S'isch Sächsilüüte in Züri!

Today is possibly the time of year when I most wish I were back in my hometown of Zürich. Today is Sächsilüüte. It is celebrated every year on the third Monday of April. To foreigners it might seem weird that a bunch of Swiss dress up as knights to ride around a bonfire with a fake snowman on top but to me it is a big part of my childhood memories and, of course, Zürich's tradition.

The roots of the festival go back to medieval times when the first day of summer working hours was celebrated in the guildhalls across the city. City ordinances strictly regulated the length of the working day in that era. During the winter semester the workday in all workshops lasted as long as there was daylight, but during the summer semester the law proclaimed that work must cease when the church bells tolled at six o'clock. Sächsilüüte is a Swiss German word that literally translates into "The six o'clock ringing of the bells". Changing to summer working hours traditionally was a joyous occasion because it marked the beginning of the season where people had some non-working daylight hours.

Following a very colourful afternoon parade of the 26 Zünft (guilds) in their historic dress costumes, each with its own band, most with a sizeable mounted knights, and horse drawn floats, the climax of the celebration is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the Böögg, a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

The custom of burning the Böögg predates the Sechsilüüte. Popular tradition has it that the time between the lighting of the pyre and the explosion of the Böögg`s head is indicative of the coming summer: a quick explosion promises a warm, sunny summer, a drawn-out burning a cold and rainy one.

So, turn on the TV (SFR1) today at 6pm sharp and watch the Böögg burn. Your kids will love it.

Schellen-Ursli at the Swiss National Museum

If you grew up in Switzerland chances are you have read a "Bell for Ursli" by Selina Chonz. It is a classic Swiss children's story from 1945 and set in the canton of Graubünden, with pictures by award-winning Swiss illustrator Alois Carigiet.

Alois Carigiet (1902 – 1985) was a gifted author and illustrator of children’s books, as well as a highly versatile and talented painter.

Currently the National Museum in Zurich illuminates the many different facets of the work of this multi-talented artist. The exhibition starts with a look at Carigiet’s home, the Canton Graubünden. Visitors experience Switzerland’s rich Rhaeto- Romanic culture, the world of children’s literature and Carigiet’s graphic art and painting.

Generations of Swiss children whom have grown up with Schellen-Ursli will experience a blast from the past by stepping into the world of children’s literature and Carigiet’s graphic art and painting.

If you happen to travel to Zürich take your kids to the Swiss National Museum and share a piece of Swiss tradition. The exhibition is open until January 3rd, 2016 at the Landesmuseum Zürich (Museumstrasse 2) right behind the main train station.

Or else make yourself comfortable at home and read it to your children.

On 15 October 2015, Ursli comes to the cinema, with his shaggy black hair and high-water pants, his pointed cap and beaming smile. Don't miss it!

The day after...

So the burning of the Sächsilüüte Böögg in Zürich yesterday took only 7 minutes and 23 seconds, the third fastest time since 1980. Does this mean we'll have a wonderful summer? Unfortunately, it was thanks to a lot accelerant of the wet Böögg, that it survived only a short time at the stake, but who's checking? Also, experience has shown that the prophecy - the faster the head of the giant fake snowman explodes the longer the summer - is mostly wrong.

Zürich's Böögg before and after!

In the meantime, you can check the weather in every corner of Switzerland with this handy and reliable app: MeteoSwiss

Sächsilüüte is today!

Today is possibly the time of year when I most wish I were back in my hometown. Today is Sächsilüüte. It is celebrated every year on the third Monday of April. To foreigners it might seem weird that a bunch of Swiss dress up as knights to ride around a bonfire with a fake snowman on top but to me it is a big part of my childhood memories and, of course, Zürich's tradition.

The roots of the festival go back to medieval times when the first day of summer working hours was celebrated in the guildhalls across the city. City ordinances strictly regulated the length of the working day in that era. During the winter semester the workday in all workshops lasted as long as there was daylight, but during the summer semester the law proclaimed that work must cease when the church bells tolled at six o'clock. Sächsilüüte is a Swiss German word that literally translates into "The six o'clock ringing of the bells". Changing to summer working hours traditionally was a joyous occasion because it marked the beginning of the season where people had some non-working daylight hours.

Following a very colourful afternoon parade of the 26 Zünft (guilds) in their historic dress costumes, each with its own band, most with a sizeable mounted knights, and horse drawn floats, the climax of the celebration is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the Böögg, a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

The custom of burning the Böögg predates the Sechsilüüte. Popular tradition has it that the time between the lighting of the pyre and the explosion of the Böögg`s head is indicative of the coming summer: a quick explosion promises a warm, sunny summer, a drawn-out burning a cold and rainy one.

So, turn on the TV (SFR1) today at 6pm sharp and watch the Böögg burn. Your kids will love it.

On 14 April 2008, heavy rains soaked the Böögg and the wood pyre materials so much that the firemen had to spray the bonfire with kerosene or fuel oil after initial ignition, in addition to 15 liters of fire accelerant, which was initially thrown on the pyre. It took 26:01 minutes for the Bööggs head to explode. 

A weekend guide to Zürich

Somehow, I was feeling rather homesick today so I decided to make a list of typical city sight that might come in use should you decide to visit Switzerland's largest city.

In Zurich you should not miss a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street with many attractions, especially before Christmas period.

Day 1:
Start off at Bürkliplatz (right next to the lake) where you make your own candle by dipping a wick into tubs of molten wax in the Kerzenziehen pavilion. All you need is a bit of patience but my kids love it!
http://www.zuercherkerzenziehen.ch/

Half way down the street is the Paradeplatz (home to two of Switzerland's biggest banks) where you'll find Sprüngli, a teahouse which sell Swiss macaroons as their speciality. They are better than the French macaroons and definately worth a try! ;) Melt-in-your-mouth truffles, light and delicate ‘Luxemburgerli’ macaroons, handmade dark chocolate, tarts and cakes are just a sample of the many sweet and tempting offers at the café.
http://www.spruengli.ch/?lang=en

Stroll to the Münsterhof nearby where you'll find the Fraumünster Church with its magnificent stained glass windows in the choir created by French artist Marc Chagall in the early nineteen-seventies, or the windows by Augusto Giacometti. Fraumünster, which literally means women’s abbey, belonged to the Benedictine convent whose abbess had wide powers in Zurich.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraumünster

Continuing along the Bahnhofstrasse at No. 62 you'll find Franz Carl Weber, a
never-ending toy shop on four floors with virtually anything you might be looking for, includes books and a pizzeria. The kids will love it!
http://www.fcw.ch/fr/magasins/zurich/

Behind the Franz Carl Weber walk up the Rennweg. The name derives from “Rain”, which means slope. In the Middle Ages, Rennweg was Zürich’s widest street. The "Rennwegtor" gate stood at its lower end as part of the city fortifications. The "Fröschegraben" trench lay along the city wall, but it was filled in during the 19th century, and Bahnhofstrasse was built on top of it. Rennweg is the second most exclusive shopping area in Zürich after Bahnhofstrasse and its pedestrian zone invites you to stroll and linger. It will lead you up to the Lindenhof.

This spot, the Lindenhof,  provides a glorious view of the Old Town, Grossmünster Church, City Hall, the Limmat river, the university and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Lindenhof was also the scene of numerous historical events.
In the 4th century, a Roman fort stood on Lindenhof. It served as protection for the occupying Roman forces as well as the local population in the event of attacks by the Alemanni.
In the 9th century, the grandson of Charlemagne built a regal palace as a residence on this site.
This area continued to be a place for gatherings for Zürich’s inhabitants right up to the beginning of the modern era. For example, the oath sealing the Helvetic Constitution was taken on Lindenhof in 1798.
Today, Lindenhof is a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city and a meeting point for passionate chess players.

At the end of the Bahnhofstrasse you'll find Zürich's main trainstation. Behind it, is the Swiss National Museum (in case of rain) called Landesmuseum on Museumstrasse 2 which is definately worth a visit. The museum houses the largest cultural-historical collection of objects in the country. The museum building is over 100 years old and reminds one of a fairytale castle.
http://www.musee-suisse.ch/e/zuerich/index.php

If you like cheese and would like a good fondue for dinner go to the restaurant Le Dézaley in the Römergasse 7/9. The fondue prepared according to an old family recipe is definitely very tasty and also comes in a version with morels (mushrooms).
http://le-dezaley.ch/de/home.html

If you're looking for more Swiss German food head to the restaurant Zeughauskeller in the Bahnhofstrasse 28a. Situated in a mediaeval arsenal it serves good solid traditional Swiss fare: generous helpings of meat, sausages, schnitzel and roast. Popular with tourists, locals and lads out for the night, it’s a place where it’s easy to get to know people, as you share the big tables with other guests. Lots of fun.
http://www.zeughauskeller.ch/

Day 2
A visit to the Zürich Zoo and the Masoala rainforest. Elephants, rhinos, penguins and 20 species of monkeys are just some of the animals on the Zürichberg that will transport you into an exotic world – with all your senses. Explore the rainforest along a twisting path and gain insight into a typical rainforest dense with palms and inhabited by lemurs and turtles and discover sparse swamp areas with a myriad of brightly-colored frogs.
http://www.zoo.ch/xml_1/internet/en/intro.cfm

If you still have the energy, you can walk along The Niederdorf (Niederdorfstrasse) which is the old town running along the east side of the Limmat River. Filled with bars, restaurants, shops, cafes, and a few old adult cinemas, it also contains the Grossmünster church, which is a huge Romanesque-style Protestant church and also one of the 3 main churches in Zürich (the other two being the Fraumünster and St. Peterskirche). A perfect for a stroll during the day, as you can see a mix of the old and new amongst the winding alleys.

Voilà. This wold be my suggestions. Pick and choose as you like.
Following is a Zurich site that might be useful to you: http://www.inyourpocket.com/Switzerland/Zurich/Zurich-in-48-hours_72746f

The "Swiss Francs" rap

So, there goes Switzerland's reputation or - as they say - bad publicity is publicity too! The Swiss Franc is definately on the rap scene thanks to Ryan Leslie. He actually did go to Harvard! I do love his address though: Global.

Have a peak for yourself and see if you recognize some sights from Zurich:

20 years of Street Parade Zürich

Feel like traveling to Zürich for the city's wildest weekend of the year?  Then head to The Street Parade this Saturday.

The Street Parade is the most attended Technoparade in Europe. The Street Party is one of the largest techno parties in the world and the largest annual event in Zurich.

The first Street Parade took place on September 5, 1992, initiated by student Marek Krynski and officially called the Demonstration for Love, Peace, Liberty, Generosity and Tolerance. About 1,000 people took part in dancing behind two Lovemobiles.

Today, the Street Parade has all the character of a popular festival, however legally it is still a political demonstration. The Street Parade continues to be one of the safest mass events in the world. This is not just a consequence of the peaceful nature of dance parades, but is also thanks to a widely thought-out prevention concept.  In typical Swiss fashion there is a "do&don't" list which most participants seem to stick to. Clear advice on healthy behavior is part of the informational campaign of the Street Parade.

At least 600,000 people are expected in the Limmat city for this year’s parade, which is taking place under the motto: “20 years Love, Freedom, Tolerance and Respect”.

In anticipation of the large influx of people for Saturday, August 13, SBB offers special tickets and 105 extra trains. If you feel like partying right from the word "go" make sure you join ReteTre (the local Radio station) special train to Zurich. Departure is at 08:54 from Chiasso. The return is scheduled at 22:00 the same day. Otherwise check the train schedule for regular train times.

The details on the Street Parade's schedules, Love Mobiles and other related events are available at all stations, as well as sites www.ffs.ch/Streetparade, www.streetparade.ch or from Rail Service on Tel. 0900 300 300.

So, join the spirit on August 13th, 2011 and experience a wonderful, peaceful 20th Street Parade!

Ambiente CALIENTE in Zurich this weekend

"Life is short, wear tropical shirts!"
Marc Lampe

Summer is party time. Are you ready to move your body this weekend? I got mine warmed up at Ricky Martin's concert last night. Boy, I realized that last time I had been to a concert people still swayed their lighters. That says it all, doesn't it?

Would you get those smartphone screens out of my face so I can see Ricky Martin's sexy moves, pliiiiiissss!

Anyway, there is some hot Latino music heading towards Switzerland this weekend. From Friday to Sunday, the streets surrounding Helvetiaplatz in Zurich will be colorfully decorated with Latin culture thanks to CALIENTE! the annual Latin Music Festival.

Every year in mid-June, Zürich is gripped by the Caliente fever, when the biggest festival of Latin-American culture in the German-speaking region takes place during a weekend. This combination of live concerts, dance floors, and a market is unique.

Admitteldy it's a wee hike from Lugano to Zurich but hey, now that the new "Autobahn" has opened and you don't need to drive along the Sihltal any longer you can be there in a 2 hour hop. So, go do something crazy this weekend. 250'000 people are expected this weekend to make their way to Helvetiaplatz and the grounds of the Kaserne to party in the open air within the city in a relaxed, tropical ambience, so it must be worth the trip.

The programme features many international live bands and dance shows, as well as plenty DJs and MCs. On the open-air stage at Helvetiaplatz, a colorful mix of well-known musicians and dance groups will give visitors a taste of Switzerland's Latin cultural scene. Lovers of Salsa, Brasil, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Cuban Jazz, Timba, Rumba, Spanish Rock, Flamenco, Mambo and Reggae will be in seventh heaven. The colorful Mercado Mundial at Helvetiaplatz, covering an area of 32,000 sq.m will be bursting with more than 250 market stands, selling exotic drinks, spicy dishes and handicrafts.

While the majority of the festival is free and in a public area, several events do require tickets so be sure to check the Caliente website for special performances that require advance purchased tickets.

To render your weekend escape absolutely perfect book a room at the Seegarten Hotel which lies walking distance from the city center as is right next to the Seebad Utoquai, a public bath which is located on the eastern side of the lake and is housed in a historic monument dating back to 1889. For many Swiss, the "Badi" (local dialect) has been an integral part of their life for years or decades. It is a small world in itself. It offers fantastic sunsets, especially after the sky has been whimsical.

There is a small restaurant offering warm meals as well as a rich salad buffet. The northern (and nicest) end of the Badi is reserved for women, the southern side for men and the two central areas are mixed.

Yes, life is still a beach.



One lonely Luxemburgerli in Zurich

Lindenhof

Schipfe

St.Peter's Church

Observatory Urania

Sisterhood of the Macaron

Legend has it that two Benedictine nuns, Sister Marguerite and Sister Marie-Elisabeth sought asylum in the town of Nancy during the French Revolution. They paid for their housing by baking and selling macaron cookies and thus became know as the Macaron Sisters.

This post is dedicated to all my girlfriends who absolutely adore Ladurée macarons.

Like so many bloggers before me I could not resist to write a post about the lovely French Macaron. When in Paris you cannot miss a visit to the Ladurée shop for a cup of tea and a taste of their ever so famous macarons. Beware of Pierre Hermé who's macarons also look divine and taste amazing. Hermé's window display is even more spectacular than Ladurées.

But since I claim Switzerland to be my home, I must insist that the prize for best macarons goes to Sprüngli in Zürich. Their "Luxemburgerli" are a delicacy that resemble the macarons but are a wee bit smaller, just like a little sister of the macaron. These mini-macaroons with their delicious fillings have become not just a symbol of Confiserie Sprüngli, but also an emblem for Zurich as such.

The success of the Luxemburgerli began more than 50 years ago. At the end of 1950s a young pastry chef from Luxembourg, with whose employer the Sprüngli family were friendly, was spending some time in Zurich learning his trade. Here he began to produce the speciality of his Luxembourg master confectioner, and because no-one could come up with a name for the new product, this airy delicacy was simply named the "Luxemburgerli" after its country of origin. As Luxemburgerlis became more and more popular the Sprüngli pastry chefs in Zurich made it their ambition to improve and refine the little macaroons.

Nowadays there are more than 30 different kinds of Luxemburgerli, and every month Confiserie Sprüngli creates a new taste experience for its Luxemburgerli connoisseurs. You can find macaroons almost anywhere – but for Luxemburgerlis you have to go to Sprüngli!

My favourite one? Champagne , of course!

Macarons by expatwithkids on Polyvore.com