Switzerland's traditions, culture, and more!

        Hello!


After a long, strenuous hike down the Swiss Alps, Ava and I were ready for a warm, hot traditional swiss meal. After 30 minutes of trying to pick just one entree, Ava chose a Valisainne style Rosti and I chose the Saffron Risotto. Ava’s Rosti had a thin layer of thinly grated potatoes over salty bacon bits mixed with fried egg and melted raclette cheese. My Risotto consisted of the risotto rice mixed in with roasted onions, saffron threads and three succulent shrimp from the mediterranean. (9)

The next day, we attended the annual Zibelemarit Onion festival. At this traditional Swiss, festival, Farmers from all around Switzerland gather in Bern to celebrate all things onion and garlic. As we entered the festival, Ava and I received wreaths braided with onions and garlic by two Swiss girls dressed in traditional Swiss clothing. They informed us that the wreaths were a Swiss tradition to keep evil spirits away. (10) The festival also consisted of other things from Swiss culture. Many people were dressed in Switzerland’s folk outfits. Girls were wearing puffy white blouses underneath a short bodice embroidered. Their skirts were long and colorful with beautiful embroidered alpine flowers decorating them. The men wore smocks with high waisted shorts with embroidered flowers as well. (11)

   
Who: Ava and Alexa
What: Us waiting to receive our onion wreaths
When: During a traditional Swiss festival
Where: Zürich, Switzerland

A national Swiss holiday!

         

           Bonjour from Switzerland!

Ava and I also  traveled to Zürich where they were currently celebrating Knabenschiessen, a Swiss holiday where girls and boys between the ages of 13 to 17 participate in a shooting contest. We watched the competition from a distance because of the loud noises of the guns. After the contest, Ava and I talked to the contest’s winner who had won several years previously. (8) We then enjoyed some refreshments and snacks while talking to the Zürich natives.

                                                                                                     
         
Who:  Swiss kids between the ages of 13-17
What:  Swiss children participating in Knabenschiessen
When: September 12th, 2016
Where: Shooting range hosting this celebration

Where are we?

Hey Guys!


        After a sixteen hour plane ride, Alexa and I have finally landed in Bern, the capital of Switzerland! Why Bern you ask? Bern is not just the capital of Switzerland, but the center of the Switz government as well as the home to many heritage sites(12). As exciting as Bern is we will not be staying there the whole time. We will also be visiting Zürich and Geneva! Zürich has the highest population in the whole country of Switzerland, and it is home to part of the Swiss Alps and historic sites such as Grossmünster, a major Protestant church in the city(12). Geneva itself has flourished and is not only in the seat of many international, but it is also home to the Reformation Wall, a monument honoring the main people and documents involved the Reformation(12).

       Walking through the airport, Alexa and I realized how much influence other countries have on Switzerland! Switzerland is bordered by Italy, France, Germany, and (a small portion of) Austria(1), so it only makes sense that these cultures would be seen throughout the country. We both thought this was super cool to experience so much culture all at once!

       Once we got to the hotel, we unpacked our suitcases. When we opened them we were very happy that we had packed perfectly for the weather. With it being fall and currently 53 degrees Fahrenheit we packed our North Face Jackets, Burberry scarves, and Lulu Lemon Leggings(4). Even when out of the country fashion is always a must! Switzerland's climate is very enjoyable. It is a temperate climate and is not crazy humid, hot, or cold(4)! With the weather being this nice, it just made our travels more of a pleasure and not a burden whatsoever(4).

        Now we are going to hit the streets of Switzerland! We are a little nervous because we only know a little bit of their main language, French(7). Thankfully, we have Alexa's French grandmother on call if we ever need any help. As of right now though, we do indeed know how to say hello, "Bonjour", and goodbye,"Au Revoir"(7). So au revoir for now!


Who: N/A
What: Map of Switzerland
When: N/A
Where: Switzerland


         







       
       Who: N/A
       What: Flag of Switzerland
       When: N/A
       Where: Flag is mostly seen in Switzerland
               
     



       Who: Alexa and Ava
       What: Us on the plane ride to Bern, Switzerland
       When: During the day.
       Where: On our plane ride to Bern, Switzerland.

             
            Who: Alexa and Ava
            What: Us at the Reformation Wall
            When: When we were in Geneva; during the day
            Where: Geneva, Switzerland at the          Reformation Wall