August 1st is Swiss National Day and across Switzerland people are celebrating with parades, parties and fireworks.

A couple of years ago, we arrived in Interlaken just as the parades began meaning we were stuck at the station for a couple of hours (we weren’t that bothered!) (see Animoto above!)

And 19 years ago I first conversed with a certain John Stevens as we watched the men of Oberwald in the Swiss Valais ‘ga-donging’ huge bells hung around their waists as they paraded down the street. A twisted ankle, a trip to Interlaken, a broken down bus and a swimming pool- the rest is history.

However, there’s another reason why I highight Swiss National Day this year.

Tomorrow marks the real start of an adventure which is very exciting but also rather scary!

You see, I’m moving to Switzerland. Tomorrow, my husband goes to start his new job (the reason for the move) and I’ll follow with the boys later in the year once school, housing etc are sorted. We’ll be living near Zürich so I’ve started learning German (you may have noticed if you follow me on Twitter!)

So next year, watch out for the picture of me ‘ga-donging’ and blowing my alpine horn with the best of them!