Hey guys, have written something ages ago, but since I am getting married and just moved house I jus...
Hey guys, have written something ages ago, but since I am getting married and just moved house I just don't find the time to edit it. Hope it will pick up again soon and I'll have lots of time to write. x
Member since:30.03.2005
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The last eighteen years Switzerland was my home, so I should be an expert on this theme. Let’s see what I can tell you about this beautiful country.
Weather: Spring/Summer: Switzerland is a few degrees Centigrade cooler than England, except the region next to Italy – Tessin. In all other counties it is between 12 and 24 degrees during this seasons, in Tessin it is between 14 and 28 degrees.
Autumn/Winter: This seasons are quite cool, especially in the skiing-regions (Davos, Arosa, Verbier, Nendaz are some of the biggest – and dearest). Temperatures vary from minus 10 up to 10 degrees Centigrade.
Languages:
Switzerland may be very small, but it has four (!) official languages. So it should be no problem to speak English to everyone, as well as German and French. The fourth language is dying, so you want really find people who are able to speak it. In schools Swiss people also get the chance to learn Spanish, Italian, Latin and Greek – so go mad and test the citizen’s language skills!
Money: It is quite an expensive country. In my opinion comparable with England. Prices to go shopping are slightly more expensive and if you want to stay in a fancy region, you have to be prepared to pay even more. The prices for Hotels are dear and you will not find as many youth hostels as you would in England. However, the standard is high, so you do not have to be afraid of having coach roaches as your roommates. One Swiss Franc is approximately 2.4 Pounds Sterling.
Things to do and see:
Summer: My tip for the summer is either Tessin, the warmest region or Wallis, which is beautiful for walks and bicycle rides. If you visit Tessin, do not miss the regular Market either in Lucarno or Luino. Luino is bigger, but already belongs to Italy, so do not forget to bring your Passport with you. Lucarno is smaller, but offers about the same choices as Luino. You can buy food (delicious), animals (poor things), clothes and art. The market in Luino is directly opposite a Lake – stunning! It is best to get there by car. If you want to go shopping Zürich or Luzern are a good tip. Two big cities in Switzerland (Big in Switzerland, so you probably think they are rather small).
Winter: Hmmm...what would I do in Switzerland in Winter? Go Skiing is of course the answer! If you do not want to go to the dear, famous districts, check out the smaller ones like Valbella or Engelberg. They are much cheaper and often as good as the big ones. If you look for places to relax visit the Swiss Holiday Park in Morschach right above Brunnen which is directly at the Vierwaldstättersee in the very heart of Switzerland. You can get there by car or bus and place your bookings on www.swissholidaypark.ch. It is not cheap, still a great experience. They have different Restaurants, a relaxing area where you get massages, honey baths and just about everything you can imagine, as well as a swimming-pool. If the weather is not good enough for you, you do not have to leave the house, as everything is connected if you stay in the Hotel and not in one of the bungalows. There is a bar and a games room with bowling, dart games and videogames.
People: Everyone who visits Switzerland says the people there are friendly. To be honest, I have to say that most of them are always in a hurry and make unhappy faces when they walk along the street. If you ask them something they normally answer in your language if possible and try to help you as good as possible.
Public Transport: Never ever take a Taxi in Switzerland, they are much too expensive! The public transport is good, as long as you are not up in the mountains. There is no underground and the buses and trains are a bit cheaper than in England. As Swiss people are always exactly on time, don’t be late. On www.sbb.ch you will find all the train and bus connections you need (or call 0041 900 800 800).
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Apr 2nd, 2005
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