Le Matin. Former Genesis drummer and singer, Phil Collins will be performing in Lausanne on Friday, 3 June 2016 to raise money for the charity, Little Dreams, which he started with his former Swiss wife Orianne. The 65 year-old singer drummer has been suffering from health problems and has rarely been seen on stage over […]
3 cheers for Switzerland! – the prisoners of war interned in Switzerland in 1916
“It is difficult to write calmly about it for the simple reason that I have never before in my life seen such a welcome accorded to anyone, although for twenty-eight years I have been present at every kind of function in half the capitals of Europe. At Lausanne some 10,000 people, at 5am, were present […]
What’s in a name – most common Swiss surnames and their meaning
Like Smith, the most common name in England, the most frequent surnames in Geneva and Zurich come from professions. In some parts of Switzerland common names also relate to geography or places. An example of a well-known name with geographic origins in Switzerland is the royal Austrian name Habsburg, which has its home in the eponymous Swiss commune […]
No laughing matter – French satirist makes fun of Switzerland’s president
The French satire news show Le Petit Journal recently made fun of a speech made by Swiss president Johann Schneider-Ammann. The speech, made to commemorate Switzerland’s day of the sick on 1 March 2016, recommends laughter to those suffering from illness. The message however, is delivered with no trace of humour. This absence of humour now has […]
Have you ever wondered what Adele might sound like in Swiss German?
Below, the 23 year old Swiss singer Marina Ortega sings the Adele track “Hello” in Swiss German. Her Swiss German version was posted on her the music sharing website Soundcloud. On her Facebook page she describes herself as a singer and songwriter with a passion for motorsport. The singer from Lake Zurich started playing the piano when she was […]
David Bowie’s life in Switzerland
David Bowie died on 10 January 2016 two days after his 69th birthday. His death was announced on his Facebook page. January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with… Posted by David Bowie on Sunday, 10 January 2016 Tributes to the artist have flooded […]
How an American bird ended up being named after Turkey
The iconic American bird, eaten by many around the world at this time of the year, is called a turkey. But why? The large bird, native to Mexico and the United States, ought to have a native American name rather than the name of a country 8,000 km away. In Mexico for example it is […]
Sepp Blatter: no mobile, no email, 8 year FIFA suspension, what next?
According to Le Matin, following his eight year FIFA suspension, Sepp Blatter must hand over his professional mobile phone and access to emails. He is however allowed to keep his salary, company car and apartment in Zurich until 26 February 2016. On 22 December 2015, FIFA’s ethics committee imposed an eight year suspension on Mr […]
More people have climbed Everest than done this
If you are young, able bodied and looking for a physical challenge you might consider running a marathon or a triathlon. If someone suggested rowing across the Atlantic you’d probably think they were going mad. When I heard about the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a race where rowers can spend months rowing the close to […]
Video of skier who plans to ski down 15 Swiss peaks over 4,000 metres
A new film called “La Liste”, starring 26 year old Jérémie Heitz, charts the history and evolution of steep skiing. Planned for release in 2016, the film will show the skier descending 15 Swiss peaks over 4,000 metres in his home canton of Valais. The film trailer below shows the incredible steepness and speed of his […]
