Swiss National Day

Today is Swiss National Day, the day when the unification of Switzerland by the signing of the Federal Charter in 1291 is celebrated. The Federal Charter of 1291 was officially regarded as Switzerland’s founding document only in 1891, to commemorate its 600th anniversary, and has been an annual celebration from 1899. It only became a national public holiday in 1994. 

The morning started sunny but by the time we walked into the village it started raining. There were many stalls selling absolute rubbish second hand things, and many of the restaurants had food stalls in the park under the marquee. We went and had a coffee and waited for the rain to stop - it did and we wandered around the stalls and went to look at the food stalls, where a local youth music group were providing the music (see extra). While the music was very good I have never seen such a glum bunch of children, they certainly missed the memo to smile while performing.

Many homes and all the stores had the flag flying and people were dressed in red to celebrate National Day. I like the flag flying from this hotel in the village. In the past there was the most spectacular fireworks display in the evening of National Day, it was the highlight of the celebrations and our children used to enjoy it every year. Today it has been banned, which I agree with, as being a farming village there are many animals around. However, there was talk about a laser show in its place but that has not been done which is a pity.

I was looking forward to seeing Adam who was arriving later today, but when we phoned him this morning to check his ETA details, he told us that as he arrived at the airport check in counter, he received an email from British airways to say they had cancelled the flight. The reason - the weather! It was perfectly sunny in London and in Zurich so what a ridiculous excuse. Bloody British Airways! He saw some people getting compensation for overnight hotel accommodation, but he was only given a £10 voucher for a meal. He waited a few hours to see if they were putting on another flight or he could get on a different flight, but to no avail, and eventually had to get the train back to Cambridge, a waste of £60 for which he won't be compensated. 

This evening Gavin and I went to another concert in the Klosters Music Festival. This time it was an American baritone singing jazzy numbers with an ensemble playing Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin amongst others. While the ensemble were incredible - a pianist, a bass player and two violinists, I found the baritone not jazzy enough for the numbers. Rhapsody in Blue was incredible, the pianist performed it very well. It was interesting to hear two violins in a jazz ensemble yet no brass or wind instruments.

Fingers crossed that Adams's flight tomorrow is not cancelled! He will be on the same flight as Anna who could not come today due to work, so that is good they will be flying together.