Swiss National day is a relatively new public holiday, having only been officially established in 1969 (despite being mooted as early as 1889). With impressive fireworks displays, massive bonfires across the country and somewhat incongruous plastic flags, the holiday celebrates the establishment of the Confederation by what are now the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and […]
Archives for July 2014
More right-wing curbs on foreigners
Despite a formal refusal of the European Union to make any special concessions on last February’s migration vote, Switzerland’s right-wing UDC party seems determined to push for even more curbs on foreigners. Catherine Ashton, the EU’s chief diplomat, has transmitted a letter to Bern agreed by the European Union’s 28 member countries that it cannot […]
Cruising around Switzerland
SPRING-SUMMER-AUTUMN As summer moves into gear, why not take to the water to unwind and enjoy a calmer pace. No one living in the region can be unmoved by the beauty of Lake Léman, Western Europe’s largest lake. Taking one of the six Belle Epoque boats is a wonderful way to get a new perspective […]
Can sports can play a more positive political role in this violent world?
GENEVA The World Cup has ended. An orgy of flag waving and anthem singing has concluded for at least another four years. Germany won, as could have been expected. What wasn’t expected was how the threats of street violence and protest within Brazil over the lavish preparation did not materialize. But more interesting, and worthy […]
Payot’s best sellers of the week
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt remains in top place this week. Coming in at number 2 is Sycamore Row, a novel by the ever-popular legally-fixated American author John Grisham. The book is a direct sequel to his powerful first novel, A Time to Kill, and again features attorney Jake Brigance as the main character. It was released in October 2013. A right ripping yarn!
Olympic Museum of Lausanne
ALL YEAR ROUND Following two years of renovation, the Olympic Museum of Lausanne is open again with an additional 1,000 m2 of exhibition space. The permanent exhibits have been redeveloped entirely for a new and improved visitor experience as well as innovative educational areas for younger visitors. The regular exhibits, which include ‘The Olympic World’, […]
A train trip to remember
LOCARNO Taking the train to Locarno on Lake Maggiore is one of those trips where getting there is more than half the fun. From the Arc Lemanique, one changes in Brig (VS) for Domodossola, boarding the narrow gauge Centovalli rail line to cross the One Hundred Valleys in Italy and back into Switzerland before arriving […]
Reconciling Peace and War: In But Out
GENEVA The sun shines in Geneva during glorious summer days. Swimming pools are crowded with excited children; some have left for their chalets in the mountains, others have gone or are planning to leave on vacation to the beaches of southern Europe or Asia. “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” as George Gershwin wrote. But […]
Bringing it all home: Our friends on MH 17
The sad news of the World Health Organization’s Glenn Thomas being one of the 298 victims killed in the downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 has once again brought it home how embedded the international community in Switzerland is in world affairs. Glenn, a former BBC producer who represented WHO as a press spokesman, and hence […]
Asian Killer Hornets in Switzerland
BERN Swiss farmers are increasingly concerned by the impact of invasive species on agriculture. Europe currently has some 12,000 invasive species, both flora and fauna. While only 15% are considered dangerous or otherwise harmful, this is enough to threaten long-term food production. One of these is ambrosia, a weed introduced from North America during the […]