English as a must? Thursday, 29 November, 2007Step back and the picture is pretty black and white: One small country with four national languages, divided neatly (it is Switzerland after all) into four geographic areas. But start painting over that map with the country’s fifth and decidedly unofficial language—English—and suddenly the lines blur and new layers of complexity emerge.
Let it snow Thursday, 29 November, 2007When people think Switzerland, they think mountains. And when tourists come to ski the Swiss Alps, they expect snow. Lots of snow.
Say cheese: A starter's guide to fondue Thursday, 29 November, 2007If you’ve been in Switzerland for more than a day, you know that fondue is right up there in importance with neutrality and army knives in terms of Swiss identity.
5 ways to stay cool on your commute Thursday, 29 November, 2007The daily commute is a necessary evil for many of us. Roadways into cities are crowded and even the trademark efficiency of Switzerland’s trams, trains and buses can’t make the ride go any faster than it goes. If you’re not one of the 326,000 French speakers picking up Switzerland’s most-read daily, Le Matin Bleu, you’re going to need to fill that time somehow. Luckily, you do have some options: