Bulletin of the Former ITU Staff Members’ Association

EDITORIAL Christmas: a special time for

all children to enjoy December 2009 themselves... and yet… Bulletin No. 26

hristmas this year helplessness of our trades there is. Human Summary Clike all the other super-globalized society trafficking each year Christmases will be in the face of an evil affects between 700,000 1 Editorial heralded by a frenzy of that affects children and two million consumption, mostly worst of all. The end of persons, most of whom 3 Constituant aimed at children. the double term of office are children, and brings General Assembly We are already of the United Nations in about nine billion being submerged by Secretary-General, euros a year. Gangs 3 Health Insurance catalogues of toys, Mr Kofi Annan — who are very efficiently Fund News advertisements, was one of the most organized and are 4 Complementary pictures, fairy lights, remarkable persons to mostly controlled by insurance Christmas markets, head the organization – the mafia. The Figaro mountains of chocolates has given rise to a good article of December 4 Antartica and Yule “bûches”. deal of retrospective 2006 gives some horrific The whole world soul searching, but if details of the goals they 7 Excursion to will be celebrating. there is one area where ruthlessly pursue. Engadine Father Christmases the UN has failed, it is wander about the undoubtedly in the fight Just a few days before 11 Globetrotters’ streets, talking to the against the trafficking I read the article in Corner children they happen of human beings and the Figaro, as I was to meet, who react especially children. casually browsing 11 Walking Tours with delight or a tinge through the offerings 2009 of apprehension. In I thought I would call in a bookshop, a book 17 Surprise stroll America, China, Africa your attention to this caught my eye and and across the globe problem because I know I opened it at once, 17 Our website Christmas is supposed that most of us have because its author to be a festival for all grandchildren whom had been sent by the 18 They have passed children. And yet in we love and spoil and United Nations on a away this festive season, as because perhaps in the mission to Liberia to I was tidying up my light of these Christmas combat the trafficking 19 End of year wishes book shelves, I came festivities we might give of children. The book across an article and a thought to the scourge tells of the full horror 20 Committee of the a book that had moved of child trafficking, of this modern-day Association me deeply at the time, which has shamefully form of slavery, which because they were both been allowed to spread ensnares girls and boys, about children and across the globe and mostly from the poorer they highlighted the which is now one of countries, often from paradoxes and the the most lucrative North Africa, Eastern Page 2 Bulletin of the Association

Europe or the Balkans. The form of slavery. At the Warsaw it is protected by “clients” in high “work” of the traffickers is greatly Summit in 2005, the Council of positions. facilitated by the endemic poverty Europe invited its 46 members to affecting certain sectors of the ratify the Convention on Action I warmly recommend Celthia de population. Parents attracted by against Trafficking in Human Lavarène’s book, even though the lure of paid jobs do not hesitate Beings. Only three members it is now three years old. It still to “entrust” their children to the did so, as a result of which the applies in today’s world and is gangs of smugglers. Celthia de Convention has still not come into very moving. It is based on real Lavarène, the head of mission who effect. We elect members to the experience that cannot leave you wrote the book and who earlier held Strasbourg Parliament or those of indifferent. The author has also the same position in Bosnia, has us who live in democracies outside founded an NGO (Stop Trafficking been confronted in Liberia with a Europe vote to elect deputies or of People, STOP). shocking situation. The children are MPs. Let us try to convince our “acquired” or “bought” in countries elected representatives to make the Children are our future. Nowadays that actually host UN peace-keeping eradication of this traffic a priority. it is fashionable to express forces, NGOs and other senior Let us take action and write to repentance for historic atrocities. officials. Some of the passages of the press, to make sure that the This is fine, but it does nothing the book are deeply disturbing. problem, which is never headline to remove the horrors that are Childhood innocence is something news, is at least not forgotten. For all around us and that we are we like to cherish at a time of our the last year, all we have ever read sometimes unaware of, and if a few lives when our own childhood seems about in our dailies and weeklies is brave people are willing to wage far away, yet as Christmas is upon the economic and financial crisis, an uphill battle and to open our us I cannot help casting my mind which is now the number one eyes, we have no right to remain back to the little girls described in priority of all the world leaders. indifferent and complacently “Un visa pour l’enfer” and the hell If we remain silent, the traffic just bask in the light of our they have to endure. will spread its tentacles like an grandchildren’s radiant faces in octopus until it overtakes even drug front of the Christmas tree. Can we do anything about it? Yes trafficking in magnitude, because we can. In the first place, some trading children instead of drugs efforts are being made by European is less risky, because it attracts Governments to combat this latest less public attention and because Françoise Sala

Bibliography:

– Article: Le traffic d’êtres humains s’étend en Europe (Human trafficking is spreading in Europe), Le Figaro, 27 December 2006

– Book: Un visa pour l’enfer (A visa for hell), Celthia de Lavarène, published by Editions Arthème Fayard, 2006 December 2009 Page 3

Constituent General Assembly on 17th November 2009

he Constituent General On the occasion of the formation of TAssembly of our Association the new Association we would like took place on 17th November to render hommage to the three 2009. Some 75 people took part in founder members (Françoise Sala, it. During this General Assembly Jean Balfroid and Pierre-André the new Statutes were adopted Traub) without whom it would not unanimously by the attending have come into being. We see them members. here on the photo taken at our Anniversary Lunch in Yvoire (see The minutes of the General Bulletin No. 25). Assembly, as well as the new The Committee Statutes of our Association, are enclosed with this bulletin.

Health Insurance Fund News

s you know, after three 3-year Financial statements and 2008 Meetings of the Permanent Aterms on the Management report Sub-Committee Committee of the Staff Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), I did not This year, once again, and despite The sub-committee met twice to seek a fourth term as I believed it its repeated requests for the past deal with special cases submitted could be useful to have the interests several years, the Committee did by policy-holders. The first meeting of our policy-holders looked not receive the Fund’s monthly was held in mid-September and the after by some colleagues who are accounts, as stipulated in article other one at the end of October; younger than me. 3.11 of the Statutes. 27 cases were examined.

Nevertheless, I kept in regular Despite the requests of the Committee Meetings contact with those of our colleagues participants’ representatives, the I have noted that, for more than a at ILO who were re-elected for the annual report for 2008 was not year, there have been no minutes of term 2009-2011, in order to be kept published at the end of the 1st these meetings. appraised of the work of the new semester, 2009. To refresh your Management Committee. memory, the same thing happened Long-Term Care last year. To my knowledge, the Financial Situation Committee received, some time ago, The question is still under a preliminary draft of which the consideration. I regret to inform Despite an increase in medical final version should be published you that no progress has been costs, the financial position of the between now and the end of 2009… made. Fund has remained healthy and the guarantee fund, despite the On this topic, there was a change of Reminder: the ceilings for percentage figure shown at the auditors who modified the method EMS costs [social health-care end of the next section, is greater of calculating the investments; establishments] were increased as than the minimum foreseen in the this gives different results; the of 1st January 2005. Statutes. new method reflects a decline of 4.3% in the guarantee funds “as That is all I can tell you to date. I recalculated for 2007”. It seems shall not fail to keep you informed impossible to get any more precise of the operation of the Fund. explanation for this difference! Jacques Bacaly Page 4 Bulletin of the Association

Complementary insurance

joint planning meeting was held on 13th October assistance clause was included. The latter was managed A 2009; it brought together the ITU Staff Union and by a contract with International S.O.S. MSPINT.ORG – ALLIANZ, with participation of the ITU Former Staff Members’ Association in the persons As regards the year 2007, expenditure incurred by of P. Johner and E. Augsburger. retirees had been less than forecast; as a result, MSPINT.ORG had refunded CHF 27’279 to them. In In the spring of 2009, the ITU Staff Union had called 2008, expenditure had tended to rise – like an elevator. for bids for complementary (health) insurance coverage In the opinion of the insurers, it seemed unwise to for ITU staff in service or retired. Only one offer had consider a reduction in contributions; better to await been received and it emanated from the current insurer, the final results for 2008 and to look at the situation MSPINT.ORG. Four other insurance companies had again in spring, 2010. stated that the coverage they could offer under their existing conditions did not correspond in full to the The insurers also pointed out that coverage for daily bid specifications. During the last General Assembly, allowances in the event of hospitalization (CHF 300 the Staff Union thus decided to continue to entrust per day with a cap of CHF 18,000 per person per the complementary insurance coverage to MSPINT. year) would likely be very costly, whereas this item ORG who managed that insurance on behalf of AGF had not been sufficiently evaluated to determine the Company. contribution amount. (The latter coverage concerns policy-holders who subscribed to the new conditions On this topic it was indicated during the joint planning from 1st January, 2009.) meeting that AGF had been taken over by the ALLIANZ Company which itself was represented in The new conditions (refunding at 100%) were accepted by H I C. by 66.21% of retirees.

The current contract with AGF would be replaced According to the wish of MSPINT.ORG, information shortly by a new one with ALLIANZ. relating to the complementary insurance coverage would be communicated to retirees in the bi-annual For policy-holders who had adhered to the new service bulletin of the ITU Former Staff Members’ Association. agreement from 1st January 2009, an international E. Augsburger

Antarctica – The white continent devoted to peace

alking about my three trips to Antarctica (to freely exchange the results. The Treaty is to come up Tthe Ross Sea in 2000, the Peninsula in 2007, the for review in 2041. Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Peninsula in 2009), I realize that I set foot on a continent that is not well known. Just a few (brief) facts: the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 nations. Thereafter, eight more countries joined in a consultative capacity and another 21 countries joined later. The Treaty covers Antarctica, as well as the sub-Antarctic islands. Although certain countries have territorial claims and have permanent bases there, Article IV does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial sovereignty claims. Article I stipulates that Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only. The signatories are authorized to perform research and are encouraged to

Map Antarctica December 2009 Page 5

You may conclude from the preceding paragraph We were also privileged to be able to visit some that there are currently only scientists on this white scientific bases, in particular those of the United States continent. However, well before the Treaty was signed (McMurdo Station), New Zealand (Scott Base), in 1959, explorers like Cook, who circumnavigated (Terra Nova) and (Dumont d’ Urville). These the area between 1772 and 1775, had caught sight bases are small villages; as regards the McMurdo of this continent from afar (without knowing it was Station, you might even call it a small town, with an Antarctica). Thus did Cook discover South Georgia airport, church, hospital and fire brigade. These bases as well as the South Sandwich Islands. The man who are manned all year long, albeit with a reduced team discovered and first set foot in Antarctica, in 1820, was in winter. Just imagine: in winter, there are only a few the Russian explorer Bellinghausen. hours of sunlight each day; that’s when the staff gets out to check their research instruments and record During my first visit (to the Ross Sea), I was able the data. The rest of the time is spent indoors. Close to visit the huts of some explorers like Carsten proximity with others, who are not necessarily friends, Borchgrevink (1898), Robert Scott (1901 and 1911), may begin to strain nerves after just a few weeks. Ernest Shackleton (1907), Douglas Mawson (1912) and Edmund Hillary (1957). These huts had been But tourists don’t embark on these long, turbulent built by the members of those expeditions and then voyages (especially in the Antarctic Convergence!) just abandoned. The governments of Australia and New to see explorers’ huts, scientific bases and abandoned Zealand provided the funds and manpower for their whaling stations, no matter how impressive. They restoration. In fact, it was a representative of these come also for the wildlife, the animals, the birds. two countries who had the key to let to us in. We saw Boat trips and landings are strictly regulated by there some personal belongings, research instruments, IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour penguins and seals (well preserved) that were used Operators). During my three trips there, I never for research and their fat as fuel or food. There were saw another boat, because the organizers of these even some remaining canned foods. It is difficult to expeditions are required to coordinate their respective describe personal emotions on entering these mythical itineraries with IAATO. Landings are done in small huts. So much courage, perseverance and endurance groups. On board, passengers are obliged to attend are gathered in such a confined space, where these information meetings to learn the codes of conduct. In adventurous men crammed in together. summary, these are to protect fauna and flora, respect protected areas and scientific research, be careful and keep Antarctica untainted. Once the rules have been absorbed, the tourists are ready to get dressed warmly and to carefully clean their boots before leaving the ship. Boots are again brushed vigorously before boarding the zodiacs for the return trip to the ship. What belongs in Antarctica, has to stay there!

Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds

Zodiac on ice shelf Page 6 Bulletin of the Association

Walking among the penguins, otters, seals and nesting shades of blue and green of the icebergs against a sky albatross is an unforgettable experience. Of course, it is of yet another shade of blue. I also witnessed intensely essential to stay at least 5 meters away and not disturb orange sunsets and sunrises. Indeed, in summer, in them. After all, this is their territory. It is surprising these latitudes, the sun never sets for very long! to experience their “hospitality”: these animals are unaware that man can be destructive. The first time I stood among penguins, I didn’t know where to look; there was so much movement to and fro and so many scenes of penguin “family life”! I remembered the instructions I had got on board: sit down and just observe. At any moment a nosy penguin might approach the visitor to examine this “funny bird”. To observe animal life at such close range (and “in the raw”) is truly a privilege. At the beginning of this year, at St. Andrews Bay in South Georgia, we saw a colony of 250,000 couples with their chicks, totalling 750,000 royal penguins. Breathtaking! But don’t inhale too deeply; their guano is particularly pungent.

Adélie penguins on iceberg

Trips to Antarctica take place in summer (between the end of November and the beginning of March). Nevertheless, it is advisable to dress warmly because the temperatures around the Peninsula, for example, vary between –5 and +9 degrees Celsius. Weather may change very quickly and strong winds may drop the temperature dramatically. In my specially-made anorak, I was rather warm, except on one occasion. In 2000, in the Ross Sea, we were seated in the zodiac for 45 minutes to observe the shelter built by Mawson in 1912 in the coldest and most wind-swept spot. We were able to verify this fact: even the salt water from the sea St Andrews Bay, South Georgia spray on our anoraks turned to ice!

Why am I so attracted to Antarctica? Is it because there You think Antarctica is all black and white? Wrong. are so few humans there? A natural world, devoted to Each area is different from the next and provides a peace – that’s what you’ll discover there. unique landscape: in addition to the colours and shapes of the various species of penguins and birds or the Petra Bravenboer brown/orange/yellow rock faces, you can see different December 2009 Page 7

Excursion to Engadine organized by Bernard Bourloud from Monday 14th to Friday 18th September 2009 Upper and Lower Engadine – National park – Bernina – Alp Grüm – Poschiavo via the Glacier-Express

f our colleague Bernard Bourloud proposes taking you propulsion to cope with some major differences of Ion a new excursion to Engadine, don’t hum and haw; level, was to be our “home coach” from 10.40 a.m. to don’t hesitate to board that train. He knows that area of 4.46 p.m. Firstly, a welcome aperitif was laid on in the canton of Grisons like the back of his hand! Thirty the observation coaches. Then a delicious meal was participants forgathered for the trip he had organized served by diligent staff and the participants were able within the framework of excursions for ITU’s Former to admire their ability to skillfully cope with the loops Staff Members’ Section. In short, everything turned and curves of the track. Of particular note was the out perfectly; the weather was almost perfect, the hotel waiter who demonstrated his skill at serving liqueurs, more than perfect. For more details, let me give you by holding a small goblet level with his belt and filling a day-to-day account of that beautiful, 2009 autumn it as he raised the bottle above his head. Quite a few excursion. liqueur lovers greeted his prowess with a round of warm applause, and so created an equally warm atmosphere in our carriage! Do not think the show was going on only inside the carriage. Here, to refresh your memory, is the description given by Bernard Bourloud in his programme. “The Glacier Express (through Fiesch – Oberwald – Andermatt – Oberalp Pass – Disentis – Coire – Thusis – Bergün) winds its way through the most beautiful Swiss Alpine landscapes, unspoiled natural scenery with beautiful mountain forests, quiet pastures, limpid torrents in the depth of valleys where ancient traditions abound”. During the 6-hour train journey, our amazement remained at a high level, culminating at 7900 feet when we crossed the Oberalp pass! Railway enthusiasts may want to learn that on the way from Brigue to Samedan, the tracks belong to two privately-owned railway companies. The first is the Furka-Oberalp Co., on the section from Brigue to Monday 14th September – – Disentis, the other is the Rhaetian Railroad Co. (RhB), Brigue – Glacier Express – Andermatt on the section from Disentis to Samedan. On the subject of Rhaetian railroads it should be recalled that this – Disentis – Samedan company was rewarded in 2008 with the distinction of The author, who had been forewarned that he would becoming a part of UNESCO’s “World Heritage”. have the job of recounting the excursion, was not at the station in Geneva-Cornavin for the departure of the Here is Wikipedia’s description: train at 7.56 a.m. He will leave it up to you to imagine “The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina the usual atmosphere that prevailed as participants landscapes brings together two historic railway lines gathered, were counted and then given their seats in that cross the Swiss Alps through two passes. Opened the carriage that had been reserved in the name of our in 1904, the Albula line in the north western part of the guide for the trip from Geneva to Brigue. At 9.05 a.m., property is 67 km long. It features an impressive set of the train stopped in Montreux, where the last member structures including 42 tunnels and covered galleries of the group boarded; he had been designated by his and 144 viaducts and bridges. The 61 km Bernina pass colleagues to write this report! Here, therefore, are a line features 13 tunnels and galleries and 52 viaducts few of his own memories of the trip. and bridges. The property is exemplary of the use of the railway to overcome the isolation of settlements in the On arrival in Brigue at 10.30 a.m., we had ten minutes Central Alps early in the 20th century, with a major and to catch the “Glacier Express” that would ferry us lasting socio-economic impact on life in the mountains. directly from Brigue up to Samedan. This ultramodern, It constitutes an outstanding technical, architectural narrow-gauge railway, fitted with rack and pinion and environmental ensemble and embodies Page 8 Bulletin of the Association

architectural and civil engineering achievements, in with care and giving each other a helping hand). We harmony with the landscapes through which they pass.” all met up at the Il Fuorn Hotel to catch the bus to Müstair, where we arrived at 2.19 p.m. Arriving in Samedan in the sunshine, we loaded our bags in the waiting van of the Hotel Quadratscha. Then the group reached the magnificent, 4-star hotel on foot in just a few minutes. The programme described it thus: “Situated in a central, sunny as well as quiet location, our Alpenhotel is within very easy reach of public transport. You may read a good book from the considerably well stocked library of our inviting salon and savour some excellent Swiss cuisine in the bright, Engadine-style restaurant. The vast, panoramic indoor swimming pool as well as the wellness centre invite you to relax after a long day in the great outdoors”.

After having taken the time to invest our respective rooms, we were invited to a welcome aperitif, at 6.30 p.m., in the hotel’s splendid library. When we got to our rooms we were surprised to find a personal welcome message from the hotel manageress, together with some fresh fruit and, on each pillow, a personal message from Bernard Bourloud together with a small, regional treat. With a view to finding out all about St. John’s nunnery At 7.30 p.m. we went from the library to the restaurant in Müstair, Bernard Bourloud had organized a guided for the evening meal. Each participant looked for the tour. And so we went through this splendid monument, seat that had been assigned by our guide, then we which is a part of UNESCO’s “World Heritage” studied the fare which was described on a beautifully and which owes its existence and distinctiveness illustrated menu card. Around our table the comments to Charlemagne. In addition, it is one of the few sang the praises both of the beauty of the trip and of the architectural reminders of Carolingian times. The quality and atmosphere inside the chosen hotel. At the church attached to the nunnery, built in 775 A.D., end of the evening, further laudatory comments were boasts the world’s largest collection of Carolingian made as to the quality of the meal we had just been frescos; these date back to around 800 A.D. and served. Before parting company, our guide reminded us constitute an art treasure of the early Middle Ages. In of life’s harsh realities, telling us that reveille, next day, the museum of the “Plantaturm” convent, the nuns was 6 a.m., that breakfast was served from 7 a.m. and gave us a taste of their daily lot. The oldest tower in the that departure from the hotel was planned for 8 a.m. Alps, which dates back to 960 A.D. was also open to the public. The exhibition is devoted to architecture and interiors as they would have appeared 1200 years ago. Tuesday 15th September, Samedan – Zernez – Il Fuorn (National Park) – Mustair – Zernez – Samedan The entire group was at the meeting point, ready to board the 8.14 a.m. train for Zernez where we arrived at 8.48 a.m. to visit the National park building. We had about an hour to saunter round this museum, which is arranged in a modern and didactic form, before boarding the bus that would take the group to Il Fuorn. Those keen on walking set off on the approximately 2-hour walk through the National park, stopping already at Ova Spin to rally Il Fuorn under their own steam. The hike allowed us to discover the oldest national park in Central Europe and the Alps; it was founded in 1909. Later, some new lands were added and today it covers an area of 108,000 acres. Everything has been left in its natural state. Only the path we borrowed is maintained (that maintenance being somewhat relative, in some places, which justified our treading December 2009 Page 9

After this highly sanctifying tour, we returned to Truth be told, this was the only descriptive paragraph Samedan at 6.42 p.m. As dinner was planned for 8 p.m., that should have been preceded by the warning there was little time left for bathing adepts to enjoy the statement, “In fine weather…” It is a fact that although swimming pool. all the components of the decor were in position, the weather conditions that would have catered to the They got back from the pool having all felt a slight “breathtaking views” seemed to have mostly missed drop in water temperature from the previous day. It the call! We left this splendid observation post at 11.04 was assumed that, the previous day, the thermostat a.m. to go back down to Poschiavo. Until 4.25 p.m. we had been given a slight boost in the right direction to had time enough to visit – beneath our umbrellas – the accommodate two of the group’s participants who hail beautiful village of Poschiavo, described as follows in from Mauritius, in order to raise the water temperature our programme: “The borough of Poschiavo provides to the level at which they were accustomed to bathe! an unexpected image: instead of a mountain village, it After a much appreciated evening meal, our guide told seems more like a small town. Imposing patrician homes us, before we separated, that the departure time from embellish the borough. The Spanish district with its the hotel, next day, was set for 8:30 a.m. highly colourful houses, built by immigrants, is one of its many architectural features”. Before catching once again the 4.25 p.m. train to Samedan, we had ample Wednesday 16th September, Samedan time to stock up on “viande des Grisons” (a local dried meat speciality) and bottles of wine from the area. – Alp Grüm – Poschiavo – Samedan The entire group was there to board the 8.51 a.m. train to Pontresina where we changed trains to take the Bernina line towards Poschiavo, stopping in Alp Grüm at 9.45 a.m. Here is a description, taken again from Bernard Bourloud’s programme: “This line, serving the Poschiavo Valley, is the highest rail crossing of the Alps and, with a gradient of 70 per thousand, is one of the highest narrow gauge railways in the world on which trains travel without a rack mechanism – a real technical feat. At every turn, this train provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain universe: the Morteratsch glacier, Diavolezza or Lagalb. From Alp Grüm, there is a panoramic view of the imposing Piz Palü and its glacier; simultaneously, there is a view onto Lake Poschiavo, deep down in the valley”.

We reached Samedan at 6.08 p.m. which gave us plenty of time to prepare for dinner, planned at 8 p.m.; some members of the group even took a dive in the swimming pool. At the end of yet another succulent meal, our guide announced – to the general satisfaction of all – that the meeting time next day was set at 9 a.m.

Thursday 17th September, Samedan – Lower Engadine – Ardez, Scuol, Tarasp-Vulpera – Samedan This day would be devoted to visiting Lower Engadine. We left Samedan, headed towards Ardez, on the 9.14.a.m. train. When we arrived, around 10.14 a.m., Mrs Theresa Gray took charge of the group and guided us through this splendid village. She had returned to Lower Engadine following a prolonged stay in the United States. She provided us with a host of details Page 10 Bulletin of the Association

about the history, lifestyle and decoration of her Friday 18th September – Samedan village with such communicative enthusiasm that – free morning – Coire – Zurich – the group hung on her every word. To perfect her explanations, she took us inside one of the residences Geneva which she had just described with such realism that After the last breakfast taken in our 4-star hotel, small we believed we had already lived there! Thanks again groups of participants put their heads together to decide to this exceptional guide for her enthusiasm to share on a destination for a final visit. The most desirable with us her attachment to Ardez, which is one of the of these destinations were Celerina, Pontresina or few Engadine villages spared from destruction by St.Moritz. fire or other means, after the damage inflicted by the Austrians in 1622. This village, which is almost 400 years old and typical of Engadine, with its houses decorated with graffiti and paintings, is particularly well preserved.

Our next stop was Scuol, county town of Lower Engadine, a well-known thermal spa whose lower village hides many traditional Engadine style houses that are also well preserved. Later we went to Tarasp by coach to enjoy the sight of the famous Château de Tarasp, perched on a rock overlooking this splendid region. On the return trip we still had time to stop in Vulpera to admire its famous luxury hotels. Many participants were content merely to admire the site itself, after having experienced some serious difficulty At the appointed hour of departure from Samedan, we being served a drink on the terrace of one of the largest noted that our bags were considerably heavier, being of these hotels. weighed down by the souvenirs we were bringing back from this marvellous stay in Engadine. Our train, By coach we then rode to Ardez to catch the train for bound for Coire, again took us on the extraordinary Samedan once again. Arriving at 3.42 p.m. allowed Albula line that is part of UNESCO’s “World Heritage”. many participants time to enjoy the health benefits of The famous Landwasser 5-arched curved railway bridge the swimming pool before taking part in the farewell was veiled in red because of the renovation work under aperitif planned for 7.30 p.m. in the hotel library. way. Several participants vowed to return for another Bernard Bourloud seized the opportunity to thank the look, when the bridge was “undressed”! hotel manageress for the care she and her staff had taken to afford us all such a pleasant stay. For this last Having arrived slightly late in Coire, where we had meal of the trip we were graciously served an additional to change platforms, we saw the express train for course and the evening ended with gifts being presented Zurich pull away, right under our noses, in spite of to the organizer of this beautiful excursion, with much some attempts to retain it at the platform. Finally, we applause from the group. Before we broke up, we were boarded the next train; there were fewer passengers reminded that Friday morning was free and that we aboard but it was scheduled to stop several times en could use the local public transport, availing ourselves route; in Zurich, this caused us to miss the train to of the season pass we had been given, to visit Celerina, Bern and Lausanne as was originally planned. But Pontresina or St. Moritz. We were reminded also of two what mattered the delay? We just chose another route important meeting times: for the return trip to Geneva. Considering that a new 1.45 p.m. to gather in front of the hotel Federal Counselor had been elected that very morning 2.17 p.m., departure time of the train to Samedan. – Mr Didier Burkhalter of Neuchatel – we would travel through Neuchatel instead of Berne. Using cell phones, participants warned their family they would be arriving in Geneva slightly late. But beforehand, each participant took the time to walk through the carriage in order to take leave, recognizing the perfect organization of this new excursion arranged by Bernard Bourloud. Thank you Bernard.

One of the participants (who was “volunteered” into service!) Pierre-André Traub [translation from French original: Yann Saunders, former ITU Staff Member] December 2009 Page 11

Globetrotters’ corner

uring the annual meeting on 17th November last, Bernard Bourloud mentioned that he did not wish to Dorganize as many excursions as in the past. Considering that, for his part, Jean-Marie Estero had proposed a broad spectrum of walking tours, short excursions and even a week’s trip to (see page 16), Bernard offered to organize again in 2010, for the end of June:

– either the 4 to 5-day excursion to the Bernese Oberland that had been planned in 2009 but had not been able to take place,

– or an excursion to eastern Switzerland, also for the end of June.

As usual and in due course, Bernard will send out a mailing on the topic.

The Committee

Walking Tours 2009

he beneficial effects of walking on people’s health Indeed, since the spring of 2008 our devoted colleagues Tneed no longer be demonstrated; our friends Jean- have devised a programme of such outings that has Marie Estero and Willi Justrich have understood this enjoyed considerable success. truth so well that they have adopted the judicious motto: Although 2008 began with a modest five outings, the year 2009 found its cruising speed with nine excursions “One day’s walk = Eight days of good health” spread out between 26th March and 12th November.

From now on, this maxim is an integral part of the walking tours. Page 12 Bulletin of the Association

The table below gives the details of the programme in 2009.

Summary of Pleasure Walks 2009

Actual Degree of No. Dates Destination Participants Declivity duration difficulty

1 02.04.2009 Jussy, touching on the border 10 2h45m220ft Easy

2 09.04.2009 Allondon river bank 14 2h30m 627ft Easy

3 23.04.2009 Nant d’Avril 13 3h 197ft Easy from to Peney

4 14.05.2009 Toblerones Footpath 10 3h 1214ft Easy

5 04.06.2009 Neuchâtel-Morat, 14 3h5m 72ft Easy cruise and walk

6 25.06.2009 Seymaz river bank, 14 3h 36ft Easy left bank

7 30.07.2009 Along the Rhône, 23 2h40m187ft Easy cruise and walk

8 20.08.2009 Surprise stroll 17 1h45m246ft Easy

9 12.11.2009 The Teppes of Verbois 18 2h30m 262ft Easy

The excursions provide an opportunity for healthy usually end with lunch in a friendly inn, or with a physical exercise; in spite of the length of the walks, it picnic. In all cases, the remarks being exchanged show is surprising to see how each participant, irrespective of how satisfied everyone is, after the efforts exerted, age, makes it a point of honour to follow the others in a which shows in the friendly camaraderie. good mood. A very pleasant atmosphere is established among the strollers, right from the start; quite often, To be noted also is the excellent organization of Jean- a number of them do not know each other or only very Marie and Willi who always reconnoitre the route, little, since they did not work in the same section at ensure the correctness of the schedules, reserve tables ITU; it is interesting to listen to them giving a summary in the restaurants, discuss menus and prices and take account of their career. But fortunately the chatting care of a thousand other details. We thank them warmly does not detract from the diversity and beauty of the for all their efforts and their kindness. passing scenery. The excursions lead participants joyfully through fields and forests, on narrow footpaths, Thanks to their efficient collaboration, the excursions also skirting brooks, rivers, lakes. proceed without a hitch and they make a reality of this other motto: And there are surprises at the end of the road, when entering a clearing to find a table set by our friend Go, discover your country Cécile Darx-Estero, with coffee and home-made pastries. After several kilometres it is Willi’s turn to pull from his as advised by Paul Budry, one of the fathers of Vaudois rucksack the bottles that fill up the small but welcome literature. glasses of white wine, contributing – if there were such a need – to the morale of the small group. Our two friends, Jean-Marie and Willi, are always heavily laden Text by E. Augsburger for the comfort of all the participants. The excursions December 2009 Page 13

2009 in pictures Page 14 Bulletin of the Association

Photos: J.-M. Estero, W. Justrich, J. Lewis, J.-P. Berthet December 2009 Page 15 Page 16 Bulletin of the Association

For 2010, a large selection of projects has been drawn up of which many will be carried out

AVUSY GE Mill of La Grave BULLE FR Woods of La Trême GE The Drize river CARTIGNY GE The Spirit of the Rhône CARTIGNY GE The Champagne villages GE The woods of Chancy CHANCY GE Along the Rhône CHÂTEL-SUR-MONTSALVENS FR Trip round lake Montsalvens CHILLON VD Chillon-Vevey GE The Sionnet marshes GE The vineyard road ECHALLENS VD The wheat path FRIBOURG FR The Madeleine grottos LES DIABLERETS VD The Dar waterfall 1*) LOECHE-LES-BAINS VS The salt road MONTBOVON FR Agro-forestry lane RIVAZ VD The Lavaux vineyard SALEVE France La Croisette 2*) VAUD VD Adventure on straw VILLENEUVE VD Villeneuve-Le Bouveret ST. - CERGUE VD Initiation to snow rackets 3*) ROSAS (Spain) E Farniente + visits + strolls

1* The salt road = 2-day walk with overnight stay in a chalet by a lake. 2*) Adventure on straw = a day’s walk with overnight stay in a hayloft, on the straw, and breakfast on the farm before departure. 3*) ROSAS from 4th to 10th September 2010 = 7 days (Frs 750 for Members) (Frs 800 for non-members) – Full board + planned excursions on the programme. December 2009 Page 17

Surprise stroll from Thoiry (F) to Granges (CH) – 20 August, 2009

he 8th country walk organized by the duo Estero/ sign that read, “Resto des Cœurs”; our (fourth) surprise TJustrich was placed under the sign of surprise - and was to discover that the “landlords” were Cécile (she is quite a few there were! The first one was that Willi had everywhere) and a friend, Michel Fariello, a professional again taken the road to Compostela, a much longer walk fireman from Geneva, who had put himself at the than the one we were to be on. So it was without him disposal of ITU’s elders on his day off. Although we that we boarded, consecutively, the 29 and Y busses; were not exhausted by our walk, we did appreciate their routes were unfamiliar to the majority of the finding some shelter from the sun which, as Mme De 16 participants (for this reason, we could say it was Staël once wrote, tombait à plomb sur la terre. As they the second surprise). We got off the bus at the Thoiry sipped their fresh glasses of white, rosé or red wine, stop and got under way. Jean-Marie had planned a the participants took time to become better acquainted “potty-break”; this turned out to be the (third) surprise, and to exchange news and ideas. Using a whistle, Jean- when we were led to a house where Edith Dos Santos, Marie sounded the departure and we set off on the final moderator of ITU’s watercolour club, and Cecile Darx- lap of our walk, heading towards the restaurant, which Estero were waiting; they provided us with home-baked turned out to be the inn “Les Granges” in the village cakes and refreshments, in the shade. The break was of Granges (the fifth surprise); there we tucked in to greatly appreciated because the temperature had the appetizing plates of cold cuts. The “Proxibus” that reached already 27 °C. Thus refreshed, we made our was to take us to railway station did not arrive way towards the fourth surprise, which we had to earn at the appointed time and so we were unable to catch by walking under a beating sun, through the Genevese the train that had been planned (sixth surprise); this countryside, sometimes on asphalt roads which greatly prolonged the pleasure of our being together. absorb heat, and passing by old farmhouses decorated with geraniums. Jean-Marie, being the good Sherpa The following day, on the radio, I heard that Thursday, that he is, did not hesitate to carry a second rucksack August 20, had been the hottest day in the whole to relieve one of the participants of that burden. Our of Switzerland (36.2 °C) and that Geneva had the guide led us through the woods to the river Allondon distinction of holding that record (seventh surprise). where – at water’s edge – a tent had been erected over Well done, Jean-Marie! a table laden with (still empty) glasses as well as plates loaded with crackers. It was aperitif time, but for whom were these refreshments intended? On the tent was a Petra Bravenboer

Do you want to know the dates when the Former Staff Members’ Association is manned, or get a copy of an article from an older Bulletin, or find out the year’s programme of trips, outings and visits?

Check out the website of ITU Former Staff Members

http://life.itu.ch/retraites/

There you will find all manner of useful information. We hope you will visit the site on a regular basis and help to improve it by sending us your suggestions (write to: [email protected]).

Thanks in advance. Page 18 Bulletin of the Association

They have passed away

Mr Saïd Mahiddine Mr Georges Koby Mr Yu-Uch Mao on 29 July 2009 on 5 October 2009 on 21 December 2009

Mr Rolf Hess Mr Jean Hanriot-Colin on 27 September 2009 on 5 October 2009 December 2009 Page 19

END OF YEAR WISHES

The Committee of the Former ITU Staff Members’ Association hopes you had a wonderful Christmas time and sends you its best wishes for good health and happiness for the year 2010 Page 20 Bulletin of the Association

Comité de l’Association des anciens fonctionnaires de l’UIT Committee of the Former Staff Members’ Association Union internationale des télécommunications Place des Nations – Bureau V23 – CH-1211 Genève 20 Composition Président d’honneur / Honorary Chairman: ...... Jean Balfroid Président / President: ...... Fabio Bigi Vice-Président / Vice-President:...... Eddy Augsburger Secrétaire / Secretary: ...... Liliane de Michely-Jeanmonod Trésorier / Treasurer: ...... Paulette Clerc Bertinotti assistée de / with the help of Pierre Johner Membres / Members: ...... Jacques Bacaly Répartition des tâches / Distribution of Tasks Liaison avec l’Association des anciens fonctionnaires internationaux Genève (AAFI) / Contacts with the Association of Former Inter- national Civil Servants in Geneva (AFICS): ...... F. Bigi, J. Bacaly Questions de pensions / Pensions: ...... J. Balfroid, E. Augsburger Caisse-maladie / Health Fund: ...... J. Bacaly, E. Augsburger Assurance complémentaire / Complementary Insurance: ...... E. Augsburger, P. Johner Préparation du Bulletin / Preparation of the Bulletin: L. de Michely-Jeanmonod, assistée des autres membres du Comité ainsi que de / with the help of the other members of the Committee as well as F. Sala, G. Araman, P.-A. Traub, P. Whiting, H. Platman et / and Y. Saunders Activités récréatives / Leisure Activities: ...... B. Bourloud, L. de Michely-Jeanmonod Randonnées / Outings on foot: ...... Jean-Marie Estero, Willy Justrich Informatique et site web / Computer and website: ...... G. Araman, J.-P. Berthet Pour nous contacter / To contact us Tél. / Tel.: 022 730 55 84 Courriel / E-mail: [email protected] Informatique et site web / Computer and website: http//life.itu.ch/retraites er e Permanences / Office opening hours: 1 et 3 mardi du mois – Bureau V23 – bâtiment Varembé de 14 h à 16 h / 1st and 3rd Tuesday – Office V23 – Varembé Building from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Numéros utiles à l’UIT / Useful ITU numbers Secrétariat du Syndicat / Staff Union Secretariat: 022 730 57 99 Service Social / Social Service: ...... 022 730 53 80 / E-mail: [email protected] Pensions: ...... 022 730 53 81 / E-mail: [email protected] Assurance-maladie / Health Insurance: E-mail: [email protected] Lettres / Mail: A – C Mme C. Perrin: ...... 022 730 58 24 D – L Mme M.-A. Pégorier: ...... 022 730 53 85 M – Z Mme C. Ackley: ...... 022 730 56 84 (uniquement entre 14h00 et 16h00 / between 2 and 4 p.m. only) Assurance complémentaire / Complementary Insurance: Mutuelle Santé Prévoyance Internationale Adresse postale/Postal Address: ...... MSPINT.ORG Case postale 5757 CH-1211 Genève 11 Tel.: +41 22 810 39 39 Fax: +41 22 310 34 34 E-mail: [email protected]