Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Expat with Kids Social Media
Stuck at home with a thigh muscle strain - needless to say the weather is gorgeous and a run would seem like a great idea - I have reverted to streamlining all my social media feeds... et voilà le résultat!
Sunday, February 19, 2017
A week back home in Switzerland
Every year we religiously drive back to Switzerland for a week's skiing. This year the Gods were smiling down on us and we arrived to catch the first rays of sun after several snowy days. In other words: perfect skiing conditions!
The saying "Feeling on top of the World" takes on a whole new meaning when you get to spend a glorious week of skiing with your childhood friends and everybody's family gets to join the fun!
The saying "Feeling on top of the World" takes on a whole new meaning when you get to spend a glorious week of skiing with your childhood friends and everybody's family gets to join the fun!
Where to start?
Skiing, eating or suntanning?
A feeling of Swiss nostalgia
Weather forecast a week before we left
The view on our first day of skiing
My skis might be vintage but they still get me up and down the mountain just fine
A close encounter
Chässchnitte uf de Alphütte
Teatime treat after skiing: Vermicelle at Charly's
Adelboden, a new discovery!
Anybody home?
The snow is melting rapidly after 6 days of sunshine
We could always try sledging down the mountain?
I am born to suntan!
I am intrigued!
The village of Rougemont
When teenagers are left without WIFI!!!
Monday, October 10, 2016
Swiss Expat Stats
The Swiss apparently do not find their motherland to be a particularly exciting country, since the most common (although not the most important) reason for their relocation is the search for an adventure or a personal challenge (mentioned by 28%). In addition, 24% of the Swiss report that they specifically wanted to live in the country they currently reside in, and according to a further 22% they simply enjoy living abroad.
Many Swiss expats have previous experience with life abroad. Almost a quarter (24%) has lived in four or more countries before, excluding Switzerland and their current host country; globally, only 16% of participants can say the same. Planned lengths of stay do not deviate as much (e.g. 27% Swiss vs. 25% overall plan to possibly stay forever). However, in contrast to the worldwide trend, stays of 3–5 years are somewhat more popular with the Swiss than those of over five years (20% and 10%, respectively).
Luckily, the Swiss passport seems to open many doors, as an exceptionally high percentage of the Swiss expats (59%) mention that getting a visa for their host country was very easy, an opinion only 41% of their global peers share.
Many Swiss expats have previous experience with life abroad. Almost a quarter (24%) has lived in four or more countries before, excluding Switzerland and their current host country; globally, only 16% of participants can say the same. Planned lengths of stay do not deviate as much (e.g. 27% Swiss vs. 25% overall plan to possibly stay forever). However, in contrast to the worldwide trend, stays of 3–5 years are somewhat more popular with the Swiss than those of over five years (20% and 10%, respectively).
Luckily, the Swiss passport seems to open many doors, as an exceptionally high percentage of the Swiss expats (59%) mention that getting a visa for their host country was very easy, an opinion only 41% of their global peers share.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Greek rhapsody
What can I say... I am in love with Greece...
the food
the sea
the history
the chilling
the beaches
the hospitality
the nature
the smells
the time out
the sunsets
the little harbours
the cobblestones
the attitude
the architecture
the views
the alphabet
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Discover Switzerland's Snack-Box
You might have heard of the Grand Tour of Switzerland where you get to discover Switzerland’s most attractive regions. The route, which covers approximately 1,600 kilometres, will take you over 5 Alpine passes, along 22 lakes and to 11 UNESCO World Heritage properties, showing you just how varied, diverse and spectacular our country is – in terms of landscape, culture and cuisine.
But have you ever heard of the Grand Tour Snack-Box? The Grand Tour of Switzerland won’t just show you Switzerland’s most beautiful side; it’s also a culinary journey of discovery. Thanks to the variety of specialty dishes waiting for you in every part of the country and thanks to the Grand Tour Snack Box with tempting regional treats.
So when you feel a little peckish all you need is to buy the Snack-Box for CHF 25.– from any of the 25 official sales outlets on the Grand Tour. You can top up your Snack-Box repeatedly with snacks from the region at other sales outlets for CHF 20.- (refills for two people).
So go ahead and experience the culinary diversity of Switzerland.
Here are the facts about the Grand Tour: www.myswitzerland.com and here you'll find the details on the Snack Box: Sales Outlets
Bon voyage – and bon appetit!
But have you ever heard of the Grand Tour Snack-Box? The Grand Tour of Switzerland won’t just show you Switzerland’s most beautiful side; it’s also a culinary journey of discovery. Thanks to the variety of specialty dishes waiting for you in every part of the country and thanks to the Grand Tour Snack Box with tempting regional treats.
So when you feel a little peckish all you need is to buy the Snack-Box for CHF 25.– from any of the 25 official sales outlets on the Grand Tour. You can top up your Snack-Box repeatedly with snacks from the region at other sales outlets for CHF 20.- (refills for two people).
So go ahead and experience the culinary diversity of Switzerland.
Here are the facts about the Grand Tour: www.myswitzerland.com and here you'll find the details on the Snack Box: Sales Outlets
Bon voyage – and bon appetit!
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
A little thing called culture shock
When we go into culture shock, we are in free fall. Having exited from our comfort zone, we are stripped straight down to our core. Oftentimes we lose confidence in our ability to meet the most basic needs: What do I eat? Where do I sleep? Who do I connect with? Where do I belong? Will I be safe?
Cognitive dissonance is a big part of the problem. Our ideas and the reality we find sur place don’t match—which can feel threatening.
But leaving our comfort zone also propels us into a moment of accelerated growth. As we slowly begin to make sense of all the new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures—and interactions with others—we expand our minds to incorporate new perspectives. There is potential for us to learn compassion, kindness and gratitude. The experience may feel raw—but it can also be exhilarating.
5 tools for handling the culture shock:
1. Consider the benefits:
The term “culture shock” often evokes negative connotations. But let’s turn that on its head and pretend for a moment we don’t need a toolbox. Simply ask yourself:
How have challenging cultural transitions positively impacted my life?
2. Use food as an icebreaker:
Food is a great way to learn about a new country and connect with people over a shared need. Say, how about getting out those cooking tools? :)
3. Communicate:
“Please”, “Thank you”, and a smile go a long way in someone else’s culture. Learn some basic phrases in the new language before you take off. For sure, a small phrase book, pocket dictionary or app ought to be in your toolbox. While you won’t end up having an in-depth conversation about political or social issues right away, at least you’ve made a start. Also, given that most communication is nonverbal, don’t be afraid to use your hands and feet—always fun no matter how clumsy it might feel! Find out about body language. What’s the polite way to hail a cab? Beckon someone to come over? Is it rude or polite to look someone directly in the eyes? Observe.
4. Slow down:
Treat the fact that you are entering a new culture as an opportunity to slow down and take it easy. Take time to adapt and go of any preconceptions. Think of this tool as a pressure valve: open it up and let go all of that stress and pressure out. Don’t force yourself to visit as many sights as you can—even if you feel obliged to do so. The point is to enjoy yourself, isn’t it? Allow yourself time to fully experience this transition.
5. Practice the art of being grateful:
Seeing life from a different perspective is a wonderful way to learn to appreciate what we have been given, on the road as well as in the home we’ve left behind. Here are some of the things you might be grateful for:
• hot water
• clean water
• access to fresh food
• conversations you have with people you meet along the way
• kindness of strangers
• friends you make for life
• lessons you learn
• the privilege of having the opportunity to experience all this in the first place
So, use the tools you have at hand to open your mind to the good things that surround you.
Cognitive dissonance is a big part of the problem. Our ideas and the reality we find sur place don’t match—which can feel threatening.
But leaving our comfort zone also propels us into a moment of accelerated growth. As we slowly begin to make sense of all the new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures—and interactions with others—we expand our minds to incorporate new perspectives. There is potential for us to learn compassion, kindness and gratitude. The experience may feel raw—but it can also be exhilarating.
5 tools for handling the culture shock:
1. Consider the benefits:
The term “culture shock” often evokes negative connotations. But let’s turn that on its head and pretend for a moment we don’t need a toolbox. Simply ask yourself:
How have challenging cultural transitions positively impacted my life?
2. Use food as an icebreaker:
Food is a great way to learn about a new country and connect with people over a shared need. Say, how about getting out those cooking tools? :)
3. Communicate:
“Please”, “Thank you”, and a smile go a long way in someone else’s culture. Learn some basic phrases in the new language before you take off. For sure, a small phrase book, pocket dictionary or app ought to be in your toolbox. While you won’t end up having an in-depth conversation about political or social issues right away, at least you’ve made a start. Also, given that most communication is nonverbal, don’t be afraid to use your hands and feet—always fun no matter how clumsy it might feel! Find out about body language. What’s the polite way to hail a cab? Beckon someone to come over? Is it rude or polite to look someone directly in the eyes? Observe.
4. Slow down:
Treat the fact that you are entering a new culture as an opportunity to slow down and take it easy. Take time to adapt and go of any preconceptions. Think of this tool as a pressure valve: open it up and let go all of that stress and pressure out. Don’t force yourself to visit as many sights as you can—even if you feel obliged to do so. The point is to enjoy yourself, isn’t it? Allow yourself time to fully experience this transition.
5. Practice the art of being grateful:
Seeing life from a different perspective is a wonderful way to learn to appreciate what we have been given, on the road as well as in the home we’ve left behind. Here are some of the things you might be grateful for:
• hot water
• clean water
• access to fresh food
• conversations you have with people you meet along the way
• kindness of strangers
• friends you make for life
• lessons you learn
• the privilege of having the opportunity to experience all this in the first place
So, use the tools you have at hand to open your mind to the good things that surround you.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Get involved with GoEco App
Current mobility patterns are dominated by car use, even though a number of alternative and energy-efficient mobility options are already available. So why don’t you go to work by bike more often? Why don’t you use public transport, find yourself some car pooling partners or apply for a car sharing program? You don’t know how to best do it? The GoEco! app created by SUPSI & ETH can help you make this transformation happen. Become more sustainable: GoEco!
GoEco! seeks to overcome traditional awareness-raising approaches and, by taking advantage of the wide acceptance of smartphones and tablets, proposes an innovative, community-based approach, directly addressing citizens and their everyday mobility choices.
GoEco! will conduct a study with 800 users from Canton Ticino and the City of Zurich. By taking part in their study, you will have the opportunity to test the GoEco! smartphone app which helps you to make your mobility lifestyle more sustainable. The GoEco! app tracks your trips and uses game elements to challenge you to modify your mobility behavior. You will learn how to become more sustainable and you can even compete with your friends to find out who is the best.
If you wish to get the GoEco! app click here: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/get-the-app/
The GoEco! app experience nudges you to:
- understand how you travel,
- define your personal goals for change and get personalized suggestions;
- see your progress week after week;
- share your experience with friends and other users and compare your performances with them.
If you are interested in joining the GoEco! experience, please fill in the "Get involved" form.
Click here for more info: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/ and become a GoEco! citizen!
GoEco! seeks to overcome traditional awareness-raising approaches and, by taking advantage of the wide acceptance of smartphones and tablets, proposes an innovative, community-based approach, directly addressing citizens and their everyday mobility choices.
GoEco! will conduct a study with 800 users from Canton Ticino and the City of Zurich. By taking part in their study, you will have the opportunity to test the GoEco! smartphone app which helps you to make your mobility lifestyle more sustainable. The GoEco! app tracks your trips and uses game elements to challenge you to modify your mobility behavior. You will learn how to become more sustainable and you can even compete with your friends to find out who is the best.
If you wish to get the GoEco! app click here: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/get-the-app/
The GoEco! app experience nudges you to:
- understand how you travel,
- define your personal goals for change and get personalized suggestions;
- see your progress week after week;
- share your experience with friends and other users and compare your performances with them.
If you are interested in joining the GoEco! experience, please fill in the "Get involved" form.
Click here for more info: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/ and become a GoEco! citizen!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Gotthard: Ticino's traffic nightmare?
For most people living in the Ticino, the Gotthard tunnel is a part of life. You might use it regularly or maybe only once a year but it is the main artery that connects the Italian part with the German part of Switzerland. It is also the highway many Nordics descend on during the summer months in search of the Mediterranean sun often creating hours of traffic jam.
With five million cars and 900,000 long vehicles a year, the Gotthard road tunnel is one of the major crossing points in the Alps. 58% of vehicles crossing the Swiss Alps transit by the tunnel, linking Göschenen in the north and Airolo on the southern side, which at 16.9 km is one of the longest road tunnels in the world.
After 35 years of service – it was inaugurated in September 1980 – the tunnel is in need of a complete structural overhaul. This major work means a prolonged closure of the existing two-way underground tunnel.
So now the question is: "How is the flow of goods and people between the north and south of Switzerland but also central Europe to be maintained during the renovations?"
For the Swiss government, “the best and most lasting solution” would be construction of a second tube followed by renovation of the existing tunnel. As an alternative, opponents of the two-tunnel approach favour the “rolling highway” concept, with cars and trucks being loaded onto shuttle trains.
This would mean that heavy vehicles would move along the new Alptransit tunnel, while cars would go via the old Gotthard railway line.
The last word will be with the voters on February 28. In the two preceding nationwide ballots, in 1994 and 2004, a majority of voters were against doubling the capacity of the Gotthard tunnel.
With five million cars and 900,000 long vehicles a year, the Gotthard road tunnel is one of the major crossing points in the Alps. 58% of vehicles crossing the Swiss Alps transit by the tunnel, linking Göschenen in the north and Airolo on the southern side, which at 16.9 km is one of the longest road tunnels in the world.
After 35 years of service – it was inaugurated in September 1980 – the tunnel is in need of a complete structural overhaul. This major work means a prolonged closure of the existing two-way underground tunnel.
So now the question is: "How is the flow of goods and people between the north and south of Switzerland but also central Europe to be maintained during the renovations?"
For the Swiss government, “the best and most lasting solution” would be construction of a second tube followed by renovation of the existing tunnel. As an alternative, opponents of the two-tunnel approach favour the “rolling highway” concept, with cars and trucks being loaded onto shuttle trains.
This would mean that heavy vehicles would move along the new Alptransit tunnel, while cars would go via the old Gotthard railway line.
The last word will be with the voters on February 28. In the two preceding nationwide ballots, in 1994 and 2004, a majority of voters were against doubling the capacity of the Gotthard tunnel.
Source: Federal Roads Office
Saturday, January 23, 2016
A Swiss Welcome!
This is your chance to welcome visitors from around the world to Switzerland!
Show them your favourite side of Switzerland and, as one of 20 hosts, win plane tickets for up to 4 people to an international destination of your choice plus CHF 1000 spending money.
Tell Swiss - yes, the airline company - why you want to show your favourite side of Switzerland to guests from around the world.
Swiss will be welcoming some very special visitors in March – winners of the SWISS Welcome competition, coming from 17 different countries. Not only could you get to show these visitors your wonderful country and your own favourite side of Switzerland, but you will also have a chance of winning a holiday package.
How would you welcome visitors to Switzerland, and which part of the country would you show them over a weekend?
Go ahead and submit your entry right now with photos, text and – if you want to – a short film lasting approx. one minute.
Please send any queries about the competition to info@a-swiss-welcome.com or apply online here: https://www.a-swiss-welcome.com/en/switzerland/enter/
Don't forget: try to get as many votes as possible before the voting phase closes at 11.59 pm on the 31st of January 2016 by making friends aware of your profile.
Good luck and keep us posted so we can vote for you!
Show them your favourite side of Switzerland and, as one of 20 hosts, win plane tickets for up to 4 people to an international destination of your choice plus CHF 1000 spending money.
Tell Swiss - yes, the airline company - why you want to show your favourite side of Switzerland to guests from around the world.
Swiss will be welcoming some very special visitors in March – winners of the SWISS Welcome competition, coming from 17 different countries. Not only could you get to show these visitors your wonderful country and your own favourite side of Switzerland, but you will also have a chance of winning a holiday package.
How would you welcome visitors to Switzerland, and which part of the country would you show them over a weekend?
Go ahead and submit your entry right now with photos, text and – if you want to – a short film lasting approx. one minute.
Please send any queries about the competition to info@a-swiss-welcome.com or apply online here: https://www.a-swiss-welcome.com/en/switzerland/enter/
Don't forget: try to get as many votes as possible before the voting phase closes at 11.59 pm on the 31st of January 2016 by making friends aware of your profile.
Good luck and keep us posted so we can vote for you!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Sending a letter to Santa in Switzerland
Ever thought of writing a letter to Father Christmas? My kids are teenagers but I still tell them: " If you don't believe in Father Christmas, he won't be able to bring you any presents! You choose!"
In Switzerland, whoever writes a letter to the Christ Child (who - in the German part of Switzerland - brings the presents at Christmas) will get an answer. The same applies to St. Nicholas and Babbo Natale. A special team at the Swiss Post answers every request on their behalf.
In Switzerland each year approximately 16,000 letters are addressed to Santa. Addresses range from the local woods to the North Pole. And the post office delivers them all. Not to the forest, not into heaven, not to the North Pole either, but to Chiasso, where a special team answers the letters on behalf of the addressee.
The only prerequisite is that the sender is identifiable. And even if the sender only marks "Sébastien, 5" or "Anna Lena, Trueb," the post will move heaven and earth to determine the complete address. For example, by checking the postmark. Thus, only four hundred letters remain unanswered.
Three quarters of the letters are from the French part of Switzerland and Ticino - an interesting cultural detail. To the Christ Child, the St. Nicholas and Babbo Natale, origins don't matter, they reply eloquent in all four national languages as well as in English.
And what does Santa's team deliver? It could be a Christmas story, a flip book or a box of crayons. Something that will make the children's faces light up and is sure to make them smile.
In Switzerland, whoever writes a letter to the Christ Child (who - in the German part of Switzerland - brings the presents at Christmas) will get an answer. The same applies to St. Nicholas and Babbo Natale. A special team at the Swiss Post answers every request on their behalf.
In Switzerland each year approximately 16,000 letters are addressed to Santa. Addresses range from the local woods to the North Pole. And the post office delivers them all. Not to the forest, not into heaven, not to the North Pole either, but to Chiasso, where a special team answers the letters on behalf of the addressee.
The only prerequisite is that the sender is identifiable. And even if the sender only marks "Sébastien, 5" or "Anna Lena, Trueb," the post will move heaven and earth to determine the complete address. For example, by checking the postmark. Thus, only four hundred letters remain unanswered.
Three quarters of the letters are from the French part of Switzerland and Ticino - an interesting cultural detail. To the Christ Child, the St. Nicholas and Babbo Natale, origins don't matter, they reply eloquent in all four national languages as well as in English.
And what does Santa's team deliver? It could be a Christmas story, a flip book or a box of crayons. Something that will make the children's faces light up and is sure to make them smile.
Ho Ho Ho!
Number of letters to Father Christmas the Swiss Post received over the past seven years
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
What is a Swiss Pass?
Over 2'300'000 Swiss residents own a Half-Fare travel card that lets them travel half price on all Swiss train (SBB) routes and most other railways as well as on boats, buses and trams.
With the launch of the SwissPass, SBB are taking the first step in a new era of travel on public transport and personal mobility. The SwissPass is more than just a Half-Fare travelcard as it offers access to partner services from Mobility Carsharing, PubliBike, SwissMobile and in the ski areas.
Since 1 August 2015 your Half-Fare travelcard has been included on the SwissPass. Your SwissPass is a plastic card – just like your previous travelcards. However, what is different is that this one is equipped with two electronic RFID chips – technology that is already being used for ski passes, for example. Your personal SwissPass number is saved on these chips, and this is used to check your name and travel card. It is the key to your mobility. So check it out and Bon Voyage!
With the launch of the SwissPass, SBB are taking the first step in a new era of travel on public transport and personal mobility. The SwissPass is more than just a Half-Fare travelcard as it offers access to partner services from Mobility Carsharing, PubliBike, SwissMobile and in the ski areas.
Since 1 August 2015 your Half-Fare travelcard has been included on the SwissPass. Your SwissPass is a plastic card – just like your previous travelcards. However, what is different is that this one is equipped with two electronic RFID chips – technology that is already being used for ski passes, for example. Your personal SwissPass number is saved on these chips, and this is used to check your name and travel card. It is the key to your mobility. So check it out and Bon Voyage!
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