Sunday, August 1st, Swiss National Day

Hello,

Our last Sunday in Switzerland was the Swiss National Day in celebration of the charter signed in 1291 among the first three original states. We spend the day with friends who had organized a picnic in the woods close to the alps. On our way we had a good look on the Mont Blanc. We gathered in a nice shelter, much like a log cabin (picture 1), paid for by the village close by and open to the public free of charge.

We had a great time while the many children played together in a field nearby and rode their bike. At the end of the day we drove a short distance to the place where Bryan had a race in the evening. He did very well on the 7k cross and finished 3rd (picture 2).

Because we were in a small village, the people there gathered in an auditorium for the official national ceremony and celebration. It started with free sausages and drinks, followed by the official speech by a member of the municipality. After that everybody went outside for the traditional bonfire (picture 3).

Around 10 p.m. we drove to the Vevey to see the fireworks over the Lake of Geneva (picture 4). We went back home past midnight, it was a long day but one we enjoyed very much.

Phil