HELVETIA MAGAZINE OF THE SWISS SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
DECEMBER 2012 / JANUARY 2013 Y E A R 7 8
“Swiss-mas” in New Zealand
Swiss-mas in New Zealand: While it is a In Switzerland, Santa Claus makes an ear- humorous play on the word, it symbolises for lier appearance on 6 December, bringing in HIGHLIGHTS: many of us a yearly quandary of how to his sack many goodies, and checking on marry up all the different Swiss and New children to see how well they have done and Zealand traditions around Christmas time. what they could do better. • Focus on the festive Of course, these traditions are mere However, it is the Christ Child who brings season “accompaniments” of Christmas and do not presents on Christmas Eve. Many of us re- take away from the central reason: the birth member waiting behind closed doors on • More Helvetia survey of Jesus in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Christmas Eve with baited breaths, until a bell tinkled. This was the sign that Christ Nonetheless, they play a central role in bring- results Child had come: we ran into the living room, ing together family and friends around Christ- hoping to catch a glimpse of Christ Child as it mas, and shining the light on our children • Swiss Society website slipped through the window – only to find a and their joy at this time of year. beautifully decorated and a Christmas tree lit • Val Müstair and the The differences in Christmas traditions are with real candles, with a few presents under- neath it. Dark winter nights meant that lights convent of St John’s probably most pronounced between the European and Anglo-Saxon worlds and cen- were off and the candles and decorations tre around the Christ Child and Santa Claus. seemed all that more magical. Christmas INSIDE: generally was a small, family-based affair.
From the Editor 2 (cont. p2)
Helvetia survey results 3 New website for Swiss 4 Society Embassy/Swiss news 5
Val M üstair 6-7
Trudi Br ühlmann 8
The Non-Swiss 9 perspective About Santa Claus 10
Kids’ corner 11
Christmas special 12 - 13 Pohutukawa - New Zealand Christmas tree Celebrating advent Swiss Club news 14 - 18
Photo gallery 19 Auckland shooting 20 report Chuchichäschtli/ 21 Garden diary Health Corner 22
Happy birthday/ 22 - 23 Cookie moulds St. John’s Convent of 24 Müstair
Swiss Bakery Christmas bread Winter landscape, Val Müstair, Switzerland www.graubuenden.com www.swiss.org.nz DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 From the newEditor President and Editor
I am sure you, like me, are asking yourself once again how did we get “Swiss-mas” in New Zealand (cont.) through the year so quickly? New (from p1 ) Santa Claus in the English has somehow created their very own Zealand’s year is definitely marked by tradition of course comes on Christ- mix of traditions, often having two cele- a distortion of time - starting off slowly mas Day, a great, benevolent and brations to honour both customs – par- while we are enjoying summer and booming figure who somehow man- ticularly in mixed Swiss/New Zealand early autumn, with plenty of time up ages to squeeze through chimney families. In fact, having two celebra- our sleeves. Time seems to be pretty stacks and other cracks, and fill those tions is often very convenient as it al- slow also during the endless winter. socks for the sleepless and delighted lows adult children with partners or With spring, time all of a sudden starts children. divorced parents to accommodate the different families. Thankfully, children to speed up, until it turns into a blur Celebrations centre around Christmas seem to fit into these mixed traditions around Christmas time! I wonder what Day lunch and tend to be a more open quite seamlessly. Albert Einstein would have to say affair, including the wider family and about this curious perception of time. friends. As celebrations take place in Children are very clever anyway. They the middle of summer, warmer tem- know that there are plenty of “fake” This year, we take, with your permis- peratures mean that much activity Santa Clauses around at Christmas sion, a lighter look at Christmas, ex- takes place outdoors, on decks, in gar- time, and that the real Christ Child and ploring how we Swiss-New Zealanders dens and on the beach. However, Santa Claus will appear in the right resolve and marry up the various tradi- even New Zealanders sometimes place, at the right time. Swiss Auck- tions. My Swiss Ladies’ Choir friends struggle to make the choice between a land children agree: the real “Swiss” have generously contributed to this traditional Christmas roast or simply a Santa Claus arrives by helicopter on discussion. If I asked each and every- barbeque. the Swiss farm, which is to be ex- pected from someone who has to one of you as to how you celebrate In asking around Swiss/New Zealand travel far and wide. Christmas, I expect I would get as families, it appears that each family many different answers! Our tongue-in -cheek writer David Latham has taken it upon himself to enlighten us comi- cally further about this subject. Swiss Society of New Zealand Inc. As usual, we dedicate a bit more Patron H. E. Dr Marion Weichelt Krupski space and attention to the Swiss Soci- President/ Tanja Latham-Zurbruegg, 45 Kinross Street, Blockhouse Bay, Secretary Auckland 0600. Ph 09 627 8777. E-mail: [email protected] ety children in this issue, acknowledg- Vice President Marcel Rüedi, 25 Beverley Crescent, RD 1 Whangarei 0179 ing that Christmas is very much about Ph 02 7490 1836. E-mail: [email protected] them and that they have a long holiday Editor Susie Wood, PO Box 65206 Mairangi Bay Auckland 0745. ahead of them. Ph 09 4736098. E-mail: [email protected] Trudi Brühlmann, our past Editor of the Treasurer Carmen Fitzi-Gordon, 2 Coldham Crescent, St. Johns, Auckland 1072. Helvetia has just come back from her Ph 09 528 0903. E-mail: c _and_ [email protected] first major and well-deserved break Riflemaster Ernst Lanz, 23 Hawaiian Parade, Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa 0932. Ph 09 428 5687. Email: [email protected] after editing the Helvetia non-stop for five years. I asked her whether she Delegates to the Swiss Abroad Conference in Switzerland would tell us a bit about her trip and I Delegate Othmar Hebler, 9 Larlin Heights, RD 15, Hawera 4675. Ph 06 278 6878 am delighted that she has agreed. Deputy Delegate Emanuel Zust, 41 Cheltenham Drive, Kapiti Village, Paraparaumu 5032 Over the last few months, David Ph 04 905 0017 Latham and his wife (our president) Tanja Latham-Zurbruegg have created Secretaries of the Swiss Clubs a new Swiss Society/Swiss Club web- Auckland Heidi Wilson, 53 Rothesay Bay Road, Rothesay Bay, Auckland 0630. site. It’s been a huge effort and they Ph 094789751. E-mail: [email protected] deserve all our thanks. Make sure you Hamilton Anita Zuber, PO Box 24061, Hamilton 3253. have a look at it when it goes live on Mob 027 498 5170. E-mail: [email protected] 1st December - it looks very nice in- Taranaki Marianne Drummond, 508 Salisbury Road, RD 24, Stratford 4394. Ph 06 7628 757. E-mail: [email protected] deed. Wellington Odile Stotzer, 24 Fitzherbert Street, Alicetown, Lower Hutt 5010. I wish all of you a very enjoyable fes- Ph 04 586 3095. E mail: [email protected] tive season in the company of family and friends, including a few “slow” Swiss Government Representatives hours of relaxation and contemplation. Embassy of Level 12, Maritime Towers, 10 Custom House Quay, Wellington 6140. Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] Merry Christmas and a Happy New Website: www.eda.admin.ch/wellington Year! Consulate Peter Deutschle, 3 Marine Parade, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011. of Switzerland Ph 09 366 0403. E-mail: [email protected]
H E L V E T I A P A G E 3 Helvetia Survey on Love, Life, Cheese and Chocolate
Three have cravings for chocolate, one Grouping all the positive comments More Helvetia survey for Ragusa bars, and one for Torino was a bit of a challenge. responses bars. Even liquids figured – wine, 30 of the respondents commented on Rivella grün and Kafi Lutz. Then came Three questions in the recent survey lifestyle and attitudes in one way or Wernli biscuits, sausages, bread as another – be it as ‘freedom’ (9) , life- were rather personal. Nearly all of the well as yoghurt. 64 participants replied. Thank you for style (4), way of life (2), relaxed (4), your input! Here is a summary of the The thought of mountains and scenery easy (2), casual (2), not worrying (2). opinions, very interesting. Contact me makes 17 of us homesick, too. Six of Honesty, tolerance, open-mindedness please if you like further details of the those particularly like to walk or cycle. and friendliness were other positive responses. Culture, tradition, language took a high remarks. And simplicity, less regulated place also, with another 16 comment- and less conservative. It’s also a good What brought you to New ing. Languages, church bells, history place to bring up children, one reader Zealand? and historical buildings, closeness to commented. Europe, music including yodeling The most common reply was – a man. But that’s not all; Open spaces, less were mentioned. Switzerland has Be it husband, fiancé, ex-husband. 11 people and no crowds were praised by amazing possibilities for travel, 12 re- women volunteered. One man found a 15 respondents. Nobody was particu- spondents are missing them, with six rather good looking Kiwi girl. And one larly keen on the New Zealand Alps – particularly liking the trains. person mentioned a partner, not sure but 10 of us adore the sea, the whether this was male or female. Four Then comes the proverbial Swiss reli- beaches, one person likes the water Swiss Kiwis came because family or ability. Five readers made observa- sports. friends were here. Ten readers were tions on the quality of services and Six respondents found the opportuni- either born here, or came in childhood. products, organisation, punctuality of ties in New Zealand special – two were public transport, cleanliness, as well as Seven of you consciously selected the specific about owning your own busi- order and efficiency. One person talks New Zealand lifestyle and / or opportu- ness, two others really like owning about the security of retirement in nities. Work brought seven people their own home, while one of them Switzerland. here – two were to work on a farm, likes owning animals, too. one started his own business straight A few people miss the shops, Migros We moan about the weather at times – away. Study in NZ made another six was mentioned twice, also Ikea, good and yet six of you find the Auckland people or families stay, some were shoes and good kitchen stuff. weather / climate good, from wind to here to learn English, others had op- Comment: Having just had yet an- long summers, to frequent changes. portunities at universities. other tearful farewell from my family, I Three people mentioned nature/ palm Comment: Of course I realise it is of- very much relate to the replies. Friends trees/ vegetation. Some like the fish- ten a combination of factors, not just are mentioned much less than family. ing, the fact that the stores are open one. Still interesting that women seem Of course they are important, but fam- on nights and weekends, and the out- to follow their men more than men fol- ily is so unique. And it seems to get doors. low the women! Mind you, I think more even more important the older we get. Comment: Reading through these women completed the questionnaire; I find it particularly hard that I could not replies, I identify with most of the posi- there may be a bias. help my father and cannot help my mother in their last years. This is one tive comments myself. Especially the What do you miss most from thing I had never thought about when I ‘bringing up children’ bit strikes a cord. Switzerland? emigrated. I find the ‘freedom’ hard to further de- fine, but each time I return to New Many of you are missing more than Funny about the foods, aren’t we all so Zealand I feel just so at ease, appre- one thing! Not surprisingly, family individualistic, with particular tastes ciative of the tolerance and accep- came very much at the top of the list. and likes. In a way, I was surprised tance from others. It proves to me 23 respondents mentioned family, and somewhat relieved that the tradi- once more how fortunate I am to live most were not specific about who in tional Swiss exactness was not em- here. I do hope you feel the same! the family. Two said parents. One phasized more. brother and one sister figured. Seven Organising the questionnaire and col- are missing friends and mates. What do you particularly lating the answers was a very reward- like about living in New ing exercise. Our Helvetia readers like This was followed by food – whereas Zealand that’s different to find out about experiences of other 10 people commented on food in gen- from Switzerland? Swiss immigrants to New Zealand. We eral, there were many specific an- hope that this survey gives you a little swers: five would love some affordable What a joy to go through these replies. insight, and look forward to more de- Swiss cheese, from Raclette, Fondue Aren’t we lucky to live in Gods-own! tailed stories in future. cheese to Appenzeller and Alpine By Nelly Steinemann cheese. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 www.swiss.org.nz
New website goes live! We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new On behalf of the Swiss Society I would like to thank every- website! On 1 st December, the new Society and Swiss one who has been involved with the ‘old’ website for all their Clubs’ website will be live on www.swiss.org.nz, so go and time spent building, maintaining and updating it for the past check it out. The Wellington, Taranaki, Hamilton and Auck- 12 years. Special thanks go to Edi Brändli who has been land Clubs have been busy writing articles and having photo looking after it from Australia. sessions especially for you. For any comments and feedback, you may have about our Many thanks to our web designer David Latham, who spent new website please contact [email protected]. most evenings, week after week, tweaking the site. And We look forward to hearing from you. thank you to everyone who contributed to get the new site up I wish you all a wonderful and very happy Christmas, with and running. There may be the odd unfinished page still – lots of sun and laughter filled days and only the very best for it’s a work in progress so please bear with us. the coming year. By Tanja Latham-Zurbruegg A “sample” of the new website
Chuderwälsch (Swiss Dialect) ◊ chiflä – to grumble ◊ chörblä – to vomit ◊ e Chittäl – a men’s jacket ◊ e Chrottäpöschä – a dandelion ◊ e Chnebel – e wooden stick ◊ es Chrüsimüsi – a mess ◊ chnoorzä – to struggle ◊ chüüderlä – to flatter, flirt ◊ Chnöischlotter – scared, anxious ◊ e Chuttläputzätä – an argument
H E L V E T I A P A G E 5 Swiss Embassy/News
Swiss National Library seeks more New Swiss Energy Strategy Helvetia Back-Issues (continued) According to the new Swiss Energy Strategy 2050, which has been put out for consultation until the end of January, You may remember that in the last Helvetia I asked if you, energy consumption is to be reduced by more than a third Dear Helvetia Reader, had any of the missing old issues by 2035 and nearly half by 2050. needed to complete the dispatch of Helvetias between 1991 The energy-saving measures will have the most effect on – 2012 to the Swiss National Library. fossil fuels (petroleum, gas and coal), which now cover 70% Since then, the list has shrunk considerably, which is totally of the total energy needs. Their contribution is to dip below thanks to Mr Lou Butler in Taranaki, who found about 30 of 50% by 2050, while the remaining need is to be met almost the missing Helvetias and kindly let us have them. exclusively by renewable energy sources. The missing issues are as at 12 October 2012: Consumption of electricity is supposed to diminish gradually. Giving up atomic energy (40% of today’s electricity) is to be made up almost entirely by new renewable energy (solar, 1991 1992 1995 wind, etc.).
January 1991 January 1992 August 1995 To limit opposition to the building of new power plants, ex- ploitation of renewable energy is being declared “in the na- March 1991 April 1992 tional interest”, with higher priority than nature and the land- June 1991 May 1992 scape. October 1991 June 1992 The government expects the new renewable energy plants to cost SFr30 billion. The price of energy should increase 20 -30% by 2050. If you find any of the missing issues listed above, it would be greatly appreciated if you would be kind enough to send Planning the end of nuclear power them to the Embassy (PO Box 25004 Wellington 6146). The In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, the Swiss govern- Embassy will then forward the Helvetias to the Swiss Na- ment, backed by a centre-left majority in parliament, decided tional Library in Bern. Should you want to keep the original to give up building nuclear power plants. of the Helvetias, the Library would accept photocopies as A decision on closing dates for the five current stations has well and the Embassy could photocopy the issue(s) for you . not been made yet. Initially these plants were expected to Thank you very much. have a life-cycle of at most 40 years. The government is Marion Weichelt now going for 50 years, in which case the last station would Ambassador shut down by 2034. Extracted from www.swissinfo.ch
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Val Müstair - National Treasure
Why Val Müstair? It is suspected that the use of the route goes back several In case you have wondered why we choose to showcase thousand years, supported by finds dating from the Stone certain Swiss regions and localities, we have good rea- Age. It was routinely used during Roman times and in- son. You may have noticed that we feature a different creased in importance during the early Middle Ages. Swiss UNESCO World Heritage site on the back page of The Ofen Pass derives its name from the old iron- each Helvetia issue. Using each site as an anchor, we smelting furnaces once operated to process the ore dug explore the region closest to it in greater detail. While in nearby mines. Old ruins and iron slag can be found there is a certain geographical randomness to these sites, throughout the area, the high stonewalled furnaces being they also take us to places in Switzerland which many especially visible. The deforestation resulting from milling have never seen or considered in this context. timber for the furnaces is also still evident to this day. Val Müstair is a valley at the very eastern-most corner of Iron smelting ceased in modern times. With increasing Switzerland and also the home to the Convent of St reforestation and a shrinking human population, the area John’s of Müstair, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (refer once more became the refuge to wildlife including wolves to page 24). Although the valley is part of the Swiss and bears, which survived until the end of the 19th cen- Engadin region, it is geographically separated from it by tury. The area became part of Switzerland’s National the Ofen Pass (Pass dal Fuorn in Romansh), facing south Park in 1904. It includes some mighty mountains, includ- towards the Süd Tirol and Vinschgau regions in Italy. ing Piz Quattervals (3164m) and Piz del Diavel (3072 m).
The village of Müstair, with the Convent of St John in the foreground Val Müstair wwwgraubuenden.ch www.wanderland.ch As a result, and despite of its altitude, the valley enjoys a Biosfera Val Müstair/sustainable farming mild climate and a greater number of sunshine hours than In 2010, Val Müstair was included, together with the the Engadin itself, und thus is very dry. The River Rom, Swiss National Park, into a new UNESCO Biosphere which flows through the valley, is one of the last remaining Reserve comprising 371 km² . Val Müstair has also been free-flowing rivers of Switzerland. designated as a Swiss Regional Park, serving to protect The most important villages in the Swiss part of Val the old and important core zones of the National Park. A Müstair include Tschierv, Valchava, Santa Maria and one-off survey of the local flora and fauna carried out in Müstair at altitudes ranging from 1,247m to 1,660m. Over June 2011 revealed an astounding number of 1850 70% of the population speaks Romansh and the rest different species. The creation of the regional park was Swiss German. The valley is sparsely populated, reach- strongly supported by 88% of the local population. The ing a mere 1,605 inhabitants in 2000. area offers a high quality of life and tourism is at the centre of economic activity. 80% of local farms are History of the Ofen Pass managed according to sustainable principles, highlight- The Ofen Pass reaches an altitude of 2149m and forms ing the dedication of local people to the preservation of the divide between the Inn River (Engadin) and Val these unique and valuable natural resources . Müstair/Etsch River. A well built road traverses the heav- By Susie Wood ily forested mountain pass, taking in the Swiss National Sources: www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofenpass, www .en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuorn_Pass, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Müstair , www.biosfera.ch , www.nationalpark.ch Park on the northern side.
H E L V E T I A P A G E 7 Val Müstair
Within its boundaries, nature is left to Waterways reborn Some fun tips develop freely; humans remain in the background and are merely witnesses While the Valais has its celebrated Hiking Tip No. 1: “bisses”, the Val Müstair has its to the evolution that contributes so “auals”: irrigation channels dating back The "CLUB Stelvio-Umbrail 14/18" greatly to the incomparable character of this habitat. to the Middle Ages. The valley is one endeavours to secure the traces of of Switzerland’s driest regions, and the World War I in the region of the high- The National Park is well known for its est Alpine passes, to document and farmers who created the network used extraordinary variety of alpine animals, make these accessible to the general great ingenuity in devising ways of such as chamois, deer and marmots. public. bringing water to their fields. A host of alpine plants provide a col- Such traces can be found at the inter- ourful sight as visitors make their way By the mid-20th century, however, the section of the three language regions through the Park. There is a wide waterways had largely been forgotten, Müstair Valley (Switzerland) - choice of paths on offer, with differing superseded by more modern methods Vinschgau (until 1918 Austria- degrees of difficulty. of irrigation. With the creation of the Hungary) - Valtellina (Italy), comprising www.nationalpark.ch biosphere reserve of Val Müstair / the impressive relics of this relentless, Swiss National Park, the channels military conflict which stopped at noth- Culture Tip: were recognised as an organic feature ing, not even the highest mountains. Do you know where of the landscape; an inventory was If you want to follow those traces or the smallest whiskey made and interest in them grew again. know more about them, check it out on bar and museum on Now, as part of the region’s historical http://www.stelvio-umbrail.ch earth is? Believe it or Marmot heritage, they are being partially re- not, but it is in Santa Maria in Val stored. The first stage is a 700m Hiking Tip No. 2 Muestair!!! stretch of the Aual Foppumvasch near Visit the Swiss National Park www.smallestwhiskybaronearth.com/ Guad and a short section of the Aual The Swiss National Park encom- da Schaibias near Pütschai Josom. passes a particularly impressive piece For more information such as skiing, These two sights are located above of Alpine landscape, with a wealth of accommodation etc. visit the main valley bottom between St. flora and fauna. www.valmuestair.com. This website Maria and Müstair. provides information in English and
Contributed by Renate Meyer-Knecht German. source: www.ubs.ch/explore (extract from brochure Top 150 water experiences ) By Alexandra Jung
Thank You to our Advertisers and Suppliers The Swiss Society Committee and Helvetia Team thank all our many faithful Advertisers for their sup- port over the year. A big thank you also goes to McCollam’s Printing and Stephen White for their great support and pa- tience in proofing and printing the Helvetia. The Helvetia would not go to the right places without the professional and timely service of Mail Distribu- tion Services and Wayne Longley, who seems to cope with our complex mailing requirements admira- bly. We wish you all a very enjoyable festive season and Happy New Year, and look forward to working with you in the New Year. Season’s Greetings, Swiss Society Committee and Helvetia Team DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Trudi Brühlmann’s Travel Log
I had a great holiday – and I’m glad to be back! Helmets are not compulsory, however, many parents make Many friends asked me about my impressions of my first trip them compulsory for their children. What I like about back to Switzerland after twenty years in New Zealand, and bicycles in Switzerland: They have bells and use them, in- what had changed. stead of creeping up behind you and giving you a fright.
Well, here is a collection of impressions: Switzerland is full of weeds – oh no: full of nature. My friends are still the same, only a bit older. I couldn’t believe my eyes: Weeds were simply everywhere: between the train tracks, between the cobblestones, along Not much has changed with my friends; some have put on a motorways, along buildings, and in the forests, along the few kilos and need glasses, others have lost a few kilos and roads and paths, honeysuckle and blackberries and Old shed some hair. My classmates and many of my colleagues Man’s Beard, thick and full of seed-heads, ready to be blown are now retired, and for my older students, retirement isn’t off. I mentioned it to my Swiss friends – and they explained too far away either. The next generation, however, has that what I considered to be weeds were not weeds at all, changed a lot: Babies and toddlers have grown into young but an expression of biodiversity, nature revitalized. A gar- adults, respectable, responsible young men and women, and dener of the Winterthur City Council was more precise: For many families have added a new generation again. I met the last few years the city’s policy was not to use poison and children that hadn’t even been a thought when I left Switzer- let nature take its course. And as to Old Man’s Beard and land, twenty years ago. honeysuckle: Those are indigenous plants in Switzerland; I Switzerland is still very green. didn’t find out whether Nielen were still especially popular with youngsters… I was warned that the urban sprawl had swallowed up vast areas of the Mittelland – so I was pleasantly surprised to find Switzerland is full of crows. that there are still extensive forests and large green pas- Crows are much more conspicuous than they were twenty tures; the wheat was harvested and had left yellow patches years ago. They live in the middle of cities, in squares, in in the otherwise green mosaic. As the sky was blue, the parks, in gardens. When I mentioned it to friends, they said lakes were mainly blue, too – and they were a balmy 23 to numbers had grown because crows weren’t shot anymore. 25 degrees! Crows are highly intelligent and might adapt to a changing The variety of bread is still as good as it was. environment more quickly than other birds. Whether you get Gipfeli and Weggli and Semmeli from the Storks can be seen in many places. local bakery or go to Coop or Migros, the smell is mouth- In July and August the storks were still in Switzerland, watering, and my three months were too short to eat my way around Lützelsee, Sempachersee, Bodensee and probably through all the shelves. And the same can be said about the in many other places, too. cheeses in our local Käserei and in the cheese departments of Migros and Coop. Bread and cheese are more expensive All in all, I had a wonderful holiday, and I’m very grateful to than the cheapo stuff in New Zealand, but a lot cheaper than my friends in Switzerland who were so generous with their the boutique breads and cheeses here. time (and their spare beds). I enjoyed blending in; nobody asked me where I came from when I opened my mouth, and Public transport is excellent. it was a joy to be surrounded by Schwizertütsch. And yet: I The trains, buses, trams and ships run frequently and on enjoyed coming home – to a good friend who picked me up time, and the travel information is very good. All public trans- from the airport, to a well-stocked fridge and even to a port I travelled in was clean, and nothing was broken; all is weeded garden! And now I’m getting ready to welcome very efficient - and rather automatic and sterile. The service friends from Switzerland here again. at the little ticket office in a little village was extraordinary: The middle-aged lady rang a bigger station and asked for advice and quickly found the best solution for my travel needs: I had a Halbtax-Abonnement and three Monatskarten, one after the other, which was as good as a GA (not available for non-Swiss residents). Thanks to an all- Swiss Tarifverbund I could travel on all public transport all over Switzerland - and there is much public transport, from Oberschan to Rotenbaumgraben!
Wander- and Velowege are everywhere and well signposted. Bikes are back as a popular means of transport; many of my friends bike to work or to the train station, and their children bike to school. Drivers seem to respect the needs of bicycles, as most drivers are or were cyclists themselves. Aarau - old town H E L V E T I A P A G E 9 The Non-Swiss Perspective
A 10-step Christmas survival guide The 10 steps Anyone who has enjoyed Christmas time in the Berner (Cut along the dotted line for safe keeping) Oberland, will agree: Christmas is no less of an event over 1. Each giver personally collects the gift from under there than it is in the rest of the world! My first time, not long after I learned about wearing shoes, I was literally inducted the tree and delivers it to the receiver. The giver into Swiss Christmas Tradition. My lovely wife to-be felt it must take care to not get burnt by the lit candles important to brief me on the social etiquettes of present un- on the tree. wrapping. 2. The receiver thanks and gives three (not one, not The exchange of gifts in most households I’ve had the pleas- two, but three) kisses to both cheeks in turn. ure of sharing Christmas in, usually involves one person 3. The receiver then comments on the amazing qual- taking on the role of “gift distributor” This person hands each ity of the wrapping. gift out in turn with a short break between in order that the 4. The receiver then politely requests from the previ- recipient might say, “Thanks” across the room and then rip ous receiver the surgical scissors. the paper and offer the appropriate excitement at the won- 5. The receiver is then obliged to make tiny incisions derful set of new golf balls. into the sticky tape of the wrapping paper so as to The paper ends up in a large plastic Farmers bag and it’s preserve the paper for generations of future use dropped into the recycle bin along with all the cardboard and and recycling. The giver, no doubt expects that other debris. the paper forms part of the present. The whole process takes maybe half an hour and then eve- 6. Each fold of wrapping is to be carefully pealed ryone gets busy trying out their new toys or back to the back, taking care to neither tear nor unduly crease kitchen to look after the ham / turkey. the paper. Not so in Switzerland. I think bullet points are more appro- 7. The unfolding process is to be accomplished so priate here: (so as to remember them easier should you find that only the final action exposes the gift inside. yourself in a Swiss home over Christmas.) If you take care 8. The Receiver then, once again, thanks the giver to follow the 10 steps, you should be fine (refer to box). for the wonderful set of golf balls (no difference A couple of other points to remember: there apparently) and displays the gift to all pre- ♥ The Christmas Angel delivers the presents at night on sent. This is the opportunity for others to make the 23 rd December so that they are on display the comments about the quality / appropriateness of entire day under the tree on the 24 th . the gift. ♥ Presents are opened AFTER dinner and BEFORE 9. The process of un-wrapping a gift, from start to (sometimes DURING) dessert. finish, should take no less than 5 minutes. ♥ Nothing at all happens on the 25 th other than the an- 10. The entire process is expected to last at least two nual church visit which, so far as I can tell, was not and a half hours, so be sure to visit the “facilities” obligatory for “Ausländers.” prior.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to find and sharpen your surgical scissors – Christmas is not far away. Merry Christmas! By David Latham
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 All about Santa Claus
The Best Gift If only God hears me and answers my prayer, On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes When I visit next year, what I will find there Looked deep into Santa’s eyes, to Santa’s surprise Are homes filled with peace, and with giving, and love And said as he sat on Santa’s broad knee, And boys and girls gifted with light from above. "I want your secret. Tell it to me." It’s a very hard task, my smart little brother, He leaned up and whispered in Santa’s good ear To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others. "How do you do it, year after year?" But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed, "I want to know how, as you travel about, For God has a way of meeting each person’s need. Giving gifts here and there, you never run out. "That’s part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth, How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys Is that my sack is magic. And that is the truth. You have plenty for all of the world’s girls and boys? In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day Stays so full, never empties, as you make your way More love than a Santa could ever give away. From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small, From nation to nation, reaching them all?" The sack never empties of love, or of joys `Cause inside it are prayers, and hope. Not just toys. And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy, The more that I give, the fuller it seems, "Don’t ask me hard questions. Don’t you want a toy?" Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams. But the child shook his head, and Santa could see That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me," "And do you know something? You’ve got a sack, too. It’s as magic as mine, and it’s inside of you. He told that small boy with the light in his eyes, It never gets empty, it’s full from the start. "My secret will make you sadder and wise. It’s the center of light, and love. It’s your heart. "The truth is that my sack is magic inside It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride. And if on this Christmas you want to help me, Don’t be so concerned with the gifts `neath your tree. But although I do visit each girl and each boy Open that sack called your heart, and share I don’t always leave them a gaily wrapped toy. Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care." Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad, Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad. The light in the small boy’s eyes was glowing. "Thanks for your secret. I’ve got to be going." Some homes are broken, and the children there grieve. "Wait, little boy," said Santa, "don’t go. Those homes I visit, but what should I leave? Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?" "My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, But for homes where despair lives toys aren’t enough. And just for a moment the small boy stood still, Touched his heart with his small hand and whispered, "I So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy, will." And I pray with them that they’ll be given the joy Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives By Betty Werth In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives. http://www.appleseeds.org/christmas-quotes.htm
Samichlaus poems
Samichlaus Samichlaus du guete Maa Dä Samichlaus ändlich bisch du wieder da. Vom Himmel falled d’Flöckli Chonsch cho luege was ich mache wie Fäderli lislig-lis wie n ich spiele, singe und lache. Sami Niggi Näggi em Samichlaus sis Hûûsli Tuesch mich lehre s’ Härz Sami Niggi Näggi und d’Tännli sind scho wiiss. verschänke hinderem Ofe stäggi Vo jedem Chind im Dörfli au e chli a di andere dänke. weiss er alles ganz genau Nur so bin ich sälber froh Gib mer Nuss und Bire und mängisch mues er sûûfzge - s’ Christchind cha zue mer cho. dä chummi hindere fûre! dänn sûffzged s’Eseli au.
Contributed by Adrian Blaser
H E L V E T I A P A G E 1 1 Kids’ corner
Christmas maize Get colouring!
For the Baking Whizzes
Painted biscuits Apricot (or Cranberry) Balls ♥ 100g butter ♥ rind from 1/2-1 orange ♥ 1/2 cup caster sugar ♥ 1/2 cup caster sugar ♥ 1 egg ♥ 250g dried apricots/cranberries chopped ♥ 1/2 tsp vanilla, almond or lemon essence ♥ juice 1/2 orange plus extra lemon juice ♥ 1 1/2 cups flour ♥ 1 3/4 c dessicated coconut ♥ 1/2 tsp baking powder Beat butter and caster sugar until well mixed. Separate Finely chop peeled rind with the sugar in food processor the egg and put the white in with butter and sugar, then add apricots and process until all finely chopped. putting yolk aside in a small bowl or cup. Add essence to egg white and butter mixture, and stir well. Make the orange juice up to 1/4 cup with lemon juice added, and process again. Add a cup of coconut and add Sift flour and baking powder into this and stir until mixed. extra until it all sticks together. Form into small balls with Put dough in a cold place for 5 minutes, then roll out wet hands and roll in rest of coconut, then refrigerate thinly on a floured board and cut into circles with a glass until firm or freeze. or shaped cutters dipped in flour to stop sticking. Place on baking paper on baking tray. Stir egg yolk with a fork and divide into 3 parts. Colour each part with food col- ouring, then paint the biscuits using paint brushes. Bake at Contributed by Melissa Lanz 170-180 degrees Celsius for 5-10 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Cool on rack. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Christmas
Advent traditions Village Advent windows Advent is the period beginning on the Many villages in Switzerland now have Advent windows. What it means is that a fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve, group is organising 24 families that all decorate one advent window. Each day one historically seen as the preparation of of the families then opens their window (and then they normally stay decorated and the arrival of Christ. illuminated until Xmas). At a set time, i.e. 18.30 the window “opens” and it is During the 19th century in particular, usually followed by an offering of a hot drink (i.e. Mulled Wine, see page 13 for this waiting period before Christmas recipe). was viewed as a way of teaching It’s a great way for communities to come together and meet in the lead up to children patience before a reward - Xmas. And it gets people out of their houses in the cold and blustery December hence the development of the Advent month. Check individual village website for further information - for example Calendar, a calendar with 24 little flaps Luetzelflueh. opening onto windows with images By Adrian Blaser within a Christmas scene. Advent Calendars are very much a part of the Swiss Christmas tradition, as is the Advent Wreath which has four candles, one for each of the Sun- days in Advent (on the first Sunday, one candle is burnt, on the second, two are lit, and so on.
Source: www.swissorg.ch
www.kinderfarm-of.de www.forums9.ch/dorfplatz/hedingen/adventsfenster04
Advent Calendars and Wreaths
Advent Calendars and Wreaths are lovely ways by which to engage children with the forthcoming Christmas and to introduce a bit of early celebration and peace. By the way: To all our many teenagers like Advent Calendars - it is a time of year when they quite enjoy being reminded of “young and happy Helvetia Readers : times” and temporarily consider abandoning notions of independence. And even adults are not beyond enjoying Merry Christmas and them, too! Advents Wreaths, too, create special moments, the lit candles being symbolic of peace and contemplation. a very happy New Year. Many families create their own calendars and wreaths, and we would love to see what you will do this We look forward to meeting Christmas: Take a picture of your Advent Calendar or you again in 2013. Wreath and send it through to us. We will do our best to show it in next year’s Helvetia Christmas issue! Wouldn't life be worth the living
Wouldn't dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through.
Your Helvetia Team and Swiss Society Committee
H E L V E T I A P A G E 1 3 Christmas ClauWau We have all heard of Santa Claus but did you know that The original tradition of ClauWau is an old custom and modern day Santa's now even have their very own "World celebrated by the children from the Samnaun region on the Championship"? ClauWau, as this quirky event is lovingly 5th of December, the evening before "Swiss Samichlaus" named, is a relatively new event in its present form. It has arrives. They all dress up as either "Chlaus" or "Schmutzli" become a yearly affair in Samnaun to open the winter- and visit, under much laughter and cowbell-ringing, each season of the region. family of their community. Once welcomed into the homes "Santas" from all over the world will find their way to the they sing various songs or read poems and are fare-welled slopes of the Silvretta-Arena Samnaun / Ischgl, the largest with a little gift of a coin and sweets. A beautiful way not only ski area in the eastern alps, to contest for the unusual title. to bring old and young together but also some company to the lonely! Such talents as speed, efficiency, as well as a sound knowl- Contributed by Renate Meyer-Knecht edge of the worlds places are tested and judged in this com- petition, together with artistic flair and creativity. Past tasks included chimney climbing, sleigh driving, relay races, gingerbread decorating and creating snow sculptures, amongst others. It is, by all accounts, quite a challenge, as much fun as it might be for both spectators and competitors alike. After all it is a special honor and there is even real prize money at stake! In 2011 the event was themed "charity" and, to honor the spirit of St. Nikolaus and the festive season, took part in the national fundraising campaign "Every penny counts". It raised a total of CHF 11'000.-- for mothers in need. Can you imagine a more fun way of contributing while celebrating at the same time? Sources: www.engadin.com , www.clauwau.ch
And finally something for the adults....
Mulled Wine (Gluehwein) Fröid a de Chind Mulled wine is always a great drink for festive occasions and Zwölf Schue und zwäi Pantöffeli, a larger group of people. Here is the recipe the Auckland sächs Gable und es Löffeli, Club uses on our 1 August celebrations: sächs Müüler und en chlyne Latz, Recipe: sächs Gwäggen und en junge Spatz, ♥ 500 ml orange or apple juice im Gaarte Gmües und Lilie ♥ 2.5 lt red wine git zämen e Familie, ♥ 1-1.5 lt water wo here staat, sich weert und sträbt, ♥ ca. 10 tbsp brown sugar und statt nu vegetiert - au läbt! ♥ 3-4 cinnamon quills (halved) Us Angscht und Müe and Soorg ums Gält ♥ 2 tsp vanilla essence gits äifach e käi häili Wält. ♥ 8-10 cloves Es bruucht na Müetere. Und Chind, ♥ ½-1 tsp cardamon powder www.myexpatgermany.com wo mäischtens ja vom Vater sind. ♥ ½-1 tsp 5-spice blend Heat the mixture until almost boiling (don’t let it boil, the al- Wie läbt me gsund und gfröit und frei cohol then disappears!) and let stand for 3-4 hours. zmitzt i dem Ggöiss und Chindergrschrei. Before serving heat up again. Si bringed Appetit und Schwung: Prost! Mit Chinde blybt me zwääg und jung. Recipe contributed by Pia Wittwer Blaser Contributed by Edith Hess DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Swiss Club News
They had six very attentive people 10 Our annual picnic will be held on
TARANAKI watching their every move and taking the 10 th of February … as always in all the great hints … of course the we hope for a warm and sunny attendees had to work too … cutting day. There are plenty of activi-
SWISS CLUB out biscuits and trying to make the ties for you to participate in … Zupf!!! Our Master Chefs even gave shot put, fishing, the favourite for out their favourite recipes!!! Best of all many children - the bouncy cas- PAST EVENTS the guests could sample the baking … tle and merry-go-round (many and even take some home. From thanks to our wonderful mem- what I hear, everyone enjoyed the ex- bers Reg and Rose Tecofsky On behalf of our committee I would like perience … even the tutors!!! who bring these great amuse- ments along) and of course the to thank Zeno and his team for remov- Thank you very much Erna, Heidi and day wouldn’t be the picnic with- ing our old trees (or what was left of Marlies for giving up your time and for out the “Schwingen”!!! them) and planting many new flaxes all your effort in preparing the neces- along our boundary. It certainly looks sary items for the baking demonstra- The “young” and “young at much better. What a great arbour tion. A big thank you must go to the heart” participate in this Swiss day!!! Well done!!! people who made the effort to attend style wrestling, and much fun is Thanks to the generosity of the and who participated so well. Maybe a had by all. A BBQ, ice creams Taranaki Electricity Trust we have repeat demonstration will be held at a and liquid refreshments are had our ceilings painted … and boy later date. Most of them also com- available … so come along and does it look great … even if Zeno and peted in the Keglen … so two new have a wonderful time catching Othmar didn’t notice it when they first experiences in the one evening!!! up with friends and acquaintan- entered the club house!!! Should I say ces and make new connections “typical men”???!!! FUTURE EVENTS too!!! We are honoured to have the Ambassador of Switzerland, Our next project is to remove the old December Dr Marion Weichelt Krupski, and spouting, paint the barge boards and her family attend our picnic this erect the new spouting … which we’re 25 The committee wishes everyone year … so please come and able to do thanks to the Taranaki a very Merry Christmas with make them all feel welcome in Electricity Trust donation. On behalf much enjoyment being amongst our great province. We do look of the Club a HUGE, BIG THANKS family and friends. forward to meeting you all and must go to both the Taranaki Electricity hope that you will enjoy a day Trust and the TSB Community Trust 31 New Years’ Eve will once again amongst fellow Swiss!!! We’ve for their continued generous support of be celebrated at the Swiss Club had record crowds in the past our club … without your assistance with the campervanners. Happy few years, so let’s make this many clubs and organisations in hour is from 4.00pm and a BYO another one to remember!!! See Taranaki would be in great financial BBQ will be held from 6.00pm. you there!!! strife. So THANK YOU for your help!!! The evening will be filled with We really appreciate it!!! great entertainment … so if you March have an item or a skit, please The Singing Group performed for an perfect and bring it along … the 4 AGM of the Taranaki Swiss audience from the International Cara- more entertainment the better!!! Club at 8.00pm. Come and van Association at our Club house in hear how the functions were October. It was amazing what a varied February patronised and enjoyed by mem- performance we were able to give … bers in the past year, and let’s some real talent comes out of the 1 This will be the last day for or- look forward to the coming year. wood work!!! I’m sure that they all dering Swiss sausages, so Come and have your say, and wondered why Heidi had brought please be timely in ringing bring new ideas for the commit- along her broom … the hall wasn’t Lisette on 06 7628718 or tee to consider. We would love really messy!!! The audience was Marianne on 06 7628757. The to see you!!! great … they were quiet, but obviously next order will only be in May, thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experi- so ring if you don’t want to run 7&21 Keglen again. If you enjoyed the ence!!! The Singing Group will be per- out!!! February nights, the March ones forming at a few other functions prior to will be no different … so make 7&21 Please go along and join Johnny’s day and turn up!!! Christmas … so if there is anyone out Johnny and his team for a fun there who would like to join in, please night of chatter, Keglen and 17 Mark has the shooting events don’t hesitate to ring Lisette on supper. They always have lots well organised. Today the 06 7628718. of fun and laughter and would Championship and Society On Thursday 18 th October our three love to have a few more mem- shoots can be shot from 1.00pm. wonderful Master Chefs – Marlies, bers participating!!! Go on, give Young and not-so-young are- Erna and Heidi undertook a baking it a go!!! more than welcome to partici- pate … so come along and demonstration of Swiss cookies, cakes and even Zupf!!! make Mark’s day!!!
H E L V E T I A P A G E 1 5 Swiss Club News
As the saying goes “the more, We had a very pleasant afternoon; and Sunday 6 January: Jassen the merrier”!!! before we knew it, it was five a clock – At the clubhouse. time for a last game. tb The new club year commences after Contact Trudi. this … and a new programme and Saturday 3 November: Garage Sale newsletter will be out shortly. Your Our two Garage Sale experts Heinz Sunday 27 January: Kegelbahn committee works hard at trying to Jäggi and Peter Hynes spent the night Official Opening please you all with the functions and at the clubhouse, guarding our treas- events we organise, so please attend ures – and selling to the secondhand as many as you can. If you have an dealers on Saturday morning from idea for a new function, please don’t 7am onwards! Saturday morning saw HAMILTON hesitate to ring a committee member reinforcement; Trix Jäggi, Vreni who will share your ideas / views at our Madgwick and I arrived, just in time for next meeting. MD the first onslaught. The weather, how- SWISS CLUB ever, was against us; the Wainuiomata Village Fair was cancelled. We had a steady trickle of potential customers PAST EVENTS WELLINGTON and buyers. At one time we tried to establish whether a 300 piece puzzle Fondue Evening, Saturday was complete. We still don’t know; the SWISS CLUB puzzle was snapped up by a keen puz- 22 September zler and her daughter; they might let Again we had a very big attendance at us know next year! our annual function, just over 130 peo- ple including about 20 children. We PAST EVENTS The best bargain: a whole, almost new even had to turn a few late enquiries two storey house, with a steep roof - Saturday 13 October: Movie night away as we were full to the brim. In for only a few dollars!* We had a great day, watching two future please make sure you do your movies and two concert sessions. As the weather was pretty dismal and bookings early to avoid disappoint- Thanks to the Upper Hutt Orchestra for we didn’t have quite as many items as ment. two very nice musical interludes. in other years, we didn’t make quite as Everyone arrived promptly and the much money as in other years, but Thanks to Murray and his family for tables filled up quickly. About 7.30pm every dollar helps – and we are organising the movies. That proved to the fondue was ready to be served pleased with the result. be some sort of juggling, as the sec- together with a selection of cold meats ond movie, ordered from Switzerland, *Admittedly, it is a dolls’ house, but the and home-made bread. never arrived, and the first movie was new owners can be very proud of it. tb in Swiss German only, a language that not all our members understand, in- FUTURE EVENTS cluding young ones unable to read subtitles. Luckily Murray had prepared Saturday 2 December: Samichlaus some back-up, and the kids could Our Samichlaus will be back this year enjoy the Japanese cartoon version of Heidi. A vote was held to decide what on 2nd December, together with the second movie would be, and Schmutzli. Register with Odile (ph.586 “Vitus” was selected. A very good 3095) if you have not done so yet. Swiss movie, that you can catch on Maori television if you are lucky enough (I saw it twice on that channel in the past two years). Sunday 28 October: Jassen In spite of a rather cool and damp morning, eight Jassers turned up - just the right number for two tables! Some were back from a long summer in Swit- zerland and could tell stories of their travels. Some are still overseas; we hope to see them next time so we even have a third table. I guarantee we Saturday 8 December: Christmas will have enough cake and coffee for Dinner all! Our annual Christmas dinner at the Walter being distracted by Heidi clubhouse. Register with Mark, ph. 461 71 18. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Swiss Club News
We never ran out of anything and eve- For me, it was then time to get on the ryone had the opportunity of seconds bike and ride the old rail trail to Paeroa and even some thirds - the chefs re- where I waited for my ride home. A ceived a lot of compliments so it must smaller group then ventured to a have been good. nearby but very good cafe. And if that wasn’t enough, an extra afternoon cof- We needed to ask for extra helpers but fee stop at Hanni and Robi’s place everyone was very obliging and the where of course there was also committee appreciated everyone doing “Schwarzwaeldertorte” on offer. Some their part. of us didn’t need that, however a great Following the meal we did the trophy day together in the Gorge. HJS and medal presentations and handed out a few spot prizes. Congratulations FUTURE EVENTS to all the winners and above all the participants, as without a big number Family Christmas Party, of people participating we wouldn’t Sunday 2 December have the big number of medals to hand out. Again we will be meeting at the New- stead School at 11am for this function. At the same time the committee pre- This is a family function for young and sented Bruno and Manuela with a old so come along to share in the bunch of flowers. They had recently Christmas spirit with others. There will travelled to Switzerland to get married be various activities for the children so congratulations from all of us. Fol- and the committee will provide a BBQ lowing on from this the dessert buffet lunch but everyone is asked to bring was put out and once again a great some baking to share with everyone selection of home-made baking as well for afternoon tea. We will also be do- as big bowls of fruit salad, cream and ing a Christmas Raffle table so dona- meringues. tions of a small prize would be greatly Throughout most of the evening, there appreciated as well as some spending were always people busy in the money if you want to buy tickets. kitchen either preparing everything and most of all those doing all the dishes including at least 20-25 very cheesy 50 Metre Shooting, pots and dozens of forks. Many Saturday 23 February thanks to the committee and all the Further details in the February news- extra helpers for making sure we could letter and Helvetia. Dr. Veronika Isler put on another successful function for PhD, PGDip(Clin)Psych, Member of NZ our members, their families and Family Picnic at the Newstead Psych Soc and NZICP friends. School , Sunday 24 February REGISTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AZ Further details in the February news- Ph: (07) 8238190 (Hamilton) letter and Helvetia. AZ Cell: 021 457 944 Karangahake Walk, Offices in Ohaupo and Hamilton Sunday 4 November 12 members aged from 13-86 years took part in varied walks after we met up at the Waikino Railway Station. HOUSEHOLD HINTS: The day was of perfect weather for walking or biking. Staheli seniors trav- LONGER LASTING CUT FLOWERS elled with the train to Waihi and back and met up with us later on. Keep cut roses for 3-4 weeks in a vase! Simply add two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of vinegar to one liter of water and use this to fill your vases. Our two little groups went in different The sugar feeds the flowers, while the vinegar disinfects the water. Your cut directions but because the tracks are a flowers will last much longer. Once your flowers are dried in the vase, simply circuit we met up for lunch part of the way around, a well deserved sandwich take off petals and place in a bowl for potpourri. or two. On completion of that track we CRISPY LEFTOVER PIZZA regrouped again, some people rested in the Swisscraft van whilst others did To reheat a pizza so that the base is out-of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover another short but very scenic walk up slices in a fry pan on low-medium heat on the stove until warm and wave good- into the old gold mining areas. bye to the days of soggy microwave pizza. Contributed by Edith Hess
H E L V E T I A P A G E 1 7 Swiss Club News
Friday 05 October 8pm Pub night We must do this again, it’s so easy AUCKLAND at Bar Africa to organise – any ideas for walks
A good dozen Swiss enjoyed a drink are welcome! and a catchup – as usual there were Friday 09 November Jass SWISS CLUB new people to get to know. Another a 1st Adrian Blaser 4007 neat opportunity for networking! 2nd Fidel Good 3977 PAST EVENTS Friday 12 October Jass 3rd Hans Iten 3975 What a close finish this was – second, 4th Louis Wallimann 3962 Sunday 23 September – Rock third and fourth within 3 points of each 5th Annagret Wolf 3935 Climbing other! 6th Walter Haller 3880 Since last year’s spring event with 1st Fidel Good 4120 7th Berta Good 3851 Swiss & Knusprig ended up with two 2nd Walter Haller 4078 8th Emil Tellenbach 3846 people being transported from the ice 3rd Lynne Dunphy 4076 9th Neil Kaiser 3821 skating rink straight to hospital, we 10th Hansruedi Wolf 3807 thought this year we try something a 4th Hansruedi Wolf 4075 11th Franz Krieger 3749 lot safer - it involved tight harnesses 5th Annagret Wolf 4033 and lots of rope and all you needed 6th Andrew Iten 3972 12th Andrew Iten 3695 was courage. 7th Berta Good 3954 13th Heinz Frei 3681 14th Hilda Iten 3657 Twenty of us met at Clip & Climb to 8th Louis Wallimann 3793 have a fun time climbing their walls 9th Carmen Gordon 3742 15th Ian Gordon 3652 and obstacle courses. Some parents 10th Emil Tellenbach 3735 16th Nelly Steinemann 3615 were only there for moral and "safety" 11th Hans Iten 3627 17th Edith Hess 3599 support as some littlies needed a bit of 12th Adrian Blaser 3604 18th Carmen Gordon 3572 "you can do it - only three more steps 19th Heidi Wilson 3566 to go". The bigger kids and adults had 13th Heidi Wilson 3531 20th Lynne Dunphy 3513 fun with the really daring trapeze jump 14th Ian Gordon 3519 or finding their way to the top in the 15th Heinz Frei 3512 Special thanks go to the sponsors of glow-in- the-dark cave. 16th Hilda Iten 3472 the first prize: One night for 2 persons 17th Franz Krieger 3213 Daniel W at the Clevedon Ridge B&B, 45 Mun- Friday 02 November; Pub night in ros Rd, Clevedon. the West: Toby’s in Titirangi Thank you Iman & Mariette Nearly 20 of us got together in Toby’s Sprenger, 09 292 8886, 027 45 46 bar, and had a good Swiss / English 491. chat. No pub night in December and www.clevedonridge.co.nz January, too busy with Christmas functions – save all your good stories We wish Adrian our President and Pia for Friday 1st of February 2013! our First Lady a very pleasant stay in the country, well deserved! Sunday 04 November: Walk in the Tobi Hunua ranges - second time lucky: We did it! After the cancellation in March, the weather was kind to us this time, the tracks amazingly dry despite the rain on Saturday, the three hour walk just right for all, the area so beau- tiful, the mood perfect. The pictures speak for themselves. I counted 22 heads and 46 feet! It was particularly nice to meet several of our new mem- bers, and to have six youngsters, who were always ahead. Some of them We all had a lovely couple of hours barely did any walking – they ran most with lots of Swiss around us. A special of the way! But that’s not all, young thank you goes to the two new families Fiona excelled once more with her that attended who recently joined the baking, your Raspberry muffins were a club and the brave grandchildren that real treat, thanks! were visiting from Australia. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Swiss Club News
We also celebrated the overall winners Programme: get to know the committee members. for 2012. You can see more details on Everyone who has joined the club in Gates open at 10am the Swiss Club website. Amazing – the past two years is invited to join us four Itens in the first six! (Lynne is one Santa arrives at 11am . We have it for lunch and a chat over a glass of of them!). How do they do it? from several reliable sources: This is wine. THE REAL Santa, straight from the 1st Andrew Iten North Pole, not just a dressed up Friday 01 February 2013: 2nd Hans Iten gentleman. He will talk to each child Pub night – you will be notified via 3rd Lynne Dunphy individually. It is essential for Santa to email about place, or see website. 4th Louis Wallimann have some information about your 5th Heinz Frei child beforehand. If you have not Saturday 02 February 2013: received your invitation yet, go to the 6th Hilda Iten Working bee at the farm & Society Swiss Club Website for the form. Shooting Competition 7th Heidi Wilson Santa’s visit including a goodie bag is 8th Emil Tellenbach free for children of Swiss Club Sunday 10 February: Annual Picnic 9th Franz Krieger members; $ 5.00 for non members. & Society Games & Society Shooting. 10th Fidel Good Compete for the national cowbell com- Lunch : Savour a selection of barbe- petition and enjoy the Swiss Day out at 11th Hansruedi Wolf qued Swiss Sausages, Potato salad, the farm with your family and friends. 12th Berta Good yummy Swiss bread, followed by 13th Adrian Blaser Nussgipfel, Schnägge and Erdbeer- Weekend 22 – 24 March: Outdoor ő 14th Carmen Gordon t rtli. All are available at a good price. weekend together with Hamilton 15th Annagret Wolf Approximately 1.30pm Kasperle Club in Whatipu, Waitakere 16th Walter Haller Theater (Puppet Show) – another The Whatipu lodge is in a great set- 17th Edith Hess very Swiss tradition for your children ting, remote but only 45km from the (and you) to participate in. 18th Neil Kaiser Auckland CBD. There will be some- Traditional Swiss Christmas Biscuits thing to enjoy for the adventurous, the 19th Matthew Kaiser sporty and the sedentary ones, as well 20th Ian Gordon (Wienachtsguetzli) will be available for sale at $ 10.00 per bag. If you don’t as the families. You have the option of come to Santa and would like a bag, staying in a small bedroom (single, Another very successful Jass year has let us know – you can pick them up at twin or double) at $ 60 per person for come to an end. We would like to the Carol singing. the two nights, or at the campground thank everyone who participated, and for a much lesser price. sponsored prizes or supper. Do come Saturday 15 December 2.30pm: Check out the Auckland Swiss Club along again next year, it’s getting bet- Website for details: www.swiss.org.nz/ ter all the time. Swiss Carol Singing auckland. Danish Club, 6 Rockridge Ave, Thank you all Penrose Places are limited; book now to avoid Hans Iten and the Jass - Crew disappointment. Contact Tanja on 09 Get those fuzzy feelings by singing 627 8777 or 021 101 4432 or email: ‘Stille Nacht’ and other Swiss Christ- GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS [email protected] mas Carols with us. They are inter- WITH THE AUCKLAND SWISS spersed with a few musical items. You CLUB will be rewarded with a wine or juice NEW MEMBERS when you come in, and a very Swiss Saturday 01 December : afternoon tea after the singing. We are happy to welcome two new Working bee families to our club: Doors open at 2.30, we sing from 3 to
Working Bee at the Swiss farm, start about 3.45. ◊ Kathryn Stucky and Max Rogers 10 am, yummy lunch provided. In case ◊ Sabine Wyss and Greg Knowles Entry is $ 5.00 for members, $ 10.00 you have not received your personal for non members, and $ 2.50 for chil- invitation yet – what better thing to do We trust you enjoy a bit of a home dren up to 15 years. than joining other Swiss for the start of away from home, and look forward to summer! A lot needs to be done on the We are very happy to arrange trans- catching up with you. Do pencil in the farm and inside the dwellings in prepa- port for you to and from this event: new members day on Sunday 13 ration for Santa’s visit. Contact Nelly Steinemann at 4794038 January 2013. or [email protected] if you like To all our members – thank you for Sunday 09 December: SANTA a ride. is coming to the Swiss Farm participating in our Club, what would Looking ahead to 2013 we be without YOU. Happy festivities, Don’t miss the highlight of the Swiss looking forward to a successful club Club year. Even if you don’t have Sunday 13 January 2013 year in 2013. children, you will enjoy the company, Nelly Steinemann, Helvetia contributor for Auckland, the atmosphere and the excitement. New members day at the Swiss Farm – find out what the club is all about and and the committee of the Auckland Swiss Club
H E L V E T I A P A G E 1 9 Swiss Club Photo Gallery
In Taranaki... In Hamilton... In Auckland...
Swiss Club group walking the Hunuas Fondue night: Our hall full to the brim
“Picturesque” Hunua Falls Participants in action cutting out Christmas cookies Erika admiring the selection of baking In Wellington...
River crossing
Bruno and Manuela Garage sale!
Feeding frenzy
Film interlude provided by Hutt Orchestra Karangahake walk - enjoying their lunch break
Samichlaus is on his way The two small groups meet half way Hunua lookout DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Swiss Club News
Auckland Shooting Report: “Any Rifle, Any Sights” 2012 Due to enormous interest in our facility, the board of the shooting section has created a competition called “Any Rifle Any Sights” and is for anyone who owns a rifle legally and wishes to fire it in an appropriate situation occasionally. SWISS KONDITOREI BERN
Usually, we hold this event over two weekends in October. Bakery & Pastry “Any Rifle, Any Sights” has over the years grown into a very popular event and in 2012, its 14th edition, 160 shooters took part. I am pretty certain that this is Do you feel like eating real Swiss/German now the biggest shooting competition in New Zealand. breads, tasty and healthy?
German Sourdough, Butterzopf, The course of fire is as follows; Walliser Bread, Kibbled Rye, Walnut Bread, Tasty White Bread, Basler Bread, ◊ 10X single shots on the round (A) target scored from 0-10.1 or chose from a wide range of rolls, inclusive Laugenrolls. ◊ 05X single shoots on the Army (B) target scored from 0-10 In the sweet range we offer ◊ 05X shoots in application scored at the end of the fifth shoot. Scored from Blackforest Cake, Bienenstich, Chocolate Truffle Cake, Quark Cheesecake, 0-10 Fruit Flans, Patisserie, There are some staggering scores but this year the range record has not been seasonal specialities and much more. equalized or beaten. We are using local and often organic ingredients. The record at present stands at 200.3, shot in 2009 Retail sale at our bakery The first few results were: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7am-2pm 1. Debbie Wakker: 199.7 5/448 Rosebank Rd, Avondale, Auckland Tel: (09) 828-5860 Fax: (09) 828-5861 2. Christian Neubauer: 199.7 www.swisskonditoreibern.co.nz 3. Graham Halloway: 198.7 4. Brett Rennie: 197.7 5. Andrew Wakker: 197.7 Please note: The first 18 shooters were 190 point plus
Auckland Swiss Club shooters Results: 1. (2.) Christian Neubauer: 199.7 “Scope” 2. (38.) Daniel Wiederkehr: 186.2 “Scope” 3. (41.) Andrea Matysik: 179.1 “Diopter” 4. (48.)Henry Werffeli: 177.1 “Diopter” 5. (51) Ernst Lanz: 177.0 “Diopter” 6. (53.) Melissa Lanz: 176.1 “Diopter”
On behalf of the Auckland Swiss Club I would like thank all shooters that participated. I also would like to state my upmost appreciation to all shooters that helped on the days, especially Daniel, Ernst and Melissa. A special thank you goes to Daniel who helped with the administration and coordination to fit all the shooters into the two weekends. Great Job! Yes we will do it again next year. See you then. The Riflemaster of the Auckland Swiss Club: Henry Werffeli
H E L V E T I A P A G E 2 1 Chuchichäschtli (Kitchen Cupboard) Änisbrötli/Chräbeli: Aniseed Breads Änisbrötli/Chräbeli are traditional Turn dough onto a floured surface, Swiss Christmas cookies. Being light knead in enough flour to make a good in colour, these cookies lend them- print without sticking to mold. selves as the perfect canvas for a Roll dough out to about 1/4” thickness range of beautiful cookie (“Springerle”) and press the flour-dusted mould into moulds that are available just for this the dough. Gently remove mould and purpose. Our own Edith Hess has a cut around cookie. Place on baking whole wall of these moulds in her din- paper and air dry cookies for 8-12 ing room and freely confesses to be an hours, depending on the size of the addict! cookie. This drying time sets the print. To make Änisbrötli, take the following Bake at 150-160 o C for 8-10 minutes ingredients: on bottom rack of the oven. The ♥ 4-5 eggs printed image should stay white and there should be a golden colour on the ♥ 500g cake flour bottom of the cookie. The cookie will ♥ Änisbrötli 500 icing sugar rise up from the base. www.chraebeli.com ♥ 1Tbsp lightly toasted Aniseed Haven’t got any moulds? Just make (or 1/4 tsp Anise Oil) some Änisbrötli without mould impres- ♥ 1Tbsp Kirsch (optional) sions. You could also have a go at “Chräbeli”, where the same dough is Beat eggs for approximately 6-8 min- rolled into a slim “sausage”, cut into utes until they are double their volume smallish pieces and scored with the and similar to “Latte” foam. Add icing knife on one side. You can get the sugar and beat well. Incorporate Ani- beautiful “Springerle Moulds” from seed (or sprinkle on baking tray) and Debra Hrstich in Wellington (027 343 Kirsch to mixture, and mix in with cake 2130). More about this on page 23. flour 1/2 cup at a time. Let dough rest for 10 minutes under a damp tea Recipe contributed by Edith Hess/Debra Chräbeli towel. Hrstich www.rezeptefinden.de Garden Diary - Gardening in December
Vege gardens aren't a top priority and water early morning or evening to Sow annual herbs such as basil, cori- heading into the festive season, but try prevent fungal diseases. If going ander, dill, fennel, and parsley. Pro- to spend some time planting or sowing away, rig up an irrigation system on an tect summer berries from the birds by new crops for a constant summer automatic timer or ask a friendly covering crops with netting or hang out supply! Weather conditions improve neighbour. Mulching helps to reduce scarers. Check for small early pota- and provide temperatures more ideal water loss, while layering 5-10cm com- toes by digging around the sides of for raising the more tender veggies. post on the garden after heavy rain plants once they start flowering, then December is a busy month for raising traps moisture. leave until growth has died back to new plants and harvesting late Winter harvest the rest. Garlic and onions Dwarf beans planted in October need plantings. Beets, peas, lettuce, leeks can be lifted once the tops wither. to be kept well watered, or they will and cabbages will be ready for picking. Keep them in a dry place for a few stop flowering and cropping, especially Directly sow beans, beetroot, carrots, weeks before storing. Root veggies if in raised beds. Feed with liquid fertil- corn, cucumbers, lettuce, rocket, rad- such as beetroot, carrots, kumara, iser. Peas are susceptible to fungal ishes, pumpkins and zucchini. Plant parsnips, swedes and turnips can also disease in summer, but sugar snap or grafted capsicums and eggplants to go in now for Autumn harvesting, so snow peas can still be grown for get a head start, as they need a long there is plenty to do! Just keep salads, as they are quicker to crop. period of warmth. Fertilise fortnightly watering, picking, tying up, feeding Once finished, add to compost heap after the fruit starts to set. and mulching, and enjoy your home for added nitrogen. Support with twigs, grown veggies. Watch out for the white cabbage string and sticks, and anchor down to butterflies which lay eggs on the prevent wind damage. By Melissa Lanz underside of brassicas such as Asparagus will have finished by now, cabbage, cauli, broccoli and kohlrabi so stop picking and allow the plants to plants. Squash, spray or apply derris go to fern to store energy for next dust, or use old net curtains to help to year's crop. Weed and apply general keep them off. Trim and tie down new fertiliser, sheep pellets or blood and growth on grape vines, control weeds bone, and give a good weekly soak. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 Health Corner
From the herbal chest of Hilda Iten
Many of you will know Hilda Iten from Both are avid Jassers, and easily beat the Auckland Swiss Club. Both Hilda the best of them (check the Jass- and her husband Hans have held a results on page 18!). lifelong interest in organic gardening, Hilda’s herbal recipes must have the power of herbs, as well as making something to do with all of this wellbe- delicious fruit wines. Hilda’s ing, and she has kindly agreed to Raspberry Wine will lift anybody’s spirit share some of them with us. to lofty heights of pleasure! Our thanks go to Hilda, and also Both in their late 80s, Hilda and Hans Renate Meyer-Knecht and Trudi Fill- continue to live an active and Weidmann, who kindly helped with enjoyable life, and Hilda’s conscious recording and translations. cultivation of good humour and laugh- ter makes a big contribution to this. Hilda and Hans Iten
Healthy heart with garlic and lemons! Wellbeing elixir: De-calcification – without the need for surgery... Garlic syrup When coronary or cerebral circulation is restricted due to atherosclero- Take: sis, a shot of this easy-to-prepare elixir is highly recommended: ♥ 150g peeled cloves of garlic Take 30 peeled cloves of garlic, and 5 whole organic unpeeled finely ♥ 200g onions chopped lemons. ♥ 3 TBSP cider vinegar ♥ 200g honey (warmed) Mix both in blender and bring to the boil with one litre of water. Let it bubble only Finely cut garlic and onions and add 3 once! Cool and strain through a sieve very hard, to make sure most of the zest tablespoons of cider vinegar. Cover comes through, so that the resulting liquid is thick. Fill into a bottle and drink in a and let stand for 24 hours in a warm shot glass (about 20-30ml) once a day, before or after your main meal. place. Take a medium bowl and add After only 3 weeks of taking this, some people feel considerable improvements in the warm honey to the garlic and vitality which is felt as the body regenerates itself, and with improved vision and onion mixture. Cover, and let stand hearing. Have a break for one week, then start another 3 weeks of taking this. Do for 7 days. Thereafter, strain mixture this 6 week-regime once a year. The normally strong odour of the garlic is through a cheese or nylon cloth and counteracted by the zest and juice of the lemon, so no need to worry about the transfer into a bottle. social implication of taking this remedy. Take one teaspoon daily to stay well. What people notice in their wellbeing are things like better sleep, without the rest- Enjoy! lessness that they used to feel all night long. One woman avoided having heart surgery by taking this elixir. Another area where remarkable results have been noted by taking this mix is paradontosis (gum degeneration). What have you got to lose? Hair rinse Take: Raspberry wine “à la Hildeli” ♥ A handful of dried nettle leaves You will need: The next step is to sieve the liquid ♥ very slowly through a nylon cloth, tak- A handful of dried rosemary ♥ 2 kg raspberries ing good care to not disturb the sedi- ♥ A bit more than a handful of ♥ 8 lt water ment at the bottom of the bottle. onion peels ♥ 10 (plus 3) cups of sugar Boil 3 cups of sugar in 2.5 cups of wa- Boil all in a bit less than a litre of ♥ 2 tsp dry yeast ter, let cool off and mix with the sieved water until a brown broth develops. Boil the water and let it cool. Soak the liquid, then fill again into flagons or Drain and let cool. Use this as the last rinse after every time you wash berries in the water and then strain. bottles and screw tight. Store in a cool your hair. Dry hair. Do not rinse this To this liquid, add the sugar and the place. broth off. It will gradually disguise dry yeast, and mix well. Fill the liquid Prost! grey hair and give it a golden sheen. into flagons or bottles, and let ferment for 7-8 weeks. Put the tops on only It won’t happen overnight, but it WILL loosely during fermentation to prevent happen! the bottles from exploding!
H E L V E T I A P A G E 2 3 Birthday Celebrations and Cookie Decorating
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Cookie decorating Cookie decorating dates back to at least the 14th century when in Switzerland, “Springerle” cookie moulds were carved from wood and used to impress Biblical designs into cookies. The oldest known Springerle mould is housed at the Swiss National Museum in Zürich, Switzerland. This round-shaped mould was carved from wood in the 14th century and pictures the Easter Lamb. A Springerle mould or press (carved rolling pins) is used to imprint a picture or design on to a cookie. These cookies have been the traditional Christmas cookies in Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria for centuries. To add to the decorative effect, the designs may be coloured with food colouring, or when used for decorative purposes only, with tempera or acrylic paints. Margrit Suter (nee Schwyter) turns Springerle cookies originally displayed biblical scenes and 90 years old on 22nd November 20I2. were used to teach the illiterate about the Bible. Eventually, the cookies were decorated with secular scenes depicting At sixteen years of age, Margrit Schwyter arrived in New images of life events, such as marriages and births. Zealand from Zürich Switzerland , together with her parents and her sister. In 1938, Europe was preparing for war, and Food historians also trace the artistic element of cookie mak- Margrit’s uncle in New Zealand paid for the family to make ing back to Medieval Germany where Lebkuchen this life-changing journey. Leaving England in the summer, (gingerbread) was crafted into fancy shapes and decorated they had beautiful weather until they got to the Southern with sugar. However, the Lebkuchen Guilds only permitted Ocean. As they approached Wellington, they encountered professional gingerbread bakers to make this, with the wild stormy weather. After six weeks on the water, the family exceptions of Christmas and Easter when anyone was free to had finally arrived to start their new life in New Zealand. make their own. Margrit’s uncle, Jacob Schumacher, farmed on Monmoth Sources: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cookie_decorating , www.springerle.com Road in the Taranaki area of the North Island, and this is where the new arrivals made their home. There were many new things to learn for this young city girl. Helping to ma- chine milk 35 cows took 3 adults over 3 hours! Uncle Jacob didn't really trust these "new machines", so he strip started all the animals then stripped them at the end of milking. Margrit met and married Franz Suter, who was also Swiss, in 1942 and during their 46 years of marriage they farmed in Taranaki, increasing their herd and family at regular inter- vals. They were blessed with 12 children , some of which are Springerle “Three Angels” Cookie Mould still farming in Taranaki. www.springerle.ch - Catalogue Margrit had learned to play the button accordion whilst still in Switzerland, so our home was always filled with Swiss music long before the arrival of tapes and CDs. Both Margrit and Franz were ardent card players , and enjoyed many happy hours with the Taranaki Swiss club, including many a 1st of August celebration! Margrit enjoys all things Swiss: Music, cards, Kirsch and most of all - her homeland. There were many challenges to overcome. This she ap- peared to do with ease , although there must have been hard times as well, especially in raising us 12 children. Margrit still lives in Eltham, under Mount Taranaki. She came to love the mountain, and has chosen to stay in the area for her entire life . On reaching the remarkable milestone of 90 years of age, we, the twelve children , wish our wonderful Mutti a very Happy Birthday, and hope she enjoys a very special day with ex tended family. By Theresa Halford nee Suter DECEMBER 2012 / JANUARY 2013 Unesco Swiss World Heritage Sites
The Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair The Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair in the Sadly, the cycle has suffered considerable damage, both upper valley of the Canton of Grisons bears exceptional because of ill-conceived restorations and because of the testimony to a Carolingian civilisation and art which has repainting of the apses, which probably took place be- disappeared. It is one of the most coherent examples of tween 1165 and 1180. The frescoes on the side walls, traditional architecture and paintings of the Carolingian with the Stories of David, were removed and placed in the period and the early Middle Ages. Landesmuseum in Zürich. This convent was most likely founded around 780 by the Other precious artworks preserved in the Benedictine Bishop of Chur, at the behest of Charlemagne. It is noted complex date from successive centuries. Originating as being an establishment of Benedictines from the be- from the Romanesque period are frescoes preserved in ginning of the 9th century. It did not become a convent the church's apse area, and in the choir, a large statue in until 1163. painted stucco depicting Charlemagne (1165) and a fine The most important element of the monastic complex is relief depicting the Baptism of Christ (1087). the church which is dedicated to St John the Baptist, Within the enclosure walls of the monastery, there are a including two cloisters. Formed by a simple rectangular number of other key historical elements, in particular, the hall some 20m long, it is closed in the east by three tall residence of Bishop Norbert with its remarkable decor of semi-circular apses and adorned on the exterior by blind frescoes in the north-west quarter and stucco-work in the arcades. two-storey chapel (11th and 12th centuries). In the church, the removal of the Gothic ceiling (1908-9) Other rooms in the Convent date for the most part from and of the whitewash (1947-51) brought to light important the 18th century. These are located around the main vestiges of frescoes dating from the Romanesque period cloister and are used for the storage of documents, (approximately 1150-70) and, more important still, from models related to the religious complex, reliquaries, the Carolingian period. This is, in fact, the most important robes, and objects of sacred art dating from the 13th to cycle of painting which is currently known dating from the 18th centuries. around 800. During the Gothic and Baroque periods, the church was The figurative paintings include scenes from the Old and subjected to major modifications: two rows of columns New Testaments and are of a fine aesthetic quality. divided the interior into three aisles, a matroneum (interior Painted in a limited range of ochres, reds and browns, gallery) was installed, and the original wooden ceiling was they postdate the frescoes of Castelseprio and San replaced by a vaulted roof. Outside, a tower-house was Salvatore in Brescia. They are particularly important to built for the Abbess of the convent in the 15th century, understanding the evolution of Christian iconographic adjoining the right-hand side of the church. themes, such as the Last Judgement. The panels are Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC, www.whc.unesco.org/en/list/269 framed with painted strips of garlands and ribbons, and culminate at the top into a large cornice.
Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair Central apse of the Church www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Benediktinerkloster_St._Johann.JPG (Wladyslaw Sojka at the www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St_Johann_-_8. jpg (James Steakley) German language Wikipedia)