Is Money the Curse of Art?

Don't miss the next intriguing appointment of the Franklin University Switzerland Lecture Series. Join them for a lecture by Dr. Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement of the BMW Group. The event is in English and is open to all.

Thomas Girst was born in Trier (DE) in 1971. Following studies in art history, American Studies and German Literature at Hamburg University and New York University, in 2000 he became research manager of the Art Science Research Laboratory in New York. During the same period he was also cultural correspondent for German daily Die Tageszeitung.

As a curator, he organized numerous exhibitions, including “Alive and Kicking: the Collages of Charles Henri Ford” at the Scene Gallery in New York as well as “Marcel Duchamp in Munich 1912” at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.

Since 2003, Dr. Girst is global Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group and is responsible for the strategy, implementation and supervision of hundreds of long-term partnerships in the fields of art, music, design and architecture with major institutions as well as artists worldwide. He teaches at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, as well as at the Academy of Applied Sciences in Zurich.

In 2016, Dr. Girst received the international “European Cultural Manager of the Year” award.

Venue: Lecture by Dr. Thomas Girst: "Is Money the Curse of Art?"
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorengo
When: Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
Time: 19:00 to 21:00
Entry is free. A reception will follow the lecture.

Swiss hospitality at its best

This weekend brought us back to Switzerland... yet again... for Expat boy needs to make his first grown-up life-changing decision. Where to go after the International Baccalaureate?

To be perfectly honest he is his father's son, total strategic focus albeit sometimes absent-mined when not interested. His two passions: football and hospitality.

For years he has known that his goal was to study Hotel Management in Switzerland, I figured it might be a good idea if he actually visited the campus and surveyed the groundbreaking training in action.

Arriving in Lausanne on a spectacular sunny day with blue skies and gorgeous views across the Lake Leman, we were blown away by the atmosphere, professionalism, efficiency, cleanliness, organization, beauty and of course hospitality of Swiss Higher Education.

The visits to two different institutes provided an opportunity to personally discover the professionalism and excellence the Swiss hospitality training is world-renowned for. Admissions officers, teaching staff and student ambassadors did an outstanding job in demonstrating what Swiss education stands for and how it successfully prepares students for a wide variety of hospitality management careers across the globe.

So much so, that my husband has now decided he wants to go back to study!

An Expat wife's salary

Usually I refrain from commenting on politics although I do enjoy following certain countries' politics and passionate campaigns. However, M. Fillion's hiccup is just too good to pass up.

Francois Fillon, the conservative politician tipped to become France’s next president has found himself at the centre of a political scandal after he was accused of paying his wife as - what he calls - a parliamentary assistant.

Penelope Fillon reportedly received the equivalent of 900'000.- Euro of taxpayers’ money.
“Just because she is my wife she should not be entitled to work? Could you imagine a politician saying, as this story did, that the only thing a woman can do is making jam? All the feminists would scream," he said.

Ok. M.Fillion, I would like to thank you. You just put a number to all expat trailblazing wives' duties;
(in brackets would be my personal interpretation of the duty he cited during yesterday's press conference):

- Personal secretary (family social agenda including travel planning, medical visits, documentation)
- Events planner (Playdates, Sleepovers, Sports events)
- Communication officer (Rules and Regulation policy commander in chief, Media coordinator)
- Family representant (Associations, School, PTA)
- HR coordinator (Personal development, siblings litigations, in-laws coordination)
- Customer service (Complaints department, Guarantor of WIFI service, warm meals and clean clothes)

Monthly salary: EURO 4'700.-

Oh... and by the way this does NOT include the housework nor the endless administrative paperwork that comes with every move! However, we could throw in some jam-making if you're really nice to us.

Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy lecture

Back from vacation? Ready to start the new school year? Don't miss the opening lecture of the Fall 2016 Lecture Series at Franklin University Switzerland by Ambassador Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General and Head of the Global Cooperation Department at the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.

Ambassador Wennubst was born in Lugano in 1961 and has extensive experience in development diplomacy based on extensive field work in areas such as rural development, microfinance and public health. He joined the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 1995 and was initially posted to Bolivia and subsequently to Madagascar where he was tasked with reorganizing Swiss development cooperation activities. From 2008 to 2011, he was the deputy permanent representative of the Swiss mission to the Rome-based UN agencies. He later joined the Swiss permanent mission to the UN in New York as head of the economic and social development team, and currently manages the Global Cooperation Department as Assistant Director General of the SDC.

Now, this promises plenty of interesting aspects to learn about Modern Diplomacy and Switzerland.

Venue: Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy by Ambassador Pio Wennubst
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Nielsen Auditorium, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorento
Date: Thursday, September 1st, 2016
Time: 19:00 to 20:00

Meet Swiss Miss

Swiss Miss is my absolute favourite Swiss blogger despite the fact that she lives and works in New York.

Tina Roth Eisenberg, a Swiss born and raised graphic designer, runs four side-projects-gone- businesses out of DUMBO, Brooklyn; a collaborative co-working space called Studiomates, a global, monthly lecture series called CreativeMornings, TeuxDeux the simple to-do app and Tattly, a design-y temporary tattoo shop.

She is one busy and creative women. Come meet Tina and read her story how she turned several side projects into full time labors of love: Click here

Tina is often referred to as Swissmiss after her popular design blog which is also the name of her Twitter handle. Check out her Friday Link packs, they are full of eclectic tips and creative information.

Never pay for overweight suitcase again...

Every once in a while I come across a totally cool product which fits right in with my lifestyle. I do not receive any endorsement or free products, I just like to share practical tips to make life easier and more fun.

Now here is a fun suitcase named Raden. Not only does it come in funky colours it is also really smart. How many times have you had to weigh your suitcase in order to make sure easy jet would not charge you a bomb for overweight? Well, this one does it all by itself. It has an integrated scale, will also let you know its exact location so it can alert you via Bluetooth when your bag is coming down the carousel AND it has a built-in charger for your phone or tablet!

The design is rooted in all things simple, smooth and smart. The cases come complete with the latest tech-enabled features and they all connect seamlessly to their mobile app. They are super light and incredibly strong, gliding smoothly across airport terminals and city sidewalks. Oh, did I tell you it will even let you order an Uber?

Sounds enticing, doesn't it? Just take a look at their video, it is just as cool. I have not bought one myself yet but it is on my birthday wish list... in pink of course!

The only hitch? The 22-inch carry-on bag costs $295.

Manifesto of a DOER

The idea is a simple one. That people who Do things, can inspire the rest of us to go and Do things too. So each year, the DO Lectures invite a set of people to come and tell them what they Do.

In 2008, The DO Lectures was born, in an inexplicable cross section between a festival and a conference. There were no name badges, no bad coffee and impersonal, draughty lecture halls. Instead, an intimate number of speakers and attendees gathered under canvas on the west coast of Wales and shared the whole three day experience as a community. They ate together, camped together, shared a beer around a fire as the sun went down together.

Every year since, DO has stuck to the same formula: ideas + energy = change.

IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER (Women only seminar)

Join the IWCL Evening group for a talk with American Guest Speaker Erin Marie Godin!

Erin is a leadership and motivational coach who has the ambition to inspire greatness in your life, relationships and business. She is a certified member of the John Maxwell team and will help you cultivate and maintain success through her energetic influence!

She will be covering topics such as:
1. Embracing change and honoring the struggle/progress cycle in life.
2. Tapping into your bravery when faced with “quantum leap” decisions, either big opportunities or situations where you need to choose – stay or leave.
3. Infusing HOPE for a brighter future so women feel empowered and confident in the path they chose. Her mission is to motivate women to intentionally find their strength before a tragedy forces it out of them.

Venue: WOMEN ONLY SEMINAR: IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER
Where: Franklin University, Kalestch Campus, Classroom 1 Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
When: Monday, November 30, 2015
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm            
The seminar is free!

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Please write to IWCL Evening Group (iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com) if you wish to join.

Eco-friendly food shopping: a new kid in town

We are all concerned when it comes to recycling. If you live in Switzerland you know what an Eco center is, a place where you meet your neighbour on a Saturday morning - on your way to washing your car - to sort and throw out the recyclable trash accumulated during the week.

Packaging is an essential part of a product's sale. It's all good for those who appreciate the form, the aesthetics and the information it can provide. It's all bad for those who believe and/or work in daily task of reducing waste production.

Negozio Leggero promotes over 1500 cooperative goods in bulk. Just like in the olden days when having a bucket of milk was essential to transport it, you'll be helping yourself from a tap, filling containers brought from home with the desired amount.

Finally an alternative to shop without packaging! Great prices, organic products and there is everything: vegetables, soaps, pasta, wine, detergents, spices, teas and more.

So check out this new eco-friendly store where trendy presentation and emerging flavours will capture your attention and provide you and your kids with a totally new shopping experience.

Negozio Leggero, Via Lambertenghi 2, 6900 Lugano

US Consular Outreach in Lugano

Guess who is coming to town? The American Consular Officer to Switzerland J. Barrett Travis and his consular assistant from the U.S. Embassy in Bern. They will be here to offer a wide range of consular services to the American community. This is a unique opportunity to have documents notarized, passport applications signed, and applications processed for “Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.” Fees for consular services are payable in cash only (currency: Swiss francs).

After the main consular event, there will be time allocated for Questions and Answers. Do take the chance to engage in an active Q&A session and have all those pending questions addressed in person!

Venue: US Consular Outreach in Lugano
Where: THE PALMER CENTER, TASIS, Via Collina d’ Oro, 6926 Montagnola
Date: Friday, September 25, 2015
Time: 16:30 – 19:30
16:30 – 17:00 Welcome and introductory speech by Consul J. Barrett Travis
17:00 – 19:00 Consular services – no appointments are necessary, visitors will be handled
19:00 Q&A

Comparis: Switzerland's favourite comparison service

June is the season of departures and arrivals for Expats. If you are arriving in Ticino, I have just the app for you: Comparis Property Switzerland. You'll find the all listings of the largest property portals at a glance, it searches all listings on comparis.ch, Homegate, Immoscout24, Newhome and other Swiss portals simultaneously.

Comparis is the leading Swiss Internet comparison service. On www.comparis.ch, consumers can easily and quickly compare rates and services. The site had almost 60 million visitors last year and thus counts among the most widely used Swiss websites.

The Property App allows you to quickly and easily check out the current offers on the real estate market throughout Switzerland. There is also a Car App, an health Insurance App and a Mortgage App.

The Car Market App allows you to quickly and easily check out the current offers on the car market wherever you are.

With the Health Insurance App you can compare the premiums for 2015 from all Swiss health insurance providers and save plenty of money.

The Mortgage App always keeps you up to date on the daily interest rates. With the help of push notifications you can additionally create a personal interest alarm.

For more info click here to enter Comparis site: https://en.comparis.ch

Wondering about Tax Obligations of American Citizens?

Tax laws and banking regulations are constantly changing for Americans living abroad. Come hear about Foreign Tax Credits, FBAR, FATCA, deadlines, expatriation and more. The presentation will cover topics related to all persons filing taxes in the USA. There will be ample time for questions. Presented by Jimmy Sexton, LL.M. of Esquire Group, LLC, an international tax advisory firm he co-founded in 2005. Hosted by AWOT and Franklin University Switzerland, the presentation will be free and open to the public.

Venue: Tax Obligations of American Citizens and Permanent Residents Abroad
Where: Franklin University Switzerland Auditorium, Via Ponte Teresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
Location: Nielsen Auditorium
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2015
Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Cost: Free
Contact: Leslie Guggiari via e-mail at: lguggiari@fus.edu

Swiss handmade online markets

Every once in a while I come across a product or a service that tickles my fancy to the point that I decide to post it on my blog.

This weekend I came across a Christmas Survival Kit card by www.lulaloo.ch. The designer started brainstorming with her kids about things they love about Christmas and this is what they came up with.

Check it out here: http://www.lulaloo.ch/category/more-celebrations/christmas/.

If you are an avid internet user as myself and with an Anglosaxon background, you will problaby have heard of a site called etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items, supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items.

Switzerland is big on arts and crafts. Here a few sites similar to etsy that sells handmade or vintage items but are based in Switzerland/Europe:

www.ansalia.ch/

www.bellis.ch/

www.werkhandkunst.ch/

www.de.dawanda.com/ (German site in Euro)

www.fait-maison.com (French site in Euro)

Swiss German attitude

Now, I know one becomes more Swiss than the Swiss when one moves abroad but I just had to share this jewel I came across thanks to Newly Swissed. Swatch has published their annual report entirely in Swiss German...

Swiss German is not officially a language but a dialect. We do not have a standardized orthography and every canton - yes even neighbours or friends from the same town - will spell a word differently. We are all correct. It seems the Swatch report is written in Bärn dütsch (the Bernese local accent).

Bravo for the the courage shown and time spent in delivering a piece of true Swiss culture. It sure warmed many hearts around the globe, not only at home.

If you look carefully you'll see that the coats-of-arms have been slightly altered in a fun way on this report as well.

So Swiss....

http://www.swatchgroup.com

Expat Expo 2013 in Lugano - March 10th

“The ideal place for me is the one in which it is most natural to live as a foreigner.”
Italo Calvino

The Expat Expo was a huge success last year and lots of fun. It is a chance to meet and learn about clubs, schools, businesses and services that cater to the English speaking community in the Ticino.

Lots of give aways and admission is free. Join Chef Vesnuccia for a live cooking demonstration at 12:00 and 14:00. Derrick Feole will play several sets on his historical 1931 Selmer Tenor Saxophone which belonged to Joe Viola the former sax player with the original Glen Miller Orchestra. Come and see Yoga Roof's demonstration class at 15:00 with senior teacher Kelly Griswold, studio co-founder.

There are also activities for children. Don't miss out - come play, sing and swing with Ready Steady Move! enthused team and let them capture your hearts and heads too with their wonderful learning method! Join the 4 Events team at the bouncy castle.

Please spread the word among your friends and associates.

60 exhibitors from all over Switzerland along with many local companies and clubs from Lugano will be on hand to greet you and introduce you to their specialties and make you feel more at home in Ticino, whether you are here for a week or a lifetime! Join them for a day of discovery!

More info at http://www.expat-expo.info/Lugano.html

Venue: 2nd Expat-Expo Lugano
Where: Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazza Indipendenza 4, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday, March 10th, 2013
Time: 11:00 - 17:00
Free admission!

List of International companies in Ticino

Over the past months I have had requests and inquires about job possibilities in Ticino. I came across this list of International companies in Ticino by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and wanted to share this info.

CHIMICA E FARMACEUTICA
Abraxis Bioscience Switzerland GMBH
Alpex Pharma SA
APR Applied Pharma Research SA
ATR Chemicals SA
Chemo Lugano Branch
Ginsana SA (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Gnosis
Bioresearch SA
IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA)
KerrHawe SA (Sybron Dental Specialities)
Medacta International SA
NAIE SA
Rivopharm
Zambon

METALLURGIA E METALMECCANICA
Ambrosetti Ruote SA (BBV)
Delta Stahlroehre BV Amsterdam
Elti Suisse SA
Fedegari Autoklaven AG
Gruppo Fabbri (Svizzera) SA
Precicast SA
Riri SA (Sofipa)
Rolla SP Propellers SA (Twin Disc Inc)
Turbomach SA (Caterpillar)
Valois Dispray SA

TESSILE E ABBIGLIAMENTO
Abercrombie & Fitch Europe SA
ALSCO Swiss Sagl
Bally Schuhfabriken SA (Texas Pacific Group)
Consitex SA (Gruppo Zegna)
Filofibra SA
Guess Europe Sagl
Hugo Boss Ticino SA
Luxury Goods International SA (Gruppo Gucci)
Verim SA
Veze SA (JV Versace & Zegna Groups)
VF International Sagl

SERVIZI, AZ. FINANZIARIE & TRADING
B-Source SA
Carbofer General Trading SA
Cessna (Textron)
CNH Global (Fiat S.p.A.)
Duferco SA
Fiat Group International
Luxury Goods Logistics SA (Gruppo Gucci)
Serin (Fincons Group)
Würth Financial Services AG
Zeco Trading SA (Gruppo Zegna)

MECCANICA E ELETTRONICA
GF Agie Charmilles (Georg Fischer)
GE Consumer Industrial SA (ex Invertomatic)
Minimotor SA (Faulhaber Group)
Termogamma SA (Gruppo Merloni)
Trasfor SA
Tri-Star Electronics Europe SA
Tyco Electronics Logistics AG ALTRO
AGB Nielsen Media Research MS SA
Argor-Heraeus SA
ChorusCall SA
Ecotechnology & Financing B.V.
ND Logistics Switzerland
Pamp SA (MKS Group of Companies)
Pioneer Hi-Bred Switzerland (DuPont)
Pramac SA
Valcambi SA (Newmont Mining Corporation)

For a list of all industries in the Canton Ticino click here: http://www.aiti.ch/users

Expat Expo in Lugano

All Expats in Lugano and around. Listen up! Are you ready for the first major exhibition dedicated to Expats in Ticino? Yes, the number of Lugano expats is solwly but steadily growing and now it is time to meet at the first Expat Expo in Ticino.

A very special event is being organized for Sunday, March 11th at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano - the first Expat Expo in Ticino. For some years, these Expos have taken place in other parts of Switzerland. They are impressive events - professional and well organized with a community based atmosphere. Many of the local clubs will be there, along with businesses large and small, schools, and services that cater to the English speaking community.  In total over 60 exhibitors are paticipating. Please spread the word - and plan to stop by! The Expo will take place from 11:00-17:00, and admission is free. For more information, or to register as an exhibitor, please visit www.expat-expo.info.

What is Expat-Expo?

Expat-Expo is not just for expats! All English-speakers are welcome to visit the exhibition that guarantees to enhance lifestyle in Switzerland. ..whether you are here for a week or a lifetime...jump in for a day of discovery!

In the space of an afternoon, you will find important goods and services such as doctors, accountants and lawyers, schools and day-care, clubs and churches, even specialty food items and much more.

If you are wondering where to find Expat with Kids - well, I have a confession to make: I am now living in Paris - you will continue to find me online with lots of fun, upbeat, useful, intriguing information at www.expatwithkids.blogspot.com.

I would be very happy to post your info and photos on my blog should you wish to send me an update at expatwithkids@yahoo.com.

Good luck to all of you exhibitors and have fun all of you visitors. I'll be there with my heart and mind!

Venue: The 1st Expat-Expo Lugano
Date: Sunday, March 11th, 2012
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazza Indipendenza 4, Lugano

Young business women of Ticino - listen up!

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
Alice Walker

Are you under 35? Would you like to join a group of professional women and expand your network? Then sign up for an informal aperitivo Thursday, Dec. 1st at 7 PM at the Anacapri restaurant.

The International Federation of Business and Professonal Women (BPW International) was founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1930. BPW International was founded on the vision of achieving workplace equality, right to vote and equal pay.

Since the launch of their triennium theme - Empowered Women Leading Business - BPW women are inspiring businesses, empowering communities and creating opportunities around the world. BPW brings you regular insights into what and how their members are creating lasting change by leading the BPW International initiatives that are firmly in place.

Their purpose is to support professional women up to 35 years old by providing unlimited access to mentors, role models, like minded career women and thousands of friends across the globe!

Should you be interested in joining BPW International and bring the voice of women to business, please click here: www.bpw-international.org.

For more information e-mail: marianduven@gmail.com

Venue: Young Business Professional Women of Ticino
Where: Ristorante Anacapri, Via Clemente Maraini, 6900 Lugano, (www.anacapri.ch)
When: Thursday, Dec 1st, 2011
Time: 19:00