After 13 years of living in Switzerland, Jo is finally allowed to have her say in her new home country and participate in the democratic process. The Swiss elections are coming up and after becoming Swiss, this might be the second most exciting day for a new citizen. The papers have arrived (a long time ago) and are ready to be explored. Let's do the unboxing together and talk about the specialities of the Swiss elections.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• What's it like to get the the election material for the first time?
• What's inside the envelope?
• How do you vote?
• Smartvote

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The Swiss can't get enough of it: Rivella is the Alpine nation's traditional soft drink of choice. But there's an unusual ingredient hiding beneath the bubbles of this thirst-quenching liquid. Any idea what it is?

In this episode, we'll introduce you to the delights of Switzerland's weird and wonderful fizzy refreshment, and Simon takes a blind Rivella taste test to find out how Swiss he is after all.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• Facts and figures
• Different colours of Rivella bottles and their meaning
• The drink experiment!

Learning Swiss German

How to properly order a Rivella in Switzerland.

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If you're looking for Christmas magic, put Colmar, France on your list of must-see places. A beautiful city at any time of year, it is decorated and lit up to perfection every Christmas.

The city's cobbled streets are flanked by Medieval or Renaissance-period buildings and small canals run alongside the main thoroughfares. There are six different markets to see, each with a different focus such as artisan crafts, food or even an area aimed at children. On top of all that, the city's park has an ice rink and even a merry-go-round that has been adapted into a highly festive rotating drinkery.

Although Switzerland has an abundance of lovely Christmas markets, a trip to Colmar is something special: we'll tell you why in this latest episode!  

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• We talk about user feedback. Send yours here.
• Colmar and its Christmas markets

Learning Swiss German

The word in this episode was "biräweich".

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It can take time to figure out what the useful websites are when you move to a new country. What are the most-popular car-sharing, price comparison, weather and buy-and-sell sites in Switzerland? We crowdsourced a list of the must-know websites in Switzerland from our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers. In this episode we explain why they're useful and what we personally think of them.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• Send your audio file to our inbox or directly to 0041 76 282 67 66
• Vote results from our last episode
•  Full list of useful websites from our group on Facebook
• Galaxus and Gonser
• tutti, anibis
• Comparis
• Toppreise
• deepl
• Meteo Suisse
• Mobility
• Peakfinder
• Alertswiss
•  How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat - a previous episode

Learning Swiss German

The word in this episode was "Sidäfin".

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Warning: this episode is a rollercoaster! We try to navigate our way through a traditional Swiss kitchen, and explain the classic items you'll find in any Swiss kitchen cupboard. From flavourings to implements, we lift the table cloth on the secrets of Switzerland's home dining habits - and we reveal a few foody preferences of our own along the way. Plus: what's missing in a standard Swiss kitchen? We name three items that we can't live without, but which have proven to be somewhat of a novelty to your average Swiss.

Interested in connecting with us and other listeners?

Want to chat about the show, talk about life in Switzerland or even meet up? We want to know how! Please vote and we'll try and make it happen. If anything is missing, you can add it in the comments at the bottom of this page.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• Vote results from our last episode
• Thanks to 'AGBinCH' for the helpful comment
• What you'll find in a Swiss kitchen
• Aromat and Kressi
• After Eights in Switzerland, here, here and here
• What's missing in Swiss kitchens

Learning Swiss German

Chnuuschti - if you have a better explanation, let us know in the comments.

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After Jo got her Swiss passport it was time to step up and get her first real taste of Swiss democracy… and what better way to do it than going to vote in the regular Swiss polls in person.

In this episode, we talk about how to vote in person or by post, and how to navigate political discussions with the Swiss.

The Swiss and Chips vote

Come and vote, we want to hear from you!

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• First time voting in Switzerland!
• When can you vote after becoming Swiss?
• When can you go and vote and how often?
• Where can you vote?
• How does it work?

Learning Swiss German

Our word in this episode: 'Gfröörli'.

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The traditional ways to travel between the UK and Switzerland are plane, train and car. 2022 turned out to be the year we used the channel tunnel to make the trip for the first time. We drove from Bern to England and then back a few weeks later. It was an experience to remember! And one that’s worth talking about and sharing with you.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• Why did we end up driving by car? What is the advantage?
• Which route did we take, how long is the journey and how are the stops on the way?
• Which route to take, how long is the journey and how are the stops on the way?
•  Recommendations in our Facebook Group.
• The Channel Tunnel video on YouTube.

Learning Swiss German

Our word(s) in this episode: 'Plapperä' and 'Plapperi'.

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It took around two years, but the moment has finally come. Ten months after the final interview a confirmation letter arrived in the post: Jo is Swiss! Now that's worth talking about.

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

What happened so far: Check out our other episodes on 'How to become Swiss'. What happened since the interview What changes after becoming Swiss What's next?

Learning Swiss German

Our word in this episode is: 'Gschtabi'.

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The BEA is open! This annual traditional Swiss fair is a must-see for anyone living in or around Bern and it's open until May 8 this year. From donkey displays to fairground rides and the chance to sample local beers and a staggering range of cheese, there is so much to see for children and adults. 

We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly hidden place.

 Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• The BEA website with prices, opening hours and tickets
• The map to find your way around the event
• A hidden place for you to check out in Switzerland: Schwarzsee (Black Lake): find two on our website.

Learning Swiss German

Our word in this episode is: 'Zuckerwatte'.

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Snow, a frozen lake and beautiful mountains: there aren't many more things you need to complete the perfect Swiss winter destination. When we headed to St. Moritz in January 2022 we had high expectations for this famous ski resort with a glitzy reputation. And it absolutely lived up to them! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing. 

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

• Reasons to go (there's more to see than the ski slopes!)
• How to get there
• Where to stay
• What to do while you're there

Learning Swiss German

This episode's word is: Iischzapfä. Hint: you'll see a lot of these in Switzerland in the winter!

Don't forget to visit our website for photos.

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Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to [email protected], a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66.

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