SWITZERLAND
Switzerland from its Celtic heritage from 58BC, through the Roman Era till 400 AD, Switzerland was dominated by the houses of Habsburg and Savoy, and gained independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. Switzerland first gave it declaration of neutrality in 1515, and in 1815 The Congress of Vienna established Switzerland as a Federation and guarantees its independence and permanent neutrality. The French invaded Switzerland in 1798. with the old confederation collapsing, and 1803 the new cantons of Sankt Gallen, Graubuenden, Thurgau, Ticino, Aargau and Vaud join the Federation.
Other important moments, was the Civil War in 1847, when the Protestant Army led by General Dufour crushed the Catholic cantons. Also the International red Cross was founded in 1864 in Geneva. The Construction of the railway across the Alps from 1872-1882 the "Gotthardbahn". The Swiss voting against joining the European Economic Area in 1992.This was reflected in a vote in 1986 75.7% voting against entry into the UN.
Despite many difficulties, even within Switzerland itself, Switzerland managed to keeps its neutrality during both World Wars, particularly in the First World War, from the German speaking part.
Well Switzerland, well known for its beauty, alpine scenery, cheese and chocolate, Winter Sports and its financial prudence, and sense of order...has much to offer the visitor.. those wonderful walks and a friendly welcome....
Wilhelm Tell.... How could I not mention him... The Tell myth became a foundation stone of German literature with the Wilhelm Tell of Schiller in 1804. This drama described a conspiracy long matured by the representatives of the three communities, solemnly sworn by 33 spokesmen of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. It depicted henceforth as so many victims of despotism personified by Bailiff Gessler. After having been subjected by Gessler to the famous ordeal of the apple, the archer Wilhelm tell became the arm of justice of the conspiracy. He killed Gessler in the sunken road (Hohle Gasse) at Kuessnacht, opening the way to an era of liberty.
LAKE GENEVA AND BLONAY
I have visited many area's of Switzerland, including Zurich and Lugano, and enjoyed that memorable train journey from Zurich to Lugano through the Alps.... but nothing can beat my visit to Lake Geneva, for many reasons, but some of my happiest memories and moments and cannot wait to visit again.. and I admit 'I didn't want to come home!!'.. and tears in my eyes...
So here is just a few picture memories....
View over Blonay and View over Vevey
Lake Geneva at Vevey and Lake Geneva at Montreaux
