LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – We in canton Vaud, having now paid for taxed garbage bags for a month, are suddenly becoming aware of how much we throw away. The first thing we’ve noticed in our household is the packaging, silly amounts of it. Lo and behold, a side benefit of this new system is that our […]
The curious case of Zurich’s high-priced table wines
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – The latest global cost of living index by the Economist Intelligence Unit has sparked the usual national pride and fear remarks, with Australian cities showing a sudden rise to the top 10, while Zurich and Geneva have slipped, ouf, thanks to pressure easing on the franc against some other currencies. But a […]
Winter surprise: fresh frozen broccoli surfaces
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Our family has just had a wonderful small surprise from the garden, broccoli that we assumed had died, reappeared and was perfect for a quick stir-fry. The broccoli, along with some celery, fell victim to a metre of snow that was suddenly dumped on our mountain garden in November. Since then we’ve […]
Beijing direct from Geneva – Air China to open 4 weekly routes
Ed. note: for anyone stranded by the three-hour closing of Geneva’s airport Saturday 19 January due to bad weather, the airport now has an official announcement for download, for insurance or other purposes. GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – One of the world’s largest airline, Air China, with 400 aircraft in its fleet, is adding a new direct […]
Swiss trains: yes, do watch your luggage
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – It seems no matter how often the police say it or the CFF rail company cautions travelers, foreigns are anxious to hold onto the image of clean, tidy, crime-free Switzerland, a place that exists mainly in the imagination. The latest dire warning to travelers comes from a writer in the UK’s Daily […]