Crane Crazy

I think I mentioned that the Swiss love their cranes.

But this is the first time I've seen one in the water, and I have to say I'm impressed.

It's probably not that unusual, but I'm just surprised it works.

Photo: Geoff

What colour is Basel?

Orange. Or Oranje if you are that way inclined. At least, it was on Saturday night. Hordes of crazy Dutch and Pseudo-Dutch (you know who you are Jonathan) invaded the city.

Actually the city was probably a cross between orange and green, as separating Dutch people from beer is nigh on impossible. And, as far as the EM is concerned, beer is green. Well, the cans are...


Sadly the Dutch were knocked out by a very on-form Russia, which will no doubt mean it's a lot less fun from now on.

Finally, a few more afros for Kristie, who seems to like that sort of thing...

See, all you have to do is leave a few comments, and your dreams come true!

Photos Flickr:  mmundi jajoma  knallaerbse

Appenzell - Fountain of Youth

Well, it's certainly an attention grabbing headline!

I'm not convinced that "fountain of youth" is strictly true, Appenzell tends to conjure up words like sleepy and unspoilt, but it's what the people at the tourist office say, so it must be true.

That's probably because it has a wealth of rich mineral springs, and visitors have been coming for over 100 years to bathe.

There are a range of hotels in Appenzell offering wellness breaks, often combining Swiss water and air with eastern philosophy and treatments: whey treatments and Kneipp cures alongside Ayurveda, Tai-Chi and Chi-Yung beauty weeks.

Wellness has been a topic in Appenzell long before the word became overused, and I have to say the air is about as fresh as you can get. Plenty of hills to walk up and down too.

If you like the idea, here's a list of some Health and wellness hotels in Appenzellerland:

• Gonten – Hotel Jakobsbad, Kurhaus Bad Gonten
• Heiden – Hotel Heiden, Kurhaus Sunnematt
• Schwellbrunn – Kurhaus Sonnenberg
• Speicher – Appenzellerhof
• Walzenhausen – Hotel Walzenhausen
• Weissbad – Hotel Hof Weissbad
• Wienacht – Hotel Seeblick

 

Photo: Flickr raelb

Altenrhein - Art and Market Hall

In my last post, I forgot to mention the Hundertwasser Art and Market Hall at Altenrhein, which might be of interest if you are in the area of St Gallen.

If you don't know Hundertwasser's work, he can loosely be compared to Gaudí. If you Haven't heard of Gaudí, you should probably get out more.

The hall is typical of his work, with lots of curves - he referred to straight lines as "the devil's tools". Typically, it uses a lot of tiles and loads of wiggles.

There is a gallery with regular exhibitions and a restaurant, so no need to take a picnic.

It's an eccentric building, but given that he chose his own name (which loosely translates to Peace-Kingdom Hundred-Water) that is only to be expected.

I particularly like the Hundertwasser/Aldi (a low-budget supermarket) contrast in this photo.

Opening times April-September are 10:00 until 17:00. Winter afternoons only. Entry is CHF 5,- for adults.

Markthalle GmbH
CH-9422 Staad am Bodensee
+41 71 855 81 85
www.markthalle-altenrhein.ch

Photo: Flickr: kecko

Avenches Carnaval

Blimey, they're still going on.

Only two weeks to Easter and the beginning of the 40 days beforehand is still being celebrated.

Mind you, seeing as you're supposed to give up stuff in those 40 days I can't help but admire the logic of having the party late.

Anyway, Avenches, 12km NW of Fribourg is up for a party this weekend, and as you'd expect, they'll be holding it in the Roman Amphitheatre.

Let's face it, when your town used to be the most important in Switzerland, in thise 4th Century days when it was known as Aventicum, you'd want to brag a bit.

It seems to be the classic mix; Guggemusik, outrageous costumes and staying up late drinking.

If you are in the area, don't miss it.

Check www.avenches.ch for parade timings etc.

Photo myswitzerland

Alpine Town of the Year 2008 - Brig

It's amazing just how many awards there are in this world.

I never knew there was such a thing as an Alpine Town of the Year, but Brig seems to have won the big prize this year.

Probably the main attraction is the lavish Baroque palace known as Stockalper Castle, the largest private 17th Century building in Switzerland. Again, that seems like a very tightly defined title, but it, and its gardens, is certainly worth a look.

It also shows just how wealthy merchants could be, Kaspar von Stockalper must have made or bob or two in his time.

A relatively new addition to Brig's list of attractions is the Museum of the Papal Guards. This covers the history of the Swiss Guards, who to this day still patrol the Vatican in Rome.

Brig is one of those "crossroads of Europe" towns. Celts, Romans, Alemannic tribes all came through and settled.

The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with the Matterhorn (and of course the ski resorts of Zermatt and Saas Fee) close by, perhaps it wasnt an unusual choice for the title.

Brig Tourismus
CH-3900 Brig
+41 (0)27 921 60 30

www.ferienland-wallis.ch

photo: the phantom skier

Abegg Foundation

Culture time again.

The Abegg foundation in Riggisberg, not far from Bern, is home to one of the most impressive collections of textiles in Europe.

Probably the most impressive exhibit is the 7 metre long (22 feet) Dionysius wall hanging, which was made in the 4th century. Considering it's 1700 years old, it is amazingly well preserved, and shows just how ambitious our ancestors were.

The museum covers the textiles of the European Middle Ages, with a focus on the region of the ancient Silk Route.

There's also an exhibition of medieval Chinese dress: Dragons of Silk, Flowers of Gold. This covers the Liao Dynasty, which ran from 907-1125 AD.

Unbelievably luxurious, there are the expected lions, dragons as well as a few phoenixes. And porcelain lovers are looked after too, with a selection of vases, urns etc. So, if you are in any way interested in Chines history, this place is worth a trip.

It's only open from April to October though, and only from 2pm to 5pm, so don't rush along just yet!

Abegg Stiftung
Werner-Abegg-Strasse 67
CH-3132 Riggisberg
+41(0)31 808 12 01

www.abegg-stiftung.ch