One Big Yodel

In the past few years, the U.S. has been in the news for its so-called health care reform. But what has been accomplished' Like most things, as you learn more about another country's way of doing things, you're educated about your own country at the same time. Unfortunately, what I am learning is not flattering to the healthcare situation in the United States. Basic Swiss health insurance covers you for emergencies that take place outside of Switzerland for up to twice the cost of what...

According to a study commissioned by the Federal Health Office and reported by swissinfo.ch, 27% of the Swiss population aged 14-65 were smokers in 2009. But among 20 to 24-year-olds, 39% percent smoke. Cough. Despite these numbers, take a walk along Lake Zurich, and it can feel like everyone smokes. I can hardly walk two steps without choking. It's really too bad, since Switzerland is so clean otherwise. But it's hard to enjoy the fresh air and nice weather when it's clouded by cigarette...

After years of complaining about the lack of good ethnic food in Zurich, things are looking up for The Frau. She's discovered hands-down the best Indian restaurant in Zurich. She's discovered a Thai place she likes. Not to mention a couple of her old standards, which she'll also regurgitate here. Cheti's Curry Seefeldstrasse 7 8008 Zürich Now this is good Indian food. And also not a bad price. For lunch, The Frau paid CHF 25 for a plate of chicken tikka masala complete with rice, side...

I tried. For five years. But I just can't like Fasnacht (the Swiss version of carnival).There are things about it that I love. I love seeing Swiss people smiling in the streets. I love the costumes. And I love watching everyone let down their guard and throw confetti with abandon. But I do not love that the very people that criticize me for recycling a glass bottle on a Sunday or eating popcorn during a movie think it's just fine to beat drums and blast horns until 6 a.m. for three...

I went to the movies. Big deal. Well, it was. I hadn't been to a Swiss movie theater for a few years, mainly because it's such a pain to buy a ticket. Most Swiss plan to attend movies at least a week in advance and buy their tickets accordingly. So if you're a lazy American and just want to show up before the show, good luck getting a ticket. Anyhow, going to the movies again reminded me just how different the experience is in Switzerland. I went to see The King's Speech on Saturday, which...

Welcome to another edition of Dear Frau. It's kind of like Dear Abby, except with an international twist. If you have a question about life in Switzerland, don't hesitate to contact the Frau.Dear Frau, I am on a yearlong vacation here in Switzerland. Fabulous! (Well, my husband has to work, but it's a vacation for me.) Anyway, we'll be going back already in June and I have not yet learned to yodel! I cannot possibly face my friends in Colorado without a few good notes after having been...

Hello Yodelers, If you're interested in writing, this post is for you. There are several writing workshops taking place in Switzerland this spring that may give you the inspiration you need to either get started as a writer or take your writing to another level. First off, yours truly will be teaching a two-hour workshop at the American Women's Club of Zurich on Saturday, March 26, on how to make a living as a writer abroad. The course costs CHF 30 and you must register by March...

Dear Frau I would be interested in hearing the little quirky things that make Switzerland home to people. I would love to hear the things that people who adopted CH would miss if they went away. Maybe you will ask your readers my question' Take care and hope to hear from you,Mrs. Crocodile Dear Mrs. Crocodile, There are many things The Frau would miss if she left CH. Maybe that's why so far, she hasn't. For one, the cleanliness. The Frau can barely leave Switzerland these days without...

It doesn't take a genius to guess that this sign is from a parking lot in the American South. When a country is run by lawyers instead of by the people, these kind of signs tend to be popular, if not a bit ridiculous in their excess caution. Not to mention, in the U.S., there is often more salt on the streets than snow.While I don't necessarily need a sign to warn me that it's winter and snowy and therefore slippery, I would appreciate a small sprinkling of sand or salt on my Swiss streets...

Anyone that rides a Swiss train at rush hour (or on Sunday) can relate to this, oder?In fact, the crowding on Swiss trains has gotten so crazy that the SBB is considering raising the price of tickets for people who commute during the rush hour. But the real problem, in my opinion, is that people getting on the train aren't letting the people that want to get off, off. What do you think'