So over the past month to month and a half much has been learned about the Holidays over here. Through Sammiclaus, Schmutzly, Christmas Markets, Singing Christmas Trees, the "customary" 2 week European Holiday break we thought we'd seen it all... until Saturday. Replacing the Christmas Markets in the Zurich main train station were 2 rafters of stadium style seating facing each other. At one end were lounge couches and the opposite end was a stage with a monster size tv screen. "What on earth could this be?" was the natural question walking by.... a) indoor ice skating? b) a curling rink? c) Swiss Idol Competition? d) none of the above. If you guessed d, congratulations! Today's main even was Christmas Tree tossing. People were standing in line about 50 deep to see how far they could throw small, Charlie Brown sized Christmas trees. Had we just come across the Swiss equivalent of the Soap Box Derby? While you may shake your head at it, this would definitely get solid ratings on network primetime back home. It was captivating. After finding a third row seat (viewing was free) we sat their with our mouths agape... The large screen on the stage was to show replays of the last toss and show the standings. The men's leader when we left had thrown it over 11 meters and we saw the fema
le lead's 8 meter toss (she had excellent great form!)... Upon further investigation this is not a Zurich tradition to end the Christmas season, but a shameless promotion by IKEA to show their rock bottom January prices. Apparently, now is the ideal time to throw your Christmas Tree out the window, presumably to make more room for IKEA furniture - like the world's most uncomfortable couch (currently sitting in our Zurich apartment). Despite the disappointment from learning this was not a Swiss tradition, it was funny to see not only so many people participating, but at least ten times as many (including us) watching in seats!!!
So over the past month to month and a half much has been learned about the Holidays over here. Through Sammiclaus, Schmutzly, Christmas Markets, Singing Christmas Trees, the "customary" 2 week European Holiday break we thought we'd seen it all... until Saturday. Replacing the Christmas Markets in the Zurich main train station were 2 rafters of stadium style seating facing each other. At one end were lounge couches and the opposite end was a stage with a monster size tv screen. "What on earth could this be?" was the natural question walking by.... a) indoor ice skating? b) a curling rink? c) Swiss Idol Competition? d) none of the above. If you guessed d, congratulations! Today's main even was Christmas Tree tossing. People were standing in line about 50 deep to see how far they could throw small, Charlie Brown sized Christmas trees. Had we just come across the Swiss equivalent of the Soap Box Derby? While you may shake your head at it, this would definitely get solid ratings on network primetime back home. It was captivating. After finding a third row seat (viewing was free) we sat their with our mouths agape... The large screen on the stage was to show replays of the last toss and show the standings. The men's leader when we left had thrown it over 11 meters and we saw the fema
le lead's 8 meter toss (she had excellent great form!)... Upon further investigation this is not a Zurich tradition to end the Christmas season, but a shameless promotion by IKEA to show their rock bottom January prices. Apparently, now is the ideal time to throw your Christmas Tree out the window, presumably to make more room for IKEA furniture - like the world's most uncomfortable couch (currently sitting in our Zurich apartment). Despite the disappointment from learning this was not a Swiss tradition, it was funny to see not only so many people participating, but at least ten times as many (including us) watching in seats!!!
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