The Switzerland Traveler

 Was that the most boring game you’ve ever seen?
Two great footballing nations: Think Real Madrid and Barcelona; AC Milan and Juventus. And all the rest…
I really feel sorry for the people that paid for tickets. So many games in the EM have been entertaining but that was dire.
I watched the BBC coverage of the game, and the most entertaining part was the irony of the commentary. At half time they showed a feature on the old Orsoin Welles film noir The Third Man. To which Gary Lineker responded: You know the football must be rubbish when we get more worked …read more

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 Basel is one of the four cities hosting matches for the EM.
And down at Basel zoo, it looks like some of the animals are getting interested too.
Don’t think I’d want to be the one to tell him, or her, that they don’t get to play…
Photo: Flickr – Tambako the Jaguar

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Switzerland is a land of many nations.
There are three main “native” languages, German, French and Italian, and there’s also the 1% of the population over near Davos and St Moritz that speak Romantsch.
The country attracts lots of foreign workers too, and so when we have events like the EM, there’s plenty of opportunity to show some national pride (unless one comes from the United Kingdom of course).
Throughout Zurich, there are flags flying everywhere, and I’m sure it’s the case all over Switzerland, as this shot from Geneva shows.
And we haven’t even started yet…
Photo: Flickr m x b ch r

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I think I mentioned that the Swiss love their cranes.
But this is the first time I’ve seen one in the water, and I have to say I’m impressed.
It’s probably not that unusual, but I’m just surprised it works.
Photo: Geoff

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Well, you’re not going to be hearing about much other than football for the next few weeks I’m afraid.
I’ll try to make it as informative as possible, but that’s the theme you are going to get.
So two things:
Firstly, England did not qualify, and this is the last time I shall mention that they didn’t, and also that they deserved not to because they played like a bunch of amateurs – with all due respect to amateurs who might feel slighted by the comparison.
Secondly, when I say football, I mean the game where you spend most of the time kicking a …read more

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I’m sticking with the motorsport theme here, as there’s an event nearby where one can see loads of old racing cars and bikes.
It’s at Mutschellen, next Sunday, about 50 each of old cars and bikes. My favourites would be the early 1950s F1 cars, like the one above.
See www.mutschellengp.ch for details.
I’m off to Thailand today, so no more updates from me until I’m back on 24th April, hopefully with a slightly more functional arm.
Photo: Flickr juhanson

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A few years back, I worked in Basel, and each year around the beginning of April, it suddenly became a nightmare to get to the office.
The reason? Quite simple, the jewelry crowd were in town for the biggest exhibition of the lot.
Loads of elegantly dressed people flood from all over the world for this one, and hotels as far away as Zurich get booked out, and very pricey.
So, if you’re aiming to visit Basel, it’s best to check www.baselworld.ch just to check your dates don’t clash.
Of course, if it’s diamonds and watches you’re after, then this is the time …read more

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From March 20 until Monday 24th (over Easter) there’s a tango festival at the Volkshaus in Basel.
It appears to do pretty much what it says on the tin: colour, music and dancing.
Exciting orchestra, dance performances as wel as films and workshops.
So it’s your choice; participate or just watch and enjoy. 
Volkshaus, Tangoschule Basel, Clarahofweg 23, Basel
www.tangobasel.ch
Photo: Flickr: szpyreczka

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This might be a bit of an obvious post, but it’s still worthwhile.
The Geneva Motor Show is THE motor show, and everybody that’s interested in cars should visit at least once in their lives.
Manufacturers often introduce new models there, and the facilities are excellent.
It’s a great opportunity to see Ferraris and Lamborghinis up close, and collect sales brochures on all manner of cars and accessories.
There are many concept cars there, as well as racing cars and chassis, engines etc.

It’s also a great opportunity for photos, both of cars, and people.
It’s Switzerland, so regular fast trains take …read more

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Easter is early this year, and so, therefore, is Fasnacht.
Literally, Night of the Fast, it represents time to go mad (that’s my interpretation) before the fasting period of Lent kicks in.
That’s the theory, except of course it wouldn’t be much fun if all the parties were on the same night – like you have to have at New Year. So the pragmatic Swiss arrange to have their pre-Lent festivals at slightly staggered times.
And it’s a family occasion (thus qualifying for our b5 theme day) so everybody can dress up.

Typically there will be an Umzug, or parade, for children …read more

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