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Erster August
by Alice 
Der erste August! A national holiday in Switzerland celebrating the beginning of the fight for independence. Actually, it was the beginning of trying to get away from paying taxes to the Austrians. But independence sounds better. The first of many constitutions to come was written on this day in 1291. The Swiss did not believe in monarchies or any other form of royalty. They were tired of the overlords and began their own loose organization of Kantons (states), namely Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. Happy Birthday Switzerland!!
HOPP SCHWYYZ!
08/01/09 05:44:15 pm, 
2 comments
Comment from: Jack [Member]
Erster August is like being in Beirut during an offensive. Everyone, and I mean everyone, buys fireworks and starts setting them off as soon as the sun manages to pass behind a mountain. Sitting in a valley, closing your eyes, you have a full World War 3 effect as gun powder explodes all around you for 6 hours.
While I know there were no bullets and no mortars actually going off, I felt like a war correspondent sitting there in the dark, plotting my next move. Fortunately, we had cocktails, so culture and the benefits of civilization were preserved as barbaric ritual surrounded us.
While I know there were no bullets and no mortars actually going off, I felt like a war correspondent sitting there in the dark, plotting my next move. Fortunately, we had cocktails, so culture and the benefits of civilization were preserved as barbaric ritual surrounded us.
08/02/09 @ 20:22
Comment from: Jack [Member]
You know, thinking about it - I wonder if most fights for independence originate in a tax evasion scheme.
Boston Tea Party?
Boston Tea Party?
08/05/09 @ 12:23