Background: The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. Switzerland's sovreignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
July 11th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Lauterbrunnen This day was a crazy long travel day. We drove from Paris to Switzerland. The scenery was very beautiful. To fill up the time Ash had us go up to the mike (is that how you are supposed to spell that?) ... 4 photos[full story]
July 25th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Interlaken Today Sherrie had the great idea to do the most challenging hike - Schilthorn. I should have been suspicious when Karrie Gregson recommended it and said it was tough. It was a great challenge. The ... [full story]
July 22nd 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Interlaken From the lowlands of the Netherlands to the mountainous terrain of Switzerland: we've made enough money to continue our journey.
We left Amsterdam early on the 15th toward Lille, France, where we w ... 7 photos[full story]
July 24th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Lausanne I don't really have the time to blog right now, but I know you'd all love to see some pictures, so here ya go! ... 12 photos[full story]
July 24th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Interlaken Left Paris (and our wireless) yesterday. Before we left, Steph went to D'Orsey and Sherrie wandered around the park. The 6 hr train trip in first class was enjoyable. There are benefits to being ol ... [full story]
July 24th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Geneva sorrz about the zy thing, i know its annozing to tzpe so it has to be annozing to read!!
we got off the flight to geneva and it was probablz 70 degrees, what a nice change from rome. i totallz nee ... [full story]
July 24th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Geneva Wednesday was our last day of anything productive as Thursday should consist only of a museum visit and a dinner with some of the UN delegates (despite publishing on Thursday, I’m writing this o ... 12 photos[full story]
July 16th 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Interlaken 10/7
Travel day to Switzerland. We arrived at Interlaken train station at 4.30pm where Megs friend Lisa picked us up and took us to the Valley Hostel. Well I am in love with Switzerland already it ... [full story]
July 23rd 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Fribourg Zurich HB station was filled with gigantic life-size blowups of Switzerland’s soccer players. It reminded me of the fanfare at Indian cricket matches. Spanish girl decided to ride with us on the ... 14 photos[full story]
July 21st 2008Europe » Switzerland » South-West » Geneva Lesson of the month: Do not make assumptions about your own intelligence with regards to technology... just read the friggin' manual.
I had all of these lovely photos of me and my new friends all a ... 6 photos[full story]
Map of Switzerland
Switzerland's Flag
