Living Swiss

Monday, February 8, 2010

Jades first Escalade road run

Since 1978 there has been another element to the celebration of the Escalade, with a road running event being held the weekend preceding the night of the 11th. The run traditionally starts in the parc des Bastions and goes through the Old City of Geneva, before finishing near the start again. It is one of the most significant annual events in Geneva, and is one of the most prestigious sporting events in Switzerland. Jade came in 967 th with a net time of 35:57.

Fête de l'Escalade

L'Escalade, or Fête de l'Escalade (from escalade, the act of scaling defensive walls) is an annual festival held in December in Geneva, Switzerland, celebrating the defeat of the surprise attack by troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy during the night of 11–12 December 1602. The celebrations and other commemorative activities are usually held on 12 December or the closest weekend.Other traditions include mulled wine, a large serving of soup, and children in Halloween-like costumes singing Escalade songs for money. It is also common for children in school to prepare vegetable soup, which is served to parents and families that night. There is also a parade on Sunday evening.

This is Renske, she is a dutch cutie

Friday, January 22, 2010

A weekend in Lyon, France.

It is very quick for us to take the train to Lyon from Geneva, so we found a few bands playing one weekend in Lyon and caught a train for the weekend. Lyon is a major centre of business with a reputation as the French capital of gastronomy and having a significant role in the history of cinema. Together with its suburbs and satellite towns, Lyon forms the second-largest metropolitan area in France after that of Paris. One thing that we noticed because it is not as known as Paris so french is much more used. It was great food and music but my camera died so there are only a few pictures but since it is so close to us, I am sure we will go back.

Bartholdi Fountain at the Place des Terreaux: Steam comes out the horses noses.

Lyon's early 17th-century town hall.

I lost Jade when I was shopping but when I found him he a little box of deserts for us :)

Street orchestra

The Saint-Jean Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Lyon

The Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, which overlooks the city

Halloween Look away MOM!

This years Halloween costumes were put together by Jade and his gory make-up skills! They do not really do Halloween in Switzerland so just imagine to look on peoples faces when we where riding the bus and walking down the streets. Great fun and I am looking forward to next years party!