1st of August

In addition to attempting to learn German while in der Schweiz, I've been trying to soak up as much Swiss culture as possible.  And for a country of so few people (Stefan loves to remind me that he comes from a very limited population...), there is quite a lot of culture.  Tradition, customs, and routine play an enormous role in everyday life.

In addition to being lucky enough to marry one of the very few Swiss males on the planet, I was lucky enough to be in Switzerland for their national holiday: the 1st of August.  Like most things in Switzerland, the day was packed full with good Swiss customs.

We started the day with a big Swiss Frühstück (breakfast) on a Bauernhof (farm).  

  

This celebratory Frühstück included copious amounts of classic Swiss fare:

viel Brot

viel Käse

viel Milch

(direkt von der Kuh)

und Rösti natürlich!

(a traditional Swiss dish made of 

farm-fresh, shredded potatoes - 

originally a common breakfast eaten 

by farmers in the canton of Bern)

 In addition to eating, there was lots of entertainment for young and old alike:

Traditionellen Alphorn Musik!

The festivities didn't end after the morning meal, however.  That evening we headed to the local village fest for more tradition and excitement.  After a hike up ein Berg (mountain), we partook in traditional Swiss singing, sausage eating and local beer drinking among the other villagers.  

Then, as the sun began to set, each villager (children included) took a lit torch and marched to the top of the Berg to help light a massive bonfire.  

I was told this village's fire was a mere baby compared to those of some neighboring villages.  I said I was quite fine with this one's size and took care to remain a safe distance away.

All in all: ein wunderschöner Tag!

xoxo
KK