Goodbye Switzerland

The time has finally come to leave Switzerland. It has been an epic year, I've seen beautiful Switzerland (amongst other countries) and have met really great people. As with ever when moving into a flat with random strangers, you never know how it will turn out. I was fortunate enough to find myself in an apartment full of cheery people (with equally sociable neighbours), with whom I became great friends over the period of one year.

Boat trip on Lake Lugano.

I spent my last day in Switzerland in Lugano with two good friends, which is in the Italian-speaking part of the country. With a Mediterranean climate and surrounded by mountains and lakes – indeed like many Swiss towns – it made a nice way to round off the exchange year.

Lugano is situated in Tecino, the predominantly Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland.

Swiss towns and cities, due to their small size, tend not offer many sights to see, but you'll often find a lake to see! We took a boat trip on Lake Lugano and spent the rest of the time eating. A very laid-back place and many houses along the lake looked completely cut off from the outside world. Sublime...

The sleepy streets of Lugano.

I'm now on my way back home, taking my time by hopping off the train in Paris for two nights. It's been sad to leave Zurich, but I also am looking forward to going back to Aberdeen and studying properly for once – and not like an exchange student! I want to thank everyone in Zurich who made my time as special as it was, I'll miss everyone. And I want to thank YOU too for reading these blog posts. I hope I didn't waffle on too much.

;-)

Zurich Street Parade

Who'd have thought? The world's largest, and perhaps wildest, outdoor techno parade in Zurich; a relatively quiet and small city in one of Europe's most conservative countries. Famous DJs from both Switzerland and abroad held sets in the parade, which started at 1pm and went on well into the night.

The parade's moving stages are called 'love mobiles'.

950,000 people took part in the free festival this year, including me and two good friends. Many of the other festival-goers were dressed in crazy costumes, some much more revealing than others. Indeed, skimpy outfits were the norm and seemed to not just be limited to girls, a few older gentlemen could also be seen sporting little more than leather hot-pants, unfortunately.

Each moving 'love mobile' had their own DJ, all of whom playing better techno music than the last.

Not only were the streets teeming with ravers, loads of yachts and boats covered the lake, gathering closest to Utoquai bridge, part of the parade's route. In the hot August Sun, there would have been nothing better than cooling off in the water whilst listening to the music. Shame I can't quite afford a nice yacht in Zurich just yet...

All ages could be found at the parade, some enjoying the music more than others.

From the hotel balconies lining the streets, dressed-up dancers could even be seen making the most of their prime position. I did however also notice some older hotel guests, seeming as though they weren't originally aware of the huge techno extravaganza taking place, looking on uncomfortably in bemusement. A hilarious sight to behold!

Lake Zurich bustling with yachts of techno enthusiasts.

The hot Sun combined with the music and only drinking beer was not particularly conducive to keeping you fit. Nevertheless we spent a good eight hours there and I now have the buzz to go again next year! Maybe next time I'll wear a costume myself, although perhaps I'd best avoid the more skimpy of costumes...

Alp Horns, Cow Bells And Yodelling

The 1^st of August was the Swiss National Holiday. All across Switzerland people celebrated the founding of the Helvetic Confederation. Zurich, which usually is adorned by Swiss flags anyway, showed its national and cantonal colours even more proudly yesterday.

The 26 cantons of Zurich represented in the parade.

A parade made its way along the Bahnhofstrasse, showcasing stereotypical Swiss types – donning traditional dress and brandishing cow bells and alp horns. Aesthetically, the parade was beautiful indeed, although acoustically less so - a brash mix of trumpets and eccentric yodelling.

Alp horns are quite unwieldy instruments.

At the end of the parade, a stage, equipped with the biggest flag I have ever seen in my life, was the scene of a speech, a rifle-fire salute, flag juggling, alp horn playing and yodelling extravaganza. With so many national symbols, I thought it might have been uncomfortable, as a foreigner, being there. Thankfully, the event was completely free of politics and tourists were very much made to feel welcome.

The stage at Bürkliplatz.

The Swiss are quite keen when it comes to fireworks. I can only really make a comparison to the 5^th November in the UK (Guy Fawkes night), but there were much more explosions to be heard over the skies of Zurich last night than I've ever heard back at home. Although this might have something to do with the cheap price of fireworks – and the ease of access to them here – despite the earlier, not-unconcerning exploits a Swiss friend told me he got up to as a teenager...

My Final Month In Zurich

Time flies when you're having fun. A saying I've always found to be true. I now have less than a month left in Zurich before I finish my year abroad. I was at home for a little while but I just had to come back and spend my summer over here – partly because I actually wanted to have some warm weather (a rare phenomenon in the UK) and also so that I could start with my reading for next year without the distractions of home life.

Relaxing by the Limmat river.

Of course, I don't plan to spend the whole time here doing something productive! There are still parties and barbeques going on as well as the Zurich Street Parade - a crazy music festival (on the 11^th) which transforms the orderly, Swiss city into a huge rave! Best of all, unlike many things in Switzerland, it's free!

The pristine Lake Zurich looks rather inviting in hot weather.

Besides, I can use the odd break, reading my prescribed literature on National Socialism for the new semester in Aberdeen is only bearable in small doses. In many respects, this year has been a bit of a break in general, in anticipation of the hard work waiting for me for honours the next two years.

The lake at night, looking over to the Utoquai bridge.

I'm leaving Switzerland on the 14^th of August and I've already had to say goodbye to a few friends. I'm going to miss this place and the people, all the more reason to come back here at some point - I'm already looking forward to the ski season.

On the Röstigraben

Being soaked randomly after having a bucket of water thrown on you from a window above is perhaps not the best way to be welcomed into a town. Nevertheless, I was quite content in Fribourg – besides, the heat soon dried me. Fribourg is situated right on the Röstigraben – where French and German speaking Switzerland meet. The town is bilingual (predominantly French) and somehow seems to work just fine.

The view over Fribourg from the bar.

I went there with a flat mate in order to visit another friend and we had a tightly packed programme. This first involved getting up a 3.30am to witness the sunrise on a mountain summit. We enjoyed our well earned breakfast - continental buffet style – right on the summit, watching the sun rise, albeit behind clouds. Watching a sunrise can feel magical, but so can lying in on a morning!

The sunrise from the summit of Kaiseregg.

We also wanted to take out a boat and head from Thunersee to Bern, but the water was still pretty cold. We settled instead for having a chilled out barbeque. We did reach Bern in the end anyway, taking the lazier option of the train. It was nice to be back in Bern, but I still find it hard to believe that it's a capital city, or a city at all. Despite there being quite a big demonstration in front of the parliament building, the place still felt quiet and relaxed.

Hiking in Kandersteg

Yet again, I went into the mountains this weekend. It's simply not possible to be in the Alps too often, each visit is as enjoyable as the last. The Erasmus Student Network organised a hiking weekend in Kandersteg; a tiny, alpine village in Berner Oberland – close to the cantonal border with Valais. A beautiful mountainous region not a million miles away from the well-known areas of Interlaken or Jungfrau.

The valley seen from the west face of Bunderspitz.

We arrived in the village on the Friday evening, giving us the chance to fire up the Finnish sauna cabin that we had to ourselves. Definitely a good shout – and I could really enjoy the sauna, although had it been after the hike – my sunburn would've probably made me suffer. Sunburn, which I have to add, that only seems to have got to my nose and ears: not a great look!

Steinbock sighting.

The hike itself was pretty decent, good weather and conditions and the route was cool too. We headed up to the summit of Bunderspitz before traversing around the east face of the mountain and descending to the west via a pass – where we witnessed a spectacle. A lone steinbock (a rare alpine mountain goat), which strolled up to a cliff edge beside us and simply jumped down – running down a vertical crag – not only without dying, but with grace!

The scree slopes of the eastern face of Bunderspitz.

On the Sunday, before heading back to Zurich, a challenge awaited us: Jacob's Ladder. A simple task of climbing a set of wooden ladders, the catch being that the rungs began at one and a half metres apart and the gap increased incrementally. It certainly sounds easier than it was in practice. An uncomfortable challenge complete with many compromising positions – spectating was definitely more entertaining.

The Jacob's Ladder challenge: everyone in the group managed, some found it more trickier than others.

Again, another great time in the mountains. Now that the Summer is upon us, I'm sure I'll get some more hiking done too.

Opinion: The Economic Crisis And The Swiss Perspective

Being a Euro-sceptic Brit living with Germans and other students of economics has lead to many interesting debates regarding current affairs in Europe. We tend to have different opinions on many issues, although I do find the Swiss here to be equally as Euro-sceptic. Many of these 'debates' are usually held after a few beers – alcohol tends to make philosophers of us all!

Switzerland, not being a member of the EU, is lucky enough to still have its own currency, allowing it to cushion itself from the turbulence of the surrounding Euro zone. Having control of their own currency, the Swiss are able to change their interest rates – much like the UK – in order to suit their own economic needs, whereas the Euro zone nations find themselves tied to the same rates. A disadvantageous situation indeed, which lead to the crisis in Ireland – the Euro zone-wide set interest rate resulted in creating catalyst conditions in the Irish property market. A bubble which popped quite spectacularly back in 2009.

'We want the Deutsch Mark back' Graffiti in Constance, Germany.

The current crises in Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland are prompting Europeans to reduce their exposure to the Euro and to increase exposure to perceived safe haven currencies, such as the Swiss Franc and indeed the Pound Sterling (despite our own harsh economic climate at home). This frenzied purchasing lead to the overvaluing of the Swiss Franc, crippling the Swiss export industry. The Swiss cheese and watch industry are not to be underestimated! Back in November the Swiss National Bank then set an artificial peg to the Euro of €1 : 1.2CHF to protect the Swiss economy. The Swiss Franc is probably the most overvalued currency in the world.

Swiss protectionism has created a noticeable island within the Euro zone. As I have mentioned many times before, prices in Zurich are high – antisocially high at times. The plus side is that this keeps the Swiss relatively prosperous: unemployment is very low, Swiss farmers aren't priced out of the market and consumers can afford to choose high quality, ethical goods (such as organic products) more so than anywhere else I've experienced.

Swiss Francs are a perceived safe haven for European investors.

I remember as a teenager being excited at the prospect of the EU and the new Euro currency. I was (and still am) hugely in favour of greater European integration – I loved the idea of being more easily able to head to the continent. But even as a teenager, I realised that the Euro could not work as a monetary union involving so many different European countries with differing compositions, interests and positions on the business cycle. The main advantages of the Euro are often said to be trade and ease of mobility. Whilst I cannot argue with ease of mobility, I refuse to believe that the Euro is a prerequisite for pan-European trade (again, citing Switzerland and the UK as examples).

Indeed the very same currency which set out to improve the welfare of Europeans seems to be endangering it. For example, I doubt the Irish with a high unemployment rate are currently benefiting from any increased trade. The exception is Germany, whose export industry benefits from the cheap Euro.

The Swiss don't seem to be interested in joining the EU any time soon, particularly considering the crisis, which may end up threatening this country, should the proverbial hit the fan. Fortunately direct democracy in Switzerland ensures that the Swiss will only join the EU project, if they so wish.

If you have any comments yourselves, please leave a comment!

The Scenic Route To Milan

Over the weekend, me and four of my flatmates decided to take a break. It's the middle of the exam period, but taking a break can be just as important as studying! That's my excuse anyway. We decided to go to Milan and take the scenic route: the mountainous Bernina Express route meanders over the Bündner Alps dropping back down into the Italian foothills. 'Picturesque' doesn't even come close.

The Bernina Express route took us into 120 tunnels and over around 50 bridges in the alpine canton of Graubünden.

The route took us through a UNESCO World Heritage Park in the Engadin (South East Switzerland). Three or four hours usually suffice to reach Milan, but taking the slow, scenic route, we spent 9 hours on the winding tracks. The time was made enjoyable, not only due to the magnificent views, but also because the train conductor was extremely friendly, taking it upon himself to sit with us and tell us jokes about the Zürchers and the Americans (with an American friend present) – just great!

The view from the village of St. Moritz.

For lunch, we made a quick pit stop at St. Moritz, the most expensive and most exclusive ski resort of Switzerland. A mountain village where jewellers and banks outnumber ski hire shops and cafés. One of the few places on Earth more expensive than Zurich! So we just had lunch and went swiftly on our way...

The Swiss Italian villages on the South side of the pass.

Crossing the border into Italy, leaving the Alps behind us, we could immediately sense that we were no longer in Switzerland. A €5 train ticket to Milan (on a less than stable train), Mediterranean heat and a slower, yet slightly chaotic approach to life all indicated that!

The cathedral – and crowds – the pope was in Milan on Sunday.

Milan is no pretty city, especially for Italian standards, but it is definitely a city worth visiting. It's not far from Switzerland either, as I mentioned earlier, it is possible to get there in four hours using the more direct train. This was my first time in Italy: the first of many I hope – even just simply for Italian cuisine. It's certainly earnt its reputation. I made the most of the occasion and filled myself like a king at each meal time – not being in Switzerland, I could afford to too!

A typical street in Milan.

A very enjoyable weekend indeed – I now hope to see more of not just Italy, but also the Italian speaking parts of Switzerland. There's something about the relaxed atmosphere which immediately appeals to me. Next stop perhaps Logarno and Locarno?

Swiss English

Hello together!

The Swiss are fortunate enough to have a linguistic situation which very much encourages the learning of multiple languages. English included. Indeed, the Swiss tend to speak a very high standard of English. However, English is often viewed as a cool, trendy language – this leads to the peppering of Swiss German with random English words which tend to be used, shall we say, creatively.

Image source: Deccon Bewes

For example in the special board above. 'Tages' is German for 'of the day', however the unfortunate juxtapositioning of the English 'hit' leads one to look onwards, perhaps to a restaurant that isn't offering excrement of the day...

The English used is often strange, and can often be completely made up. Consider the following: the Swiss often go wellnessing or enjoy wellness weekends in order to aufpowern ('power up?') after a stressful week of work. 'Wellness' actually refers to spa therapy – inventive in itself, before reflecting on the point that I'm not even sure if 'wellness' is even an English word?

Flumserberg: a nice but unrelated photograph.

When you do happen to find an English word in use in Swiss German, being able to speak English is no guarantee of understanding its meaning in Switzerland! We all know what a car is right? Err, a car is a car. Well, not in Switzerland. A Swiss Car is actually a coach or bus. So if you see a car-lane on a Swiss road, you should probably avoid driving down it...

Mega easy, gäll? Schönes Weekend!

Funny related youtube clip

See You In Aberdeen!

I was invited to the University of Zurich's exchange afternoon yesterday. The event was to help outgoing Swiss students, wanting to take an exchange semester elsewhere, meet up with students from the partner universities. Naturally I excepted the invitation, partly because I felt obliged to, but also because I was interested to see if any students wanted to come to Aberdeen in September.

The University of Zurich has partnerships with universities all around the world.

To my surprise, I actually did meet two students who are planning on coming to Aberdeen. Cool - so I thought maybe I could help them if they had any questions. It turns out questions about minor things like accommodation and the university system isn't exactly what they had in mind. No, they were much more interested in trying to have their stereotypes of British student life confirmed / rubbished. Is binge drinking a problem? Are there parties every night? Is it always cold? These were the kinds of questions that I had the pleasure of being able to answer...

The University of Aberdeen hosts a relatively large number of exchange students, considering that the university is quite small.

I reckon, I promoted Aberdeen student life well, as they still seemed keen. The afternoon reminded me of how I felt a year ago before coming to Zurich: an uneasy mix of excitement and anxiety. They'll have a great exchange semester, I'm sure. I've certainly had an excellent exchange year here. It felt a little weird to be saying, “see you in Aberdeen”, afterwards – another reminder that my time here is about to draw to a close...

Getting Hold Of Chuffs

Zurich is often quoted as being the most, or close to it, expensive city to live in globally. High standards of quality, high salaries & production costs and low levels of competition all contribute to keeping Swiss prices sky high. Students can feel the pinch at the best of times, not least here in Zurich. However with Swiss economic prosperity come opportunities that can allow students to afford to live here.

Swiss Stock Exchange: You don't have to work in banking and finance in order to be able to afford to live here as a student.

Before even considering looking for jobs, students of the ETH and the University of Zurich are able to accept invitations to participate in paid surveys. Many of these surveys take the form of economic themed games on a network, enabling the more successful of players to earn quite a decent amount. As I discovered, even if you have a run of bad luck, you can still take home pay equivalent to a acceptable hourly wage. Maybe I should try my luck again...

The Swiss Franc (CHF) – affectionately called the 'Chuff' amongst British expatriates in Switzerland – is a strong currency: allowing the Swiss to afford to travel abroad and import.

Thanks to the ETH; jobs and internships in the Swiss technology industry are abundant in Zurich. For those of us not studying technology based degrees, there are also a number of other positions available, for example on the university market place platform.

I have been lucky enough to find work in English tuition. Anyone currently on a year abroad, whether you're in Switzerland or France or Germany, can make the most of this opportunity. By knowing the local language (allowing you to translate expressions and understand your client) as well as English, students and professionals alike appreciate the services you could offer. And most importantly, it can be fun – as such tuition sessions may simply take the form of conversations – whereby you'd offer corrections and tips.

Not only does Zurich appear high on the list of the world's most expensive cities, but it also appears high on quality of life leaderboards too. A correlation perhaps?

It's a bizarre feeling speaking English again after so long, even it is just during a few sessions a week. Although I prefer speaking in German here, it is nice to be able to hold a conversation without having to think constantly about how to formulate what you want to say in a foreign language! It's certainly going to feel strange once I return home after this year abroad!

Regardless of where you are on your year abroad, working in your host country is a great way of gaining useful experience as well as networking – which may better facilitate finding work in the country after graduation, if you wish to return. And for those of us in Switzerland: high prices also equate to high wages, so make the most of it!

Schwyz: The Birthplace of Switzerland

Spring is arriving and with it comes more coursework, studying and exams. This Wednesday afternoon I decided to take a little time out from all of that (as if I don't take enough breaks already!) and head back into the mountains for a leisurely hike. A short train ride brought me into the heart of Switzerland, canton Schwyz.

Schwyz is located in central Switzerland, around an hour away from Zurich.

Schwyz is not only the geographic heart of Switzerland, but also historically speaking too. In 1291, the canton of Schwyz signed into an alliance with the neighbouring cantons of Uri and Unterwalden, forming what would later come to grow and develop into Switzerland. Indeed Switzerland owes it's very name to the small canton (d'Schwiiz in Swiss German). However these founding cantons don't seem to have changed much in the intervening years; they're still rural, a little backward and full of Swiss charm.

A typical inhabitant of Schwyz.

There's something very refreshing about having the Alps on your doorstop. I wouldn't have it any other way. When the hustle and bustle of Zurich begins to get to you, the mountains - which are just a stone's throw away - beckon you. It's just a pity that the ski season is coming to a close.

View from the meadows of the Mythen mountains.

This will most definitely not be the last time I head into the Alps...

Zurich Explodes

This Monday was a cantonal holiday here in Zurich – to mark the Sächsilüüte (high german: Sechseläuten) festivities. So, I was lucky enough to have my afternoon lectures cancelled. Despite the rain, me and a few of flatmates headed down to Bellevue, by the lakeside, to see just what it was all about.

The ten metre high burning snowman.

Sächsilüüte has its roots in Pagan tradition and is the ceremonial point in time, where the people of Zurich shoo the Winter away and usher in the Summer. This is achieved by, at the chiming of six o'clock, burning a giant snowman (named Böög), stuffed with firecrackers and small explosives. The quicker the snowman's head explodes and falls from the body, the better the coming Summer is said to be. Makes sense...

It can take anything from 10 minutes to 25 minutes for that to happen. This year it only took 12 minutes and 8 seconds. So, we now know who to thank for the imminent approaching heat wave.

The parade before the burning of the Böög.

Before the ritual burning of the snowman, a parade meandered through the Zurich old town. Unfortunately owing to the poor weather conditions, the parade appeared rather lack-luster and miserable this year. The rain had driven away many would-be spectators and the participants of the parade themselves found their enthusiasm gradually sapping away towards the end. Not the best parade I've seen, but it's nice to have one at all. Especially if it means you get the afternoon off!

'Humor Sapiens'

It was my birthday earlier this week and my flatmates very generously gave me tickets to go and see a comedy show in Zurich. The host comedian, Marco Rima, is relatively well-known and successful in Switzerland I'm told. The show – entitled Humor Sapiens – was held in Das Zelt, a new venue in Zurich which has already been visited by a fair number of Swiss celebrities (including Miss Switzerland and singer, Baschi).

Marco Rima's comedy: Humor Sapiens (image source: Das Zelt)

It was my first time at a professional comedy gig, so I wasn't sure what to expect. A world of difference to the amateur – often cringeworthy if not awkward – Comedy Club nights in Aberdeen! Of course, being a Swiss comedian, the show was conducted in Swiss German – so I understood perhaps three quarters of the jokes told. Luckily Rima managed to cram in a joke a second, which meant that even considering my poor Swiss German, I was able to laugh right the way through it all!

Das Zelt – or The Tent – is new to Zurich. Das Zelt can also be found elsewhere in Switzerland.

I can see why Rima is so successful in Switzerland, he doesn't just tell jokes, he entertains. Either by singing with his backing band, 'dancing' (for lack of a more suitable word) or simply keeping the audience in stitches throughout the whole show.

An audience of around one thousand take their seats.

A very enjoyable evening indeed and a fantastic birthday present. Huge thanks to my flatmates!