World-famous for its chocolate, Switzerland offers this sweet in any type you heart desires. Found in confectionery speciality shops or the local grocery store, you can’t go wrong with Swiss chocolate.
If you’re looking to lose weight, Switzerland is not the place to come. With food in Switzerland on the heavy side, this is the place to get your fill on dairy, bread and potatoes.
Dairy if you please
Switzerland is most known for its dairy products. Did you know that the Swiss were the first to think of mixing milk and chocolate back in the 1800s? Chocolate is king here, and you can find every type imaginable. From chocolate factories like Nestle and Lindt to the high-end confectionery shops, this is a chocaholic’s paradise. For affordability, we suggest checking out the wide variety of chocolate at local supermarkets.
The Swiss national dish is fondue. This pot of melted cheese and bread on skewers for dipping has been bringing family and friends together for generations. The blend of melted cheese and white wine makes for a filling meal. Fondue is a big affair, so it typically is only served in the home on the weekend when there is time to prepare and enjoy it. There are many restaurants that serve the national dish, but if you don’t want to be made fun of by the locals, don’t order fondue in the summer as this is a winter-only meal. Also, the Swiss are quite confused to see chocolate fondue in the U.S. as it is unheard of here. Fondue is strictly for cheese. All those choices at the Melting Pot? Not so much.
Raclette is prepared at a food booth during a carnival in Winterthur. This pungent cheese is melted down and spread over bread for a hearty snack.
Raclette is another popular cheese dish. Usually served individually in small black iron skillets, Chris and I just had our first experience with it at a street carnival. Wheels of this pungent cheese are melted to scrape over bread and served warm and gooey. I’ve sworn that Switzerland has cured me for a lifetime of my cheese cravings.
A world food tour in one country
As Switzerland is divided into regions by language, much of the food is influenced by other countries. In the Center and North where we live, you have the German region. In the South is the Italian region. In the West is the French region. There is a very small region in the East that speaks the ancient Romansh language. With a mixture of German, French and Italian influence, one can sample food from across Europe.
Röschti, a slivered potato dish much like hash browns, started off as a breakfast dish for farmers in Bern. It has evolved into a main course topped with cheese, vegetables and meat.
With the Germanic influence, we have lots of potato and pork dishes. Röschti is a popular dish made of slivered potatoes, much like hash browns. Any combination of meat or vegetables or cheese is then served on top. Another popular dish to mix is spaetzle. A food created by peasants in medieval times, the drop-dough dumpling has now become a main course. Schnitzels and bratwursts are also very popular. With a bit of French flair, you can find cordonbleu on many menus.
The small bread stand near our flat offers a traditional beer bread recipe. When we’re here on the weekends, we always make sure to buy a loaf.
Bread, good bread, is baked fresh and sold almost everywhere. You can find great bread from any of the local bakeries to a convenience store. The best bread, though, is when you can find it homemade. Near our flat, there is a lady who sets up a stand each Saturday and Sunday morning and sells her own bread. Using her grandfather’s recipe, her beer bread is the best we’ve had here.
The Donner Kebab is a popular choice at kebap restaurants. These Turkish-influenced eateries offer delicious and affordable selections with a Middle Eastern flair.
As eating out is far too expensive for our budget, we’ve learned to cook a lot at home. On those rare occasions during the week when we do decide to venture out, we mainly eat at a local kebap. These Turkish restaurants are the most affordable options, and the menu includes lots of lamb and vegetables rolled up inside of a tortilla-like shell.
Cheers
Though Switzerland doesn’t have a caipirinha or a national drink like Brazil, you will find strong German beers and fine French and Italian wines along with shots of Jager and schnapps. A common pastime here is to sit and enjoy coffee or tea in one of the many cafes.
What food would you most like to try in Switzerland?
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is home to more than 4,000 shops. Here, you’ll find silk scarfs, candy, dolls, shoes, housewares, and everything else imaginable
“We are here to help you spend your money. Let it go. God will provide you with more.” -Turkish salesman
It was our first day in Turkey, and we had decided to visit a smaller shopping area as a warm-up before hitting the big time at the Grand Bazaar the next day. Strolling down the shop-lined street, we were offered, cajoled and heckled by merchants selling silk scarfs, spices, nuts, candy, ceramics, rugs, paintings and more. Monica’s eye was caught at a particular stand by a painting she liked. As she stopped to admire the work, we were swarmed by three young Turkish men urging us into their shops to browse their selections of goods. We went along with one of the merchants to look at some beautiful ceramics in a blue glaze. Once we made our purchases at a bargained cost, the young salesman insisted we must visit his uncle’s fine rug shop. We followed him down the street where we watched a woman sitting at a loom handcraft the beginnings of a new rug. We were taken to a show room where we were showered with black tea, Turkish beer and candies. The uncle had two other nephews, as retail is a family affair in Turkey (and they want to make it seem even more so, often adding supposed “brothers” to the mix), roll out rug after rug, ensuring they flipped the handcrafted piece of art this way and that to show us the high quality of the material. We were left alone at least three times to discuss our buying decision. Each time the uncle returned, the deal got better or more was added to the deal, and we were consistently reminded how this may be the only time we would ever be to Istanbul. As I had experienced these aggressive sells techniques before in India, I wanted Monica to experience this tradition. By the time we left, without a rug, Monica was all too ready to turn over all negotiations to me as she found the entire process uncomfortable. This usually places us in the sometimes effective roles of “good cop / bad cop” in the merchants’ eyes.
Monica watched as a member of the family hand spun the beginnings of a Turkish rug. It is a common practice to sit in a showroom sipping tea as the merchant unveils rug after rug as part of the shopping experience.
How do you haggle?
Participating in haggling is as much a part of the culture in many countries as anything else, and it can be deemed rude if you refuse. Learning this, sometimes uncomfortable, skill can be a valuable addition to your traveler’s tool box. Here are my top tips to becoming an expert bargainer.
1. Set a budget and do not go over
When bargaining, some people tend to continue to escalate as many do with Ebay auctions. Set a shopping budget that you do not surpass. Do not reveal this limit when the salesman asks. He will set this as the floor, not the ceiling.
2. Split money into different pockets
I sometimes wear cargo khakis with several pockets to accomplish this. Put different amounts of money in different pockets and then remember what you put where. You can then tell the seller that all you have is $10 and reach into the pocket that holds only this $10 bill. If you pull from the wrong pocket, however, your bargaining efforts are wasted.
3. Watch a local
If someone else is bargaining for a similar item, hang around and watch the other person negotiate. If the price they settle upon is acceptable to you, move in and say “I’ll take one for that price, too.” Most vendors will give it to you for the same price with no effort at all.
4. Blend in
If you are identified as a tourist, the opening price can easily immediately increase by 10 times. Try to blend as much as possible, but this can definitely be difficult if you do not know the local language. Again, pay attention to the locals and ensure your prices are reasonable.
Evil eyes are sold throughout Turkish market places. When bargaining, remember to go in with a set ceiling price and don’t go over it.
5. Watch your cash
Deal in small bills when possible and be careful with your change. Especially if they know you are out of place, vendors in many places will attempt to cheat you. Whenever possible, give the exact amount you negotiated on. When this is not possible, ensure that you repeat the price of the item and the amount that you are giving loudly before money exchanges hands. We have seen many tourists cheated through a variety of schemes.
6. Be willing to walk away
Once you reach the price you are willing to pay, walk away. Many sellers will chase after you and quickly reduce the price. At worst, if you decide that you’re willing to pay the price that the seller offered, you can always return later with a bit less pride.
7. Ask for help
If you are wanting to make a large purchase, continue waiting a couple of days until you have met a local who may offer help. If you cannot take a local, ask one or more that you encounter how much they would pay for the item. Realize that the taxi driver is not helping; he is only taking you to his friend’s store where he can receive a percentage of your purchase price. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be spending so much time during his day to escort you around town.
8. Reverse roles with the sellers
If multiple sellers are competing to sell you the same item, use this to your advantage and bring them to you. I have used this tactic several times to purchase baseball tickets from scalpers behind home plate for a fourth of the marked price. Just don’t act too quickly as they surround you with their offerings. First, identify the scammers and send them away. For example, at MLB games, it is common for a scalper to try to sell you a ticket to yesterday’s game. Calling one out loudly will usually disperse them all. Next, name your price. Those who are not willing to negotiate to this price will see that you have several choices and will also disperse. Then, choose the best remaining seat. This tactic also works with cheap trinkets and other mass produced items.
The famous Istanbul Spice Market or Egyptian Bazaar has one of the world’s largest selections of spices and teas. Be sure to watch where and how the locals shop.
9. Learn your numbers
When looking at a foreign language, learn the numbers first. They are just as important as “Thank you” and “I am sorry.”
10. Embrace the experience
Though the negotiations can be uncomfortable for some, just remember this is part of the culture. When traveling, you’ll find there a many aspects of a culture you don’t enjoy as much as others, but embrace the experience for its overall part of the culture. Smile, participate, and know you’re learning a valuable skill.
“Everyone says I will be back tomorrow but no one ever returns. If you see a piece of art, you either buy it or you don’t. Do not walk away, sir. Look at her eyes. She wants this piece. Is there really any price too high to make her happy?” -Turkish salesman
We collected a variety of travel stories in Amsterdam. What are some of your best stories?
Susannah is an art dealer just returning home from a week in Basel, Switzerland, collecting pieces from a show. Ashley is on a short holiday between her study abroad trip to Rwanda and returning to school in New Jersey. Dominic is the only guy with a group of girls celebrating the end of exams at the university they all go to in Northern Ireland.
Stories are part of the travel experience
My homework was to use a type of questioning, narrative inquiry, to elicit stories instead of the usual direct method. The assignment was part of my master’s program class in Storytelling & Narrative Persuasion instructed by storytelling expert Thaler Pekar. The subject matter could be anything from business to family stories, and I had originally wanted to interview travel bloggers for the project about a post on solo traveling. After some disappointing non-responses, I decided to use the technique to still focus on travel, just in another way.
I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people in our travels, hearing about their adventures and learning from them. It’s one of my overall favorite parts of traveling. I wanted to see how the NI method would work in striking up these types of conversations with fellow travelers we met along the way.
Who we met
Chris and I were spending our weekend in Amsterdam, our first time in Holland. There was some confusion when we were checking in for our flight, and we ended up sitting in different sections of the plane. This presented my first chance to try out NI. I usually share in small chat with my seatmates, but I was a bit nervous about plunging into deep background with a total stranger. I started off small with Susannah the Art Dealer. Where was she from? An Amsterdam native. Where was she coming from? An art show in Basel. Did she have any suggestions where we should go in the city? Make sure we took a canal tour. Then I went for it. I asked her if she could tell me about her favorite trip. It didn’t go quite as smoothly as I expected. I was hoping for a story that would shed light on what she liked; what types of activities interested her; any insight that would tell me more about her. Instead she told me her favorite trips were to Cartagena, Colombia and the Tuscany area of Italy. That was it. I decided not to give up, though, and before the hour-and-a-half flight from Zurich to Amsterdam was complete, she did tell me the story of how she got into art dealing. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Susannah, with the help of her artist husband, decided to start collecting and dealing in art after seeing an exhibit in Asian art at the Rijks Museum. She soon after booked a trip to China and Japan, hooking up with a group of artists there quite unexpectedly, and has been specializing in Asian art for the past 30 years.
After parting ways with Susannah, we made our way to check into our hostel in the Red Light District. With 20 beds in the room, this was the biggest hostel room I’ve stayed in yet. Since I recovered from my first hostel experience in 2007 that was a disaster, it took Chris five years and us moving out of the U.S. to try again. My first hostel was in Brazil last fall, and I immediately fell in love with them. Bad or good, you meet so many intriguing people in these overnight barracks for budget travelers.
I first encountered our bunk neighbor, Ashley, when a group of Americans were talking in the middle of the room. We started chatting about our travels, and I thought she was one brave lady taking her first trip out of the U.S. to go on a school trip to help university students in Rwanda. I broke yet another preconceived notion, which you do a lot in traveling, about the African country I thought was nothing but a raging civil war. She assured me it’s actually quite safe, and she felt no danger there. I stepped into NI by asking Ashley what her favorite experience in Rwanda was. She told me the touchy story of how she taught the Rwandan students how to play on a swing set, something they had never done before. Check out her rendition below (sorry for the background noise, the Americans were busy swapping stories with the Irishman).
Dominic, his girlfriend, Maria, and her three roommates, Clare, Ciara and Tara, were in our room, and we shared stories from how their university houses students in an area called the Holy Land to Dominic’s concerns about undertaking a non-paid internship next semester in England. Though I don’t remember consciously using the NI method on any of them, we shared many stories throughout the course of the weekend. My favorite and most educational was when we were discussing how the same English words have completely different meanings in the U.S. and Northern Ireland. While I shared my embarrassing story of how my mother once used “fanny” with an English officer, Tara related her story of asking for a “rubber” one day in class during her high school exchange in Texas.
How to elicit stories, not just facts
Meeting people and hearing their stories is a remarkable experience. Not only do you learn from them, but you have a crop of stories to draw from when meeting others. When the subject of expat living comes up, I still like to tell people about our friend Tom. A native of South Africa, we met Tom in a hostel in Rio de Janeiro where he told us what it was like to work for a French company in Saudi Arabia.
How can you gather your own travel stories?
1. Be curious
There is a quote that goes something like “to improve your life, take a sincere interest in others,” and I’ve come to realize the absolute truth in this statement. To gather stories, you must show a willingness and desire to obtain them.
Though I haven’t seen it, yet, I’ve been told the documentary “The Stories We Tell” (I have to admit, I got the idea for the post’s title from this) by Sarah Polley is an excellent movie. Without Polley’s genuine curiosity, we wouldn’t have this award-winning film.
2. Don’t be afraid to talk to people
I’m not the most extroverted person, but I try to strike up a conversation whenever and wherever I can. You never know who you might just meet or where that conversation might lead.
During our weekend in Amsterdam, we were sat at a crowded café across the table from a couple that looked to be about our age. They didn’t seem to be the talkative type, but there was a break in the noise, and I decided to test the waters. Really, what was the worst that could happen? They tell me to bugger off? Fine, I would probably never see them again anyways. As it turned out, the woman worked in Zurich, and the man was a political Public Relations consultant in Brussels. We had an interesting conversation about some stakeholder research he was doing for the Belgium government, and we discussed his measuring techniques; quite a relevant topic for me since I’m taking a PR Measurement and Evaluation class this semester.
3. Don’t just ask the 5 Ws
When trying to elicit story, you have to change your line of questioning. This is what NI is all about. In PR, I was trained to directly ask the who, what, where, when and why. This indeed gives you information, but it’s just data. To get to the meaning and insight that can come from story, try asking people to tell you about their favorite trips, how they came to be in their professions, or something that gives you more information than just the straight facts.
While I still struggle with getting too personal and the vulnerability that storytelling creates, I’m beginning to seek out more understanding in my line of questioning by asking more than just what there is on the surface. When we were standing in the hour-and-a-half line to enter the Anne Frank House, we chatted up an older couple from Massachusetts on vacation before they left the next day for a religious trip to Israel. We first started talking as typical chitchat goes, but then I slipped into NI, asking for them to tell me about their back story, how they met, where they came from, etc. By the time we were at the ticket desk, they had shared how their ancestors immigrated into the U.S. from Russia and Poland at the turn of the 20th Century, and if they hadn’t, they may have also died with Anne Frank in a concentration camp. A story like that stops you in your tracks. NI can be uncomfortable, but when you’re rewarded with unforgettable stories, it’s well worth it.
I would love to hear your own travel stories. Share them in the comments below.
Looking out from West Hall, you see the palm-tree-lined path out to the front lawn of VSU. The campus epitomizes the Spanish Mission style.
The first time I ever went to Valdosta, Ga., was for my undergraduate orientation at Valdosta State University in 2003. Though not a beach town, I instantly felt as if I had been transported to a Spanish sea village with the school’s architecture and the city’s abundance of palm trees. Winnersville, as it is known due to the many sports titles VSU and the local high schools have won, is a small city “without limits.”
Favorite Places
Valdosta State University
Founded in 1913 as a women’s college, Valdosta State University now offers co-eds associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in a variety of studies. I earned my bachelor’s degree here studying under Public Relations professors who left a distinct impression on my career today.
Known for its Spanish Mission architecture, the university has one of the most unique campuses in the South intermingled within the heart of the city. West Hall serves as the picturesque center of campus, epitomizing the university’s Spanish Mission architecture with its massive rotunda. With the school’s crest emblazoned into the sidewalk in front of it, the line of palm trees leading to it, and the front lawn spreading out from it, this building is a sight to behold, especially during the holidays when the palms are wrapped in white lights.
The VSU Blazers have attributed to Valdosta’s nickname “Winnersville” with multiple NCAA Division II championships in football, baseball, softball and tennis. The sports program also contributed to the winning of ESPN’s TitleTown in 2008.
The Official Musical Theater of the State of Georgia, Peach State Summer Theater, is performed each summer in the Sawyer Theater of the VSU Fine Arts Building. This nationally-recognized performance includes three shows each season with Tony-Award winning acts.
Wild Adventures
A theme park plus a great concert venue, Wild Adventures offers the thrills of a major amusement park with a down-to-Earth price. The park showcases extreme rides and water fun combined with safari-animal viewing all while bringing in big-name stars. While summer is the main ticket for amusement parks, Wild Adventures hosts special events throughout the year, such as Terror in the Wild at Halloween.
The Crescent
Home to the Valdosta Garden Center, The Crescent is a historic home from the late 1800s. Used most often for weddings and other special occasions, the original home of Col. William S. West is open to the public for tours.
Remerton
A town within a city, Remerton is a fully-incorporated town within the Valdosta city limits. Most of Valdosta’s night life can be found at the bars lining the front of the town off Baytree Road. Within the landlocked town, you can also found art boutiques and pottery shops.
Eats
My old roommates, Micha, Cassie and Lizzie, and I celebrating at Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant in 2004. The family-owned and operated eatery offers authentic dishes and Italian wines.
There is a variety of local and chain restaurants in Valdosta to satisfy any palate. One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever tried and where I discovered Moscato d’Astiwine, Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant has been a staple in Valdosta since the 1980s. Moving to the downtown area, a more recent but nonetheless favorite, Steel Magnolias has brought a sophisticated Southern dining experience to Valdosta. The last time I was in town, I had drinks with a former professor on the restaurant’s rooftop bar that had a spectacular view of downtown overlooking the dome of City Hall. If sandwich and soup in an artistic venue is more your style, try the nearby Hildegard’s. Owned by the church next door, this cozy café offers live music, tasty artisan sandwiches and delicious coffee drinks. For the best coffee in town, though, take the drive-thru of Elliano’s and order my favorite, a Freezer Café Dolce.
Working in Valdosta
Valdosta is a thriving economic hub, with major employment coming from Moody Air Force Base, South Georgia Medical Center and the various educational systems. Micha Hogan, public relations manager for Wild Adventures Theme Park and my former college roommate, attributes a strong business community in the city to its prosperous market.
“The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce does a great job of creating programs for small businesses to grow and events where we all can network and meet,” says Micha. “Everyone in the business community is supportive of one another and you always see familiar faces at business events in the community. There is an abundance of committees for young professionals and the entire business community to become involved in, whatever their interest.”
Micha enjoys Valdosta for its many amenities while keeping in the spirit of a smaller city. Her typical weekend includes a visit to “the Valdosta Farm Days farmers market downtown during the warmer months, strolling the shops and boutiques downtown, challenging friends to a round of bowling at Jac’s Lanes, sipping a glass of wine on the rooftop of Steel Magnolias or even painting a piece of pottery in Remerton.”
Valdosta holds a distinct place in my heart with many wonderful memories. I give it a 7 on my favorite places to be. What city do you have the most memories in?
Courtney doing it like the locals in Zurich. The water is so clean in Switzerland, you fill up water bottles at public fountains.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
-Mark Twain
In the past few months, we’ve hosted half a dozen visitors to our home here in Switzerland and shown them around town and other destinations in Europe. Our friend, Courtney, came on her first international trip in April. Monica’s family just left last week from their first international trip in 28 years. In between, we’ve accommodated a few travelers from Couchsurfing. One thing they all had in a common was that spark you only see when someone has undertaken a trip and is in the process of discovering a new place and new people.
Traveling down the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville at the end of our road trip from Atlanta to Louisville, Ky. This was our first trip together and the beginning of our relationship.
Our story began with traveling when Chris came to visit Monica in Atlanta where we started dating followed shortly after with a road trip as Monica moved to Louisville, Ky. We’ve both shared a love of traveling since we were very young, and we continue to honor that love through our many trips today. We’re passionate about travel, and we want to share that passion with others.
So, here are our top 10 reasons everyone should give traveling a shot.
Foz Do Iguaçu is one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls. Half in Brazil, half in Argentina, the natural landmark is breathtaking.
1. You discover beautiful places that you will remember for a lifetime.
2. You meet so many different types of people. Some you will love, some will make you realize why you love those other people, but, overall, you will discover that all types of people live in every nation. Generally, we are much more alike than different.
3. You develop an understanding and respect for how others live. You will be amazed at what you learn and how your preconceived notions are deconstructed.
Until we took our trip to the Amazon, we never even thought of the possibility of swimming in the Amazon River with native pink dolphins. This was an unbelievable opportunity we are so glad we took advantage of.
4. You open yourself to new possibilities you’ve never even imagined.
5. While traveling opens your eyes to the faults of your home, it also creates an attitude of gratitude by making you appreciate what you have even more. The stark contrast between classes can amaze you.
6. It’s fun.
7. Travel challenges you to push yourself and see where your limits really are. Most of the time, you’ll be surprised at just how far you can go.
8. Travel teaches you valuable skills. You learn how to adjust and communicate to cope in different cultures, sometimes in new languages and sometimes by other means when communicating in the local language is not possible. The skills you develop in travel can be used in a variety of areas in your life, increasing your creativity, adaptability and decision-making skills.
In the Czech Republic, we could afford to go to this medieval show, where one U.S. Dollar is about equal to 20 Czech Korunas. On the other hand, in Switzerland, where the U.S. Dollar and Swiss Franc are about equal and everything is more expensive, we don’t have the budget to support such an extravagance.
9. You learn how to live on a budget. While your dollar may allow you to live as a king in some nations, you may have to watch your budget in others and live below your usual means.
10. You learn new lessons that you can apply to your occupation, such as new sales techniques, new customer demands or a new way of thinking. The more you travel, the more you will be seen in your business as the guy or lady who “thinks outside the box.”
We understand traveling is not everyone’s cup of tea, and there is nothing wrong with being a homebody. Everyone enjoys the comforts of home. Traveling, however, is like exercise. You should engage in it as much as possible for a healthier you. As in exercise, start out small and build up. Try a trip near home first, see how it goes. Once you’ve learned the basics, start expanding to more challenging locations. Immerse yourself in the new place by trying the different foods, speaking with the residents, and partaking in any local events.
Though there are hardships with traveling, the benefits far outweigh them. Why do you travel (or not)?
Syracuse ranks as a 7 on my favorite places to be. What is your favorite college town?
In keeping with the college town theme this month, I’m writing about my current college town, Syracuse, N.Y. I was actually in the city just two weeks ago for one of three times each year I come to New York for my master’s program classes.
Syracuse is an old industrial town with distinct red brick buildings. Where factories used to produce everything from chemicals to furniture, these historic structures now serve as community centers and art galleries.
Favorite Places
Armory Square
The heart of historic downtown, Armory Square is a revitalized area offering the trendiest restaurants, shops and nightclubs. Walking among the red brick, you’ll notice the unique architecture that once housed cavalry and infantry military units. Today, you can find chic spas, microbreweries and boutiques.
The Hall of Languages is the most inconic building on Syracuse University. In front of the structure stands a memorial to the SU victims of the PanAm Flight 103 tragedy.
Syracuse University
A bit of a biased opinion, Syracuse University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Built on rolling hills, the campus is centered by the majestic Hall of Languages, which served as the inspiration for the home in The Addams Family show. It’s a breathtaking view to corner onto University Avenue and see the towering building directly at the end of the street. Next door is the beautiful Crouse College of Fine Arts, reminiscent of a European castle. The stunning deep red bricks are engraved with the original intent of the building as a woman’s college, and the original bell towers, the first in Syracuse, still toll out songs during special occasions.
Crouse College of Fine Arts was first founded as a women’s college. The original bell tower still tolls out during speical occasions.
With its founding in 1870, the university holds plenty of lore. My personal favorite is the tale of the Kissing Bench. Legend says that if lovers kiss on the bench, then they will live happily ever after. Beware, though, if you sit alone on the bench, you will be destined to a lonely life.
As an extension of the main campus, The Warehouse located in downtown Syracuse houses art galleries, community spaces and a cafeteria. Exhibitions include works from student and community artists. You can take the Connective Corridor buses from campus to The Warehouse.
A statue of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to earn the Heisman Trophy, stands outside of Carrier Dome. His retired jersey, #44, hangs inside the stadium.
Less of a sports enthusiast than Chris, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Carrier Dome and the Orange. Known for its powerhouse basketball team, the SU Orangemen have consistently made it to the NCAA Final Four. I took one of the 49,262 seats for the first time just a couple weeks ago for a lacrosse game that SU won. The only domed stadium in the Northeast U.S., it’s easy to see why the facility is such a staple of the SU campus.
Eats
Marshall Street
The ultimate college hangout, Marshall Street is lined from start to finish with eateries and SU apparel stores. You’ll find Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, Insomnia Cookies delivering cookies and milk until 3 a.m., Chipotle’s and more on this iconic stretch. At the end across the street, don’t miss the Varsity and Faegan’s Irish Pub.
Funk ‘N Waffles is an unique restaurant with a new take on a classic. Enjoy the great food while listening to open mic singers.
Funk ‘N Waffles
A one-of-a-kind spot, Funk ‘N Waffles puts a twist on the classic breakfast food. From its own version of chicken-and-waffles to my favorite Nuttella Latte, everyone will find something to delight their taste buds on this menu.
Dinosaur Barbecue
I first had Dinosaur Barbecue during my first residency with SU last year only to move to Brazil a week later and find my landlord had a bottle of its sauce in his refrigerator. Of world fame, this barbecue restaurant serves up a recipe to be reckoned with. Just don’t expect reservations, as my classmates discovered during a tense customer service discussion.
Working in Syracuse
Though the industrial side of Syracuse may be of the past, the city still thrives in business. Cheryl Abrams, communications manager at Crouse Hospital, lifelong resident of Syracuse and my classmate, explains the benefits of working in Syracuse.
The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is one of the top communications schools in the country. Famous alumni incluse Bob Costas, Danny Zucker and Ann McGrath
“The advantage of Syracuse career-wise is its size. While still a busy metro area, it’s small enough for people to really connect and help and support one another,” says Cheryl. “The other big advantage as a communications professional is having Syracuse University and the Newhouse School right here in town. Their students intern with Crouse, and the faculty have come to be a tremendous resource for me.”
Cheryl enjoys her hometown for its many features from a variety of sports outings to shopping districts. She describes an ideal weekend in Syracuse by starting “Friday evening at a favorite eatery, maybe one in Armory Square or Laci’s Tapas Bar in the Hawley-Green District. Saturday morning could begin with a visit to our terrific Farmer’s Market or java at Café Kabul followed by a walk at Onondaga Lake Park or our new Creekwalk that runs through downtown. Afternoons were made for visits to the Everson Museum and drives to some of the most picturesque sites in Central New York, such as Skaneateles and Cazenovia, both about 25 minutes from downtown Syracuse.”
On my first visit to Syracuse during a cool and rainy March weekend last year, I instantly felt a connection with the small city. I give Syracuse a 7. What’s your favorite college town?
As we travel, college towns are among my favorite stops, providing long-established traditions with an exciting vibe of youth. With the exception of newly-added Missouri, I’ve been to every SEC campus for football games, and also traveled to other college towns in each state I’ve visited. However, one college town holds a greater place in my heart than any other, my alma mater, Auburn, Alabama, nestled on I-85 between Atlanta and Montgomery.
Known as the loveliest village on the plains, the town’s nickname has been repeated since it was deemed by Oliver Goldsmith in an 1800s poem. Auburn was incorporated in 1839 and the university was founded in 1856. The main portion of campus is now intertwined with the town’s center and is quite pedestrian friendly.
Our favorite places
Opelika
Nearby Opelika has become a shopping mecca for the area lately, with Tigertown on I-85 at Exit 58 (offering free shuttles to football games) and a revitalized historic downtown area with popular spots including Irish Bred Company and Café 123.
The Oaks at Toomer’s Corner are decorated after a victory. Unfortunately, these majestic trees had to be cut down this year due to vandalism.
Toomer’s Corner
Unfortunately, the most well-known spot, Auburn’s old oaks at Toomer’s Corner were recently cut down after being poisoned by an eccentric fan of an opposing team.
Chewacla State Park
For a nice Saturday picnic, look for Chewacla State Park. Golfers will find one of the nation’s top golf courses at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Auburn University
When you view the famous horses of Kentucky, as we did when we saw Street Sense win at the 2007 Kentucky Derby, most are treated by Auburn veterinarians. This is because Kentucky has no in-state vet school of its own so a reciprocal agreement with Auburn gives AU the designation of Kentucky’s vet school. As you drive off of the main campus and past the Greek community onto Wire Road, you will see the portion of campus that rose from the original agricultural college, leading Alabama legend Bear Bryant to refer to Auburn as that “cow college.” Across this part of the extended campus, Kentucky license plates are everywhere with aspiring veterinarians attending school at in-state rates.
Many Auburn students fall in love with the area and elect to remain, working either at the university or for an area business, such as Briggs & Stratton, Kia, GE Aviation and several automobile part suppliers.
Samford Hall serves as the most picturesque building for Auburn University, and we had our engagement photos taken here.
Samford Hall
A walk from Toomer’s Corner on the edge of downtown to Samford Hall is recommended and picturesque. Stop at Toomer’s Drugs, the namesake drugstore from long ago and grab a famous lemonade to stay refreshed as you walk.
Lovelace Athletic Museum
Nestled on the side of the new coliseum is the Lovelace Athletic Museum, home to several athletic national championship trophies along with text on the history of Auburn athletics, quotes from Auburn stars and coaches, and recordings of screaming fans while the late Jim Fyffe yells “Touchdown Auburn” in the manner of a South American soccer broadcast. Auburn fans will definitely want to make a stop. Just be sure to stop and pick up a visitor pass from the police department if you want to avoid a parking citation.
The Jordan-Hare Stadium is a mainstay on the Auburn campus. Fans chant the War Eagle anthem while cheering on the Tigers.
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Towering above the arena is Jordan-Hare Stadium, the nation’s 10th largest on-campus stadium with seating capacity for more than 87,000 and statues of three Heisman trophy winners standing out front facing Haley Center, the campus’ tallest building. Whenever possible, we attend the Auburn-Georgia game. I wear my orange and blue while Monica wears the red and black of her home state. An SEC football game is likely the greatest cultural experience for a tourist to witness while in the southeastern United States. Obviously, Auburn fans have a certain bias toward their own stadium and rituals, so I will allow the description to come from a writer from Syracuse, Monica’s graduate school, after his first visit to the Auburn campus.
Bud Poliquin of Syracuse: “Believe me on this. Please. I have descended into college football’s Grand Canyon. I have stood in its Alps. I have gazed at its ocean sunset. I have attended a game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. And I’ve been changed forever.”
Eats
In downtown, you’ll find typical southeastern college eateries such as Mellow Mushroom and Cheeburger Cheeburger along with a constantly changing landscape of bars and nightclubs, which have always struggled to maintain a lengthy stay under one name due to Auburn’s laws requiring a certain percentage of sales to be food rather than drinks. The popular Bodega Bar sold hotdogs at lunch time during my tenure at AU to try to meet this requirement. It, too, couldn’t last and is now known as The Bank Vault. One alcohol establishment has remained throughout the years, The War Eagle Supper Club, a small dump on College Street, which has been ranked by Playboy Magazine as one of the nation’s top 50 college bars and is renowned for concerts over the past several decades. This bar even gives you a ride home in “The Drunk Bus,” a van sporting a license plate that reads “NO DUI.”
Creole and Seafood Shack remains ESPN’s favorite recommendation. Anything New Orleans style sounds good to us. Niffer’s burgers and fishbowl drinks are legendary across campus. A second location has also now opened in downtown Opelika; there you can find half-price burgers Wednesday evenings. And while on campus, walk past all of the Chick-Fil-A locations and head to Momma Goldberg’s, the original Jewish deli location that has now begun franchising, and order a “Momma’s Love.”
For barbecue, the traditional choice is The Barbecue House (also serving breakfast for early Saturday morning football games) although Mike and Ed’s is also now wildly popular. And at night, the top choice for most Auburn locals would be Amsterdam Café.
If the town of Auburn is a bit more city-like than you prefer or to escape the game day crowds, you can quickly make it to the country for a dinner at Good Ol’ Boys in a portion of Auburn that was one of the last areas annexed, and is still surrounded by pastures.
Working in Auburn
“Job opportunities are numerous and keep growing with the continued expansion of the technology and industrial parks,” says Joe McAdory, the former editorial page editor of the Opelika-Auburn News who is now serving as the communications editor for the Auburn University College of Business, about working in Auburn. “It’s a progressive, academic city with an eye on the economic future, security of its residents and overall quality of life.”
Joe says Auburn is attractive for its simplicity with working commutes averaging around 15 minutes without the traffic jams witnessed in more metropolitan areas. Working professionals also have plenty options for lunch with less than a 10-minute commute to and from a variety of restaurants.
A drawback is the lack in variety of recreation venues. “Auburn does not offer a multitude of entertainment opportunities like larger cities,” says Joe. “Probably the largest area attraction revolves around Auburn University athletics and four public area 18-hole championship golf courses and three private courses.”
All and all, though, Joe says he enjoys “the small-town feel and ease in commuting that working in Auburn offers.”
Auburn is a 7 on our list any day but shoots to a 10 on game days. What would you give it?
How do I rate Auburn? On any given day of the year it is about a seven out of 10, standing as one of my favorite places to be but offering no competition to world landmarks we often visit. However, on a nice autumn day on the Plains when the town suddenly transforms into a metropolitan area with 90,000 screaming fans and more who make the drive just to sit outside where normal open container laws are suspended for the day, I’d take Bud Poliquin’s assessment and give it a 10.
April showers bring May flowers. We live in a farming community where our flat is surrounded by barns and pastures. When we first got here, everything was covered in snow. Since Spring has finally arrived, this community has come to life.
Farmers are out on their tractors; the cows we only saw in the barns before have been let out to pasture; and our neighbors will soon be receiving their annual flock of sheep. We’ve also started emerging from our cocoon of the heated flat and triple layers of clothes to enjoy afternoon walks.
These photos are a collection I’ve taken to show how beautiful the Switzerland countryside is in Spring. Enjoy!
A view with the Alps in the background from a walking path nearby our flat.Flowers start to bloom in a neighbor’s garden.A neighbor’s, Farmer Michael, calf spends some time in the round pen.A farm dog takes a break from his many duties.A neighbor’s garden is beginning to sprout.This is the stream that runs behind our flat with the overpass we walk over to go to town.A farmer moves fresh hay for the cows to the barn.An advertisement for a chocolate company sits in a nearby pasture.Community garden plots can be found all along the train route.A tractor makes it way across a pasture below the barn.Cows are let out to pasture while a horse walks with his rider in the background.The flowers are blooming, and it makes me think this place is going to be hard to leave.One of the many cats in and around our farming community. They help the farmers keep mice out of the barns.Even the snails that have begun to emerge are beautiful with their swirled shells.
It’s been said that if my head were not attached to my body, I would lose it. I’ve been known to lose keys, cell phones, earrings (notoriously bad for this one), and once a small child. So, it’s no surprise that I’ve lost my purse here – twice. What is surprising, though, is that both times it’s been returned to me with everything intact; nothing, not even the cash, missing. I’m pretty sure of all the places we’ve traveled to or lived in, Switzerland is the only place this would happen.
The safest country in world?
Throughout the years, Switzerland has been thought to be the safest country in Europe, if not the world. This long-standing accolade has been attributed to various factors, such as the country’s gun laws, mandatory military service for all eligible males, and the country’s maintained neutrality.
However, a report released in 2011 did show crime was on an upward trend in Switzerland. We have noticed more warnings about pickpockets on the trains since we arrived, but with my purse incidents, I would never guess it.
Roadside stands selling fresh bread and flowers can be found in Switzerland where payment is on the honor system. Photo Credit: Courtney Anderson
People here are very aware of how safe their country can be. Never before have I seen stands where fresh bread and flowers are left out with a money box. It’s all on the honor system, and you just take what you need while leaving your payment. There is no one standing guard, and it works. I’ve been told that these sort of stands can be found in rural areas in the U.S. (though I grew up in one and don’t recall seeing any), but you find them in more metropolitan areas here as well.
Taking pride
Swiss flags fly in the countryside and in cities, at private residences and public spaces; you can find the white cross on red shield just about anywhere.
The Swiss are a proud lot, and integrity is up there on the list of priorities. There is a lot of national pride here, with Swiss flags flying high from public spaces and private residences. And, for all that is holy, don’t offend the Swiss by confusing them with Swedish people or the country as part of the European Union.
This pride can also be seen in the famous Swiss organization and cleanliness. People in stores here actually help the staff keep the shop in order. When items are out of place or knocked to the floor, no matter who walks by, the item is picked up and replaced. If a person sees a bit of trash on the ground, he will pick it up and throw it away. The approach seems to be more of a caring about your place as a whole instead of a singular idea about only what is convenient for you.
I can’t help to think that if we all took this attitude how much nicer public spaces and everything else would be all over the world. Instead of thinking “I didn’t drop it; it’s not my responsibility,” what if we all thought “This will help my community; it makes this place better for not only me but everyone to enjoy?”
Flowers are left at the scene of two explosions that occured during the Boston Marathon.
Two explosions ripped through the Boston Marathon Monday. I first learned about this tragedy as I was checking Facebook before I planned to go to bed. I saw an update on the news feed about the attack, and my stomach dropped. I started shouting for Chris, and we frantically began searching the web for any information. Minutes later, we were able to find live streaming video from NBC with Brian Williams. We stayed glued to it well past midnight here (6 p.m. EST).
Hitting too close to home
I don’t know why, but it seems tragedies like this hit me harder now than when I lived back home. Maybe it’s the feeling of helplessness being so far away. Maybe it’s not having other Americans close by to share in the sadness and sense of community. Maybe it’s the unanswerable questions I receive from non-Americans about why my country seems to be full of craziness. Whatever it is, it hurts.
Most of Monday night, I cried as I heard one story after another coming out of the crisis in Boston: a mother was hysterical as she was searching for her daughter at a local hospital; a runner couldn’t find his family who was waiting for him at the finish line; and one of the first photos showed blood and bandages strewn across Boylston Street.
Understanding the pain
We’re not robots, and no two people cope with tragedies in the same exact manner. There are the universal five stages of grief, but we even experience these at different times and show our emotions in varying ways.
While living abroad, we’ve dealt with two national crises and a few smaller emergencies back home. This is how we got through the difficult times.
1. Check in with friends and family
The silver lining of tragedies is they bring people together.
I have a few friends in Boston, so I immediately sent messages Monday evening to them to make sure they were alright. Thankfully, there were all ok. My family lives far from Boston, but I still wanted to talk them. Chris Skyped with his mom about what had taken place and how it was affecting people back home.
Being able to share thoughts and find comfort with those you trust and care for is a powerful balm.
2. Send support
When a crisis strikes and you’re thousands of miles away, you can still help.
With the advent of social media, people from across the globe are helping. From words of encouragement to sharing information, such as Google’s People Finder and the FBI’s request for photos or videos from the event, people are filling up social media platforms with support for Boston. People can also send also send contributions to reputable charities that are assisting in the aftermath of the explosions.
Though it may feel like you’re powerless being so far away, there are actions you can take to support the recovering efforts, which helps when it comes to dealing effectively with tragedy.
3. Find a healthy outlet
As people cope with tragedies differently, each person needs to find his own way of expressing feelings in a safe way.
While we were watching coverage of the explosions Monday evening, Chris put all his efforts into doing web searches and finding information. He focuses on tasks. I started writing this blog post and was on Skype ranting with my dad about the cowards who would hurt innocent people. I focus on words.
However you deal, find the way that allows you to release the most emotion without causing harm. We need to exert this energy before we can move on with the business of recovering.
4. Be safe
Sometimes national crises can have international repercussions.
I like to check the embassy or consulate website of where we currently are and the U.S. State Department website for any information on international effects when tragedy strikes. Our current location is also registered with the State Department, so we receive email alerts if anything in our region is a potential threat.
Being aware if a tragedy at home may be affecting you or your travel abroad can help prevent other emergencies.
As Chris and I watch the investigation unfold, our thoughts continue to be with the victims and all those affected by the Boston Marathon explosions. We hope swift justice comes to those responsible.
