tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79934572047158800132024-03-05T02:03:29.141-08:00Isle of Switzerlandisleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-62397915871975149222014-11-24T06:04:00.000-08:002014-11-24T06:05:09.619-08:00Drug deal worth 30 million!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-align: justify;">Interesting little packages in the post this morning. Four lots of iodine tablets, one for each member of the household! </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-align: justify;">Why? Because, the </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Swiss government has issued them to everyone living within a 50 km radius of a nuclear power station. The cost of which, </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">30 million Swiss francs,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> is being funded by the power plants. In the event of a nuclear disaster, the tablets, once taken will protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine. However, they come with very strict guidelines, “to be taken only by order of the appropriate authorities.” The tablets have a shelf life of 10 years which means that, before we run up the hill to the locally shared, council provided bunker, I really do hope I remember where I've put them!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsu02bW7waLZCFt-1PO7uY9bGZm_cINmkuK_-kZCR4IS7TWv8UwFWQnh0cTxK5maM_HksVOTTCbp3vjIVJYvR0CthByvNhyphenhyphenHzWXPnGBzqDHTAu3C9xEWG57qIECvItsf13TF1flRZF2Eo/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsu02bW7waLZCFt-1PO7uY9bGZm_cINmkuK_-kZCR4IS7TWv8UwFWQnh0cTxK5maM_HksVOTTCbp3vjIVJYvR0CthByvNhyphenhyphenHzWXPnGBzqDHTAu3C9xEWG57qIECvItsf13TF1flRZF2Eo/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">For more </span>information:</div>
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<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-05/switzerland-hands-out-iodine-in-case-of-nuclear-disaster.html">http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-05/switzerland-hands-out-iodine-in-case-of-nuclear-disaster.html</a></div>
isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-57031086863127032312014-10-03T11:31:00.001-07:002014-10-03T11:31:38.196-07:00Oh Nein!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSooe4XZVqkRHivvKr6E5k8Q4R7SdVH6wvVHY2wt78h7-2bRxeK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSooe4XZVqkRHivvKr6E5k8Q4R7SdVH6wvVHY2wt78h7-2bRxeK" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Last week I took down all my curtains and
decided to get them dry cleaned. How nice it would be to get them back to their
original cream colour, as they had now turned one of the 50 shades of
grey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I decided to bring them to the Dry Cleaners in
Germany thinking it would be much cheaper than getting them cleaned in
Switzerland. On Wednesday of this week, I went to collect them, but due to the
persistence of the grey dust the man in the dry cleaners told me to come back on
Thursday. As I would be in Riehen (a small village close to the German border)
on Friday morning, I thought it would be a sensible idea to collect them on Friday instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">My first thought whilst on the motorway this Friday
morning was just how little traffic there was. I never thought anything more
about it and continued singing along to the song on the radio, “</span>in the jungle
the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight…..” Swiss radio at its best. </div>
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After meeting up with the Walking
Group ladies in Riehen and celebrating 3 people’s birthdays!! I felt very
pleased with myself that I had no time constraints. Normally at this time of the morning, there is an urgent need to rush
home and make lunch for my children coming home from school at 12.00. The joys of the
Swiss school system. But not today.</div>
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As I approached the German border,
two Custom Officers were stopping all the cars and looking
inside, unusual I thought, normally you sail through. It is often the case
that on returning to Switzerland, you are scrutinised. Upon entering this part of Germany, the first
thing one notices is the Chinese restaurant and the Sex Shop, but both were
closed. Strange, as they are always open, one normally notices! Driving along I glanced
at the Volkswagen garage, and the furniture shop, both in darkness. Again, strange, I thought. Finally, I arrived at the shopping centre, which was also in darkness and was closed....the
streets were empty too…. by this time, I was wrecking my brain as to what is happening
in Germany today? </div>
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I pulled over, got out my phone, luckily
I was still on a Swiss network, but, I was so curious at this stage that I
would have even turned on the Data Roaming! I googled, “3 October Germany” turns
out, it is German Unity Day and has been since 1990! </div>
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I will have to drive back, AGAIN on
another day. I hope the dry cleaning is indeed significantly cheaper, due to
the amount of money I have spent on petrol – or it’s curtains for me!</div>
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<i>Happy birthday to Nadia, happy birthday to Patricia and happy birthday to
Helen!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-7006828200967218962012-10-17T13:23:00.000-07:002012-10-23T12:59:22.656-07:00On the road again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tSyZmJyw8ELZyptS9K6r2hippouANUgzQKSo1QyrnW-zyHaw31AkY1zZkXHxZ0yHQEtfIIsLvHxQRmxg4WmUwIPqMmuWocnZlZrXPDTzwsY9WvYkzyDNeH9Jn8pDhXrMrKpz3bq7lWAW/s1600/MP900443960_old+fashioned+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tSyZmJyw8ELZyptS9K6r2hippouANUgzQKSo1QyrnW-zyHaw31AkY1zZkXHxZ0yHQEtfIIsLvHxQRmxg4WmUwIPqMmuWocnZlZrXPDTzwsY9WvYkzyDNeH9Jn8pDhXrMrKpz3bq7lWAW/s320/MP900443960_old+fashioned+car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This morning I had the pleasure of bringing our
8 year old car for its MOT. In German it is called Motorfahrzeugkontrolle. I think it is fair to say, that no one, no
matter which country you are in, enjoys bringing their car for an MOT, at least
I certainly don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">After paying my 60 CHF (£40) for the privilege,
I was told to wait in front of door Number 3. Above the door was a very large clock for all
to see and I watched intently from inside my car as the minute hand moved painstakingly forwards. There was a car in
front of me and at 9.40 exactly (well we are in Switzerland!) door number 3 opened
and in went the car. My slot time was
9.50, normally I would say “just” 10 minutes to wait but not today, they were
10 very long minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As I waited in anticipation, a thought suddenly occurred
to me. Why did I not brush up on some useful vocabulary relating to parts of
the car? In all my years in Switzerland speaking German, I could not recall a time when I had
to use a sentence with the word steering wheel in it! Torn from my
cosy thoughts, the clock struck 9.50 and the door opened, a man in dark overalls
motioned to me to drive forwards. Once
inside the hall I looked in the rear view mirror at the number 3 doors closing
firmly shut. There was no going back now.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I won't go into all the details, but let’s
just say that the next 15 minutes were very embarrassing. Man in dark overalls asked
me for various documents relating to the car. I had everything with me, of
course, but I was not sure which document was which. In the end he referred to
them by colour rather than name, finding this an easier option with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The worst bit was when I had to drive over the
pit and man in dark overalls, who by this point was turning into impatient man
in dark overalls, went down some steps and underneath the car. From underneath
he shouted what I needed to do. But, I couldn’t hear him. He shouted the same
command three, maybe four times, by which point I could hear him, but I didn’t
understand. I sat in the car and froze. Should I go down the steps and tell him
I don’t understand or just sit behind the wheel until he comes up? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Luckily there is a God and he sent me a very
nice man who happened to be standing
beside his van in the other lane, i.e. door number 4. He could see I was
struggling and he could hear, better than me, the sheer frustration of the
voice coming from underneath the car. He made lots of movements to guide me as
to what I had to do. He did the steering wheel
turning jester, then the steering wheel turning left jester and so on and so
on. I was by this stage, elated. I gestured back to him, the thumbs up sign and
mouthed thank you to him. I could see
the end of the road! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">After the 15 minute ordeal, man in dark overalls told me
the following: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“Light at backside needs replaced” and “for
future MOT’s, a good wash underneath beforehand!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-64375751327986196602012-05-25T12:38:00.000-07:002012-05-26T00:33:15.579-07:00A fishy tale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AMvcSyfdNKoLRVcLyVGvXBUKBLMldt4fKl8h9wejALx5ka-YvezB2p9_1-QLQwmyIY6-3PZgjjla_u9Z7UgVu4bKl9eltlMLXrrN9gV1SjIFggeSwN6mudPoXyKHxDUtc0ueMUu9hemw/s1600/P1120901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AMvcSyfdNKoLRVcLyVGvXBUKBLMldt4fKl8h9wejALx5ka-YvezB2p9_1-QLQwmyIY6-3PZgjjla_u9Z7UgVu4bKl9eltlMLXrrN9gV1SjIFggeSwN6mudPoXyKHxDUtc0ueMUu9hemw/s320/P1120901.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My first memory of going to feed the ducks was with my Grandfather Vincent when
I was a child and more recently of course, with my own children. But last
Monday was the first time I went to feed the fish. I was very surprised and
touched when my good friend Graziella kindly gave me a Gift Voucher for a “Fish
Spa and Pedicure”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had heard about a Fish Spa, where people go and put their
feet into tanks full of hungry fish, and let the fish eat the dead skin of the
feet! But I never dreamed I would actually do this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I arrived on Monday morning and was guided into a treatment
room, decorated in soft relaxing tones. I have to say I felt far from relaxed once I spotted
the 5 glass tanks filled with lots and lots of small fish. My treatment began with a warm foot spa which
cleanses the feet and allows the skin to
soften. I suppose it must be a bit like tenderising
a piece of meat to make it more palatable. Once my feet were tender enough I was
asked to “simply” place them into the fish tank. I cautiously dipped my big toe into the tank
and I watched as what seemed like hundreds
of fish rushed to my big toe. A few screams followed and I quickly withdrew my
foot, horrified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I plucked up the courage to try again, this time I cautiously
put both feet into the fish tank. It was such a strange and unpleasant
experience, firstly to see shoals of hungry fish rush to your feet, then to feel
them brushing against your skin and finally
to watch them eating the dead skin of your feet. It didn’t hurt, it just felt tickly.
I tried so hard not to think about the fish and what they were doing. I asked for magazine hoping it would distract
me somewhat and was handed a copy of
Gala, a German version of Hello magazine, but it was to no avail, even a
picture of David Beckham advertising his heisses Höschen couldn't distract me from
the fact, that I was being eaten alive!
I shrieked and gave up, “I can’t do it” I screamed! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After my ordeal I was taken to another treatment room and had
a lovely relaxing Pedicure. Despite my experience I would recommend the Beautician’s <a href="http://www.naegel-mit-koepfchen.ch/">http://www.naegel-mit-koepfchen.ch/</a>
which is situated less than a five minute walk from where I live. And although I won’t
be going back to feed the fish, I will definitely try some of the other
fantastic treatments that they have to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you Graziella
for the lovely gift and experience. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_Qff0YvJGAmDvo73iXjJLOygfCuQeAXzytYyt6LAXJOU0bYCJC2TqI8WKs_Poge_7PHAJ6r_4VcYKpqGrwax4m30UT26B1daU-q32j8S5zHbP72HgVuSqixfWm-CWrAcjziA7Kyqsusc/s1600/david-beckham-underwear-hm-ads-04smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_Qff0YvJGAmDvo73iXjJLOygfCuQeAXzytYyt6LAXJOU0bYCJC2TqI8WKs_Poge_7PHAJ6r_4VcYKpqGrwax4m30UT26B1daU-q32j8S5zHbP72HgVuSqixfWm-CWrAcjziA7Kyqsusc/s320/david-beckham-underwear-hm-ads-04smaller.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-83469491109420452912012-05-17T13:06:00.001-07:002012-05-17T13:31:00.008-07:00A Blessing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFlqCV-uZvTCN0P-KkZmTgk7yWtUf8Szn2wGtw9HdAHCGOmQDVI4POCLSJq8HGhaovfnHd2OFGxzl1ZVOquuqGZD52z3vsfRMld1hyRUzcOwtGn9TFv1F2nvuOQt4jKjBulfp8yKp7Tks/s1600/P1120833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFlqCV-uZvTCN0P-KkZmTgk7yWtUf8Szn2wGtw9HdAHCGOmQDVI4POCLSJq8HGhaovfnHd2OFGxzl1ZVOquuqGZD52z3vsfRMld1hyRUzcOwtGn9TFv1F2nvuOQt4jKjBulfp8yKp7Tks/s320/P1120833.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Ascension Day is the 40th
day of Easter. It occurs 39 days after Easter Sunday and is celebrated on a
Thursday. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension
into heaven. In other words, we had a day off today!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Not wanting to sound pious, we ascended into the hills of Basel Land. Our
destination was a village called Reigoldswil and further ascent to an area
called Wasserfallen. We decided to hike up to Wasserfallen following the hardy “Hunters
route” which meant a one hour 10 minutes uphill hike. As a reward we would take the cable car downhill. Yes in Basel cable car’s do exist!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We set off at 11.15 to our
destination, half an hour away, in Reigoldswil. I knew roughly where it was, but it was a good 5
years since I was last there and without GPS and a good map reader in the car,
we got a teensy bit lost. I know, I should have researched the route before we set off, but to be
honest I couldn’t be bothered. As always I knew I would find my way in the end.
“It is all part of the enjoyment” I told
my children!! Who are clearly very Swiss in their thinking, “didn’t you look it up on the internet before we set off?” they asked me anxiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We parked the car at
Reigoldswil at 12.45 ish…..a bit later than expected, “the sun is still shining!”
I told both of them!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 16px;">One of things I love about Switzerland is that it doesn’t take long to escape city life. Here are a few photos of our glorious walk through the forest and hills today. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Peace and quiet....</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Which way next.....</span></div>
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When finished work, put your feet up...</div>
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Someone hiding in the meadows.....</div>
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</div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-87962741830350595192012-05-13T12:25:00.001-07:002012-05-13T12:25:38.137-07:00Thanks boys!<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">It was Mothers Day today in Switzerland, not to
mention other parts of the world. As I blogged in my post in 2010, Switzerland
follows the US tradition, where Mothers Day falls on the second Sunday in May. In
the UK and Ireland they celebrate Mothers Day in the middle of Lent, following the
traditional Mothering Sunday celebration.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I had four lovely gifts to waken up to this morning.
Two of which were my lovely boys, of course! Who happily watched TV without
arguing about which channel to watch, whilst I had a lie in until 9.00! And the
other two were the gifts they had made with their teachers in school. It is really nice and very much appreciated that the teachers take the time with the
children to mark the occasion of Mothers Day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Beautifully packaged dried apricots and almonds dipped in chocolate.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0Nlgp8UO_Lo0n2fhq6GShyphenhyphenNOcrz-e9OGg7A2xP3bquWni0l8l9uePo9Pmt8aeWjtJdhBvmEByVcxlcE9_wVeLMZ__7Hsl8CbpxpJINt9DEIZHknYkwvrYgT0n8MyfiNKkVoSPg3yzcrg/s1600/P1120824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0Nlgp8UO_Lo0n2fhq6GShyphenhyphenNOcrz-e9OGg7A2xP3bquWni0l8l9uePo9Pmt8aeWjtJdhBvmEByVcxlcE9_wVeLMZ__7Hsl8CbpxpJINt9DEIZHknYkwvrYgT0n8MyfiNKkVoSPg3yzcrg/s320/P1120824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Beautifully packaged ladybird containing four lovely Swiss chocolates.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I had forewarned both children that we would not
be staying at home all day on Sunday and that I wanted to go hiking up in the
hills. Naturally, I was bombarded with complaints, moaning and groaning as to “</span>why
do we have to go walking?” “walking is boring……” It fell on deaf ears at first, but when the moaning
continued after breakfast, despite the fact that it was Mothers Day, I had had
enough. I looked both of them in the eye (separately, of course, stress is one
thing, but getting cross eyed over a hike is really not worth it), I told them the
following, “today is all about me, now get your shoes on, before I…….”</div>
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And what a lovely walk we had!</div>
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<br /></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-1824740084167426162012-03-12T13:52:00.015-07:002012-03-13T04:54:26.120-07:00Jammie Dodgers!We had a very stressful week last week, sorting out finances and finalising the Contract for the purchase of our new house. Toni managed to lose a “few” thousand Swiss Francs in cyber space during an e-banking transaction. Thankfully he managed to retrieve it from wherever it went to. As if that wasn’t enough, he transferred money into a holding account and by mistake added an extra “0”, not in our favour. It took half an hour to get back into the system to change the amount again.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; "> </span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%">On Friday morning we signed for the house with the Solicitor. In Switzerland the sellers and the buyers are required to be present at the Solicitors. It was a very formal affair whereby all parties had to identify themselves by producing ID/Passports. The Solicitor went through the Contract point by point, and each party had to answer that they understood. It concluded by all parties signing the Contract. The whole procedure took 13 minutes and I dread to think about how many 0’s this will cost in Solicitors fees. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%">Our bank requested a copy of the signed Contract and rather than send a copy in the post I decided to hand deliver it. I was in turn handed a nicely wrapped jam filled biscuit. Whilst interest rates in Switzerland are low, house prices are not! In return for borrowing a large sum from the bank, we got a biscuit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%">It reminded me of the time that we bought our car in Switzerland. The owner of the garage spent some time explaining the buttons and gadgets in the car before handing over the keys. Then he disappeared into the back office and produced a loaf of bread for us to take home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">I've heard moving house is wee buns* as long as no one takes the biscuit! </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UqRwgSvqFWY3Hb6O0Ukdz6o77SEMR2Ibj0FyzkO8DRlDFtCWisFYFZtfMssb3K-_HteMqojw5GF5JhpuWb4TlBjnN5ehkVy2BNbP_hRJL-OCk0OEvBKUW1VtOgQxx7Y2bToxVqDtsBPO/s1600/P1120489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UqRwgSvqFWY3Hb6O0Ukdz6o77SEMR2Ibj0FyzkO8DRlDFtCWisFYFZtfMssb3K-_HteMqojw5GF5JhpuWb4TlBjnN5ehkVy2BNbP_hRJL-OCk0OEvBKUW1VtOgQxx7Y2bToxVqDtsBPO/s400/P1120489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719119370908939634" /></a>* in Northern Ireland wee buns means, easy.isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-43475549351567887852012-02-23T11:54:00.024-08:002012-02-23T22:10:49.748-08:00Well trained.<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; "><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; ">We are going for a week’s </span><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; ">winter break to Saas Fee this Saturday. </span><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; ">It is our eighth</span><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; "> year in the</span><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "> same resort. Rory was three years old when he first started ski school, I wish I’d started ski school at this age, but that’s another story. In the earlier years we drove our car, the necessary four hours, sometimes it took longer if we were delayed due to the volume of traffic. But, not any more.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><span lang="EN-US">For the third year in succession we will travel by train. Swiss trains, efficient, punctual, reliable, fast, clean and safe. Travelling on a Saturday means that you can drop your labelled baggage at any train station within Switzerland before 6pm on Thursday and they will be waiting for you at your chosen destination when you arrive on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><span lang="EN-US">As instructed we brought our luggage to our local train station and all that was left to do was was to buy six bag tags and attach them to each piece of luggage. The price is 10 francs per bag,(about £7.00) Today, like previous years, we had six bags, I know it sounds a lot. But, for four people on a ski holiday you need a lot. Two bags consisted of skis and poles, two bags with helmets and ski boots and two bags with clothes. All you have to do is leave the labelled and tagged luggage at the back of the office, on the platform. Simple.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><i>11.30am</i></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchSkJgQAlFpRx1ZojQ3H5l0Z-weHAG8pmk-lTPHNpm4ZRzI5-xY3GX9SowiahRgeAZU_s7BUTxwoTSrFfG-laWZ7Vp9O02_RtqsZW6JRXn0bwP5i6rbXoZMXvjXR9nLrGd-OuIjJ6F5qk/s1600/P1120122.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchSkJgQAlFpRx1ZojQ3H5l0Z-weHAG8pmk-lTPHNpm4ZRzI5-xY3GX9SowiahRgeAZU_s7BUTxwoTSrFfG-laWZ7Vp9O02_RtqsZW6JRXn0bwP5i6rbXoZMXvjXR9nLrGd-OuIjJ6F5qk/s400/P1120122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712425977669343746" /></a><br /><i>5.30pm</i><i style="font-style: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgSCLjQ16z-UYLZd4ATjrjN88EomZljAgquz-rdRQFrh2ETpsdDqkaz4noxpkx6PtpLcRA8RWbi5juQTydhNSLTU41JFQSA8CXuQSCzviI8N_m1pes3YZwrR2cP_kYYNoh0Ec0hhBRejk/s1600/P1120126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgSCLjQ16z-UYLZd4ATjrjN88EomZljAgquz-rdRQFrh2ETpsdDqkaz4noxpkx6PtpLcRA8RWbi5juQTydhNSLTU41JFQSA8CXuQSCzviI8N_m1pes3YZwrR2cP_kYYNoh0Ec0hhBRejk/s400/P1120126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712426986935650738" /></a></i><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><i>7.30pm, simple!</i></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpH0OChgbyU8jGOo_e1JN3YYgC_F_pKpwcE-Tby09Vlfb5Do0-bm592J3TDrvp_CAZrfc5gJG9vsgoTtg-4ny3VVRrgh1pyjyoQSdw9a8_GASwn0uHfasMGW5cIttUOn4qHH15ba0nvu7/s1600/P1120141.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpH0OChgbyU8jGOo_e1JN3YYgC_F_pKpwcE-Tby09Vlfb5Do0-bm592J3TDrvp_CAZrfc5gJG9vsgoTtg-4ny3VVRrgh1pyjyoQSdw9a8_GASwn0uHfasMGW5cIttUOn4qHH15ba0nvu7/s400/P1120141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712428113223682946" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">I tried to imagine this service in Belfast. Dropping your luggage at the back of a train station, unchecked, unsupervised and trusting it will arrive at the correct destination on Saturday morning? I don’t think so! Never mind, worrying which destination it would end up in, more importantly I'd wonder if I would EVER see my belongings again!</span><br /><p style="font-style: normal; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">With all the packing done, theoretically, on Saturday morning, we should simply set off with our toothbrushes, train tickets and a few personal belongings. HA! You must be joking. What ever happened to roughing it? Travelling light? Nowadays, going on holiday means creating an extension of your home elsewhere.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><span lang="EN-US">No holiday is ever complete without Toni’s trusty lap top, well you never know, he may want to work on holiday and a Blackberry is simply not enough to keep in close contact with the office. I kid you not! And we haven’t had a holiday yet without Conor’s teddy! </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUxVxvf6Xriki_NdOfXAQrSFVr_o0KFHYNETqQ2k5L3oCye-ckLoKfsDx9pnkTudZhggQwymCoiib9CHZ0iknCqHDkMlNwJBy5l7dYR_1-TcZGmJH4O623R-3vhHy3GTFoRevQpjRU2Wl/s1600/P1120134.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUxVxvf6Xriki_NdOfXAQrSFVr_o0KFHYNETqQ2k5L3oCye-ckLoKfsDx9pnkTudZhggQwymCoiib9CHZ0iknCqHDkMlNwJBy5l7dYR_1-TcZGmJH4O623R-3vhHy3GTFoRevQpjRU2Wl/s400/P1120134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712428867751366562" /></a><br /><span style="text-align: justify; font-size: 100%; ">On Saturday we will be travelling with the following: Nintendo DS x 2, IPod x 3, (I don’t need mine on holiday!) chargers for the latter, books, magazines, sun tan cream (I forgot to pack it in advance), medication for adults, medication for children, toiletries (I couldn’t quite part with my shampoo, conditioner etc, for two whole days), sweets, croissants, bottle of water x 2. Finally, in Basel train station, we will buy take away coffee x 2 for the whopping two hour train journey.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify; "><span lang="EN-US">Now, I wonder if I’ve forgotten anything.</span></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-84532821802041809022012-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:20:40.945-08:00Sledging on Sunday<div><a style="FONT: 100% Georgia, serif" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB78-uLhiTT0b9_CeQYyKVZT6dSTiwP-hW3INNecn6pQ9hp10VbI_B6_BoxVNONYZYxLnW05ZHOWDJNVvoxrRuA9Ke5oZOGfl8CNJiDoB4mOdRrta9c5jjX9UsmRm8rGJT1WgrOLmZcwN/s1600/P1110991.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708270642346070034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB78-uLhiTT0b9_CeQYyKVZT6dSTiwP-hW3INNecn6pQ9hp10VbI_B6_BoxVNONYZYxLnW05ZHOWDJNVvoxrRuA9Ke5oZOGfl8CNJiDoB4mOdRrta9c5jjX9UsmRm8rGJT1WgrOLmZcwN/s400/P1110991.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span lang="EN-US">Last weekend the temperatures plummeted to a freezing minus 20 degrees! We had two decisions, stay at home or brave the elements. We chose the latter, as did a whole host of others and together we caught </span>the Post Auto (local bus) to Gempen to go sledging. Gempen is a “hill” situated nearby which is just under 900M, it is equivalent in height to Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland. It is a route which is well known to us and I have no idea how many Sundays have been spent hiking up, down and in and around Gempen.<br /><br />The Swiss being the Swiss, that is, extremely organised on the transport front! Had of course, put extra buses on to cater for the mass numbers. The most difficult bit to master is trying to get on the bus without losing members of your family. A queue means nothing. You learn to push in an aggressive manner; it’s the only way! Incidentally the German word for queue is “Schlange” which also means snake/serpent!</div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kABXjngAHnPU0He3X3iPIVpSC7QXGWRfai5JSgmu_Q5RcG8aLBbvFjxDzEdBlPDQ5M8MYI4YtTlnBAt34ZBMgf5eFfZe_IXaKXDYP3lDJm87HgWEKWM8INn_AycOOAOn5JOCRV1u-PBB/s1600/P1110934.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708330410724243922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kABXjngAHnPU0He3X3iPIVpSC7QXGWRfai5JSgmu_Q5RcG8aLBbvFjxDzEdBlPDQ5M8MYI4YtTlnBAt34ZBMgf5eFfZe_IXaKXDYP3lDJm87HgWEKWM8INn_AycOOAOn5JOCRV1u-PBB/s400/P1110934.JPG" /></a> <em>View from the back of the bus!</em></p><p align="justify">Once the bus arrived at Gempen village, everyone departed and went off in different directions, by foot or by sledge. We decided to take the route which would bring us back down to our village. Here are some of our photos taken en route from Gempen down to the village.</p><p align="justify"><a style="FONT: 100% Georgia, serif" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig5J6_uBadwJxJiYt9RM5hJ6uLdtOm69-BezbgIok9gMx0sJd7TxjFfWaWDJFnpv-N5opuSaE6fw4EJFH_Y_eneh4axOw17v0S2iW6DiPJDUZrBDeqtokhcEwbjGnNaAjOOfPiRScCW7H/s1600/P1110992.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708269414338302338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig5J6_uBadwJxJiYt9RM5hJ6uLdtOm69-BezbgIok9gMx0sJd7TxjFfWaWDJFnpv-N5opuSaE6fw4EJFH_Y_eneh4axOw17v0S2iW6DiPJDUZrBDeqtokhcEwbjGnNaAjOOfPiRScCW7H/s400/P1110992.JPG" /></a><br /><a style="FONT: 100% Georgia, serif" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1xyVzLdgOWnnCIv2XneCjFUQPN2w3d3bp4ICVp2RW_GVx0y2YdBxx11Aw8sfJKVakoPyR4hBZVuHNqnWsW7moAsG0FbDY_jCyvVkWaYylrFGtJEGB1wNF05u7bx5t_Y9xLcafkUIwHjd/s1600/P1110945.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708267434248619010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1xyVzLdgOWnnCIv2XneCjFUQPN2w3d3bp4ICVp2RW_GVx0y2YdBxx11Aw8sfJKVakoPyR4hBZVuHNqnWsW7moAsG0FbDY_jCyvVkWaYylrFGtJEGB1wNF05u7bx5t_Y9xLcafkUIwHjd/s400/P1110945.JPG" /></a><a style="FONT: 100% Georgia, serif" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnv0eiNLMUjX1FknLQOmEi_Wk78Fn22wi3C4EuQ3TxX7icQ_KG_XVZGKvyizU2brY9x2EHM_cfjaAWpCRIw_GvGull3AM4xc6rr8kMAXXo52Ak28HY3-YpfStLooP44SsievQBWhMewz3/s1600/P1110960.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708268333203874850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnv0eiNLMUjX1FknLQOmEi_Wk78Fn22wi3C4EuQ3TxX7icQ_KG_XVZGKvyizU2brY9x2EHM_cfjaAWpCRIw_GvGull3AM4xc6rr8kMAXXo52Ak28HY3-YpfStLooP44SsievQBWhMewz3/s400/P1110960.JPG" /></a><br /></p><p align="justify">Sunday wouldn’t be Sunday if you didn't see a cyclist on the road! Even the snow doesn't deter them. Incidentally my brother, who moved to Canada last year, himself a very keen cyclist, bought a pair of bike chains so he too could brave the harsh winter conditions of Canada and cycle to work!<br /><br /><a style="FONT: 100% Georgia, serif" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwxYBLymI43Y1mg1Vgyw8DnzUycWhPW_-c8OsH_LRAyIoS7p60IkCinD-QRcGq-JX3eZYg5hQVD9ajA78EwA4ca_YpoaE4upDBm5dgHzfJ7wZ6N76gLcIBBd8yscDlbrZywLFJVFUAN-5/s1600/P1110950.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708267826409559202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwxYBLymI43Y1mg1Vgyw8DnzUycWhPW_-c8OsH_LRAyIoS7p60IkCinD-QRcGq-JX3eZYg5hQVD9ajA78EwA4ca_YpoaE4upDBm5dgHzfJ7wZ6N76gLcIBBd8yscDlbrZywLFJVFUAN-5/s400/P1110950.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-O0g5bo8vNOPCQPKsWQmmm-Vn0ALeRLrSiwzClRDyHpYBm2plGMQyjXlSg9c-LdwCkGxORJpiCMPdcBpK9AC9CZ0Ex0eXEODJDR2RsFN-vVuB9sNn_hydHj6gz3Xy_XIOOoJUGBrLsXR/s1600/P1110999.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708335789443947746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-O0g5bo8vNOPCQPKsWQmmm-Vn0ALeRLrSiwzClRDyHpYBm2plGMQyjXlSg9c-LdwCkGxORJpiCMPdcBpK9AC9CZ0Ex0eXEODJDR2RsFN-vVuB9sNn_hydHj6gz3Xy_XIOOoJUGBrLsXR/s400/P1110999.JPG" /></a>Once down in the village you can hop on the bus again and repeat the whole experience!<br /></p></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-66359241200564791212012-02-05T10:49:00.000-08:002012-02-05T11:04:59.144-08:00The oldest boy band in town!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe40q5bhI2IaPUsAfbnNzzy1j-_pPRSbJVgr0PWUDKOiiPBHhqhLtSuLhuNZsdP6MRm_SkKZIhfwK-a3PXv2NNKgnzQn6_CYNDdOVDHsIVrOGc7t8RCxq4_ok_HvkWCsl38E65E_BRtuc/s1600/P1110915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe40q5bhI2IaPUsAfbnNzzy1j-_pPRSbJVgr0PWUDKOiiPBHhqhLtSuLhuNZsdP6MRm_SkKZIhfwK-a3PXv2NNKgnzQn6_CYNDdOVDHsIVrOGc7t8RCxq4_ok_HvkWCsl38E65E_BRtuc/s400/P1110915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705728744967445746" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; ">It’s a year since I (sounds like I’m in the confession box, have to say that would be a lot longer than a year….!) updated my blog.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">On Thursday evening, Toni and I went to see The Dubliners playing in the Stadt Casino in Basel. They were celebrating 50 years on stage! We were surrounded by Swiss, Germans and French, who clearly all enjoyed Irish Folk Music.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The band members were greeted on stage with a big round of applause and that was just me! The first song was a jig, the second song was Seven Drunken Nights, the third song was a song about drinking, and the fifth song was an Australian song about drinking….. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was time for three of the band to take a break. That left Barney and Eamon alone on stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> Seventy three year old Barney spoke to the audience first in Irish, then in German and lastly in English. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">“If I’m talking too fast for you” he said “then you need to listen quickly”. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%">“Eamon and I are going to perform a solo for you!” Not a lot of laughter, more explanation clearly needed, “it is an Irish solo” as there are two of us. Laughter followed. "The other three band members have gone to put the kettle on for a cup of coffee, Irish coffee, without the coffee.” Once the solo finished and the audience quietened down, Barney spoke again, “we are going for a break now, it will last either a quarter of an hour or 15 minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%">The Dubliners chatted </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">in between songs, and tributes were made to band members who had passed away. Tales were told about growing up in Ireland in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and how music and stories were passed on through families. It was Sean’s turn to play a solo and before he started, he explained a little about the song, which was created whilst he was in Norway at the time of the shootings of 85 young people in July last year. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was great performance and I had a strange feeling when it was over as I walked out onto the streets of Basel. Shouldn’t I be in Ireland? Looking forward to going home at Easter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><br /></span></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-80455438986501587142011-02-02T11:24:00.001-08:002011-02-02T12:09:31.183-08:00Testing, testing…..<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Today, 2 February 2011, is air raid testing day throughout Switzerland. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every year on the second Wednesday in February, the sirens are systematically tested in all counties. This is the sound we would hear in the event of a National Disaster e.g. air raid attack.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBNKnSMmjVE&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBNKnSMmjVE&feature=related</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">It is very eerie and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let’s hope we never have to experience this. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Further information taken from the following website: <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.ch.ch/">www.ch.ch</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;mso-line-height-alt:14.4pt;mso-outline-level:1"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#164074;mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"><a href="http://www.ch.ch/private/00108/00111/00320/00387/index.html?lang=en" title="Alerting the population in the event of a disaster"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;color:#164074;text-decoration:none;text-underline: none">Alerting the population in the event of a disaster</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height: 13.5pt"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#434343; mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Disasters can happen with little or no warning; it is therefore all the more important for information to flow quickly so as to alert the population in good time.</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:13.5pt;mso-outline-level:2"><a name="sprungmarke3_13"></a><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Alarm systems</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:13.5pt;mso-outline-level:2"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(67, 67, 67); ">Switzerland currently has around 7500 (stationary and mobile) civil defence sirens distributed throughout the country that can reach over 99 per cent of the population. Sirens are increasingly activated by remote control. An additional 750 water alert sirens are located near dams.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Siren test</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><a name="sprungmarke3_16"></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The annual siren test takes place in Switzerland on the first Wednesday of February. It is organised by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) in cooperation with the cantons, communes and dam operators. At this time, not only general alert sirens but also water alert sirens are tested to see if they are in working order. People are given advance notice about the siren test on television broadcasts as well as in the newspapers. The siren tests do not require the population to take any special measures.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Who alerts the population?</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><a name="sprungmarke3_18"></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) coordinates activities during a state of emergency (e.g. in the event of increased radioactivity, chemical accidents, dam breaks, satellite crashes, natural disasters etc.). MeteoSwiss becomes involved in the event of dangerous weather developments and the Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in the event of avalanche danger. In principle, every competent authority is able and has the authority to sound their sirens when they deem it to be necessary. The NEOC also takes on the role of a national reporting and assessment centre for all Natural hazards and technical incidents.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">Alarm signals: General alert and flood alert</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:16.8pt"><a name="sprungmarke3_20"></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">A description of the two alarm signals is provided on the last page of all phone books as well as on the Internet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:36.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0cm;line-height:16.8pt; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The general alert is sounded when there is a possible threat to the population. Sirens for this alert have a regularly ascending and descending tone lasting a minute and repeated after a two-minute interval. If you hear this alarm signal, you should turn on the radio (DRS or a local radio station), follow instructions from the authorities and alert your neighbours.</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:36.0pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:0cm;line-height:16.8pt; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">A flood alert has twelve low continuous tones each lasting 20 seconds. It is activated once the general alert is already sounding. This alarm signal indicates you need to leave the area at risk immediately.</span><a name="sprungmarke3_22"></a><a name="sprungmarke3_23"></a><a name="sprungmarke3_24"></a><a name="sprungmarke3_25"></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:#434343;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-79623643008753667122011-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:002011-01-06T12:25:11.660-08:00Have your Cake and Eat It!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL692X0qIOHY85zTsltqTKkHd4R2ml0vQFONgYMD6v6HlsCqt8Bbf_EAimqnCu5J3jfKzEgzaui5WAxmtlrgV8g39NRGJeQmCr6j1O9N-1skT2hkCfnfqdf_fCsL-CG0jk8W0Xp9c2DiRA/s1600/P1070509.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559168994728077666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL692X0qIOHY85zTsltqTKkHd4R2ml0vQFONgYMD6v6HlsCqt8Bbf_EAimqnCu5J3jfKzEgzaui5WAxmtlrgV8g39NRGJeQmCr6j1O9N-1skT2hkCfnfqdf_fCsL-CG0jk8W0Xp9c2DiRA/s400/P1070509.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Today, 6<sup>th</sup> January , it is the Three Kings Day. This marks the final days of Christmas and celebrates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Kings who brought the gifts to the manger on the first night of Christmas, over 2000 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Now, down to business! There is great excitement among all children, as every household today has bought a Three Kings Cake, called in German, “</span>Dreikönigskuchen”, included with every cake is just one gold crown and hidden<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"> inside each cake is just one King!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Whoever gets the piece of cake with the King inside, gets to wear the gold crown. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The cake is eaten with anticipation, the next bite determines, whether you will be the winner or indeed the loser. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Even if you buy two cakes, which I’ve done in the past, there is still no guarantee, you will win second time round!<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">This brings a huge amount of competition between two boys, as of course, both want to win the King! My six year old son told me to guard the cake, incase his brother rummages through it when no one is looking and finds the King!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">In keeping with tradition, today I cleared away the Christmas tree, the Christmas decorations and Christmas cards, and as I did so I thought to myself, it's a wonder there is not war among siblings on this day!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The culprit, a minute white plastic King, shown alongside a normal sized teaspoon!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559169717168187138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji8clKfXCdc4apLF6jnT-Ax3_lV5aYCShRXogoyyvARz7pAEPx60HPckRfVqIIT8VOMkJmUv8SdFdFJXaFtkdnBqN6fkyv6DSLCIXIAOdvV9IqzSDum50KI_i2jvuDEBnef1yMrz9g7Rq/s400/P1070527.JPG" border="0" /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">And the winner this year was:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559169721811765554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7QMpED6SnMnWOPGjX7i-Jhx6eFiOxJsxtMJT1CXY6XqRJaihYhcVkF0qcngGrnSghxkmWsYvVl_sTe7f3GJtreuf3QO89zsUSB0WiJ6S4VIfQpB-USontJTWiy_hi5KqZ6DLK5hjv2rz/s400/P1070537.JPG" border="0" /><br /></span></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-11845079572676893332011-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:10:34.977-08:00Happy New Year!<div><div><div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU2cnk5lijRjVcsbKE-jRW58T4cBsXTXyBVckpIVwaKUYQnODs_Zyy2xjlLNRZFgzYqZP0tnIfU7hh1eGLsk6ZCxFywHsroRP1quWpyGZR9187U9L8NT0ikte74vVxh-Iyq4q18JwXG8a/s1600/P1070505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557656317775164818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU2cnk5lijRjVcsbKE-jRW58T4cBsXTXyBVckpIVwaKUYQnODs_Zyy2xjlLNRZFgzYqZP0tnIfU7hh1eGLsk6ZCxFywHsroRP1quWpyGZR9187U9L8NT0ikte74vVxh-Iyq4q18JwXG8a/s400/P1070505.JPG" border="0" /></a><span lang="DE-CH" style="mso-ansi-language: DE-CH">Vielen Dank Noemi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>für das schöne Bild! </span>A friend’s eight year old daughter drew this lovely picture for me today. Have no idea why she associates me with wine, prosecco and champagne!<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Christmas Day was spent at home surrounded by all the new toys. We cooked the traditional Turkey, despite its extortionate price of 60 francs (over </span>£40!<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">) and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Toni’s brother Karl joined us for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our starter consisted of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Smoked Salmon with Prawns, horseradish cream and lime vinaigrette, followed by Turkey and all the trimmings. By this stage it was time for a walk in the snow to work off a few of the calories! Then back home for dessert,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tiramisu and Christmas Pudding!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Who needs to go to Australia for a BBQ over the Christmas period?! On Boxing Day we met with a number of families and their relatives who were visiting Switzerland and had a BBQ in the forest! Swiss Cervelas (sausages), Paprika Crisps and Swiss beer. The weather was fantastic, very cold but with glorious blue sky.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557660913663265682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg609rB9_rs_PnzcFK3wh15A2RZffyJ0B7kPnVnJ91tkoVooHJZmFKuX6zOxXh11pHk5LRffEyvIZs62FI87RyOjUDKyWck-BLVRAVy4qwwvl6gVbXe4v8cGOyl1-TRn3v8Ok7ddwYrmZDj/s400/P1070390.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><div align="justify">Whilst we grabbed a few knives and forks from the kitchen, some people really did come prepared....check this out for a complete set! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557662051118129250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYtwUqtyugsYHKs8kfiEe0wOrcYNRRwMlKsMg2qFxuf8_2iBH2ygFdHtzalf4KyRftSrxD2G7abYBcjyAxEfRULDrxmNENcHNJJkB9GMqaK1UUcBtV1zBFkN3pPEA49juA3oOeEaKJEk3/s400/P1070383.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">On 27<sup>th</sup> December we travelled to Rigi for 3 days <a href="http://www.rigi.ch/">http://www.rigi.ch/</a> where we walked, sledged and skied above the clouds!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557659089132469906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5jh9anIKGUfn_TLgw-7TuxCumqw-SxbOiGx6DRXSSiUEzAlyMtf-0q8hTqDOg0c9yDZFT0-NbrpBoAmK98c2ITZiQHHmbk-ohKzr_2eW95wsZLnQY4ItNbaE65H05RM-JM5pbAEVekSQ/s400/P1070495.JPG" border="0" /><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557659083090009858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKCOfVEeZFr07yWR0-75FTxhtC59FUbUfuCaWIOmYJzgm2FiLATFkmBStLToE5p39BDN3TlzQ3fLIHHzHqBiR3IQbW0gtH4UxFtq3-P-YaVcvEHqSyxHcXd1tTYDsGBi-2U7cG2E-GewJ/s400/P1070489.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557660903815594514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFmULmZOsrddS1P5i1nHV1-du5alu_AGtXQcntlXzyoLtSj8S7x-RXvZgG2-1nYGw6cDlRgbsGCeP52Wox4Ki9rh7SIgZ2L6hGRjZqKsBRg_MOx9Q9gHa8poWM_6wNgXJVqXWrKdMqJl2/s400/P1070426.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">And now it’s all over, back to school and work tomorrow morning. And more importantly back to the gym!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Happy New Year, may it be full of peace, health, and happiness!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"> </p></div></div></div></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-2861941321287707882010-12-22T12:19:00.000-08:002010-12-23T11:35:48.596-08:00Tee-total!<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Soon it is coming to the end of Advent and I have drunk almost all my tea! I bought myself an Advent Tea calendar at the beginning of December. This consists of 24 different fruit/ herbal teas, and each one has a special name. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My favourite one was on Monday morning past, it was called, “</span>FREI VON DER LEBER WEG”, known to us in English as “LIBERATE YOUR LIVER”! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whether you are staying at home or travelling to be with family at Christmas, I wish you a warm and safe Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE-CH"><b>Fröhliche Weihnachten! Nollaig Shona Daoibh! Merry Christmas! </b></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553605402532489426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyUIL0LIf7wzVMcF_eIAxxF5TVaoC3aj7nMtX4YADSTHKRHkevyR8oOPmRXNrsDhW2pa8FyamUcI25DbfRQiQUfd6I2pjdpU9pWK_Yt_AqO61VWcetJZan0XAp9kKc0r0pJaSBo4jb0L7/s400/P1070339.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-59516417095337085292010-12-06T04:27:00.000-08:002010-12-16T02:30:29.578-08:00Girls Night Out<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqr3E407nvFoP3pmOVxzCdbucc2kG1EUBR91NnOmiSqgMyO5YbbhWEIf1dIs99vL3sOlkw5L0djqWkbbCLHdGviE6zEWwHRzP7Lux7HVphAUoldUo40ZfEL25XVAGCDHEdUb8UNj15LYRI/s1600/P1070218.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547560711080110274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqr3E407nvFoP3pmOVxzCdbucc2kG1EUBR91NnOmiSqgMyO5YbbhWEIf1dIs99vL3sOlkw5L0djqWkbbCLHdGviE6zEWwHRzP7Lux7HVphAUoldUo40ZfEL25XVAGCDHEdUb8UNj15LYRI/s400/P1070218.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week I had an evening out with the girls from the Walking Group. Despite my husband being away on business that week, I managed to find a baby sitter; nothing was going to stop me from enjoying a night out! The occasion was our annual Christmas Dinner and this year we decided to try an Italian Restaurant, situated near the Rhine in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Basel</st1:city></st1:place>, called zur Mägd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The nearest translation I found for “Mägd” was farmhand or milkmaid. Old maid’s we were not! Gone were the walking boots, fleeces and rain jackets as we braved the snow blizzards on Wednesday evening, in a much more elegant fashion.</div><div><div><br /><a href="http://www.zurmaegd.ch/index/restaurant.html">www.zurmaegd.ch/index/restaurant.html</a><br /><div align="justify"><br />The evening got off to a good start with lots of prosecco and wine! Rachel, who organises everything for the group, i.e. Weekly Walks, Annual Christmas Dinner, Book Club…. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>had also organised a “Secret Santa”; whereby, in advance, everybody was given a name of someone from the group, then each person had to buy a unique gift for that person. All gifts were wrapped, labelled and on arrival at the restaurant, quickly smuggled into a empty bin bag, which Rachel had remembered to bring along!</div><br /><div>Here are a few more photos from the evening. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Helen demanding her Secret Santa gift!</span></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547561428506638034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lLBnXRbEzm68SQzpjXUd0jd4-VXwMfy1FcT_9cpNXYNRkIWuS6X1DEJY-ArKBE0t6_qn_-lylEkVgQfZhobwHWTvj4SOOcAsnrvQE4ew-5DbbCJjmLnPepV__wYA3mO5T6SvkGLLqjz6/s400/P1070215.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div>Ann-Marie looking pretty in pink and pleased as punch with her new candle!<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547552127904511730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrARMfL5Fjh1bTfQ9xgjYctj9Bb86qqel38rSTfmi0_1KJovzJgEJ7vmTA2uH-NuSfk6_zuV6isHe1nCgZ04Q5hzDEsm_xKi9vQvbo3NI0CunqtnIf5oLaW3JqW3YcXeCOtgPX8gqTngW/s400/P1070230.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547552123468207314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhctjq0vXxeMl9Yl5mrzt8ol3-avC_PTtaf02pqwoPgOwIm0SUD1ao03KSbd8NYFxhgIj0JNfSIQmlasE3t2H-IFfsLnxvv-IXVSH3BRTz1XxRND5Dr42cXf72y35fZWkDLIYuJFH5itd/s400/P1070225.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547552115303338242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5iLHzE6URNDxmtuNEtJ3stqzUA_fiFxXtJFI6g34WEX5-rfqxvz8Ji15pRhn7qSjs3gXCDzs1qRg0b-rAHrs7m4cEb0JPE0Rr800YNIqiQCv49G28GovbfbRwKdWXmCgsoLHm-nnlrbA/s400/P1070224.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>New gardening gloves!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547556632518289698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYmqOS_7eGUI2VEyK6ItN7NTRFiz9yYyIwaLbyaoUbffha0jrtJFTy6pyOF27oxEHh49ghiu1ER9LRzCj9w6sWhf7jA6e6ZhjCC1UYMY4aIG9nHhgRJRgokEAxbtyIJjN41e6e_iK-5c8/s400/P1070237.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>An old Scottish tradition, Kim blessing the food.....the prayer of the prosciutto!</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547556624196081042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NvUaHFph-F1Fuzd-IwfMCOKM3_TxZHVoeyt0eurf71D0hwixJFtgbWIN_3OR_24hFlQ16DbQYN0p0edm4TxNNKZs_QAL44v6kP0RL80o_7S5ZOMxqH378cIEvnqiub_C2S8VybwlnIw1/s400/P1070232.JPG" border="0" />A great vintage.......HP sauce!<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547558327233845570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCRGCieMhZxuEcSgdYOyOY962fveSvQ8KaIUgR7st5O4tSnEQF9WE3iw0xTrnTG3GgAiD403wIibwY7hY61248-hTmpaWmNipkXWFXjjKGGYEiwkc_S3ILNL7rk2CPY8yHfZqUm4XR6cL/s400/P1070245.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547563483518569618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfbijFYHGueqkCqlh0OPNUvX4ukAVP1Su1cZnt7LINNvdFrr8i2ATxhW15A2mxN-B65iu40Hkkoe_D__OYQ-dkOQF5HQcjERBl-7fQUWX7cP5KKkLV1nD6zjJRPfHLQ6XblvnrY8fIF8r/s400/P1070221.JPG" border="0" />Helen's pleased with her gift, but Maggie's got her eye on it!</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547559429836283602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSF3CEugyrEYe-zuEVMyFib2QfO7hovtaIoNVKz6ZIlzDLhgDiUkgPVza7GMAQuQZT4SJNk0fXnJU756q19UlBU738qIUtdfXgeUQbReK5olb3bgpai_1ncN3aKIVZ335sBEae8-590gj/s400/P1070252.JPG" border="0" /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">For my starter I had warm goats cheese bruschetta, sounds so much better in Italian, "CAPRINO CALDO SU BRUSCHETTA"</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; COLOR: #333333; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; LETTER-SPACING: 0.75pt"> </span></b></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">followed by Risotto with prawns or should I say, "RISOTTO CARNAROLI VERDE CON GAMBERONI GRIGLIATI"</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">. The English language doesn’t really “hit the spot” not like Italian! Particularly when talking about food, everything sounds so much better when said in Italian, it doesn’t matter what it is, you simply want to hear more of it!</span></div><br /><div align="justify">A great night was had by all and on behalf of everyone from the group, thank you Rachel, for all the organising you do! Til the next one! </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">I welcome all comments on my blog! </div><br /><div align="justify"> </div></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-65785555480775555112010-12-05T11:37:00.000-08:002010-12-05T12:09:56.932-08:00Advent Calendars<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGamoItg7PAyQNjKxo73Jlil-o6aQ9m2nouxrToHE0JhBKlw5GfiSTl7nTgNA5kq6UlNwKyox3yRQ1Htf9rYo9-xdqWtbt7AY_YArfO49iaM4tXP8y3w-4rTnjV_ClPu8lYGLRcv5r7P3/s1600/P1070263.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547286891901597170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGamoItg7PAyQNjKxo73Jlil-o6aQ9m2nouxrToHE0JhBKlw5GfiSTl7nTgNA5kq6UlNwKyox3yRQ1Htf9rYo9-xdqWtbt7AY_YArfO49iaM4tXP8y3w-4rTnjV_ClPu8lYGLRcv5r7P3/s400/P1070263.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">A number of years ago, I bought an Advent Calendar, which consisted of 24 different sacks, and during the month of November I would spend my time and money buying lots of small gifts x2 to fill the small sacks, for both children. Of course, the finished result looked really nice, but was a bit too fiddly and to be honest in recent years, I just couldn’t be bothered! </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify">This year I took the easy route and bought the Advent Calendars instead. My nine year old son wanted a Star Wars Advent Calendar, filled with lots of Star Wars memorabilia. My six year old son wanted a Jewel/Chrystal Advent Calendar, filled with various “precious” gem stones. Each day is a different gem stone and with each stone, there comes a special word, indicating the stone’s meaning or special property. </div><br /><div align="justify">Yesterday he had "Blue Quartz which" brings optimism. “What‘s optimism?” he asked me. “This means, that today you will be really happy I told him. He seemed pleased with that explanation.</div><br /><div align="justify">Today he had "Leopard Jasper" which brings independence. “What’s independence?” he asked my husband this morning, “this means that today you will be able to stand on your own two feet.” He looked a bit disappointed and replied. “But I could do that yesterday!” </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547291875972343698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aAYf6eEVQuO7zLNwowv7CGtnjnJX4L4XmH_cDyfhn8PhjCcmW6tTvWlmXrCjrZW2fPPeOgCPlFUNC2EtCRzHM9qAO7vSk-h4qjzgp4yJ-4Qn-7feOk_ExeeEBUY_tQ0xZzniaiS64fZl/s400/P1070264.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-54717559251339746082010-11-22T11:15:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:57:41.463-08:00Well-read<div align="justify">My soon to be ten year old son, Rory, was very excited on Friday afternoon - because there was no school! This gave him the opportunity to accompany his six year old brother to the kindergarten and have fun with other six year olds. Proof that none of us ever really grow up!<br /><br />The reason he had an afternoon off school was because his teacher had organised a Reading Night. This involves the children bringing their sleeping bag, pyjamas, toothbrush, torch, book and sleeping overnight in the school! The idea comes from Germany, and its main aim is to encourage children to read in a fun way. Rory loves reading, both in German and English, he is often found walking around at home with a book in hand, not wanting to lose track of the storyline. In English we would call him a “Book Worm” but in German the phrase is “Reading Rat!”<br /><br />After collecting our well read son at 8.30am on Saturday morning, we made our way into Basel and visited the Anglican Church Christmas Bazaar, where we bought lots of goodies from “back home” at extortionate prices; Paxo Stuffing, Hartleys Jelly, Marrowfat Peas, Christmas Pudding, Branston Pickle, HP Sauce, to name but a few. Toni bought a home made Cornish Pasty for 12 francs (best part of £8!); he said it was worth it!<br /><br />Then we had a quick shopping trip where I believe I’ve found the most expensive Christmas Crackers in town, 80 francs for 6 (almost £50!), I didn’t buy them! As we were in Schifflände, an area in Basel situated near the Rhine, we decided to visit The Book Ship which is in Basel for two weeks, a floating library! It has free entrance, not to mention shelter from the cold weather and has tea/coffee and muffins for sale. Once again, encouraging both young and old to read! </div><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542456852840109154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWGzPWix9YxO3C7lIGxUK4QcV_ocUxtrCKXbKbtz3e7zwSd9wxuVFzqNX60EhBs23uuGBjxpKHE-B28u-Y8DXBzo1IVvmRtY8chXAY1tc1ICAlNflSFMPSJkdFAA6-AgHmJcVWk2XrAQN/s400/P1070045.JPG" border="0" /></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-79368801871091772982010-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:002010-09-24T13:27:24.199-07:00Twit twit twoo!<div style="text-align: justify;">As it is just over one year since I started my blog, I thought I should add something new. I have a twitter account! You can follow my tweets at twitter.com: ilovswitzerland. Well, if Victoria Beckham can tweet........</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another new thing, is, that after one year, I have just realised I can use the third gear of my bike - don't ask! What a difference it makes, life in the fast lane! Let's hope I get the hang of tweeting in a lot less time! Off to Locarno tomorrow, in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland for a well deserved holiday. Lets hope the sun shines!</div><div><br /></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-92081503724624726552010-08-28T05:20:00.000-07:002010-08-30T09:32:10.481-07:00Help!<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I haven’t been blogging for what seems like yonks (Irish slang for “a long time”). I’ve been otherwise occupied, in other words, we’ve had six weeks school holidays, where both children seemed to spend their entire time fighting, arguing or screaming at each other. Not good for one’s nerves, particularly as my husband was out of the country for most of the time. Quick action was needed!<br /><br />My plan started with a two week swimming course in our local outdoor pool, which turned out to be a great idea, as temperatures were around 30 degrees everyday. With both children amused this gave me the chance to get some swimming done, have a cup of coffee and read some of my book in uninterrupted peace and quiet! </div><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510438163409240146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwPbczU7Xo4RQRyrBftAqOD4kKUMbgxANJdTWyMV7yPNTAlDocJdzOjR9x7Z29qp1iPPGq-Vi1ktiXe1Orb4LvRat_tOloCnEi0oHm155ydjTtA5UXz63stytXrpkUlAXZl2lNDXrbeAp/s400/P1000057.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="justify">On the third week, temperatures rose to 35 degrees. Far too hot to take part in a 5 day outdoor soccer camp from 10am to 5pm, but it didn’t deter them! In between matches, grass sprinklers were set off, to cool everyone down. And me, well I had such a lot of plans for this week, until fate had another plans for me. Major toothache set in and I spent most of the five days toing and froing from the dentist and thus nursing my sore gums. Don’t mention wisdom teeth or root canals.<br /><br />The following week was “Ferien Pass”, which involves parents spending their entire Monday morning, phoning and redialing (a bit like Swap Shop, lines close at 11am), struggling to book their children in various local activities only to be told, sorry no places left. Why not book on line or by post, I hear you say? Because, in Switzerland it has been done this way for the last twenty years! I did, however, have some luck and managed to secure places on: scuba diving, trip to the fire station, ride on an old fashioned tram and how to build a model solar powered cable car. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510440435969952834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT4QunFZdVaVEo_VJbB0syEou2oI98OkvJRWBJ7kRk5fz39cAEOhjNBVLftZGbPQ5qxWktp3PtIDLoM68s0N_m8v2BmmDYuExCa50qRWBLKkV5X7c7GmEHt553wh_svk-zsu2F3if6ynj/s400/P1050824a.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510451849855788466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8A7pBnntxrRUbtIK_RjSsEc8TbLtATnLKt7lMb-L1_2WpCxd9eGdrs-wuBHEJ_yTCDZMaKTuBaovOdaBlz-w3AXxrvHnBKuNJASKrZ-wL8hlk7IBk0ED9vTzNYREMhkmk-1wO7dN8dyG/s400/P1060523.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="justify">In the fifth and sixth weeks, we travelled to Lanzarote where we met with my brother, his wife, their two children and my parents. My father was celebrating his 70th birthday in Lanzarote, every night for two weeks! More Rosé wine anyone? </p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510440031658565250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFOc-6fF1CypoyRt19LwXFoC2z0RaiWbYH9dKYlqM2W-PKUqd-3tdE6FFlmgp61O9JKp3TtLaDgTSIKdlHVEYYNLF8bdoptF8ae6azvEFA5d7gVGYlgm-wAyBdTuO1GvOru8HCVD-9udJ/s400/P1060155.JPG" border="0" />It is years since I’ve had a beach holiday and I’d forgotten how simple life is at the beach. Basically you have the same 6 decisions to make every day. They are as follows: </p><ul><li>Morning: Shall we stay at the pool or go to the beach?</li><br /><li>Lunch: What and where? </li><br /><li>Siesta Time! </li><br /><li>Afternoon: Shall we stay at the pool or go to the beach? </li><br /><li>Dinner? The restaurant which serves honey rum after your meal or the one with vodka caramel? </li><br /><li>Early night or not? Easy decision! </li></ul><p align="justify">We returned to Switzerland on Sunday evening and on Monday morning at 8.00am, exhausted or not, it was back to school! I was confronted with parents, teachers, kids, home work, and football practice, and of course, trying to remember how to talk German! A culture shock, of which I can only compare to, the words one might shout after plunging into a fresh water lake in the middle of January without a wet suit.<br /><br />More blogging soon ;-) </p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-15404974141196177072010-05-30T11:42:00.000-07:002010-05-30T12:19:41.568-07:00Doctor, Doctor!<div><div align="justify">My nine year old son fell off his bike on Friday evening, thankfully nothing was broken but he did get a rather nasty large cut on his knee, which happened to be full of tiny stones and gravel. I did what I could to clean it and remove the stones but basically if I went within a “stones throw” of the injury he screamed. By Saturday morning the wound was secreting pus and looked even worse (Don’t worry no photo taken!). I was worried that it was infected and that more stones were under the skin.<br /><br />As it was Saturday, the doctor was closed so I decided to go to a small local hospital near where we live. If you have ever experienced an NHS (National Health Service) hospital in the UK, then you won’t believe this:-<br /><br />We arrived at the hospital at 12.00 mid day, registered at reception, were seen by a nurse who cleaned the wound, and then two doctors came and examined him. He was then wheeled away on a bed to have an x-ray taken, wheeled back back again, seen by the same two doctors, one of which removed some stones, he was given the all clear and we were back home eating lunch at 1.30pm, on the same day!<br /><br />Of course, there is a price to pay, Medical Insurance in Switzerland is not cheap, but isn’t it worth it?</div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477143726786075442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkZpx9bk5g8MrSHQw6VeZA0yUkxZ-TquxqALpi1O6O5x9EGFQebJywoxegiAdiI9zhnQOAHpZtvksSJK6G_XVP8t0Ye6TnWi_eyoZE3C5mKKsbPvwFL3Cn9VL21IGsFRdXd7iTx8nm5sK/s400/doctors+photo.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-66382852992191671802010-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:002010-05-24T12:32:48.173-07:00Be Prepared!<div align="justify">Last Friday, I volunteered to help two kindergarten teachers and over 40 children trek through the forest (again!). This time it wasn’t just the normal four hours, it was a marathon 6 hours with lunch included!<br /><br />Start of the journey, 40+ children sitting on a wall...</div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474906747144732130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyy13bUc_PgEnsKO6G79jSLCnZpfEoH9PF3IV-Pn2ZI6RFNJC6d-LDypQYojjyzwqpSA9tyco8igQ6n1rqdmyqcfqcvs3ilCZejoUPdFEIiDwlKfHxcLVwI-pYktyXvOtnNa6jF3JzLR9/s400/P1050381.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474907904960655634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5BpwtxQ1UY0mLun-hy1-cGHbo_nCSXDnPC9eN6JW_sbARzTCPjAju7__p51SS8g1w3FbPPTIZZCZCL9ih8_7DOaXHqpwRBFvg9H2TI-7A-6EiArziTRIcZwlG1rrFnJaLlX_6WwZv6C6/s400/P1050386.JPG" border="0" />We walked for about one hour and found a place for everyone to sit and eat their “znuni” (the snack eaten at around 9.00am in German speaking areas of Switzerland!). After singing the znuni song and eating the znuni it was on the move again, to find what became our living area for the next 5 hours. </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474908940248941954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpUi8l4EFyDKqojXTqJs2dPm1LS9-FHrEOV54McLFT_cjbLlNzcsTR2DouxWajdHvvL8zue56IUGbQRoLkDy1jrplGricDKflQdC1115W8pJSWtGpGfkcEL21MBMu6psQCPYGX5M6inCN/s400/P1050412.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="justify">In all areas of Switzerland, there are designated grill areas situated in and around many forests and parks, they are available for everyone to use. The one that we came across even had old tree trunks surrounding it which meant that there was plenty of space for everyone to sit down.<br /><br />On the menu for lunch was “Alphabet Soup and Grilled Sausage”. All children came prepared with a sausage to grill on the open fire and the teachers came prepared with all ingredients and utensils to make the soup over the open fire! As this was not the first time that the teacher and kids have been together in the forest, the children knew exactly what the protocol was i.e., collect the wood for the fire and then play time! They worked hard collecting and carrying the wood and then they played for hours, climbing trees, rocks, looking for mice and singing FC Basel football songs at the top of their voices!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474909986735949634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ8_4wtGhE9p0RGmlLuc5UWP6OklbOZH-zKpz04grCSQ936_Ke0XUerDsJS_pLnj1Unjn60eurpoEmHyRbPrsrmibIbcF3TMxX5NbAtoiQudomp1fzRPTz99ujrNfFSlxbFHb6W9z3BZI/s400/P1050431.JPG" border="0" />Hunting for a mouse!<br /><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474910421454831282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwBDSDt2PV3PGVeOghqnd8mv7d9JWFi0wCaWRBcDtPbv1icxwtHYGtDFzov3XcRMusLD6sj8owJG6z1ECNB0Dnldfbe9EfuV8mD8e6DeQq6gbvnWKq0fcq5ygjvRidw2TJExYjetB_IDg/s400/P1050436.JPG" border="0" /> As well as mice, they found the most disgusting long thick black slugs, which a lot of children carried around with them for the duration in the forest! Yuuuukkkkkkkkk!<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474911278393292930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_bEmF_-X4a8BmZPFrsFDQ8uNGXoFOT6o6pi2W-AIdilLluFhQS4H8wsRcIPaaAl1Q_6vz_tqihrbOa_DBwDVcix0nymDDI8r4WCZFJW8NdAz5cZ5Q8E-c5_dKdZgyw7RHmzZcEWm63LR/s400/P1050446.JPG" border="0" /> We carried with us to the forest, two black saucepans that looked like witches cauldrons and a large collection of sharpened sticks which had been collected during many trips to the forest. The cauldrons were used to cook the soup and the sharpened sticks were used to plunge through the middle of the sausage and then held over the open fire. It didn’t matter if raw meat touched cooked meat, or if any kind of meat fell on the ground, once cooked it was all eaten!<br /><br /><p align="justify">Two pots of Alphabet soup...</p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474912908851798786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionYhC9WByk5PYmP1P6t-4i1tZ3jN-ynUh7mEsy7EQ4RwXhcowjgnhIckM3AFoaoDMPRt9OZe7EvVRAN7a_Z-OzA_4MvaZ-Qf91arsgJR_z5GLVaDZprpNvqQRZt4TQHJJ5j0mRYWHu5Lv/s400/P1050454.JPG" border="0" />How many children, sticks and sausages can you fit around a fire?</p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474914118666360002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaBxYlbVgyEPxWSt_N1rFtPK8OO_n49G3qFIDWBRPYf37OdGOHG73pOqFfMxMan8Gc4aJEVuaU48-yf_6JiMt5XPbqd_YD0unQqsB3x-CfGSM6vKmYHsHqqjO6EwIqktH01SOu9tSLBQc/s400/P1050462.JPG" border="0" /> The washing line for those that got their socks wet in the stream.</p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915583924052162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkUmYChYUN5hZ6v8411k9Y2QrXIm8_lsSoQCr_vtA9Rjb_u9KLxD7tQsozlx9K_4i7UmLBBR9LoGKXZG2kij_YUZTHsHFI7j_q1x8ECkzLDCyZdokaBDR6TGEVGpakxLVrxeKbIIX1khr/s400/P1050448.JPG" border="0" />Fields of wild garlic....</p><br /><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474916285458099154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIr1O2Y6ouD-8iiGXSCm0yg9tzXoXIzdSH9mNkMjflsk_cSV29wEpQt3DDMzxn9p-1dV_WLdrta4RweU7P22QNU7Y_yc-ogCNh90qntbb-g6w7ZiFDmTbvw3AAg-R92T_Q7RZcGEvBOA5/s400/P1050456.JPG" border="0" /><br />On the way home, I took my turn and carried one of the black cauldrons and a bunch of the sharpened sticks to be used at the next forest outing. My hiking boots were covered in muck, as were my old jeans and rain jacket, my hair was a big fuzzy mess due to being the open air for so long. I hoped I wouldn’t meet anyone I knew, as luck would have it - yes of course I did! My friend Graziela drove past in her black sporty Audi, dark glasses on, looking as glamorous as ever, she tooted her horn and asked me if I’d joined the boy scouts! </p><p align="justify"> </p></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-4549118412895385802010-05-13T02:29:00.000-07:002010-05-13T02:49:49.124-07:00Mothers Day!<div align="justify">Last Sunday was Mothers Day in Switzerland. Switzerland follows the US tradition, where Mothers Day falls on the second Sunday in May. The UK and Ireland celebrate Mothers Day in the middle of Lent following the traditional Mothering Sunday celebration.<br /><br />I was woken early on Sunday Morning and presented with a whole host of hand made gifts which both children had made in school and kindergarten.<br /><br />A candle holder, which was a small glass surrounded in Plaster of Paris and then decorated with stones collected from the playground and small glass beads added to give it the professional touch!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470685950226069490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcIGDI42JLD1f_0Vy1aDDECE9UuRbRSL10FYuur3Kna9mgfA81EyeyBJspBLTVbVTkElVW-GhXAMbbqqgJIqpyVFsT5iNKX1nncXZRjmgGW1L8ZXO2psdw0vkhvz8Vg9Pi6rQjB4_s1Iz/s400/P1050356.JPG" border="0" /> A paper weight, which was a medium sized stone, with wire wound around it and the wire had been curled using a pencil. Finished with a small heart cut out of cardboard and coloured in!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470686353026583826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy22ZomGIXGRrqi7M8iIn5Ybu_rpR7hlHBXu-ik04Pe8oghuSBqLGztdgpki_RE7wGfZXqZNgiJDki48FloptjTjfHFEvzhzb_3xQVydqn4GHEzIoGBw_Ddd1Oz6U6FiiahYP6ev3nSu8A/s400/P1050360.JPG" border="0" />Pink scarf in background, model’s own ;-)<br /><br /><br />A watering can, which was an empty 1 litre plastic mineral water bottle, with wire wound round the bottle and decorated with plaits of wool (proof that boys can do hair braids!). This part was bought in a DIY shop - a piece of yellow tube which screws neatly onto the top of the bottle and creates a spout for the water!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470686918886632930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2FST6kUKWjZL6R4dHRngzNWRWGOjhokJkCPXOV9gJsW7OWWQ4NAjSROT6q4AFD9an96VsqF5CcFIp_54CBt5sOHGMJOkzEcSk7ZZGZSbPKtc-HGTB7qgSwhG8ywNVoimyTfCfCOaaiv9/s400/P1050353.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470687364273474562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2neTfKdRtTYOScj9aPAkMHr1zJZiK-YNOT_4xECULUJCOFM4EWYJKCocpSnK5KQcTXrJ2dumNuF0I-9EMdOPY5aREC12uDcwVav70Vf-1ofMTcpZjTL4wN_uJjtYDbAwTOTLv-Qf5swG9/s400/P1050354.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="justify">I’m not the only one who admires the Swiss people’s ingenious ways of creating, designing and building. They are very talented and “crafty”, and by this I don’t mean sneaky, shrewd and devious! In German they even have a verb, which is widely used in everyday life, it means to make, build, model and craft : basteln. Which, I have always thought sounded more like a swear word in English! “You Basteln!”<br /><br />In addition I got a new heart-shaped charm for my bracelet which thankfully Toni didn’t “basteln!” <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470687877386027170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0mjFFYN1Xufhe__pyCeg21KuRYY2CYMdGzlkqH8f2ZQc9XfERdxromt9QqeOIydZ6DiM-wHWN66Z5g1NAO6eqMrwQBeMypyloP2BNOjmzKYX363SlRzKPZHurH-X_qOHstj9fmIEijul/s400/P1050369.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><div align="justify"></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-38063179123022770922010-04-18T11:59:00.000-07:002010-04-19T04:58:02.853-07:00Flog it or sod it!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YHqekBqXtGe5Vy2RLNvvbX3e_aAttXN7gtq3yOAZmKCGGUvocEeb52Ea1Ob0ehvlOZR0_SEOsMu9JUglVEMQaruIu3vSdK-mFLWrXpiSbVAr7972Xm9GF76MwCTMUQnAiJNIUtBFEFtB/s1600/DSC00318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461556830450762850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YHqekBqXtGe5Vy2RLNvvbX3e_aAttXN7gtq3yOAZmKCGGUvocEeb52Ea1Ob0ehvlOZR0_SEOsMu9JUglVEMQaruIu3vSdK-mFLWrXpiSbVAr7972Xm9GF76MwCTMUQnAiJNIUtBFEFtB/s400/DSC00318.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">We were in Petersplatz in Basel selling our wares at the flea market on Saturday. It was well attended, like always and a big bonus - the sun shone. You don’t need to reserve a table in advance, simply turn up, and in the words of Philomena Begley “lay your blanket on the ground” and display your goods! My children were selling some old toys and puzzles and I had a few knick-knacks and “things”that I no longer used. </div><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461557666053708194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky2NUgJ0ikac-Rc4c4yX9dy9ibym6GeB_YE_mNLjPAloVBQ7YBwWYkmIjV0N-gObMcLZU0HkU9dwabTwqSlm0W7TsN32L014as-kWPPYotFBXZMvD9bkqOICAkcQRCIwTnuFmCV3PmSGR/s400/DSC00327.JPG" border="0" /><br />This was our second year attending the flea market, last year we sold almost everything and made quite a bit of cash! This year it was a different story........ Switzerland is an expensive country to live in and people are always happy to get a bargain. This year people wanted to buy everything for nothing, 20 francs meant 8, 10 francs meant 4 and 5 francs meant 50 cents! Whilst I wanted to sell everything and not bring it back home, I didn’t want to give it away. So, I said "sod it". We’ll wait for the next flea market and try again, we carried a lot of stuff back home, shame, as that is the last thing you want to do.<br /><br />People have often asked if the financial crisis has affected us in Switzerland and to be honest in my opinion, we haven’t felt the effects unlike other countries. But Saturday proved otherwise. A bargain isn’t good enough, people wanted more!<br /><br />Got a few nice photos anyway! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461557085909020386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBKPTpxEpzUMsayDxLw9KTD5R7xaVMQZQlcTG2GNGlnuq3uz633-tRVmJ_By-cdeWxB_q9IZ17vRBssYIz_1_EjkqkwgQ316uhY4neJrTULOi1bqZiIA-MjGkwyYfr5OGWR4VQVQQBPYL/s400/DSC00324.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><p>All sorts of weird and wonderful things to buy.......<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461815309448314834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iClOKDoHlwvqFMRy6vfacPYzb-iuvsaXshFtSoqL1erBBgbSAAzXAaoIESZzVidKZ0yvG4YCQZOrUtUlDjHuoBzs6GEztoCxnOrdVv1hs1dWytH6Shgbjvpb3IU6YykWpvsE3DzoONkq/s400/DSC00325.JPG" border="0" /><br />Chrystal chandelier....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461559808512694290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH_geXpw3IoBhZSBw4HbRyWtB4AC_9d0HMvKAdWAWYS4mRerda16gLV2xpoGpMWmLbedXpBFvve0ns8t_EzqUyr140-8CwN3wzqN2BmuuWsClidqEggFkHrpFmYEpWKAUK3sGp46pmmal/s400/DSC00332.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>It was a long day.................<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461560172708137922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JckqdI007IpmNnwFJDW4JURmTcg8PAwBYCu6Ajs4U95wZtd5n14H_xSCQXUrcxuFuzGmefpXkx9thaFmRDQDmTlKn05bmq3I8_N3h0w4Jhs9zTuJDoLxO2plODCyxodYixbLf6-O_4Mf/s400/DSC00333.JPG" border="0" /></p>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-54296600011855339862010-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:16:27.157-07:00A sign of the times<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD0l6o78I7FUPK3U1yY0tEEYrQRlaVhsckSZpizPlO7hDHuu9pUf2ksychFK3l11c39v82U6s-S7xxsHR8f7FTQf4jcXcySUBU70Psf4VZEXP46XLUfEs-tRseeIrOnS6OlJ3BBrEGsOY/s1600/P1040691.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459583121172063410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD0l6o78I7FUPK3U1yY0tEEYrQRlaVhsckSZpizPlO7hDHuu9pUf2ksychFK3l11c39v82U6s-S7xxsHR8f7FTQf4jcXcySUBU70Psf4VZEXP46XLUfEs-tRseeIrOnS6OlJ3BBrEGsOY/s400/P1040691.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="justify">This year we spent Easter in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England. We travelled from Zürich to Manchester </st1:place></st1:country-region>on the 1st April – April Fools Day. The traffic outside <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Manchester</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place> was no joke. <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>We were staying with my brother in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lincoln</st1:place></st1:city> which should have been a two hour car journey but instead became a 4 hour nightmare. Traffic jams were not our only concern, our nine year old son started to feel sick in the back of the car. There was no way Toni was stopping or pulling over, for fear of either losing his place in the gridlocked traffic or delaying the journey further. Being in a hired car, I didn’t have my normal stash of plastic bags in the seat pocket. All I had was an uneaten bag of popcorn we bought at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Zürich</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place>! I emptied the popcorn on the side of the road and passed my son the empty plastic bag, which wasn’t empty for long! </o:p></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>The air in the car was blue, due to the amount of swearing from the driver and although it was not the most relaxing journey, it was, however, the quietest I have ever seen my five year old chatty and often demanding son! </o:p></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>And me, well I “tried” to listen to the Radio, which happened to be set at Radio 2. Simon Mayo, Steve Wright – didn’t they used to be cool and trendy DJ’s on Radio 1? You have to remember I’ve been in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region> for ten years now and perhaps a bit out of touch. I enjoyed listening to the chat shows and funny stories and even found myself turning the music up! Not just to drown out the rest of the passengers but more because I was enjoying it. Funny, as I used to think Radio 2 was boring.</o:p></span></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>The next day after a good nights sleep we set off early for an Easter Trail to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Clumber</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <st1:placename st="on">Clumber</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype> is famous for many reasons, apart from being mentioned in the Doomsday Book, it is Europe’s longest avenue of lime trees and it was once home to many Earls and Dukes from <st1:place st="on">Newcastle upon Tyne</st1:place>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Eeeeeeeeeh!</o:p></span><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459540625544424258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBTu_232jaabLSBn1XbPwCe6yGqzYVKq2jjmrrIIwV1Bt4QUvDO_ZZMwkv4bRICIpUgcX-pGitwu1fY7GicCe8SGCmUc5FUHG892VLrAfnIgAhZQBHk4NlpqxQzbvsLuQLE8QPaec3cB9/s400/P1040680.JPG" border="0" /> It hosts a large lake and 3,800 acres of park land, a beautiful old building which is now the café, a walled kitchen garden and lots of little shops. Their shelves packed with jars of old fashioned sweets, dolly mixtures, midget gems, mint humbugs and plenty of weird and wonderful cards and books to choose from too. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>One book that caught our eye was a funny one titled “The Bowler’s Holding the Batsman’s Willey” a collection of humorous sporting quotations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rachel bought it for her father’s birthday and we all had a good laugh as we looked through it. One quote that stood out for me was from the infamous Gazza (Paul Gascoigne) from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Newcastle</st1:place></st1:city> who stated “I don't make predictions and I never will.” </o:p></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>Visitors at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Clumber</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> didn’t seem to mind the cold weather, as many large groups of people braved the elements and sat outside eating lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Never before, have I seen so many different coloured and patterned wellies (gummistiefel for my German speaking readers!) parading in a park. I presumed that if you bought an annual National Trust membership card, you must be entitled to a complementary pair!</o:p></span><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459541048233857090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsiQP1_cr1Goxs5NQ8JoOY-sCP29XtcnRnLbZAnTeqXvgW0KQi36DJirjz1RH0LwjYNgzY_2NOFERTih1AshyphenhyphenXm1T33lZ5V8e8cRdXf0BtPOPrQ3ZjBHp6NXho6v2heY29Wj59uZhg95K/s400/P1040696.JPG" border="0" />In one of the shops I spotted three metal swinging toadstools for the garden. Just what I needed! Rachel quickly snapped them from me and decided she would buy them for my birthday. Thank you Rachel!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459542322297600786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPk3nBkg_bEa4qWLzr-dSLOaih_YmGN3u51tzfI61E60cdslvt2dhy1XEh5krmfMYxjQXMn6QsvJxhxz6lYdYzK7LNWCDWoLT5qBLLOYefH4cnsqw4DYmbp9ORYcZx8i9VQaccpCa0icb/s400/P1050001.JPG" border="0" /> It was the first time I had to pack three toadstools in my suitcase, but then again we bring all sorts of things back to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region>! Bacon, sausages and cheddar cheese not shown in photo!<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459543206736964466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJASfslQYkJtIMFH1wbMQnJeCXRzAeCLE61EV_lpKQanEPN7yYWjHtu3n5acqy0ipU-asOa9pyUnatpjRse3e33LcFFYnj5TcYu13N2n0A-ak-g5P8CLwCqJaZJ0Wxc6XwZvgF1Ha526b2/s400/P1040998.JPG" border="0" /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>We left <st1:city st="on">Lincoln</st1:city> on Saturday morning, and drove North to meet Toni’s family not in <st1:city st="on">Newcastle</st1:city> but in <st1:city st="on">Richmond</st1:city>, <st1:place st="on">North Yorkshire</st1:place>. We rented a cottage for a week and they came to visit us.</o:p></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459587822429785634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25-F8cAo-Rzuv8V7PR0kKTERGbxCD0L95L-FlAG9aWelCpYhDjEiz5BC-HnuzDq8YMKFuYhnxO5xK9xTx48BQLFAi9aq-RzLGtFGibGkhaVooHjSH1VA4KGVPgGV0AvyBoRCPDUrVmOe-/s400/P1040982.JPG" border="0" /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>I noticed that the sheep in Lincoln area:-</o:p></span></div><div><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459545847217284898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6Okq0FnEaPZDVbLmPiUIwdVnzw9Y6X_4EneWXBW9IKtuOi6Mg6Q2Fi9Ra31xUAV2qthnoVfC6zw0i5vkT2MXPepnVwKh8Gv3nIngaWvUBOY4hLV1PTgrJbolow-96WlhE5uc7d6TFtcy/s400/P1040703.JPG" border="0" /> look different to those in North Yorkshire:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459546327426892722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDdyQgdHMCemWIw9_IROOo3YGHxtE7_fcmLNJ1VRaiPaGf_04xd9YZMp8_LbU9mxVRp7D9Xel0oI0Pz9jP_whwVopirFrjDZfX3_y8b5Dme13Pouoj9CznU0J_7bUgFkFm4n0imLXa6CC/s400/P1040964.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p>I asked my children the differences they noticed between <st1:country-region st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</o:p></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">They said, in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region>:-</span></p><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">everyone speaks English, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">trains are shorter, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">people drive on the other side of the road, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">the road signs are in yards and miles, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">seagulls, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">there are lots of castles, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">there are more letters on the car number plates, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">lots of dead animals on the sides of the roads, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">there are lots of fish and chip shops, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">everyone eats crisps, </span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">meat comes with fruit (gammon steak with pineapple),</span></span></div></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">I asked Toni what he most enjoyed about <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region>. “Sausages.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">What did I enjoy most? Well, if I lived in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> I would have an annual National Trust Membership card! As I enjoyed Radio 2 so much, I’m going to listen to it regularly when I get back to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Switzerland.</st1:place></st1:country-region> And then I started to wonder....….in the ten years that I have been in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Switzerland </st1:country-region></st1:place>have Radio 2 and National Trust Properties become more interesting, or, have I simply matured in life? </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459548301266556594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMGDACvtTWjkbEU1k7kcemMNFCpA_uyeawgPbIEVYZ7d7gM-l_B3c9omkfZYK4T9KC_JS96Lb65Vu1fV9UwO1j1mj12AGNdKfgBGSCM7DsCenqpmF2vY_-PV6_QgeDTM6lCT_ZMA78sYK/s400/P1040871.JPG" border="0" /></p></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993457204715880013.post-43199291346295802872010-03-30T13:22:00.000-07:002010-03-30T15:20:45.633-07:00Time Flies!<div style="text-align: justify;">Today is our tenth wedding anniversary. It only seems like yesterday that we were making our plans to get married “very quickly” in <st1:place st="on">Gretna Green</st1:place>! Why very quickly? Because I needed a work and residency permit to stay in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region>; otherwise it was the first boat home! And in a land locked country, that would have been an interesting journey.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">We organised a baby sitter for Saturday evening and celebrated by going into <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Basel</st1:place></st1:city> city centre. As it was the start of the Easter holidays, many restaurants were fully booked. But luckily we managed to get a reservation at Jays. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.jaysindianfood.ch/">http://www.jaysindianfood.ch/</a> a small, narrow, buzzing restaurant located a street away from the <st1:place st="on">Rhine</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fantastic Indian food served in modern surroundings with very friendly staff! Five stars from me! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US">There were many Indian Ganesh on display:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Ganesha_Basohli_miniature_circa_1730_Dubost_p73.jpg" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img alt="File:Ganesha Basohli miniature circa 1730 Dubost p73.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Ganesha_Basohli_miniature_circa_1730_Dubost_p73.jpg/442px-Ganesha_Basohli_miniature_circa_1730_Dubost_p73.jpg" width="442" height="599" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; vertical-align: middle; background-image: url(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Checker-16x16.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: repeat repeat; " /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">We walked back through the narrow streets and alleyways located in and around the <st1:place st="on">Rhine</st1:place> debating whether lamb vindaloo was better than chicken jalfrezzi and came upon the luxury Three Kings Hotel. Last week in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Basel</st1:place></st1:city> the annual Watch and Jewellery Fair took place, where a few of the world's rich and famous arrived. This year Leonardo DiCaprio was promoting the latest Tag Heuer and subsequently dined in The Three Kings Hotel. <a href="http://www.thetimetv.com/news-tag-heuer-leonardo-dicaprio-baselworld-1375-44">http://www.thetimetv.com/news-tag-heuer-leonardo-dicaprio-baselworld-1375-44</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">During the Easter holidays we will be in Lincoln and Richmond, visiting family, where no doubt, once again time will fly! Happy Easter ;-)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p></div>isleofswitzerland.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18417639273508027641noreply@blogger.com0