First visit

23 August 2007

My very first day in Liechtenstein began with meeting Mim and Pim off the bus from Zug.

Felt more like student on my first day of varsity than a young woman proudly showing off her new country of residence.

Pim helped me work out how to open and close the blinds in my room; he found the correct adaptor for plugging in the kettle; and he paid for lunch (in Francs).

Then we went for a walk past the princely vineyards, the football ground, and the Rhein. Whenever I walk along the river, I think of my first visitors...

You too can visit me in Liechtenstein! The good news is you don't need a visa (if you arrive via Switzerland) - even if you're South African. And I hereby declare I shall buy my 20th visitor a case of Liechtensteinischer Ländle Gold - the local brew.

Visitor count: Mim, Pim (2)

True love, babe!

No, I haven't been struck down by Cupid...

But, if you buy the November issue of True Love Babe, out today, you'll find my byline on the Passport and Gap Year articles.

Random fact of the week

In 1949 Dior alone provided 5% of France's national export revenue.
- Courtesy of The Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the V&A Museum

Muscle hangover

Went on a hike with the Realschule from Malbun (Liech) to Feldkirch (Austria), along the Saminatal.

Mountains, rivers, forests... The scenery was breathtaking and, after 14km, I was breathless.

The next day, as I hobbled around school, I proudly spoke my latest German phrase to all and sundry. "Ich habe Muskelkater" [Lit: I have a muscle hangover].

Random fact of the week

There are various Trade Unions in Liechtenstein, but it is illegal to strike. Europe is really progressive compared to "darkest Africa".

Yikes! - Generalisation and sarcasm all in one sentence; my style deteriorates as my jaw slackens...

Schlössle TV

I am missing hanging out with the Cape Town literati, but there's a theatre right next to my house, so I went to check it out.

Was tickled by Liechtenstein's premier comedian, Mathias Ospelt, and friends. Their latest project is "Schlössle TV" - a mixture of British Comedy and Candid Camera that features two hosts - with a dress sense worthy of Corné & Twakkie - presenting video clips.

Although it was in German - and dialect at that - I still found the show hilarious. My favourite clip was of an actor strutting around Vaduz city centre. He was accompanied by a princely bodyguard, who protected his royal personage, not with a weapon, but with an umbrella. (The weather is the biggest danger in Liechtenstein).

The clueless tourists all thought he was the real prince, and duly kissed his hand in obeisance. The more adventurous ones even had their picture taken with him. A princely addition to the family album indeed!