The first potential ebola sufferer arrived in Switzerland this week under strict quarantine. The nurse who had been working with ebola victims in Sierra Leone has been repatriated to Geneva’s cantonal hospital. He will remain there for three weeks, the incubation period of the disease, until cleared.
Archives for September 2014
Theatre Review: Caveman, it’s a Mars and Venus thing
The extraordinary and highly amusing one-man show of Caveman by actor-producer Kevin Buckmaster is more than just a comedy about the age-old relationship between man and woman. For those living in Switzerland, his performance is also about language, community and playing to a unique international audience. Buckmaster, who was born in Glasgow of Welsh mother […]
Property taxes: Is it worth buying in Switzerland?
Ever contemplated buying a property in Switzerland? Reading further might put you off. Providing useful information on the taxation of property in Switzerland is daunting. Given that the country effectively has 26 different systems – one for each canton – it is virtually impossible to say anything on the subject that can be used in […]
Norway: understated and underestimated
Already looking for your next getaway? If you enjoy beautiful landscapes, delicious food and friendly people, then head to Norway. With a direct Norwegian flight from Geneva to Oslo, you can be in the Norwegian capital in two and a half hours. Just 30 minutes on the express train or bus brings you smack into […]
Swiss referendum aims to change health insurance
Many of those in favour of the Swiss health insurance changes proposed for the 28 September 2014 referendum believe they will deliver cost savings and reduce average compulsory insurance premiums. Swiss health care costs were the second highest in the world after the US and 66 percent higher than in the UK, according to a recent analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Often […]
L’Abri; Bon rétablissement
This week’s picks are Swiss and French. One, a documentary on the homeless in our midst; the other, a classic French pleasure. Both views are essential. L’ABRI *** (vo French) We are in a center for the homeless in Lausanne. It is winter and there are too many in need of a bed, food and […]
US mid-terms: What Americans need to know!
With US mid-term elections coming up, expatriate Americans need to be aware of their rights and how to go about voting. GENEVA An American friend recently recounted how his parents, after many years of living in Switzerland, were surprised to learn that they still had the right to vote in US federal elections. In fact, […]
Glory Days – Cracking Up
“How much longer do you plan to go on living?” the seven-year-old asked me the other day, after giving me one of those long, appraising looks that children are so good at. I like to think that this question had nothing to do with greed for her inheritance (which currently stands at: my wedding ring; […]
Le News Diary
Change is a constant at Le News so we decided to add this section to keep readers up to date. We are excited about our progress and the role the paper is now playing in the community. We have also taken on three new talented contributors on the editorial side, begun investing further in digital […]
Spotlight: The Festival of Images, Vevey
The Festival of Images in Vevey is remarkable. Go to the town and it is difficult miss. Enormous images are draped over buildings and posters are placed all along the lake shore. And then there is the exhibition centre on the lakeside by the CGN jetty. This is the focal point for this terrific festival […]