Sun, 8 November 2009
A century and a quarter after a cutler set out to supply Swiss soldiers with a survival tool, the Swiss Army knife adapts to the urban jungle.
Read Jessica of Swisstory's adventure in obtaining her Swiss driver's licence, with helpful checklist.
Expatica reader Carolyn Moncel searches for the best salons in Paris and Switzerland serving black women.
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Our blogger Jessica finally gets her own piece of Swiss heaven.You know these places on the side of the road that look like shanty towns? Lots of little shacks all together in a row with a few plants? Well, did you know that they are actually gardens? In the UK they call these little gardens "allotments" and they became very popular during war times to promote self-sufficiency. But now, because most people live in apartments there is not a lot of land for gardening around the apartment complexes. So you can rent a bit of land to garden on... and this concept is also über popular in Switzerland.
And, well, guess what? This one here... yes, this plot of dirt... it's MINE! ALL MINE. Don't laugh. I know you want one deep down, too. I actually signed up for one of these plots last July and went on a waiting list. I thought no one would ever leave since these are pretty highly sought after (by retirees and families mainly), but thankfully I got the notice in February and I started planning the space immediately. The plots are managed by the local ‘Gartenverein’, or Gardening Club, and it really is quite an active, interesting community.
The plot is 16 metres by 6 metres. And to be honest, it feels absolutely HUGE! I thought it would be way smaller and I am a bit more ambitious now with all this space. I also get the shed that is on it and some tools that were left by the previous plot holder for the bargain price of CHF 100. And let's face it - that rocks as I doubt I could get one tool for that price at Bauhaus.
Explore our guide to popular expat locations including Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lugano.
The Zurich branch manager of Network Relocation offers tips and info to help with the house hunt.
This in-depth profile of Switzerland includes geography, people, government, economy and transnational issues.
An introduction to compulsory and optional forms of insurance in Switzerland.
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