Zoeandbruno’s blog

The downside of not the NHS

2009-03-22T20:34:25Z

Turns out it's not always a good thing to visit a health service with more money than it needs. It seems that if you go to the doctor in Switzerland and suggest that you think you have some nasty strain of flu, they will indeed diagnose "some ...

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Things I have learnt

2009-02-12T14:49:12Z

"Oh Danny Boy" should always be sung in a resounding baritone. If your chin isn't touching your chest, you're not giving it enough welly. Contrary to what the other four families think, it is perfectly possible to reach Cornwall by lunchtime....

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inclusiveness in the modern Swiss Church

2009-01-27T12:26:23Z

In Switzerland it is traditional on the Epiphany to go round your house blessing it for the new year, finishing with the symbols C+M+B written above your front door. As with all the other Catholic holy days which run the risk of passing by unm...

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Hostess with the mostess

2009-01-19T21:55:10Z

Dear Friend, It was really lovely to have you visit for the evening. We hadn't seen you for lord knows how long, and it was great to catch up. We really are glad that you got in touch because you were going to be in the area. All good things mus...

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Yummy mummy

2009-01-13T12:26:45Z

"I don't know about all these mothers who claim they don't have time to eat properly with a small baby. You won't catch me falling into that trap. I'm going to fill my fridge with bite sized cherry tomatoes and grapes and make up delicious banana...

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Public Information

2008-12-18T18:50:59Z

Occasionally something happens which makes you realise just how culturally foreign your country of residence really is. The following would never, ever happen in Switzerland. Heard on the Today Programme: "And the weather. The North will be a ...

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Parenting by the book

2008-11-25T18:49:56Z

What the books say you should do: "Chat constantly with your baby. Perhaps give a commentary to everything that you do together! Such interaction will promote socialization and language aquisition!" What you probably shouldn't do: Think that re...

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The Bilingual Family: A work in progress

2008-11-22T15:31:11Z

Zoe: 'Well good morning my little sugarpuff.' 'There there, don't cry honey pot.' 'Hello sweetpea!' Bruno: 'Hello little Cornish pastie!'

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State of the art medical care

2008-11-21T20:06:57Z

Paediatrician: 'It's nothing to worry about, that's a typical newborn rash. I'd just leave it to clear up on it's own. No need to apply any creams or anything.' Z: 'That's what I thought. I haven't been putting anything on it, I thought that wo...

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empathy

2008-11-16T17:58:57Z

Heard in my house earlier this week: "You know, I'd enjoy watching Children in Need if it wasn't for all those video clips of needy children."

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