Category Archives: Swiss Life

2013 Week 51: Bern’s Christmas market

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Tara McLaughlin

There’s a market every week in Bern, most likely it’s very similar to markets across Europe, where you can find street food, herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, cheese, hand-made crafts, knitted hats and scarves, didgeridoos and bongo drums. But during … Continue reading →

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2013 Week 49: YouTube, a Thanksgiving miracle

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Tara McLaughlin

Holidays create some of the most profound imprints on our memory and recalling those memories with all of our senses brings certain feelings bubbling to the surface. We may not remember the details of our past, but for anyone fortunate … Continue reading →

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2013 Week 48: Watch this Rendez-vous to brighten your day … and night!

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Tara McLaughlin

It’s not often that standing outside on a cold, dark, drizzly, autumn night for half an hour can lift your spirits. But if you take the time to watch Bern’s Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, a light and sound show on the parliament … Continue reading →

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2013 week 31: Sacred Sundays, a curse and a blessing

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Tara McLaughlin

I walked into the grocery store, picked up my basket and smiled. It was Sunday and I was shopping. Ah, freedom. This was a highlight of my summer vacation back in the United States. (Simple pleasures) One Swiss tradition / … Continue reading →

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2013 Week 1: King for a day

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Tara McLaughlin

Happy New Year! Here in Switzerland, the holiday season doesn’t end when you ring in the new year. You get to celebrate DreiKönigstag, or three kings’ day, on January 6. The day marks the Christian acknowledgement of Epiphany, the manifestation … Continue reading →

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Week 51: Language school fail

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Tara McLaughlin

Several months ago, I managed to accomplish a small goal — researching and enrolling in a German language course. I found one that fit my interests, my budget, my schedule. Everything. I called the office. Spoke (in English) with a … Continue reading →

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Week 49: Say hello to Samichlaus and Schmutzli

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Tara McLaughlin

This week it’s my turn to be introduced to a new holiday tradition: the Dec. 6 feast of St. Nicholas, here in Bern, and the rest of German-speaking Switzerland, known as Samichlaus. It’s a fun celebration for kids similar to … Continue reading →

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Week 48: Thanksgiving and Zibelemärit dinners

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Tara McLaughlin

A week of yummy, American and Swiss food festivities. What could be better when blending celebrations? Well, aside from, of course, the stretchy yoga pants I need to live in for a while. First, Thanksgiving. We decided to introduce Dominique’s … Continue reading →

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Week 23: Finished my races, ready for more

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Tara McLaughlin

I huffed and puffed and crossed the finish lines. I did it. I set the goal to lace up my sneaks, my kicks, my go-fasters, and complete two races — to lose some baby weight, to get back into a … Continue reading →

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Moving to Switzerland while pregnant

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Tara McLaughlin

This week was my one-year anniversary of moving to Switzerland. I can hear the collective sigh of relief from those of you familiar with my moving pattern. Take, for example, the three addresses I had within as many months of … Continue reading →

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