Perched at the foot of the Jura mountains, the Maison de l’Écriture rises as a strident intrusion of modernity with its vaulting, white pillars, panoramic windows and perforated roof. Yet this is not the first time that a New Age phenomenon has imposed itself on the area. Back in the 1890s, when the Morges to […]
Patrouille des Glaciers: Reaching new heights
The Patrouille des Glaciers took place last week, with a record 5,400 participants, after some fears it might have to be cancelled like the previous race in 2012. Unstable weather and significant snowfalls at the beginning of the week delayed all departures by a day, but in the end everyone was able to compete. The […]
Wines in full bloom
The colourful burst of flowers heralding spring is a natural invitation to discover wines that boast enticing blossom aromas. Here is a seasonal selection of dry white and red wines made from grape varieties with a definite floral character. Sauvignon Blanc is one grape variety that established New Zealand’s reputation for quality wine. Not only […]
Au pairing
Two popular misconceptions exist when talking about au pairing. One is based on gender bias; the other is that it’s not a “proper” job. Reality poses an altogether different take. Living and working abroad while being entrusted with a parent’s most precious possession, their children, is no laughing matter. Nor is it one necessarily reserved […]
Wines of real value
January means counting the cost of the festive period, so maybe now is the time to seek some good value wines. Here is a tantalizing selection of three reds and three whites that balance reasonable quality with affordable prices ranging from CHF 7.95 to under CHF 14.95. Each is available from Coop, Denner and Mövenpick. […]
Auberge de Dully: the chicken place
DULLY I first ate at the Auberge de Dully – known as “the chicken place” by locals – in 2009. I was invited by Zimbabwean friends who lived in the village and had been raving about the restaurant for months. To be honest, I was expecting an average meal at best, as I am British-Jamaican […]
Seeking the “perfect” fondue
Ten years ago, desperate to find an affordable holiday rental, I eyed a last-minute opening on the Wengen tourism site for a rustic chalet with wood-burning stove and stunning view. I dusted off my rusty German, called the owner and then packed up the kids and dog for the Bernese Alps. At 1,300 meters, Wengen […]
Finishing school opens doors to men
GENEVA The times they are a changin’. Switzerland’s last traditional finishing school, the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Glion above Montreux, has decided that the 21st Century may no longer merit young women being ‘finished’ in preparation for a good marriage. There is growing awareness that good manners can be good for business. With that in […]
