 10 www.moschee-zurich.ch

Quaker Meetings, Lausanne First Sunday each month at 10:30 Clerk: Molly McJohn, 021 601 40 16 lausanne@swiss-quakers.ch

Evangelist Methodist Church Grundstrasse 12, 8134 Adliswil Tel. 044 710 62 51 Pkieselhorst@compuserve.om Further info: Jodi East, 044 480 27 40

St John the Evangelist, Montreux Anglican Church, 92, av. de Chillon, Territet. Tel. 021 963 43 54 Westlake Church Rue Juste Olivier 6, 1260 Nyon Tel. 022 990-2450 susan@westlakechurch.com www.westlakechurch.com

Zurich SWITZERLAND

Confessional Lutheran Christian Ministry Grundstrasse 12, 8134 Adliswil Tel. +49 6131-277-9980 welschaplain@t-online.de www.welseurope.org

Jewish Orthodox I.R.G., Synagogue: Freigutstrasse 37, Zurich. Rabbi Levy speaks English

AGAPE Christian Centre Holderbachweg 12, 8046 Zurich Tel. 079 631 91 30 pastor@accm.ch, www.accm.ch Anglican Church of St. Andrew Promenadengasse 9, 8001 Zurich Tel. 044 252 6024; zurich@anglican.ch Daughter communities also in Zug/ Steinhausen, Baden/Türgi & St Gallen. www.standrewszurich.ch

Hindu: ISKON Temple Bergstrasse 54, Zurich. www.krishna.ch/start.html International Baptist Church Zurich Postfach, Gheistrasse 33 8803 Ruschlikon. Tel. 044 724 44 38 crosslife@ibcz.ch, www.ibcz.ch International Christian Fellowship (ICF) Zurich Hardstrasse 219, 8005 Zurich Tel. 043 366 76 76; www.icf.ch Sunday celebrations (genX) 10.30 am with English translation 7.00 pm International Protestant Church French Reformed Church, Schanzengasse 25, 8001 Zurich www.ipc-zurich.org E-mail: pastor@ipc-zurich.org Office: Zeltweg 20, 8032 Zurich 044 262 55 25, admin@ipc-zurich.org

Zug/Lucerne All Saints’ Church, Lucerne Postfach 7653, 6000 Lucerne 7 Tel. 041 410 14 67 Anglican Congregation in Zug Reformed Church Steinhausen, served from Zurich www.standrewszurich.ch Good Shepherd’s, Zug Celebrates the Eucharist in English on last Saturday each month, 17.30.

Religious education offered for schoolaged children.

PO Box 2526, 6302 Zug; 041 728 80 24 good.shepherds@pfarrei-guthirt-zug.ch International Church of Lucerne Zähringerstrasse 7, 6003 Lucerne Tel. 041-240-2964 information@icl.ch, www.icl.ch Lift Ministeries – Zug Vorstadt 30 @ the Lake of Zug Post: Rigistrasse 174, 6340 Baar Tel. 041 760 97 77; ctbest@bluewin.ch www.liveitandgiveit.com

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Sanna@EssenceFinders.com, +41 (0)78 829 5474 All for kids Since 1992 ALL FOR KIDS has provided English speaking families in CH with unique products from the USA and UK. Books, toys, games, craft and science kits, tapes, dvds, cdroms, accessories, and lots more. Online catalog at www.allforkids.ch or ask for a free copy at 091 858 3082 E-mail info@allforkids.ch Learn Spanish in Guatemala!

You’ll not only learn good Spanish in one-to-one, total immersion sessions in the beautiful city of Antigua, but help the children of Guatemala learn to read at the same time! Academia de Espanol PROBIGUA (Proyecto Bibliotecas Guatemala) is a non-profit organisation for teaching Spanish to foreign students; its aim is to finance libraries, library buses and schools for children in remote areas. Language classes start at USD 100/week with an option for homestay, and a full programme of activities and excursion is on offer. For more information, contact Max Umiker: umiker@bluewin.ch www.probigua.ch

Single, divorced or widowed?

SuccessMatch provides confidential matchmaking services. We meet clients face-to-face and get to know them personally so that we can make meaningful introductions. Contact us for your complimentary consultation at +41 (0)22 784 6591.

We have clients throughout Switzerland and look forward to hearing from you. www.successmatch.ch German and Italian Private Lessons Young, motivated language-teacher with teaching diploma. Mother tongues German and Italian, experience with adult teaching and private lessons.

You’d like to improve your German or Italian, or would like to start to learn these languages? I am very flexible and can adjust the lessons to your specific needs (Basel area).

Isabelle Scola Bertini, 079/816 2271, isabelle.scola@gmx.ch www.swissdvdrental.com is now accepting used DVDs that are in like-new condition for generous trade credit. Desperate Housewives and Lost are also now available for rental on DVD. Please contact us at info@swissdvdrental.com Gill’s South African Crafts Torgasse 6, 2nd floor, Zurich (Bellevue area). Special hand-selected items from South Africa and gifts from around the world. Tel: 044 262 8800 or 079 436 4612 www.southernafricancrafts.com Mothering Matters Is a non-profit, bi-monthly journal for English-speaking parents living in Switzerland with articles and information on child-rearing topics, suggestions and practical tips for childrelated activities. 1-year subscription for CHF 33.

For more info: www.mmjournal.com.

Buy AVON Cosmetics Call Edith on +41 076 404 5415, thecapaccino@mail.com or Skype: thecapaccino

SWITZERLAND

Holiday flat in Bresse Lovely ground-floor flat in the French Jura to rent, with bedroom, living room with fireplace and fully equipped kitchen & bathroom. Halfway between Dole and Lyon, ideally situated for relaxing in natural surroundings, with facilities nearby for kayaking, fishing, golfing, sightseeing and shopping for local specialities. EUR 250-350 per week (depending on season), all inclusive. For more details, contact helenwhitehead@gmx.net, tel 0033 (0) 384 44 16 93.

Les Camus, F-39140 Chapelle Voland.

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Looking for me?

Do the MatchCheck! www.matchcheck.ch

Robyne’s ‘Robics On Monday and Wednesday mornings 9.00 - 10.00am in the ‘Bartschihus’ in Gümligen (Berne) I hold fitness classes for women of all ages and abilities. In each class we do ‘aerobic’ exercise, strength work and stretching and relaxation; all to music. All classes are in English.

For more information/registration contact Robyne M. McKeown, 079 447 0967 or robynemaree@bluewin.ch

Quality Cabinet-Making & Carpentry Swiss reliability, quality and expertise in English. Great contact for home renovations, furniture or repairs for Expats.

Maurice Berne, Bernet Zingg GmBH Moosmattstrasse 16, 8953 Dietikon Office: 044 450 7877 Mobile: 079 476 3464 E-mail: info@bernetzingg.ch English Books Wanted for Mongolia Don’t throw out those unwanted books – make them available to students in Mongolia instead! All types of English books needed – text-books, reference books, dictionaries, National Geographics, novels, children’s books, in good condition and less than ten years old.

Contact Anita Fahrni Obere Halde 18, 8546 Islikon a.fahrni@clinch.ch English Translators Group Basel An informal group of editors, translators, authors and other professionals of English mother-tongue. Meets at 6 pm on the last Wednesday of the month.

For details contact: anitra.green@ datacomm.ch or 061 461 45 36.

Play & PreSchool, 8493 Saland (ZH) Opened August 2008. Offering mother & child groups, play & preschool groups, pure nature and cookery groups, reading & writing lessons and coffee mornings. www.preschool.ch info@preschool.ch Tel: 079 519 7641 Experienced TV Cameraman & Director Available for Corporate/Advertising work & Special Events. Do you need a professionally produced Film to promote your business? Would you love to have that Special Celebration captured on video? If so then look no further. I’ve produced corporate films and high profile Series for BBC, ITV & Channel 4 in England and am now available for filming work throughout Switzerland. A personable approach and competitive rates guaranteed.

Please contact Steve Head on stephenleehead@gmail.com Tel: 061 361 8338 / 077 463 8002

SWITZERLAND

Girl Power groups age 7-14 years old A social group for girls in the Zurich area to develop high self esteem, confidence and self expression through talking, writing, art, cooking, yoga, playing, and dance. Groups are for Girls: 7-9 years old, 10-13 years old and 14-15 years old.

Contact lesliekuster1@yahoo.com for information and registration 044 869 2893 “Language is the key to culture” Private German classes for beginners, business, certificates, and anyone curious about Swiss & German culture.

From 30 SFr. p/hr. Small groups/private classes (Zurich area). Experienced teacher with M.A. Lessons in writing, concepts and journalism.

Peter Schardt M.A. info@textur.ch Mobile: 079 708 3137

GARAGE SCHLAEPFER AND ZURICH4YOU.ch REDEFINE THE TERM ‘JOYRIDING’ Join us in enjoying the Sheer Driving Pleasure that is BMW by combining a test drive with a day trip to the Ballenberg Museum – www.ballenberg.ch For further information please visit: www.zurich4you.ch/a_joy_ride.html