Decoration is done - Waldshut

Running with a ladder

This tradtition dates back to the 17th century. At this time the citizens of the Swiss town Zug had 1.000 cherry trees outside of the town. These trees belonged to everyone. When the cherries were ready to harvest, the bells of the church gave a sign at noon and young and old started to run equipped to cherry picking to the trees. The one who put his ladder first to a tree was entitled to pick all cherries from that certain tree.

The run (called Chriesisturm) is the only part of the tradition that is alive again.

Gruyères - Alpine horn players

The medivial little village called Gruyere is a charming place. Despite of its small size it is an important touristic target. At the foot of the hill is the world famous Gruyere cheese factory, on top of the hill is the medivial village, which is a big square surrounded by houses. The chateau is at the very end. A part of the castle was bought by the creator of Alien, HR Giger and it hosts a museum, devoted to all of his creations.

From June to September, Alpine Horn players and flag throwers will enliven the town of Gruyères. The musicians begin their little tour at the entrance to the town and continue on as far as the Chateau.

Football World Cup - Swiss fan items

 

Zürich is dancing

 

A 3 day long event, called "Tanzfest" (Dance Day) was organised all over the country (Switzerland). The city of Zürich decided to support it and to make it an even bigger event than those of the other cities. Therefor it got a new name, "Zürich tanzt", which means Zürich is dancing ... 

Crash courses, dance events everywhere in the city. On the picutres Lindy hop at the main station (Hauptbahnhof) and some street dance at Sechseläutenplatz, in front of the Opera.

A short film about last year's Dance Day in Zürich here ...

Somewhere in Switzerland

To be exact, in Wegenstetten

La Chaux-de-Fonds

Century after century in the watch museum.

Alphorn

I walked up to the top of our mountin - it is not so high though, only 568 meters above see level. To my biggest surprise I saw a man there with an alphorn - we are not living in the Alps at all. This is the firs time I saw and heard one. The guy just finished playing on it, but kids came so he started again and let them try as well. After they were gone he started to pack the alphorn. I could have never guessed but for transportation reasons it is possible to take it apart into 3 pieces. So he started to take it apart, when another family came and he put it together again and played on it for them. During the 20 minutes I spent there sunbathing he repeated this whole procedure 3 times.

By the way, the alphorn has an amazing sound.

If you're interested in playing the alphorn, here are some lessons on Youtube.

Alphorns have been the traditional herdsmen's instrument, though they almost disappered in the beginning of the 19th century. The main function of the alphorn was the communication with the herdsmen of the neighbouring alps and with the people of the village down in the valley. It also served to call the cows for milking and to eventually cure them with the warm sound of it.

Carnival in Zürich