Happy 1st August

Swiss National Day

August 1st is a day of celebration in the whole of Switzerland. The date is inspired by the Rütlischwur, in the summer of 1291, when three Alpine cantons (Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden) swore the oath of confederation, an action which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Different commemorative ceremonies will take place in Lugano, culminating in the speech of a prestigious guest in the Piazza della Riforma and a big fireworks show along the lake.

Here is the programme:

06:00 Reveille with the Drums
10:15 Meeting of the authorities in the Patio of the Town Council
10:30 Laying of the wreath at the Monument of Independence
11:00 Concert of the Castagnola Philharmonic Orchestra in Piazza della Riforma
20:30 Meeting of the Authorities and Associations of Via Nassa
20:45 Departure of the cortege of the Authorities (Route: Via Nassa, Piazza Battaglini, Riva Vela, Rivetta Tell, Via Canova, Via degli Albrizzi, Piazza Manzoni, Piazza Riforma)
21:15 Commemorative speech of Piero Martinoli, President of Università della Svizzera italiana
21:45 Concert in Piazza della Riforma by the Civic Philharmonic of Lugano
22:30 Grand fireworks display
23:15 Musical entertainment with Lüganiga Band in the city centre

More details under: http://luganoturismo.ch/fileUpload/activities/1529/a5_festa_nazionale_2016_boom_web.pdf

1. August Brunch 2016

Switzerland's National holiday is approaching fast.

The 1.August Brunch has become a popular activity on our National Day. For the past 23 years Swiss farmers have been inviting city dwellers (Swiss and foreign alike) for brunch on a farm. Last year over 150'000 guests enjoyed the culinary adventure offered by 350 farms throughout Switzerland of which 51 in Ticino. Through this movement the farmers' families wish to promote a better understanding and sympathy of local agriculture by the city population.

 The 1. August Brunch is an occasion that one should not miss. Hosted by selected Swiss farms who offer you a brunch, they will provide you with the opportunity to taste different kinds of cheese, meat, milk, bread, Birchermüesli and many other gastronomic specialities in a very particular atmosphere.

You'll also have the certainty to try some excellent products with high quality standard's. If you're lucky you'll enjoy some typical Swiss music, meet a Swiss celebrity, be served out of a giant Roesti frying pan or admire some amazing National costumes. The kids will love all the direct contact with the farms' animals.

Book now for a brunch in one of the farms! Click here to find a list of Ticino's participating farmers.
For a detailed guide with info such as activities, animals or produce for sale click on the following link: http://www.agriturismo.ch/chi_siamo/brunch_del_1_agosto_2016

My favourite used to be Alpe Durango at the top of Monte Tamaro but sadly they are not participating this year. My friends recommend the two farms on top of Monte Generous.

As places in the farms are limited, registration is mandatory and better done early. You can register by telephoning or e-mailing the farmers directly before July 30th 2016. There are still quite a few spots left as of this morning. Please communicate how many children and adults you'll be.

Venue: 1.August Brunch
When: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 13:00
Price: CHF 25.- to 40.-
Directions: All participating farms will be signposted with the logo: «Brunch»
For more info:
Tel: 056 462 52 03 on workdays from 8:00 bis 12:00 and from 13.00 to 17:00
or  091/851 90 97091/851 90 97 for the Ticino.
E-Mail: info@brunch.ch
Homepage: www.brunch.ch

Happy 4th of July

What is the Declaration of Independence you might wonder?

American Independence Day is celebrated on the Fourth of July every year. July 4th, 1776, was a day that represented the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776).

It wasn’t the day the American Revolution started either (that had happened back in April 1775).

And it wasn't the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

So what did happen on July 4, 1776?

The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They'd been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes.

July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It’s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout the new nation. So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they remembered.

In contrast, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th of each year, as the anniversary of the date the Constitution was signed, not the anniversary of the date it was approved.

National Day 2015 greetings for the Swiss abroad

It has become kind of a tradition of mine to post the "President"'s address to the Swiss abroad otherwise known as the 1.August Speech on my blog.

President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, will give the Swiss National Day commemorative speech on the Rütli on 1 August.

The tranquil site on the southern finger of Lake Lucerne the locals call Lake Uri is nicknamed the "Cradle of the Confederation". Legend associates the meadow in the heart of Switzerland with the alliance of the three founding cantons in 1291. In 1804 the dramatist Friedrich Schiller then combined the myth of William Tell with the Rütli. And in 1860 the Swiss Society for the Public Good purchased the meadow and gave it to the Swiss confederation as an "inalienable national asset".

Should you decide to make a day's excursion out of it, here is the Rütli programme: http://www.sgg-ssup.ch/en otherwise you'll find Mrs Sommaruga's speech to the Swiss community abroad below:

Dear fellow Swiss around the world,

Today we all live in a globalised world. As Swiss living abroad, you know particularly well the meaning of globalisation.

Some of you will say: ‘Switzerland is and remains my home’. Others might say: ‘I have two homes – the country in which I live, and my country of origin, Switzerland’.

What is clear is that everyone needs a home. And by that I mean a feeling of having roots, having an identity.

In Switzerland, there is currently a heated debate about this identity. Some people claim Switzerland stands for independence, sovereignty and going it alone in Europe.

For others, Switzerland is – and always has been – an open country connected to the rest of the world through clever alliances.

Dear fellow Swiss, Switzerland is not the only country facing these issues. Globalisation means change, and changes always raise questions and launch debates.

There is, however, one aspect on which almost all Swiss agree: our direct democracy is a unique political system – and we all identify with it.

I am proud to be president of the country whose citizens have the most political power and responsibility in the world. Direct democracy is a courageous system – and that is one of the reasons why I like it and why it fascinates me.

The results of votes are often very close. The reform of the television and radio law was approved in June by a margin of only around 3,000 votes. The Swiss media wrote that the Swiss abroad had made the difference.

And yet many citizens do not bother voting because they think their vote would not make a difference. How wrong this is was shown a few weeks ago by another vote – about car park fees – in a commune in central Switzerland. There were one thousand and sixty Yes votes. And the No votes?
One thousand and sixty-one...

So in Switzerland every vote really does count.

***

Dear fellow Swiss, your votes count too. Today, only a quarter of Swiss who live abroad are registered to vote in Switzerland. It would make me happy to see this figure increase over the coming weeks. After all, federal elections will be held in October. If you haven’t already registered to vote, you can do so in your embassy until mid- August.

What’s more, for many of you, votes and elections will in future be easier. This year, for the first time, a majority of cantons are offering electronic voting for Swiss who live abroad. So you can see that we are committed to enabling you to take part and exercise your responsibility.

Dear fellow Swiss, I send you warmest greetings from the cabinet and wish you a wonderful August the 1st – wherever you are in the world.

***

1.August Celebration in Lugano

The 1st of August is day of celebration in the whole of Switzerland. Different commemorative ceremonies will take place in Lugano, culminating in the speech of a prestigious guest in the Piazza della Riforma and in a big fireworks show on the gulf.

Here is tomorrow's program:

06:00 Reveille with the Drums
10:15 Meeting of the authorities in the Patio of the Town Council
10:30 Laying of the wreath at the Monument of Independence
11:00 Concert of the Castagnola Philharmonic Orchestra in Piazza della Riforma
20:30 Meeting of the Authorities and Associations of Via Nassa
20:45 Departure of the cortege of the Authorities (Route: Via Nassa, Piazza Battaglini, Riva Vela, Rivetta Tell, Via Canova, Via degli Albrizzi, Piazza Manzoni, Piazza Riforma)
21:15 Commemorative speech
21:45 Concert in Piazza della Riforma by the Civic Philharmonic of Lugano
22:30 Grand fireworks display
23:15 Musical entertainment in the city center

Enjoy! Happy 1. August to all!

Don't miss the 1. August Brunch

Switzerland's National holiday is approaching fast.

The 1.August Brunch has become a popular activity on our National Day. For the past 22 years Swiss farmers have been inviting city dwellers (Swiss and foreign alike) for brunch on a farm. Last year over 200'000 guests enjoyed the culinary adventure offered by 350 farms throughout Switzerland. Through this movement the farmers' families wish to promote a better understanding and sympathy of local agriculture by the city population.

The 1. August Brunch is an occasion that one should not miss. Hosted by selected Swiss farms who offer you a brunch, they will provide you with the opportunity to taste different kinds of cheese, meat, milk, bread, müesli and many other gastronomic specialities in a very particular atmosphere. You'll also have the certainty to try some excellent products with high quality standard's. If you're lucky you'll enjoy some typical Swiss music, meet a Swiss celebrity, be served out of a giant Roesti frying pan or admire some amazing National costumes. The kids will love all the direct contact with the farms' animals.

Book now for a brunch in one of the farms! Click here to find a list of Ticino's participating farmers.
For a detailed guide with info such as activites, animals or produce for sale click on the following link: http://www.agriturismo.ch/Brunch

My favourite so far is: Alpe Duragno at the top of Monte Tamaro. See purple trail on map.
The Agriturismo Ponte di Vello in Breno looks intriguing. My friends recommend the farms on top of Monte Generoso.

As places in the farms are limited, registration is mandatory and better done early. You can register by telephoning the farmers directly before July 30th 2013. There are still quite a few spots left as of this morning. Please communicate how many children and adults you'll be. look for a brunch place near you here: http://www.brunch.ch/it/ricerca-fattoria/

Venue: 1.August Brunch
When: Saturday, August 1st, 2015
Time: 9:00 - 13:00
Price: CHF 20.- to 40.-
Directions: All participating farms will be signposted with the logo: «Brunch»
For more info:
Tel: 056 462 51 67 on workdays from 8:00 bis 12:00 and from 13.00 to 17:00
or  091 851 90 90 for the Ticino.
E-Mail: info@brunch.ch
Homepage: www.brunch.ch

Swiss Facts that not everybody knows

August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. Swiss National Day is only just over a century old, and it was only in 1993 that the hardworking Swiss agreed that they could all take the day off, but the event it commemorates took place 700 years ago, and at the heart of the celebrations is a custom which doubtless goes back into the mists of time.

The day was chosen because August 1st, 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. The representatives of Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri met on the Rütli field, high above Lake Lucerne, to swear a bond of brotherhood, and agree to act jointly if their freedoms were threatened by outside aggressors.

Just for fun.... I thought I'd list a few facts about Switzerland that you might wish to share with your kids. August 1st, Switzerland's National Day is right around the corner, so get you Cervelat sausages and candle lampions ready and check out the nearest bomfire to celebrate the Swiss style! ;)

Here goes the list of Swiss fun facts:

- Albert Einstein published his Theory of Relativity in 1905, when he was working as a patent clerk in Bern.
- Swiss Guards protect the Pope at the Vatican.
- The flag of Vatican, is the only other square flag, apart from Switzerland's.
- The flag of the Red Cross is the flag of Switzerland with the colours inverted.
- The famous pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis are based in Switzerland.
- The Swiss are world-wide leaders in private banking or asset management for individuals. UBS and Credit Suisse are among the leading banks.
- Housing is expensive, only about one-third of Swiss population live in their own house.
- The Swiss franc is among the world's most stable currencies.
- Switzerland is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers.
- Apart from luxury brands, Switzerland is also known for the world's best selling plastic watch, the Swatch.
- Victorinox, the manufacturer of the famous Swiss army knife, was founded in 1884.
- Nestlé, founded by Swiss Henri Nestle, is the biggest food company in the world.
- Switzerland has the second highest life expectancy, after Sweden
- 60% of Switzerland's electricity is produced by hydroelectric power.
- Swiss women were the last in Europe to get the vote (apart from Liechtenstein). It was only in 1971 that the male electorate agreed to allow them voting rights at federal level.
- Some 400,000 Swiss emigrated between 1850 and 1914 to North and South America, and founded Swiss colonies. Bern has 26 towns & villages named after it in the US.
- Switzerland leads the world in chocolate consumption. It is said that an average Swiss eats 23lbs of chocolate annually.

Switzerland's Cupcake café online

Swiss National Day is around the corner and Back-Art have a great range of Swiss themed products, including these cool cookie cutters, toppings and cupcake cases.

Back-Art have been actively promoting creativity and art in baking and cake decorating since 2005. 10 years ago in Switzerland cupcakes were known as a type of muffin; food colouring was usually in thin liquid form; edible decorations on celebration cakes were often just a few icing flowers, Gummi bears or Smarties. Roll-out icing was only available in large buckets to professional confectioners and bakers. Cookie cutter shapes were limited and usually only found during the traditional baking season from October to December.

Enter back-art.ch who saw no reason why professional quality ingredients and cake decorating equipment could not be made readily available to private households. They pioneered the introduction of home cake decorating in Switzerland. Thanks to the 2006 Football World Cup this little company received a considerable breakthrough in their brand awareness; the press caught wind of Back-Art and their football themed products were all the rage.

In 2013 they even opened up a showroom in Zurich. So, pop by or send them a message anytime. They love to hear of our reasons for baking and are happy to share tips and tricks to ensure your project is a success!

In the meantime, happy baking in preparation for August 1st, Switzerland's National Day.

The origins of St.Patrick's Day

"May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you."
Irish Blessing

This day is not only about leprechauns, shamrocks and green beer. This is a day also to honor St. Patrick. He was an influential saint who, 1,500 years ago, brought Christianity to the little country of Ireland. He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. During the thirty years that his missionary labors continued he covered the Island with churches and monasteries; in 444 he founded the metropolitan see of Armagh. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.

Originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. In the 1798 rebellion, in hopes of making a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.

Impressions of a Swiss Mountain village

Best photo of August 1st

Have you taken photos on Swiss National Day? Do you have one you really would like to share? Have you ever heard of Viewfinder?

As Switzerland’s first English-language photography learning center, Viewfinder leads the way in providing creative learning experiences that encourage people to develop their own passion for photography, take better pictures and simply have more fun with photos.

Viewfinder Center is hosting a photography contest for images shot on August 1st 2014. A holiday is good enough reason to become excited, but when the opportunity to shoot some fun photos and perhaps win a terrific prize also presents itself, they will certainly be waving flags and enjoying themselves.

Have you captured images of how you spend Swiss National Day in Switzerland? Then e-mail them to david@viewfindercenter.com in order to take part in the competition. Viewfinder are hoping to see a large variety of pictures from different parts of the country.

Entries will be judged by the Viewfinder jury according to photographic merit, originality, Swissness and humour. Tradition, sport, natural beauty, history and geography may be some keys which help when deciding what you would like to submit.

Submit your 3 best images by midnight on August 8th 2014. In order to be eligible for  their competition. Images should be taken within Switzerland during the 24 hours of August 1st 2014 and delivered by e-mail to david@viewfindercenter.com (JPG format, max. flie size of 200kB).

By submitting your pictures, each photographer agrees to allow the Viewfinder Center for Photography to display their work on the Viewfinder news blog and grants Viewfinder permission to share their images via Social Media without limitation.

The winner will be awarded a free Viewfinder Excursion offered in the next 12 months. Viewfinder will also print any image belonging to the winning photographer up to 70cm x 50cm (canvas with hidden frame).

Here is my contribution of Swissness:

Happy 1. August 2014

Switzerland is in your hearts or the 1.August speech 2014

Now that I am an "Auslandsschweizer" (Swiss abroad) yet again, I feel even more patriotic when 1.August comes around. During our expatriation to Argentina - years ago and feeling slightly homesick -  I insited that my newlywed hubby accompany me to the 1. August party held at the Swiss Club of Buenos Aires. I was the only person to speak Swiss German, the other guests turned out to be second or third generation Swiss with very little knowledge of German or Swiss German. However, it was there that I discovered that the President of the Confederation holds a speech specifcally for the Swiss abroad that is broadcasted thoughout all the Swiss Clubs across the globe. It actually reminded me a bit of the Queen's Christmas speech.

You will find below this year's message of greeting Address by the President of the Swiss Confederation Mr. Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to the Swiss Abroad to mark the Swiss National Day 2014:

“Switzerland is in your hearts. You too have a place in Switzerland’s heart”

Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear fellow Swiss around the world,

The First of August is an opportunity to gather together, whether we are in Switzerland or abroad, out of love for our country, and for the men, women, and children who make it what it is. It is also an opportunity to wholeheartedly reaffirm the cohesion of our regions, languages, and cultures.

On the “Swiss Path”, which wends its way through the heart of our country, there is a section dedicated to each canton. And at the start, or the end, depending on where you begin, there is the “Square of the Swiss living abroad”. This square stands for a lasting part of Switzerland, in a world where challenges have taken on a global dimension: climate change, security, the environment, energy, resources, human rights, and not least peace...

You, the citizens of the “Fifth Switzerland”, strengthen our country. You lend it a voice, a face, and a presence around the world. You are growing in number too: in 2014 there are almost 750,000 of you. You really do constitute a Switzerland in the world.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Switzerland succeeds because it holds onto its values: freedom coupled with responsibility, dialogue, a taste for hard work, combined with modesty.

Switzerland is also successful because it is open. We have always traded with Europe and the world. Our nation was shaped by the major trade routes that run through it, which carried Swiss wool and salt from Africa. The Swiss have been travelling and settling around the globe for centuries.
The Swiss National Day is an opportunity to prepare our country for tomorrow. We do so, not just for ourselves, but above all to provide a better world for our children. Young people and their future prospects must be at the heart of our actions.

The Federal Council works to ensure Switzerland's security and prosperity in a safe and developing world. It is a long and often rocky path but a path to which we are committed through our constitution.

Switzerland has also undertaken various commitments through its increasing international assistance, its humanitarian efforts, new trade agreements, its ambition to consolidate and pursue the bilateral path with the European Union, its contribution to dialogue despite the crises, by chairing the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe this year.

Ladies and gentlemen,

You are clearly part of this Switzerland which succeeds by drawing on its values. Your ties to the country make it stronger. The federal authorities are aware of that: parliament is currently drafting a new law on the Swiss Abroad, which will build on its existing strengths and be oriented towards the future. Our network of embassies and representations is there to support you, by offering modern services such as the helpline or the guichet unique.

A new piece of legislation on Swiss education abroad has just been adopted to safeguard the future of Swiss schools. Young people travel, they are eager to explore, but they remain in our hearts ...
One of Switzerland’s key strengths is its education system, its blend of outstanding academic achievement and dual-track apprenticeships. Our country offers young people employment and further prospects; they are integrated through their work. The Federal Council wishes to share this experience with other countries and is equipping itself for one of the most rewarding fights: the fight to provide young people with jobs.

On this First of August I will be meeting young Swiss Abroad in central Switzerland. They are spending part of their summer here in Switzerland, and I look forward to seeing their smiles as they tell me about their ties to our country and their dreams for the future of our world.

More and more, young Swiss living abroad are taking part in federal votes. That is an important sign, because voting means building the future together as responsible citizens.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Fellow citizens of all generations, wherever you may be,

I hope you all enjoy this National Day, a day that we spend together ...

...because you can see it in your children's eyes and smiles: Switzerland is in your heart. And I assure you that you too have a place in Switzerland's heart.

The Swiss Club in Buenos Aires

1. August Brunch 2014

Switzerland's National holiday is approaching fast.

The 1.August Brunch has become a popular activity on our National Day. For the past 21 years Swiss farmers have been inviting city dwellers (Swiss and foreign alike) for brunch on a farm. Last year over 200'000 guests enjoyed the culinary adventure offered by 350 farms throughout Switzerland. Through this movement the farmers' families wish to promote a better understanding and sympathy of local agriculture by the city population.

The 1. August Brunch is an occasion that one should not miss. Hosted by selected Swiss farms who offer you a brunch, they will provide you with the opportunity to taste different kinds of cheese, meat, milk, bread, müesli and many other gastronomic specialities in a very particular atmosphere. You'll also have the certainty to try some excellent products with high quality standard's. If you're lucky you'll enjoy some typical Swiss music, meet a Swiss celebrity, be served out of a giant Roesti frying pan or admire some amazing National costumes. The kids will love all the direct contact with the farms' animals.

Book now for a brunch in one of the farms! Click here to find a list of Ticino's participating farmers.

For a detailed guide with info such as activites, animals or produce for sale click on the following link: http://www.agriturismo.ch/Brunch.pdf.

My favourite so far is: Alpe Duragno at the top of Monte Tamaro. See purple trail on map.

The Agriturismo Ponte di Vello in Breno looks intriguing. My friends recommend the farms on top of Monte Generoso.

As places in the farms are limited, registration is mandatory and better done early. You can register by telephoning the farmers directly before July 30th 2013. There are still quite a few spots left as of this morning. Please communicate how many children and adults you'll be. look for a brunch place near you here: http://www.brunch.ch/it/ricerca-fattoria/ricerca-fattoria/.

Venue: 1.August Brunch

When: Friday, August 1st, 2014

Time: 9:00 - 13:00

Price: CHF 20.- to 35.-

Directions: All participating farms will be signposted with the logo: «Brunch»

For more info:

Tel: 0901 56 43 43 on workdays from 8:00 bis 12:00 and from 13.00 to 17:00

or  091 851 90 90 for the Ticino.

E-Mail: info@brunch.ch

Homepage: www.brunch.ch

How a Swiss watchmaker celebrates 1.August National day

After months of training, IWC Schaffhausen presents its very own Swiss National Day orchestra. Discover the secret skills of IWC's watchmakers, conducted by none other than IWC Ambassador and Master Watchmaker, Kurt Klaus.



Happy 1.August to all my reader!

Greeting from The President of the Swiss Confederation on 1. August 2013

Now that I am an "Auslandsschweizer" (Swiss abroad) yet again, I feel even more patriotic when 1.August comes around. During our expatriation to Argentina - years ago and feeling slightly homesick -  I insited that my newlywed hubby accompany me to the 1. August party held at the Swiss Club of Buenos Aires. I was the only person to speak Swiss German, the other guests turned out to be second or third generation Swiss with very little knowledge of German or Swiss German. However, it was there that I discovered that the President of the Confederation holds a speech specifcally for the Swiss abroad that is broadcasted thoughout all the Swiss Clubs across the globe. It actually reminded me a bit of the Queen's Christmas speech.

You will find below this year's message of greeting from President of the Confederation Ueli Maurer to the Swiss Abroad.

Dear Swiss Abroad

Today is the first of August. Today is Switzerland's birthday, and Swiss nationals – wherever they are living – are celebrating our common home.

I would like to stress three points that typify the relationship between Switzerland and yourselves:

Openness to the world, Swiss roots, and the essential role of the home country.

Switzerland has always been a country that is open to the world, and the same is true of its citizens.

There is also a long tradition of emigration. In previous centuries people emigrated to escape from poverty. Many places in North and South America are still named after their Swiss founders.

Today the wish for new experiences and job openings in Switzerland's global business network are the main reasons that prompt Swiss people to go and live abroad.

This traditional openess to the world has become their personal lifestyle. They have left Switzerland, perhaps for a short period, perhaps forever. Switzerland is a long way away in geographical terms but also sometimes in mental terms.

But this does not mean that they have turned their backs on Switzerland. They have not forgotten their roots.

I believe this is a strategy for success, for individuals and for the whole country: Keeping your eyes open, learning new things, exploiting the chances that arise, but at the same time knowing one's roots and preserving one's roots. Because those who lose or who deny their roots are giving up on themselves.

This brings me to the valuable role played by the home country... The home country is where we have our roots. Wherever people are living today, they know that there is a place in the world that will always be their home. A place, to which they feel attached, and where we are also attached to them.

This is the essence of the home country. People can come home whenever they want and they know there will be a welcome for them – because they are part of our community, our Switzerland.

We have common ideals: Peace, freedom, the rule of law, and direct democracy. Together we are this country, and this country also includes the Swiss citizens who live outside our borders.

On behalf of the Federal Council, I send my greetings to all Swiss citizens everywhere in the world.

Today let us rejoice in the fact that there is a small but free country in the world that is our home.

The Swiss Club in Buenos Aires

1.August Brunch 2013

Switzerland's National holiday is approaching fast.

The 1.August Brunch has become a popular activity on our National Day. For the past 20 years Swiss farmers have been inviting city dwellers (Swiss and foreign alike) for brunch on a farm. Last year over 220'000 guests enjoyed the culinary adventure offered by 410 farms throughout Switzerland. Through this movement the farmers' families wish to promote a better understanding and sympathy of local agriculture by the city population.

The 1. August Brunch is an occasion that one should not miss. Hosted by selected Swiss farms who offer you a brunch, they will provide you with the opportunity to taste different kinds of cheese, meat, milk, bread, müesli and many other gastronomic specialities in a very particular atmosphere. You'll also have the certainty to try some excellent products with high quality standard's. If you're lucky you'll enjoy some typical Swiss music, meet a Swiss celebrity, be served out of a giant Roesti frying pan or admire some amazing National costumes. The kids will love all the direct contact with the farms' animals.

Book now for a brunch in one of the farms! Click here to find a list of Ticino's participating farmers.

For a detailed guide with info such as activites, animals or produce for sale click on the following link: http://www.agriturismo.ch/Brunch.pdf.

My favourite so far is: Alpe Duragno at the top of Monte Tamaro. See purple trail on map.

The Agriturismo Ponte di Vello in Breno looks intriguing. My friends recommend the farms on top of Monte Generoso.

As places in the farms are limited, registration is mandatory and better done early. You can register by telephoning the farmers directly before July 30th 2013. There are still quite a few spots left as of this morning. Please communicate how many children and adults you'll be.

Venue: 1.August Brunch

When: Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Time: 9:00 - 13:00

Price: CHF 20.- to 35.-

Directions: All participating farms will be signposted with the logo: «Brunch»

For more info:

Tel: 0901 56 43 43 on workdays from 8:00 bis 12:00 and from 13.00 to 17:00

or  091 851 90 90 for the Ticino.

E-Mail: info@brunch.ch

Homepage: www.brunch.ch

Baking for Swiss National Day

August 1st is Swiss National Day. Of course, the traditional Bratwurst and Cervelat spring to mind. In the Ticino it would probably be the Luganighetta or Brasato con Polenta. However, I have a rather sweet tooth and therefore like to focuse on the sweet part of the meal.

This year I'll be baking Swiss muffins with a little help from Back-Art, a company based in Zurich from whom I have been ordering all my baking supplies online for years.

Edible Swiss butterflies seem like the perfect inspiration. A nice change from the square tradtional Swiss flag...no worries, we will have plenty of those posted in the garden.

So get out your baking gear and start making your favourite muffins, top them with some icing or whipped cream and stick a patriotic butterfly on top. Voilà!

If you are looking for a delicious chocolate muffin recipe check out my recipe blog here: http://expatwithkidsrecipes.blogspot.com.es/2012/02/chocolate-muffins.html

For creative inspiration from Back-Art click here: http://www.back-art.ch/new/page_shop_100_110_Themen_Schweiz---Suisse---Svizzera---Svizra.html

Happy 1.August to all of my readers!

Happy 1.August 2012