Swiss National Day - AM

7 am on 1 Aug 2008

I didn't know we could be so patriotic...or rather, crazy...

5.30 am: waking up time (5.55 am for me)
6.00 am: thunder & lighting
6.05 am: rain
6.10 am: light breakfast
6.15 am: decide whether to go Uetliberg to witness cannon firing
6.35am: leave house


There were only 3 passengers on the tram - Uncle Tan, myself and a sleeping passenger.






The place looks empty with no sign of any possible cannon shooting...







We carried on walking, hoping to find some souls around...



Then, the cannon shots broke the morning silence. It was exactly 7.15 am.

We ran towards the sound of firing. It was kinda exciting ;p BUT...I began huffing and puffing heavily whilst going up the elevated slope. My lungs could burst any moment from the excessive cold air I'm trying to fill


Guess I need more exercise than that 30 mins of indoor stretching and jogging.

Here we are, witnessing the salute shots at Kolhenhof, near Albisguetli (mid-way of Uetliberg).

26 shots were in honour of the cantons in the Federation of Confederation and 12 shots in honour of the city districts of Zurich, the Society for Constaffel and Zurich's guilds by the Artillery Association Zurich.

I was standing far away taking video of the shots for it was too loud for me. From where I stood, I could feel the the ground (and my jeans too) tremble as the cannon makes a thundering shot. Each time I hear the commander shouted "Fire", I squeeze my hand and shoulder hard. I was trying to film the cannon shooting with one hand holding the camera and the other, covering my ear. The shoulder played the role of covering the other ear.



Singing the national anthem "When the morning skies grow red", which was composed by Father Alberik Zwyssig. You may like to visit his memorial which is located at the church in Bauen.

It's interesting to note that there weren't many people around and there were no barricades or 'white tapes' like in SG, to keep people away. It was a very small and simple ceremony. We are free to move around during the cannon firing and Uncle Tan machiam like a reporter, standing together with the other tourists and an official photographer near the cannon to take photos.

Not sure who the VIP was...probably the Mayor or the President of the Association?

Sunrise - it could have been more beautiful in a fine weather

Went back to rest before going for the mini street parade in town at 10.30am.


The streets are so empty and we could hear the bells chiming from the church.







Because of the weather, the ceremony had to be shifted to the Town House instead of the city building at Burkliplatz.


The Alphorns are huge and heavy...

Ooh...men in uniform ;p

Preparing for the ceremony outside the Grossmunster.

Preparing their guns with gun powder.

Salute shots by the historical Campagnie 1861. Such an old gun!

President Stadtzurcherisches National Day Celebration, Andres Turler.

This cheeky soldier was quite helpful in providing info to the tourists.

A mini carnival at Burkliplatz serving traditional Swiss food - mostly drilled sausages and bread, cheese and some pastries.

Cooking some 'rice-like' food in the huge pot.

The Alphorn Trio Mhulruti - notice that there aren't any holes on this instrument? How do they change the tune?

Many visitors enjoyed the performance, and even the kids are seated quietly watching.

The 2 'yodeling ladies' :)

A folkdance by a children's dance group.

I must say that even thou some are not very sure of their dance steps and makes minor errors here and there, the people enjoyed the performance put up by them. Albeit simple dance steps with no special or 'wow stunts, I appreciate such simplicity and innocence of the children. So yes, I'm one of those will not watch the the 'xxx children's karaoke'. Has become too commercialized for me.

Did you know that Switzerland is the only country with a square flag?

The first flag (white and blue) that you see in this picture is the flag of Zurich Canton, which can be seen in the colours of the trams here (except for those with ads) and you could find the flag at the front of the trams.