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Expats-Fribourg Newsletter

Expats-Fribourg Newsletter

Expats-Fribourg: Autumn 2009

Dear Sir, Dear Madam,

Fribourg is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Why not take some time out to discover them for yourself, either on your own, or with friends and family, or perhaps with members of the new Fribourg Expat Woman’s Group?

Happy hunting!

Thierry Mauron

Managing Director, Fribourg Development Agency

Fribourg Expat Woman's Group

FEW-Group

Moving abroad is not always as straightforward as it seems. The move can be wrought with mixed emotions and some find it difficult to settle into their new surroundings. With this in mind, Australian Kerri Dann, herself an expatriate for over 17 years, decided to set up the Fribourg Expat Woman's Group (FEWGroup). The Group organizes a wide range of activities and events and provides a great opportunity to make new friends. So, what are you waiting for? Spread the word!
www.fribourgexpatwomansgroup.com

Swiss Game HELVETIQ now available in English

Helvetiq

The goal of HELVETIQ is to share the story of Switzerland with people of all backgrounds and nationalities. It consists of two games: The alpine hike and the political contest. In the alpine hike, players climb the route of the annual mountain ascent made by cows in the Swiss Alps. The political contest introduces us to Swiss politics in a light-hearted and fun way. The game is of interest to anyone with an attachment to Switzerland (residents, expats, Swiss living abroad, etc.), and both adults and children.

www.helvetiq.ch

What's on

what's on

12 September 2009: Urban Sightseeing Fun Golf Tour, Fribourg
Are you interested in meeting new people and discovering the beautiful old town of Fribourg, while playing mini-golf with a personal guide? Network Relocation is organizing an Urban Sightseeing Fun Golf Tour on Saturday 12 September. The tour will be followed by lunch at a charming restaurant in the old town of Fribourg for a typical 'Bénichon' meal (registration till 8th September 2009).
www.network-relocation.com  (Program & Registration)

Until 25 October 2009: “Découvertes archéologiques en Gruyère”, Bulle
If you fancy finding out about the vast array of exciting archeological finds that have been made in the region over the years, then head to La Gruyère. There you can choose from a great selection of guided visits around the local museums and archeological hotspots.
www.musee-gruerien.ch


15 September-31 October 2009: Magical Journeys through Fribourg
For several weeks every year, hundreds of kids join Hubert Audriaz, the iconic denizen of the Basse Ville, as he embarks on a magical journey through Fribourg’s labyrinthine old town.
www.fribourgtourisme.ch


18 and 19 September 2009: 20th Open Bike Haute Gruyère, Grandvillard
Whether you’re an active sports fan or an active spectator, the Open Bike in Haute Gruyère is one event you can’t afford to miss! Hop on your mountain bike and head for Grandvillard, the start point. From there the route will take you through six picturesque villages in the Intyamon valley.
www.openbike.ch


24-27 September 2009: 12th Festival International d’Orgues, Fribourg
For four days in September, Fribourg will be alive with the sound of music, especially organ music. If you would like to find out more about this year’s diverse festival programme, then simply click on the link below:
www.academieorgue.ch


4 October 2009: Morat-Fribourg road race
Every year on the first Sunday in October, thousands of runners take to the roads that lead from Morat to Fribourg. Why not sign up and participate in this major event in the Fribourg calendar? Or simply come along and give the runners some welcome encouragement!
www.fribourgtourisme.ch


18 October 2009: Tzampata, Fribourg
It is not only the Morat-Fribourg road race that is held in October ever year. There is also the Tzampata – the traditional race up and down Fribourg’s many flights of steps. Unlike the Morat-Fribourg race, you won’t need to go through months of training to take part!
www.tzampata.ch


4-8 November 2009: Circus Knie, Fribourg
A menagerie of exotic animals, brightly colored caravans, derring-do on the high wire, and men in funny suits and oversized shoes…It can only mean one thing: the Circus Knie is back in town! So, come along and join in all the fun!
www.knie.ch

5 December 2009: St Nicholas procession, Fribourg
Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is here again. So put on your woolly hat and gloves and head to Fribourg cathedral. Enjoy some warming mulled wine and Christmas cookies while you wait for St Nicholas to make his grand entry, accompanied by his trusty mule. The procession is set to start at 5 pm and will be followed by St. Nicholas’s long-awaited Christmas address from the cathedral steps.
www.fribourgtourisme.ch


Mid-December: Christmas market, Morat
Morat’s Christmas market is set to open in mid-December. A cornucopia of festive fare and great gift ideas await!

www.murtentourismus.ch

Expat Opinion

Marie & Ted McNamara

Ted & Marie McNamara
Country of Origin: USA
Company: Actuate International Sàrl

Living in the canton of Fribourg since January 1998.

My favorite place in the canton of Fribourg:

So many places to choose from, but a trip through Jaunpass followed by a fondue at Restaurant Le Chalet in Gruyères is always a must when we have foreign visitors, so I guess that makes it the favorite.
www.chalet-gruyeres.ch

My favorite Fribourg website:
www.fribourgtourisme.ch

My favorite Swiss website:
www.myswitzerland.com

What I like about Switzerland:

When we came to Switzerland in 1998 it was like going back in time 30 years in the US. Neighbors knew and trusted each other, security was not a concern, stores closed on Sunday, etc. In other words, a great quality of life. The selection of great restaurants in Fribourg is incredible. Being from Florida, the 4 seasons are real treat, and no matter where we travel in Switzerland the views are always truly awesome. On our first trip to Switzerland as a family, our 20 year old daughter exclaimed "So this is where all the pictures they use for puzzles come from!" Being surrounded by 4 other countries and cultures makes for great long weekend experiences!

What I don't like about Switzerland:

Again, being from Florida, we miss the trips to the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico for the day. When you see a picture depicting "paradise", it's almost always either Switzerland or a sunset on a beach with palm trees.

My message to other expatriates living in Fribourg:
Having expat friends is a great way to experience Switzerland with others that speak your language, but be determined to become friends with as many "locals" as possible to expand your experience here. Many speak your language as well. After 11 years we're still "beginners" when it comes to local language skills, but we have many close Swiss friends that have helped us to come to know and enjoy the real Switzerland.

Your Opinion

Question Mark

We're interested in hearing about your experiences as an expatriate. Would you like to share your experiences with other expats? If so, please post your comments at:
That's My Opinion ...

This newsletter is produced by the Fribourg Development Agency. If you do not wish to continue receiving future issues of our newsletter, please click on the link below to cancel your subscription. The Fribourg Development Agency disclaims all responsibility for external links and contents of the linked pages.

Fribourg Development Agency, Avenue Beauregard 1, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
www.promfr.ch, promfr@fr.ch, www.expats-fribourg.ch

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