Christmas - America vs. Switzerland

A few nights ago, my husband and I attended his company's Christmas party.  My husband's boss asked us will we celebrate an American Christmas or a Swiss Christmas once our little one is born.  I said, "American."  Of course, my husband said, "Swiss." 

I made my decision based on this...

 photo clubadfundum.ch

The dark, chilling figures in soot-covered faces are Samichlaus' helper(s) named Schmutzli. There are many tales surrounding the duties performed by Schmutzli.  My husband was raised to believe that he snatches misbehaving children, places them in his sack, and takes them to the forest.  Another story claims that he carries a broom of twigs to administer punishment to naughty children.

In recent years, Schmutzli's scary reputation has taken a more positive turn.  In some parts of Switzerland, he is viewed simply as Samichlaus' companion and helper.  But in the smaller, more conservative regions, the original Schmutzli still exists.

Personally, I prefer the good ole American "naughty or nice" tactic.  I can't imagine frightening my little one with the thought of being kidnapped.

Eventually, we concluded that we will combine both Christmas traditions. Problem is, my husband wants to include old school Schmutzli, while I want to exclude his @$$.  We'll see who will win this one...

Caio.

Baby Countdown : 74 days

Breakfast in Switzerland

I'm a fan of Swiss food, it's freshness, that is.  But compared to American food it can be quite boring.  When dining at a restaurant don't expect variety nor the little extras like unique sauces or special ingredients.  In my opinion, Swiss restaurants offer the same experience you can get in your own kitchen.  So when my husband and I decided to venture out in our new city and grab breakfast, I didn't expect much...as usual...unfortunately.

 Haupteingang = Main entrance to the old city

 Local shop / cafe.

Our breakfast. Four bread rolls, two cappuccino, one orange juice, and butter and honey which cost .70 CHF = .84 USD each.  Condiments are not free in Die Schweiz.  The total cost for breakfast 15.70 CHF = 18.77 USD.

Caio.

Would You Like Fries With That...GUN!

Check out what I came across at a Mickey D's. This was not the first time I witnessed a person carrying a gun in public in Der Schweiz (Switzerland).

The Swiss Army!

Yes, Switzerland is neutral, but they still don't mess around. Men are required to do military service at the age of 19 for 21 weeks of basic training. They take part in mandatory military training, and are considered "soldiers" from the age of 19 to 34. Meaning...if shit pops off, all men aged 19-34 are drafted. After training, as part of their militia obligations, they are required to keep their weapons at home. Switzerland has one of the highest militia gun ownership rates in the world.

Don't fuck with the Swiss!