Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!! While our son's celebrate apart from us this year, Rich and I find ourselves in Edinburgh Scotland on a mission of "recon" for our Fisher Family vacation in August. We have secured our B&B for 19 people. "wow" how our family is growing!!! Today we weren't able to have a Thanksgiving dinner; however we did have a wonderful dinner for two! Also tonight the city of Edinburgh set off fireworks followed by the turning on of Christmas lights throughout the city. I can't explain to you how beautiful everything looks out-there right now. Earlier we were able to walk through the Christmas market..although it doesn't officially open until Saturday, we were able to look at some of the booths that were all set-up and ready to sell. Then we realized it was the German side of the Christmas Market we were walking through; we'll go back on Saturday to see the Scottish side! And baby it's cold outside...snow is on the weather map for the rest of the weekend, and yes...I'm looking forward to it. As soon as we get back home to Bern I will post some great pictures.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Onion Market
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| Hay Balls with baby onion nose, feet and hands |
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| Onion dolls all dressed-up |
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| Caterpillars, elephants and bumble bees |
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| Turtles and snails |
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| onions, onions everywhere! |
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| owls made with sticks |
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| And...what to do with old skates?? This is great for the memories and the beauty of the Season. |
Sunday, November 21, 2010
About the Onion Market
The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) is a traditional folk festival which takes place on the fourth Monday every November. Farmers from the surrounding area bring more than 50 tons of onions - in artisti-cally woven plaits - and garlic to the federal capital. Colorful mar-ket stalls offer ceramic pots, bread, vegetables and mementos to the visitor. To help resist the winter cold, don't miss the Glühwein stand. The bustle starts early in the morning and hundreds of visi-tors from home and abroad stream through the town. This is the day when cheese, cheesecake, onion cakes and onion soup are on offer in all the restaurants, giving off a spicy aroma. Younger visitors scatter confetti in the streets, and have fun at the fairground.
Historical:
Modern Myth and Ancient Fact
Shortly before five o‟clock on the afternoon of 14th May, 1405, fire broke out in Bern‟s Brunngasse. Within the space of a few minutes, fanned by a strong wind, the flames had spread across to the oppo-site bank of the Aare River. Neighboring towns collected money and sent helpers. Most admirably of all, over a period of two months the citizens of Fribourg, led by their alderman N. Gambach, helped clear away the de-bris and displayed great honesty by handing in all items found in the process.
At this point the tale audaciously takes on mythical propor-tions, as first told around 60 years ago in the schoolrooms of the City of Bern. According to this version, as an expression of their gratitude, the Bernese granted citizens their first Onion Market (Zibelemärit) in 1406. Yet in the chronicles of Conrad Justinger, who was witness to the fire, there is no mention of this grant to sell on-ions. Indeed, it would have been a poor ex-pression of thanks! Just where were the hundreds of Fribourg helpers, all city dwell-
ers, supposed to get hold of onions for an annual market? At that time, there was no extensive growing of one par-ticular crop in the region. Moreover, the Bernese grew vegetables them-selves behind their houses. And if the yield was insufficient, they could al-ways buy onions at the weekly market in Onion Lane (Zibelegässli).
The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) actually began much later. In the 18th century, farm-ers‟ wives brought the vegetables they had cultivated on Mont Vully above Lake Mur-ten to markets in Fribourg, Murten and Neuchâtel. Around 1850, at first almost unno-ticed, these so-called „marmettes“, began to turn up in Bern on the first day of the city‟s ancient two-week Martinmas Fairs, selling primarily onions but also endives, leeks, celeriac and black satisfy, nuts, chestnuts and fruit. Thanks to the excellent qual-ity of the produce and the cheerful, friendly demeanor of the farmers‟ wives who sold it, the new vegetable market rapidly blossomed until, as early as 1860, newspapers were proclaiming the Onion Market (Zibelemärit) as the „traditional“ start of the Mar-tinmas Fair.
So the establishment of the Onion Market was linked to the much older Martinmas Fair. And how did the Fair itself originate? Since the late Middle Ages - long before the fire of 1405 - citizens of Bern and other residents of Switzerland‟s southern German-speaking regions had celebrated the changeover from the summer half-year to the win-ter half-year on Martinmas or St. Martins‟ Day, with festive meals, processions and torch lit parades in which the younger citizens played a noisy and enthusiastic part. The festival was accompanied by a busy weekly market which mainly sold goods for the coming winter and, due to its various attractions, gradually grew in popularity un-til in 1439 the authorities officially declared a levy-free Martinmas Fair to last several days. Bern was also granted an Easter Fair in the same year.
In the course of the present century, large department stores have gradually super-seded these traditional market fairs. The Easter Fair disappeared after the Second World War, and only the first day of the Martinmas Fair (the fourth Monday in No-vember) is still celebrated - with the Onion Market (Zibelemärit).
However, some medieval Martinmas customs survive to this day: notably the festive meals featuring cheese and onion pies, and the wild antics of the younger population in Spitalgasse. Only the torch lit parades have disappeared. More-over, the two-week annual market at Easter and Martinmas are still a lively tradition.
Historical:
Modern Myth and Ancient Fact
Shortly before five o‟clock on the afternoon of 14th May, 1405, fire broke out in Bern‟s Brunngasse. Within the space of a few minutes, fanned by a strong wind, the flames had spread across to the oppo-site bank of the Aare River. Neighboring towns collected money and sent helpers. Most admirably of all, over a period of two months the citizens of Fribourg, led by their alderman N. Gambach, helped clear away the de-bris and displayed great honesty by handing in all items found in the process.
At this point the tale audaciously takes on mythical propor-tions, as first told around 60 years ago in the schoolrooms of the City of Bern. According to this version, as an expression of their gratitude, the Bernese granted citizens their first Onion Market (Zibelemärit) in 1406. Yet in the chronicles of Conrad Justinger, who was witness to the fire, there is no mention of this grant to sell on-ions. Indeed, it would have been a poor ex-pression of thanks! Just where were the hundreds of Fribourg helpers, all city dwell-
ers, supposed to get hold of onions for an annual market? At that time, there was no extensive growing of one par-ticular crop in the region. Moreover, the Bernese grew vegetables them-selves behind their houses. And if the yield was insufficient, they could al-ways buy onions at the weekly market in Onion Lane (Zibelegässli).
The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) actually began much later. In the 18th century, farm-ers‟ wives brought the vegetables they had cultivated on Mont Vully above Lake Mur-ten to markets in Fribourg, Murten and Neuchâtel. Around 1850, at first almost unno-ticed, these so-called „marmettes“, began to turn up in Bern on the first day of the city‟s ancient two-week Martinmas Fairs, selling primarily onions but also endives, leeks, celeriac and black satisfy, nuts, chestnuts and fruit. Thanks to the excellent qual-ity of the produce and the cheerful, friendly demeanor of the farmers‟ wives who sold it, the new vegetable market rapidly blossomed until, as early as 1860, newspapers were proclaiming the Onion Market (Zibelemärit) as the „traditional“ start of the Mar-tinmas Fair.
So the establishment of the Onion Market was linked to the much older Martinmas Fair. And how did the Fair itself originate? Since the late Middle Ages - long before the fire of 1405 - citizens of Bern and other residents of Switzerland‟s southern German-speaking regions had celebrated the changeover from the summer half-year to the win-ter half-year on Martinmas or St. Martins‟ Day, with festive meals, processions and torch lit parades in which the younger citizens played a noisy and enthusiastic part. The festival was accompanied by a busy weekly market which mainly sold goods for the coming winter and, due to its various attractions, gradually grew in popularity un-til in 1439 the authorities officially declared a levy-free Martinmas Fair to last several days. Bern was also granted an Easter Fair in the same year.
In the course of the present century, large department stores have gradually super-seded these traditional market fairs. The Easter Fair disappeared after the Second World War, and only the first day of the Martinmas Fair (the fourth Monday in No-vember) is still celebrated - with the Onion Market (Zibelemärit).
However, some medieval Martinmas customs survive to this day: notably the festive meals featuring cheese and onion pies, and the wild antics of the younger population in Spitalgasse. Only the torch lit parades have disappeared. More-over, the two-week annual market at Easter and Martinmas are still a lively tradition.
The Ball
All went well at the Marine Corps Ball. It was held at the Belmont Hotel..."very posh", do you know that a room there for one night is $1600. dollars!?
I hope you enjoyed seeing "some" of our evening. For those of you who want to attend next year: Be here in November next year!
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| These six young men will be coming to our home for Christmas Eve Dinner |
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| Entering the room for dinner |
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| Posting the colors |
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| A few opening words from our Ambassador.... |
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| Waiters presenting dinner with flair |
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| Appetizer |
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| Dinner |
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| May I offer you a light dessert? |
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| Our very good friends and dinner companions...Doug and Lisa Reynolds | . Doug is the Air Force Attache. |
Friday, November 19, 2010
Its that time of year
Tonight is the Marine Corps Ball. A function we now find ourselves attending {instead of our ever loved Military ST.Barbers Day Ball} I can tell you that the Marines are much more reserved than the Artillery! I myself prefer the Artillery Ball, I find it much more amusing...and fun. So this evening will be spent in formal wear doing the "one thing I hate more than anything" shaking hands....I really hate the thought of shaking everyone's hand!! Plus in this country another ritual is added: a kiss on each cheek-x3, Right, left, right. Now, I'm not a total prude; I have no-problem if I know the people-if their friends/ I'm just not keen having people I don't know moving into my space. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who will step in to avert the unknowns. Silly huh?? It's just a small part of who I am. Now I'm interested in hearing from the rest of you to find out what your "silly thing" is!!! We all have "something"! On a lighter note, we will be taking the camera with us- so hopefully I'll have some great pictures to post tomorrow.
This virus thing really put me down this week. I thought I was safe and good to go after having the flu shot. Boy was I wrong! My advice? Wear your scarfs and warm jackets...stay healthy!
This virus thing really put me down this week. I thought I was safe and good to go after having the flu shot. Boy was I wrong! My advice? Wear your scarfs and warm jackets...stay healthy!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November what??
WOW!! Where has this month gone? I mean this is always a busy time of year for me, but geese! Unfortunately one of my favorite things to do this time of year will most likely have to take place on-line. "SHOPPING".... Here at this Post we only have pouch mail, which means we can-not send anything that will not fit in a large envelope.We could however drive to one of the Military Bases in Germany and try to use the APO "which is an idea"...at least to send the kids a Swiss candy countdown calendar for December. They are like the European ones- only bigger! I need to get them on their way by the end of next week.
I can close my eyes and see everyone getting ready for Thanksgiving...I so wish we could be with our kids this year. "not fair" But instead of sulking, Rich and I are going to Edinburgh Scotland to do a "recon" for our Fisher Family vacation in August. We will be staying at the same B&B we booked to make sure they'll be able to accommodate our growing family. The rest will have to remain a mystery, at least for now. I don't want to give any surprises away to the kids!!! As an extra bonus to us the kids will be arriving a week before the vacation to experience Switzerland! So we will defiantly have tons of pictures to post for all to see. "I get so excited just thinking about it!"
Oh..and I have been busy putting up "most" of our Christmas decorations. Although I still need the Grinch to put up the Tree!! "wish me luck" LOL But I'll take some pictures of the house for all to see...there's a bit of Christmas wherever you look in here. It's just so warm and cozy...my favorite time of year for sure!
I can close my eyes and see everyone getting ready for Thanksgiving...I so wish we could be with our kids this year. "not fair" But instead of sulking, Rich and I are going to Edinburgh Scotland to do a "recon" for our Fisher Family vacation in August. We will be staying at the same B&B we booked to make sure they'll be able to accommodate our growing family. The rest will have to remain a mystery, at least for now. I don't want to give any surprises away to the kids!!! As an extra bonus to us the kids will be arriving a week before the vacation to experience Switzerland! So we will defiantly have tons of pictures to post for all to see. "I get so excited just thinking about it!"
Oh..and I have been busy putting up "most" of our Christmas decorations. Although I still need the Grinch to put up the Tree!! "wish me luck" LOL But I'll take some pictures of the house for all to see...there's a bit of Christmas wherever you look in here. It's just so warm and cozy...my favorite time of year for sure!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Since when..
So while going to work this morning I was noticing the way Swiss women dress. "Like me" they enjoy dark colors but also I noticed that no-one wore nylons- not one single person had nylons under their dress. "Tights"... dark tights, mostly black, Grey or brown. {now, I don't know about you but I haven't worn tights in years!} I guess it makes sense over here giving the fact that it gets so cold. Curiosity got the better of me and on my way home I stopped at the store to look and I can tell you that they do have nylons.."lots of them". Most everyone wears dark colors, I noticed that the stores carry a few pieces of color but nothing bright....dark blue,green,Grey.etc... I like the dark's. When my friend Pat came to visit me in DC, she took me shopping to "put some color into my wardrobe". It didn't work; I'm just not a Summer/Spring. I'm a Fall/Winter I like the warm colors. But I do have to give Pat credit...she tried very hard!
So don't put those dresses away for the winter ladies, run out and buy some cute tights...but stay away from the white!
So don't put those dresses away for the winter ladies, run out and buy some cute tights...but stay away from the white!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
School Days
A friend's daughter attends the American International School here in Switzerland. She was telling me about her school "routine" last week, and I thought you might find it interesting.
They are on a 7 day schedule over here, the reason being is for Winter; each Friday from November- March is mandatory ski day. That's right.... each student from K-12 has ski class every Friday!! If they are just learning, their on the bunny slope but if they know how to ski, they can pick their trail, the hours? 8:30-2:30 of course! Now why didn't I have a class like that in school?
This is just another example of what is open to Foreign Service Students, they are given great opportunities to accomplish wonderful adventures. It's really a shame schools in the States have such limited funding' we all should be able to provide the best in Education for our children. I also wonder if programs like this were available- would the children be more eager to learn? Or would it even make a difference?
They are on a 7 day schedule over here, the reason being is for Winter; each Friday from November- March is mandatory ski day. That's right.... each student from K-12 has ski class every Friday!! If they are just learning, their on the bunny slope but if they know how to ski, they can pick their trail, the hours? 8:30-2:30 of course! Now why didn't I have a class like that in school?
This is just another example of what is open to Foreign Service Students, they are given great opportunities to accomplish wonderful adventures. It's really a shame schools in the States have such limited funding' we all should be able to provide the best in Education for our children. I also wonder if programs like this were available- would the children be more eager to learn? Or would it even make a difference?
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