5 Great Things to do in Spring
Switzerland in Spring
5 Things to do in Spring
Don't you just love Spring? After the frenzy of Christmas and a cold, hard dark January and February, it finally feels like there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
The days have become noticeably longer, the sky has lost its perpetual slate grey appearance and some days you might even start to see the sun. There appears to be a renewed feeling of activity and energy in everything even the birds seem to sing with more enthusiasm. Optimism is the pervasive mood as people can start to look forward to the warmer, longer days ahead.
The best thing about Spring is they way the bare and barren landscape slowly transforms into an explosion of almost dream like colours as pink and lilac blossoms bloom, daffodils raise their golden heads, and fresh new leaves start to bud their naissant green leaves.
The way to really enjoy Spring is to be out there emerging yourself in the colours and scents of the season.
Here are 5 great things to do which will get you out there and give you the best way to experience Spring in Switzerland:
1. Spring Flowers
Mainau Island is a stunning and inspiring ever changing paradise of 45 hectares with swimming botanical gardens, a Mediterranean Terrace, a beautiful tropical greenhouse, waterfalls and butterfly house. Nestled within the natural beauty are beautiful classic buildings such as the Palace Church St Marien, the Grand Duke Friedrich Terrace and the stunning Baroque Palace. It is a great place all year round as something is always in bloom.
From 15th March to 28th April they have on the Spring Exhibition which is the traditional opening event for the Mainau Flower Year. Why not come down with the family and bask in the resplendence of flowers and gain inspiration from the beautiful home accessories and decorations.
Later in the season they also have an Orchid show and a Tulips and Spring flowers show.
2. The Cherry Blossom Trail – In Frick
Nothing heralds Spring more than the appearance of Cherry Blossoms. But maybe you aren’t fortunate to have an abundance of cherry trees on your normal daily commute. The Cherry Tree trail, is a short loop through green fields and cherry Orchards above a small village Frick in Northern Switzerland. There is a 5km route which takes about 2 hours and there is also a longer variant of 9km.There is some useful information to be learned about cherry growing as well as being able to pick fruit from certain marked trees when the cherries are in season. Halfway along the trail there is a barbecue area where you can rest those weary limbs and take on some more substantial sustenance.
2. The Cherry Blossom Trail – In Frick
Nothing heralds Spring more than the appearance of Cherry Blossoms. But maybe you aren’t fortunate to have an abundance of cherry trees on your normal daily commute. The Cherry Tree trail, is a short loop through green fields and cherry Orchards above a small village Frick in Northern Switzerland. There is a 5km route which takes about 2 hours and there is also a longer variant of 9km.There is some useful information to be learned about cherry growing as well as being able to pick fruit from certain marked trees when the cherries are in season. Halfway along the trail there is a barbecue area where you can rest those weary limbs and take on some more substantial sustenance.
3. Lake Cruises
These allow you to experience the largest lakes amid the Bernese Oberland by boat. These are some of the most picturesque backdrop in the area with green meadows, dense forests and the Alps as the dramatic backdrop. The cruises last a little over 2 hours and there are different trips that are offered so you can simply turn up and choose which cruise most appeals. As is standard on a cruise you can enjoy fine dining or a drink whilst you watch the beautiful scenery float by.
4. Childrens’ Trails -Engelberg
These are enchanting and well thought out fantasy trails that children (and adults) can explore against the backstory of mystical creatures living deep in caves where diamond treasure is hidden. The idea is that the children follow a map and collect letters which can be entered on the treasure hunt map. The route is about 4Km long and takes about 2 hours to compete, and it is entirely wheelchair friendly. It is a lovely chance to be outdoors and active when the spring time weather starts to kick in.
4. Childrens’ Trails -Engelberg
These are enchanting and well thought out fantasy trails that children (and adults) can explore against the backstory of mystical creatures living deep in caves where diamond treasure is hidden. The idea is that the children follow a map and collect letters which can be entered on the treasure hunt map. The route is about 4Km long and takes about 2 hours to compete, and it is entirely wheelchair friendly. It is a lovely chance to be outdoors and active when the spring time weather starts to kick in.
5. Waterfalls
Waterfalls are probably not the first thing you think of when you think of Spring time in Switzerland, right? But you might be surprised! The majestic silver foaming Giessbach Falls are an absolute treasure. The Falls cascade down from a height of 400 meters, past a fairy tale castle, which can also be viewed from above on a cable car ride. At night time the falls are illuminated giving the whole scene an ethereal magical quality. The whole area is surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows with an unspoilt view of Lake Brienz. There are set walking and cycling routes around the falls to and from the Lake, with the favourite being the spectacular classic waterfall tour which takes you behind the waterfall to witness up close the roaring power and beauty of the falls.
For those of you who wish to spend more time in the area you can stay in the magnificent Grandhotel Giessbach, for that extra feeling of historic royalty.
What do you think of our ideas? Where will you be heading this Spring? Share your thoughts and your tips in our Facebook group or on Instagram.
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Buy Local and Support Switzerland
Buy Local
Buy Local
Support Switzerland
The Pinch
So, by now all of us are starting to come to terms with social distancing, and “lockdown has become a part of our everyday vernacular. We read news about the human impact of the disease and how our healthcare workers are doing excellent work. But when lockdown finally gets lifted, how are things going to look? The economy is being decimated and job losses are going to be huge. It is the local/ regional independent companies that would have felt the pinch the most, since these businesses pretty much operate on a month to month basis-what they earn in revenue this month is used to pay costs for the month, and as such 2 or 3 months of not earning any revenue can be catastrophic.
So what can we do?
Expat Parents CH
We at Expat Parents have always espoused the need to support local business, from local goods and services to local gyms, local events and beauty spots. By local we mean independent businesses that are in Switzerland (although Swiss chain stores would also make sense as well). These can be local restaurants, coffee shops, farms, retail outlets etc. It may even be spending holidays in Switzerland. When you buy local, the money stays in the community and effectively creates wealth in the community. This additional demand can help boost employment, which in turn increases tax revenue in the region.
Local Shops & Services
I’m sure we’ve all had that sinking feeling when one of our favourite local coffee shops or book stores closes down. It gradually erodes the community feel of the area. One of the biggest issues is that the smaller independent stores are unable to compete with big advertising campaigns that larger international chains have. They are therefore unable to reach more people to let them know of their existence.
Produce at your local independent shops also may be a little pricier than a the global megastore. But putting price aside for a moment, we could argue that the quality of produce is going to be better from a local grocer or deli since the produce often come from local farms, there is greater traceability between the farm and the final product. It may mean that produce is always seasonal and not imported. Your local coffee shop may even be cosier than the Starbucks.
Support Your Local Independent Businesses
Small Changes with Big Impact
However, money is going to be tight for everybody and we are all going to be price sensitive for a while. It is going to take a conscious effort to make small adjustments to our shopping trends. It may be something as small as reallocating some of your usual spending to a small business near you. For instance, you may do the bulk of your weekly shop at Migros/Coop, but you make sure that you buy fruit and veg from your local farm. You may choose to designate a % of your monthly shopping budget to local stores. But these need to be conscious, habitual changes that we make so that it soon becomes ingrained in our psyche. Just as we have all learned how to wash our hands and/ sanitise after contact with anything outside of our homes this behaviour will become the norm even after all this blows over, we can expect the buying local behaviour to do the same.
It is going to take a conscious effort to make small adjustments to our shopping trends to buy local.
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Do you own a business in Switzerland? Join the directory on Expat Parents CH. Want to support your local business in Switzerland? Check out what's around you on the Expat Parents Directory. Want to discuss more about ways we can help Switzerland? Chat with the community on Facebook and Instagram.
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Swiss Style Halloween
Halloween Alternatives
Halloween
Switzerland's Alternatives
Halloween is growing in popularity in Switzerland as foreign traditions are slowly becoming more celebrated.
Today there are many places where you can pick-up a costume, including at your local supermarket. Your child can choose from characters including witches, vampires and skeletons.But do not mistakenly think that Halloween is now completely widespread. While trick-or-treating does exist, it is still not popular in several areas. Show up at the wrong door and your neighbour might wonder if your kids have gone completely mad!
So we have come up with some alternatives to put a Swiss spin to celebrating Halloween.
TRICKS
Eerie Echoes of the Underworld
Feel like going beyond the confines of earth? Go to hell(ishly) named spots around Switzerland. You can hike through the Schöllenen Gorge to see the Devil’s Bridge in Canton Uri or explore the Hell Grotto caves in Canton Zug. Pitchforks not included!
A Creepy Chapel and a Menacing Museum
Hold on to your… head! The Leuk Charnel House in Canton Valais is a chapel that has a wall of skulls 20 meters long. And if you’re interested in all things hocus-pocus, there is even a Witch Museum in Canton Aarau
TREATS
Bewitching Bathtime Fun
Celebrate Halloween anytime and anywhere – even when taking a bath at home. Lush has launched a vegan Halloween collection of bath bombs, soaps and even shower slime to help your child get into the fun side of Halloween!
Räbeliechtli Rituals
Traditionally, we sculpt into big, sweet pumpkins to make jack o’ lanterns for Halloween. But your kids can also carve lanterns out of tasty turnips for Räbeliechtlicelebrations that occur in November. Join the parades and festivals in towns throughout Canton Zürich including Richterswil, Wetzikonand Zürich-Höngg. These give children the opportunity to get creative and be festive.
Costume Celebrations
Kids (and parents) just wanna have fun! And really, what is more fun than dressing up? Put on your costumes and have a scarily good time with other families. You can go to Halloween-themed parties while climbing at Parc Aventure Genève, ice-skating at Dolder Ice Rinkor touring Lake Lugano at Crociera di Halloween.
Magnificent Monsters
Regardless of whether you celebrate the traditional way or the Swiss way (or even both!), all those tricks and treats will eventually make your children feel quite tired. Once they are in bed, you can read The Monster Book of Switzerlandto them as a bedtime story. Assure them that monsters are only in the book and not under their beds. But, just in case, leave on a nightlight so they won’t be too scared to fall asleep!
Eerie Echoes of the Underworld
Feel like going beyond the confines of earth? Go to hell(ishly) named spots around Switzerland. You can hike through the Schöllenen Gorge to see the Devil’s Bridge in Canton Uri or explore the Hell Grotto caves in Canton Zug. Pitchforks not included!
A Creepy Chapel and a Menacing Museum
Hold on to your… head! The Leuk Charnel House in Canton Valais is a chapel that has a wall of skulls 20 meters long. And if you’re interested in all things hocus-pocus, there is even a Witch Museum in Canton Aarau
TREATS
Bewitching Bathtime Fun
Celebrate Halloween anytime and anywhere – even when taking a bath at home. Lush has launched a vegan Halloween collection of bath bombs, soaps and even shower slime to help your child get into the fun side of Halloween!
Räbeliechtli Rituals
Traditionally, we sculpt into big, sweet pumpkins to make jack o’ lanterns for Halloween. But your kids can also carve lanterns out of tasty turnips for Räbeliechtlicelebrations that occur in November. Join the parades and festivals in towns throughout Canton Zürich including Richterswil, Wetzikon and Zürich-Höngg. These give children the opportunity to get creative and be festive.
Costume Celebrations
Kids (and parents) just wanna have fun! And really, what is more fun than dressing up? Put on your costumes and have a scarily good time with other families. You can go to Halloween-themed parties while climbing at Parc Aventure Genève, ice-skating at Dolder Ice Rinkor touring Lake Lugano at Crociera di Halloween.
Magnificent Monsters
Regardless of whether you celebrate the traditional way or the Swiss way (or even both!), all those tricks and treats will eventually make your children feel quite tired. Once they are in bed, you can read The Monster Book of Switzerlandto them as a bedtime story. Assure them that monsters are only in the book and not under their beds. But, just in case, leave on a nightlight so they won’t be too scared to fall asleep!
Autumn in Switzerland
Autumn
Autumn in Switzerland
If you’re looking to experience autumn beyond the grande pumpkin spice latte you just picked up on your way to work, see below for 10 great things to do this season all around Switzerland.
For Animal Lovers
1. Volunteering at Zurich Zoo
Dates: Several available
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.zoo.ch/de/der-zoo-zuerich/arbeiten-im-zoo/volontariate?page=3
Instead of just looking at the animals, why not actually work with them? Children ages 8 and above have the amazing opportunity to volunteer while teenagers can even apply for trial apprenticeships. If your child loves everything furry, feathery and scaly, definitely look into these amazing opportunities to get to know our animal friends.
1. Volunteering at Zurich Zoo
Dates: Several available
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
Instead of just looking at the animals, why not actually work with them? Children ages 8 and above have the amazing opportunity to volunteer while teenagers can even apply for trial apprenticeships. If your child loves everything furry, feathery and scaly, definitely look into these amazing opportunities to get to know our animal friends.
2. Falconeria Locarno
Dates: Tuesdays through Sundays until Sunday, 3 November 2019
Location: Locarno, Canton Ticino
https://www.ticinotopten.ch/en/experiences/falconry-locarno
Even though we humans have been able to fly in airplanes for 100 years, we still find something majestic about the ability to soar freely through the air like a bird. Luckily you can watch this up close at the falcon show at Falconeria Locarno. Be prepared not only to learn about amazing birds of prey, but also to be entertained by the music and costumes as well.
2. Falconeria Locarno
Dates: Tuesdays through Sundays until Sunday, 3 November 2019
Location: Locarno, Canton Ticino
https://www.ticinotopten.ch/en/experiences/falconry-locarno
Even though we humans have been able to fly in airplanes for 100 years, we still find something majestic about the ability to soar freely through the air like a bird. Luckily you can watch this up close at the falcon show at Falconeria Locarno. Be prepared not only to learn about amazing birds of prey, but also to be entertained by the music and costumes as well.
3. Alpine Descents
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
The cows are coming home! Decorated with flowers and large bells after spending the summer in the mountains, watch the cows descend amongst a reverie of music, activities and food. At some events, like the one in Lenk im Simmental in Canton Bern, your child will also get to vote for which cow should be crowned Miss Lenk!
3. Alpine Descents
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
The cows are coming home! Decorated with flowers and large bells after spending the summer in the mountains, watch the cows descend amongst a reverie of music, activities and food. At some events, like the one in Lenk im Simmental in Canton Bern, your child will also get to vote for which cow should be crowned Miss Lenk!
For the Budding Olympic Athlete
4. Lausanne Marathon
Date: Sunday, 13.10.2021 – 03.11.2021
Location: Lausanne, Canton Vaud
If you are looking for a long-distance competition with views of one of Switzerland’s many gorgeous lakes, why not try the Lausanne Marathon? While certain parts of Lausanne can be steep due to it sitting on three hills, the race route, which hugs Lake Léman, is comparatively flat. And very fittingly, the race ends at the Olympics Museum where the motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
4. Lausanne Marathon
Date: 13.10.2021 – 03.11.2021
Location: Lausanne, Canton Vaud
If you are looking for a long-distance competition with views of one of Switzerland’s many gorgeous lakes, why not try the Lausanne Marathon? While certain parts of Lausanne can be steep due to it sitting on three hills, the race route, which hugs Lake Léman, is comparatively flat. And very fittingly, the race ends at the Olympics Museum where the motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
5. 38th Annual Kyburglauf
Date: 12/13 November 2021
Location: Kyburg, Canton Zürich
https://www.kyburglauf.ch
This race has everything you can think of: children’s races (with medals for every participating child), options for walking, jogging, Nordic walking, running, a stair race, and yes, even childcare is offered at Kyburglauf. Truly this is an event perfect for the entire family. Furthermore, unlike many other races that start very early in the morning, the first race does not start until 11:30 so you may even get to sleep in a bit!
5. 38th Annual Kyburglauf
Date: 12/13 November 2021
Location: Kyburg, Canton Zürich
https://www.kyburglauf.ch
This race has everything you can think of: children’s races (with medals for every participating child), options for walking, jogging, Nordic walking, running, a stair race, and yes, even childcare is offered at Kyburglauf. Truly this is an event perfect for the entire family. Furthermore, unlike many other races that start very early in the morning, the first race does not start until 11:30 so you may even get to sleep in a bit!
6. UCI Mountainbike Marathon World Championships
Dates: Friday, 20 September – Sunday, 22 September 2019
Location: Grächen, Canton Valais/Wallis
https://www.bike-graechen.ch/en/index.php
Did you miss your chance to watch the Tour de France this year? Well, you’re in luck. The mountain bike championships are happening right here in Switzerland. And don’t think that this weekend is just for the elite adults; there are also races for children to show off their biking talent as well. On 21 and 22 September, the kids can race through an exciting obstacle course. Running bikes and children’s bicycles will be provided and the grand finale will take place on 22 September. Will yours ride to the top of the leaderboard?
6. UCI Mountainbike Marathon World Championships
Dates: Friday, 20 September – Sunday, 22 September 2019
Location: Grächen, Canton Valais/Wallis
https://www.bike-graechen.ch/en/index.php
Did you miss your chance to watch the Tour de France this year? Well, you’re in luck. The mountain bike championships are happening right here in Switzerland. And don’t think that this weekend is just for the elite adults; there are also races for children to show off their biking talent as well. On 21 and 22 September, the kids can race through an exciting obstacle course. Running bikes and children’s bicycles will be provided and the grand finale will take place on 22 September.Will yours ride to the top of the leaderboard?
For Food Channel Superstars
7. Apple- and pumpkin-picking
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
https://pickyourown.org/Schweitz_selbst-pfluecken.php
You may have noticed many restaurants are now offering pumpkin soup and apple cakes on their menus. Both fruits are in season now and you can visit farms to pick your own. Then, once you get home, put on your chef’s hat and make your own tasty treats. Your child will certainly be proud of the self-made results.
7. Apple- and pumpkin-picking
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
https://pickyourown.org/Schweitz_selbst-pfluecken.php
You may have noticed many restaurants are now offering pumpkin soup and apple cakes on their menus. Both fruits are in season now and you can visit farms to pick your own. Then, once you get home, put on your chef’s hat and make your own tasty treats. Your child will certainly be proud of the self-made results.
8. Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Date: 22 November 2021
Location: Bern, Canton Bern
https://www.bern.com/en/news-events/detail/zibelemaerit-onion-market
The ubiquitous onion. Is there a savory dish that is complete without it? Challenge yourself in seeing how many things you can prepare using onions purchased directly from the experts – the farmers that grow them. Of course, where there is onion, there has to be garlic, and you will find plenty of that at the market as well. Just make sure your child doesn’t forget to brush those teeth after eating all those onions and garlic!
8. Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Date: 22 November 2021
Location: Bern, Canton Bern
https://www.bern.com/en/news-events/detail/zibelemaerit-onion-market
The ubiquitous onion. Is there a savory dish that is complete without it? Challenge yourself in seeing how many things you can prepare using onions purchased directly from the experts – the farmers that grow them. Of course, where there is onion, there has to be garlic, and you will find plenty of that at the market as well. Just make sure your child doesn’t forget to brush those teeth after eating all those onions and garlic!
Singing Aspirations
9. Yodeling Concerts
Dates and Locations:
29 October and 31 October 2021 in Schötz, Canton Luzern
https://www.jodlerklub-schoetz.ch
https://www.jodlerklub-muttenz.ch/termine/termine/2019/
While the mega yodeling events already happened this past summer, don’t discount the more intimate concerts being held by individual clubs this autumn. For the ultimate cultural experience, visit these events to hear singing that can only be heard from one Swiss mountaintop to the other. And who knows? Maybe your child will even get the chance to chat with one of the singers and ask for some tips.
9. Yodeling Concerts
Dates and Locations:
29 October and 31 October 2021 in Schötz, Canton Luzern
https://www.jodlerklub-schoetz.ch
https://www.jodlerklub-muttenz.ch/termine/termine/2019/
While the mega yodeling events already happened this past summer, don’t discount the more intimate concerts being held by individual clubs this autumn. For the ultimate cultural experience, visit these events to hear singing that can only be heard from one Swiss mountaintop to the other. And who knows? Maybe your child will even get the chance to chat with one of the singers and ask for some tips.
Appreciate Teachers
10. World Teachers’ Day
Date: Saturday, 5 October 2019
Location: Worldwide
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldteachersday
World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the people who have one of the hardest jobs in the world – educating our children. Maybe a small treat from your child? Perhaps a special group gift from you and a few other parents? Even just saying “thank you” is enough to show your favorite teachers how much you appreciate them.
10. World Teachers’ Day
Date: Saturday, 5 October 2019
Location: Worldwide
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldteachersday
World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the people who have one of the hardest jobs in the world – educating our children. Maybe a small treat from your child? Perhaps a special group gift from you and a few other parents? Even just saying “thank you” is enough to show your favorite teachers how much you appreciate them.
BONUS! If you have a babysitter for the evening
BONUS: 66th Annual Expovina Wine Fair
Dates: Thursday, 31 October – Thursday, 14 November 2019
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.expovina.ch/expovina/willkommen/
After doing all the things above, you might need a little break with an adult beverage or two. Therefore, enjoy a night out and indulge in wines from all over the world at the Expovina Wine Fair happening onboard 12 different boats on Lake Zürich. Just be sure to take public transport home or have a designated driver!
BONUS: 66th Annual Expovina Wine Fair
Dates: 4th Nov – 14 November 2021
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.expovina.ch/expovina/willkommen/
After doing all the things above, you might need a little break with an adult beverage or two. Therefore, enjoy a night out and indulge in wines from all over the world at the Expovina Wine Fair happening onboard 12 different boats on Lake Zürich. Just be sure to take public transport home or have a designated driver!
Music Together
Music Together RIVIERIA
How to lighten up your child's brain and give them a bright start!
Your child is naturally musical … and you too, do you know that?
Music to your ears is your baby’s babbling – sounds, intonations, rythmes and bodily movements – and to his are your sounds, intonations and rythmes in your voice as well!
What a joy to know that harmonizing your shared communication channels creates an internal environment in your child of feeling ‘felt’ by you.
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Your child’s neurosensory auditory system starts to be functional at around 6 months’ gestation, responding to sounds, practicing phonetic discrimination and getting to know you and his environment.
This bourgeoning ‘… auditory system is stimulated by music.’ says Assad Habibi, the study’s lead author and a senior researcher associate at the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC, and needs external stimulation to properly develop.
In addition to stimulating sound processing, language development, speech perception and reading skills (results of a five years study, 2012-2017 at USC) ’Music Learning Supports All Learning’®, firing up the brain like no other activities.
Music Together Riviera offers a parent-child music and movement education program rich in opportunities for observation, expression and experimentation, and plenty of practices in singing, moving, dancing, gross and fine muscles coordination, equilibrium, playing little percussions, focalisation, self-expression, association and contrast, socialization, and experiences of relatedness with the parent and others as we create music together!
In a relaxed atmosphere, and within in a community of like-minded families, your child develops his/her natural basic musical competences – singing in tune and feeling the rhythm – along with a wide array of basic skills and heart connecting experiences with you through a playful and stimulating activity
Also, we are fortunate to be able to meet on Zoom and continue to grow our community of budding musicians and their families and for me to share my joy of making music with you all!
Join us on Zoom! Music Together Riviera would be happy to hear from you and offer a Free Class . Fill out this form to try out a class for FREE – no strings attached!
Strawberry Picking
Strawberry Picking
The season has begun.
June
The First Milestone of the Summer Calendar
The start of June heralds the beginning of an extremely important but much overlooked milestone in the summer calendar.- the strawberry picking season! For some of our younger readers, this might seem a little alien. Do you mean to say that there is a particular time in the year when strawberries are harvested? But don’t we eat strawberries all year round? The answer to both questions is “yes”, but take it from someone who has sampled strawberries in December, these can hardly be called strawberries at all (resembling an actual strawberry only in shape and colour, but not in taste and smell at all).
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We have become increasingly dependent on fruit imports from warmer climes throughout the year (after all it is always summer somewhere right?), but should we be doing this? Are we supporting our domestic growers enough? Is the quality of imported soft fruit going to be the same as fresh fruit grown in the region and so delivered and eaten within a couple of days?
There was a time when you would actually look forward to the arrival of a particular season because of the new fruit/vegetables that would now be in the stores- dark, plump & juicy summer berries in late spring, sweet red apples in summer, fat peaches in late summer, golden ears of corn in autumn, fluffy horse chestnuts in winter etc,. People always used to eat seasonal foods. I don’t know if it was the restriction of not being able to eat fruit all year, or possibly it was due to fruit being harvested at the correct time of year, but in any case fruit used to taste absolutely delicious. Indeed, I struggle to think of the last time I ate an out of season strawberry that actually tasted like a strawberry!
Apart from the actual taste of seasonal fruit eaten at the correct time, there are some other scientific reasons why we should eat seasonal. Crop rotation technology was always based on planting different seasonal crops at different times of the year so as to put less demands on fertility of the soil. Certain vitamins in particular seasonal crops have a positive impact at the ideal time of year. For example, a lot of autumn vegetables such as pumpkins and sweetcorn are higher in vitamin D, which we would normally get from sunlight, but which we start to lack in the shorter day light hours. It is a proven fact that eating local honey helps to ease the symptoms of hayfever from the local pollen. This is not to say that we should not consume honey all year round as there are many benefits to eating honey, but we should make an effort to eat locally produced honey whenever it is in season.
Food allergies have been in the news quite a lot. A lot of children have developed a soft fruit allergy in recent years. Whilst I am not a food scientist, I would vouch that it is probably not the strawberry for instance that people are allergic to, but what has to be sprayed on them to keep them firm for transportation across borders. These strawberries would not have to be treated in such a fashion if they were being consumed locally in season.
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Family Fun
But before we get too serious, let’s not forget that yearly strawberry picking is FUN and makes a great day out for the whole family. There are many farms which allow you to turn up and pick as many strawberries as you want, with the unspoken assumption that you will be gorging yourself on fruit which doesn’t quite make it to the strawberry scales at the end of the day! I challenge even the most stressed out parents or the moodiest teenagers not to enjoy being out on a warm hazy summer day with the sweet scent of strawberries heavy in the air. Days like these form family memories forever.
Picking fruit also creates that direct link with nature. A lot of children today have only experienced fruit in their packaged and processed state in a plastic tray in the local supermarket. Strawberry picking actually can teach quite a lot about how the fruit is grown (do they grow on bushes or trees), farming techniques, pest control and even just the physical effort involved in getting the fruit off the plant and into your baskets.
So this summer, get out with the family and support your local farmers and spend an afternoon in the strawberry fields, sampling the best of Swiss produce. I warn you, you’ll never look at a strawberry in the same way again.
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Our Top Strawberry Picking Picks
Zürich
Priska & Jürg Morf
Rütihof 5
8602 Wangen
Tel. 044 833 21 38
Info-Telefon: 044 833 21 28
www.erdbeer-feld.ch
Tannenhof
Reto & Veronika Ciprian
Rankstrasse 90
8302 Kloten ZH
Tel. 078 760 02 28
www.bio-tannenhof.ch
Sunnenhof Plus
Daniela und Beat Stübi
Sunnehof 2
8932 Mettmenstetten
http://www.fruechtepfluecken.ch
Jucker Farm AG
Dorfstrasse 23
CH-8607 Seegräben
+41 44 934 34 84
info@juckerfarm.ch
https://juckerfarm.ch
Homeschooling in Switzerland during Lockdown
The New Temporary Norm
Homeschooling
So, by now, we are all coming to terms with this new ‘Lockdown’ way of life, as this Corona virus sweeps the planet. Working from home, and more so, homeschooling the kids, has become the new reality. I think if we are all being honest with ourselves, none of us are actually prepared for this new reality. After the initial excitement of the change in routine wears off, it finally dawns on us that the kids are going to be inside, at home possibly until the start of the new school year in August. This has the potential to be a real problem if you’re not prepared.
Many of us have had the ‘advantage’ of being table to work from home, either on an ad hoc basis or one or two days a week regularly. I speak from personal experience but if I haven’t planned my week in advance so that I know exactly what I am going to do on that day, I am extremely unproductive (I hope my boss isn’t reading this!). So, imagine how difficult it is going to be for the kids if you don’t forensically plan their day.
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As much as we may dislike the rigour of the working day, we must admit that it does have the advantage of squeezing the most productivity out of people. It may seem unnatural that we jump out of beds at the crack of dawn, wolf down a breakfast, have a crowded commute to work with thousands of other people all trying to get into the office by 830. We put in two and half hours of graft before we are allowed to grab a 15-minute coffee break, only to put in another 2 hours before an hour’s lunch break, after which is the final 3 hour stretch, possibly punctuated by a mid-afternoon coffee break.
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Efficient Homeschooling
The key to efficient homeschooling for the kids is to try and replicate as much as is possible the normal school day. Kids in the unfamiliar studying surroundings of their own homes will be easily distracted and they will impress you with their multitude of procrastination attempts. Our homes are full of screens, be it TV, tablets or phones. There needs to be a dedicated room in which the kids can study. If there is a TV in that room then this must remain off during the allotted study period (there wouldn’t be a TV on at school during a lesson, would there?)
1. Schedule
Create a realistic schedule. This might mirror the normal school day, with breakfast followed by 15 minutes of play time to wake up the brain cells, but then a block of time devoted to that day’s lesson. Be intentional with the minute in the day and stick to these time blocks. Remember that because there is no travel to and from school, or even between classrooms, that you have to allow space for these physical activities even if it is 10 minutes out of every hour devoted to exercise (a quick game of catch in the garden, hopscotch, skipping… You know what your kids like to do).
1. Schedule
Create a realistic schedule. This might mirror the normal school day, with breakfast followed by 15 minutes of play time to wake up the brain cells, but then a block of time devoted to that day’s lesson. Be intentional with the minute in the day and stick to these time blocks. Remember that because there is no travel to and from school, or even between classrooms, that you have to allow space for these physical activities even if it is 10 minutes out of every hour devoted to exercise (a quick game of catch in the garden, hopscotch, skipping… You know what your kids like to do).
Shop online for our recommendations for help with the day’s lessons.
2. Crafts
Not all learning has to be traditional classroom learning. There must also be Physical Education sessions, which again may just be a game in an open space or a park, observing the 2-meter rules from other people. Also allow for the creative outlets in kids, be it painting, puzzles, Origami exercises.
2. Crafts
Not all learning has to be traditional classroom learning. There must also be Physical Education sessions, which again may just be a game in an open space or a park, observing the 2-meter rules from other people. Also allow for the creative outlets in kids, be it painting, puzzles, Origami exercises.
3. Reading
Reading is also very important for kids. Stock up on a good selection of reading books for the children. Reading a good novel can be a welcome break from ‘learning’ and it helps clear the mind and allows time for knowledge to incubate. Our kids should learn that reading should be fun and can be done for leisure.
3. Reading
Reading is also very important for kids. Stock up on a good selection of reading books for the children. Reading a good novel can be a welcome break from ‘learning’ and it helps clear the mind and allows time for knowledge to incubate. Our kids should learn that reading should be fun and can be done for leisure.
Here are some examples of superb children’s books that can be bought online.
4. Screen Time
There are some superb learning apps, and YouTube videos which may be great for homeschooling. The internet and computer apps can be an incredible medium for teaching. But because of this it does make controlling the kids screen time quite difficult. We are all guilty of this I know, but we mustn’t use our kids’ smart phones and tablets as electronic parenting. Again, block time off in the day when the kids can be playing games or watching their favourite shows and then times when devices can only be used for particular lessons.
4. Screen Time
There are some superb learning apps, and YouTube videos which may be great for homeschooling. The internet and computer apps can be an incredible medium for teaching. But because of this it does make controlling the kids screen time quite difficult. We are all guilty of this I know, but we mustn’t use our kids’ smart phones and tablets as electronic parenting. Again, block time off in the day when the kids can be playing games or watching their favourite shows and then times when devices can only be used for particular lessons.
Homeschooling is never going to fully replace their school experience, so what we are trying to do here is to limit the damage, keep the kids stimulated and maintain a modicum of rigour in the day until the school holidays. Stock up on your reading books, learning material and puzzles for leisure but above all stay safe.
Guest post by Helvetic Institute
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Swimming
Swimming
Summer Fun
Float
Keep your summer both fun and safe!
The ability to float and breathe regardless of the water's depth for an indefinite period of time is vital.
Sobering Facts
So enough of the doom and gloom! How can you help to keep your children's Summer both fun and safe?
— Expat Parents CH
Prepare
We should make a key distinction between your children knowing how to swim and them knowing the appropriate survival techniques i.e what to do if (God forbid) they should get into trouble in the water, whether it is the swimming pool, or at the lake; whether they are wearing their swimming costumes or they have fallen into a lake fully clothed.
Toys and inflatables are not life jackets, are often unstable and as such can be a hazard.
A summer to be enjoyed
Children should learn how to roll from a face-down position in the water to a face-up independent back float.
Float
Our Recommended Swimming Schools
Save Money on Your Ski Holiday
Ski Holiday
How to Save Money on Your Ski Holiday
Mid-January. It’s an interesting time of year, isn’t it? You are perhaps using every bit of self-control to restrict your behaviors because of New Year’s resolutions you made. Instead of overindulging in eating, partying and shopping like you did during the frenetic days of the Christmas season, you’re now saying “no” to a lot of things, including spending.
You live in an alpine paradise and you desperately want to partake in skiing or other snow sports. But with ski passes, gear, food, accommodations, transportation and more, how do you reconcile keeping to a strict budget while also enjoying the good life? While it’s a commonly held notion that everyone in Switzerland is made of money, we know this is not the case. And even if you do have a lot of money, that does not mean you want to spend it all! So, we are offering you some tips and tricks to save money while in the mountains.
- Take a mini “ski for free” holiday at Aletsch Arena
If you don’t have time for a full holiday, spend a Saturday at Aletsch Arena where children and teenagers up to age 20 can ski for free every Saturday until 18 April 2020. This amazing deal also comes with 30% discount on public transportation for both children and accompanying adults, a 10% discount on a 1-day ski pass for the adults and even a chance for your children to take a free beginner’s ski course on select days.
2. Have a big family sleepover at frutt Family Lodge
At frutt Family Lodge, up to and including age 15 can stay in their parents’ junior suite or suite for free. Think about it: you could build a fort with cushions and blankets and even have a family dance party in your matching pyjamas! Ideally located at the children’s ski lift, the lodge has an accompanying spa which you can access with a specially-priced family ticket. There are also plenty of other free or low-cost activities for children, as well as childcare for kids age 3+.
2. Have a big family sleepover at frutt Family Lodge
At frutt Family Lodge, up to and including age 15 can stay in their parents’ junior suite or suite for free. Think about it: you could build a fort with cushions and blankets and even have a family dance party in your matching pyjamas! Ideally located at the children’s ski lift, the lodge has an accompanying spawhich you can access with a specially-priced family ticket. There are also plenty of other free or low-cost activities for children, as well as childcare for kids age 3+.
3. Stay with a group of friends in a dormitory at Saas-Fee WellnessHostel4000
Just like most things in Switzerland, hostels are of top-quality. Yet few match a modern exterior design with breathtaking snowy backdrops like Saas-Fee WellnessHostel4000. This hostel which boasts a 1900 m2 wellness area, offers both private rooms and dorm rooms with up to 6 beds. Your booking also includes a free breakfast buffet and they also accept lunch-checks for your other meals and drinks.
4. Don’t forget that red card in your wallet
SwissPass – it’s not just for public transport. It offers deals on services through nearly 40 different partners, from Adelboden to Zermatt. The SBB also offers nearly as many snow’n’rail deals around the country with discounts of up to 50% on public transport and/or ski passes. Wondering how you will move all your luggage if you’re not driving? No problem: the SBB offers free 2-way door-to-door transport of your luggage from any address in Switzerland or Liechtenstein to select accommodations. And if you’re starting outside of those two countries or the place you’re staying in is not on the list, the SBB has solutions for these instances as well. So, you someone else lifts your heavy luggage, you get to keep some Swiss Francs in your pocket and you’re being environmentally friendly. All by taking advantage of Switzerland’s excellent train and bus systems. What’s not to love?
4. Don’t forget that red card in your wallet
SwissPass – it’s not just for public transport. It offers deals on services through nearly 40 different partners, from Adelboden to Zermatt. The SBB also offers nearly as many snow’n’rail deals around the country with discounts of up to 50% on public transport and/or ski passes. Wondering how you will move all your luggage if you’re not driving? No problem: the SBB offers free 2-way door-to-door transport of your luggage from any address in Switzerland or Liechtenstein to select accommodations. And if you’re starting outside of those two countries or the place you’re staying in is not on the list, the SBB has solutionsfor these instances as well. So, you someone else lifts your heavy luggage, you get to keep some Swiss Francs in your pocket and you’re being environmentally friendly. All by taking advantage of Switzerland’s excellent train and bus systems. What’s not to love?
5. Expat Parents Facebook Groups: 2nd-hand means #1 for savings!
In all likelihood, the majority of that luggage you have is your gear – your skis, poles, helmet, jacket, trousers, goggles, and those oh so heavy boots. These things can cost a small fortune, especially if your family includes children who seem to quickly outgrow everything in just 6 months. Check out the Expat Parents Facebook Groups to chat with the community about buying / selling / trading gear. You can also try other Swiss-based online marketplaces such as tutti.com or ricardo.ch.
Outdoor Winter Alternatives
Outdoor Winter Alternatives
5 Outdoor winter activities if you do not ski or snowboard
Lenzerheide. Zermatt. Verbier. St. Moritz. These are some of the most famous mountain resorts in Switzerland. Go to any train station during the winter season and you will see countless people wearing ski boots or carrying snowboards as they head to the slopes. But what if these sports are not your idea of a good time? Luckily, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor winter activities. Because cold and ice is twice as nice…
01. Winter Kayaking
You may be longing for warm days so you can enjoy Switzerland’s lakes and rivers once again. However, summer does not have a monopoly on water fun. In Interlaken, you can take a winter kayak tour with Hightide Kayak School. Great for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, all you need to do differently is to dress warmly (bring some sun protection, just in case, and a snack too.) Hightide provides everything else, including a drysuit and boots.
Winter Kayaking Tours
Tour duration: 3 hours with 2 hours on the water
Included: Top quality Sea Kayak and Sea Kayak Coach, palm`s top of the range Aleutian dry suits and boots to keep us dry, digital photo package and hard-earned cups of tea to warm us up after our paddle.
What to bring: Warm clothes to be worn under the dry suit: Thick socks, thermal bottom top and a thin jumper. Extra layers if very cold, sunglasses, sunscreen (you never know), change of clothes in case you get sweaty or a bit wet.
Price: CHF 130.-
Minimum age: 15 years old
For swimmers and non swimmers
Winter Kayaking Tours
Tour duration: 3 hours with 2 hours on the water
Included: Top quality Sea Kayak and Sea Kayak Coach, palm`s top of the range Aleutian dry suits and boots to keep us dry, digital photo package and hard-earned cups of tea to warm us up after our paddle.
What to bring: Warm clothes to be worn under the dry suit: Thick socks, thermal bottom top and a thin jumper. Extra layers if very cold, sunglasses, sunscreen (you never know), change of clothes in case you get sweaty or a bit wet.
Price: CHF 130.-
Minimum age: 15 years old
For swimmers and non swimmers
Family Fun Sessions / Half Day and Evening Tours
Season: Available in Summer (May – October)
Tour duration: 3 hours with 2 hours on the water
Included: Top quality Sea Kayak and Sea Kayak Coach, palm`s top of the range Wetsuits, digital photo package and entry to the Strandbad Bönigen with heated pools and aqua park on the lake.
Price: CHF 105.-
Minimum age: 5 years old
For swimmers and non swimmers
02. Thermal Spa
Another way to enjoy the water during the winter season is to visit a thermal spa. At the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, you can luxuriate in a number of outdoor and indoor thermal baths, a variety of saunas and receive massage and beauty treatments. There is also a special family spa where children can splash around, take swimming lessons and host pool parties. If the kids get tired of the water, you can take them to the Children’s Villa for two floors of adventure and childcare.
Ideally located just minutes from the Bad Ragaz train station and only one hour’s drive from Zürich, St. Gallen, and Davos, it’s the perfect way to have a getaway weekend.
03. Fat Biking
Biking may be another thing you may think can only be done in warmer weather. Or, if you really wanted to bike in the winter, you would have to stick to the inside of a fitness center. If you have a fat bike though, you can ride on outdoor trails, through forests, and over rough terrains in wintry conditions. Equipped with tyres much wider than those found on normal bikes, visit the region of Gstaad to partake in your fatbiking adventures. You can participate in the full moon tour in Gsteig bei Gstaad (which comes optionally with bike rental and, at Hotel Bären Gsteig, a delicious fondue dinner you’ll surely be craving after biking away all those calories). In addition, if you’re feeling competitive, enter the Snow Bike Festival, the first snow mountain bike race to receive accreditation from Union Cycliste Internationale, the worldwide governing body for cycling. You can still have fondue at the hotel afterwards; hopefully while celebrating your win!
04. Dog Sledding
You may have a beloved dog who does not like going outdoors during the cold winter months. That’s not the case with the gorgeous Alaskan and Siberian huskies who call the snow their home. The Swiss Mushing Company offers dogsledding rides in cantons Valais and Vaud.
Explore the icy, fairytale-like, alpine landscapes. Dog lovers unite – Mush! Mush!
05. Cliff Walking
Experience the mountains while suspended 3000 meters above sea level and 500 meters off the ground. How? By crossing the highest suspension bridge in Europe on the free Titlis Cliff Walk. Marvel at the astonishing mountains surrounding you and gaze at the treacherous abyss below as you realize you are enveloped in an actual winter wonderland. Of course, that’s not all. Titlis also offers other attractions including Trübsee Snow Park, a glacier cave, and the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car.