Spanish Flu And Covid-19

The reason why we are able to deal with Covid-19 at all is the Spanish flu epidemy of 1918 to 1920. The epidemy then resulted in certain measures and mechanisms that are being used to deal with any kind of virulent epidemic or pandemic. People forget, and what we get today are people who think that a pandemic is a hoax. It isn't.

Hypatia of Alexandria

Hypatia of Alexandria was an eminent scientist in Roman Alexandria at the turn of the 4th century AD. This accolade was accorded to her by contemporaries; remarkable for any scientist, it was exceptional for a woman. As a teacher, she drew pupils from across the empire to her lessons.

German Castle Paid for by British Tax Payers

Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer was instrumental in paving the way for his master the way to Great Britain and Ireland's throne. The Elector of Hanover showed his gratitude with largesse and the count built one of the most beautiful castles in northern Europe. After extensive restoration by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it can now be admired in its baroque beauty. The money to build a palace in Germany, by the way, didn't come from Hanover.

The Man Who Bought Louisiana

Coming from Geneva in Switzerland, the aristocrat Albert de Gallatin launched his unusual immigrant career 235 years ago in America. Albert de Gallatin was part of the American government under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Yet he is practically forgotten, both in America and in Switzerland. A few measly parks and schools bear his name, but look outside the library of the Senate, and no one knows a thing.

Donate a Spitfire

In 1939, the Minister for Aircraft Production in the United Kingdom had a bright idea. He promoted the possibility for individuals, companies, and clubs to donate a fighting aircraft towards the war effort. In return for their largess, the name of their choice was painted in 4in-high yellow characters on the fuselage in front of the cockpit. In your teeth, Krauts.

History Of 12 Days Of Christmas

A short time after the divorce of Henry VIII from Queen Catherine, living as a Catholic in England became a bit of a bother. The inconvenience was losing your estates, your properties, or your head, or all of the above. As Catholics were repressed, their teachings went underground. One way of doing that was with teaching songs. One of these teaching songs was 12 Days Of Christmas.

Fugitives on The Long March

It has meanwhile passed into Chinese folklore as The Long March; in reality it was a long flight. If I say folklore then that is incorrect; folklore is made by the people. The myth of the long march was invented by Mao Zedong to glorify the communist cause, but more himself. Always thinking of himself first, like any good communist he not only caused unmeasured suffering but sold it as a triumph.

Geneva Landmark Jet d'Eau is a Reminder of Industrialization

The Jet d'Eau is the tourist attraction best known in Geneva, Switzerland. The majestic water fountain in Lake Geneva is one of the largest fountains in the world. What many don't know: The impressive waterspout is actually a leftover from the industrial development of the city in the 19th century.

Tambora, The Volcano That Changed History

200 years ago, the eruption of the Indonesian volcano Tambora set off a series of events that would change world history. This is often overlooked for various reasons. The same year, 1815, is better remembered for the Battle of Waterloo and the Congress of Vienna. And the eruption of Krakatoa looms much larger in our memories, though it was a fraction of the one of Tambora; but the telegraph blew up the Krakatoa incident, much as the internet does with stories today.

Mount Tambora

Anna Goeldi, Last Witch

Anna Göldi was one of the last victims of the superstitious belief in witches in Europe. The trial took place in Glarus, today in Switzerland. The conservative Republic of Glarus had been very reticent on holding witch trials throughout the entire crazy period. Historians had been puzzled for a long time why a witch trial should have been held as late as 1782 in a place with almost no witch trials taking place previously. In 2007, they discovered proof that there had been two connected trials going on at the same time.

Neuchatel: The Anachronistic City in Switzerland

Neuchatel is a beautiful little town in Switzerland situated on Lake Neuchatel, but it is a city. It was an anachronistic holdover from the middle ages well into the 19th century. It's feudal past almost brought newly founded Switzerland and the Kingdom of Prussia to declare war on each other in the middle of the 19th century. Today, it has a university and is a center for tourists visiting the beautiful lakeside countryside and the Jura Mountains.

William Tell and the Apple: National Treasures

Swiss national hero William (Wilhelm) Tell might be one of the best known national heroes in the world. His famous shot at an apple placed on his son’s head inspired writers and composers from different countries. Operas, poems, dramas, books, and comics have been produced in several languages. It's Batman and Robin with crossbow and arrow.

Saint Valentine and the Goddess Juno

On February 14 each year, Valentine's Day sends business soaring. Flowers, chocolates, and jewelry are on this day's most wanted gift lists to be exchanged between lovers. But how did Saint Valentine came to flowers, jewels, and chocolates? Or is he actually even the patron saint of lovers? For none of this has he done any work; it all involves an unusual inheritance that fell to him late in death.

Lugano, Visit Italy in Switzerland

The city of Lugano is the warm spot of Switzerland. It is situated in the southern Republic and Canton of Ticino on Lake Lugano. The local climate is warm enough for palms and other southern plants to thrive. Nestled in between lake and mountains, breathtaking views are on offer wherever you go.

LGBT History in The British Museum

The British Museum is better known for its pretty little gift books that devote themselves to topics like flowers and cats (always a seller). That the same museum has published an identical catalog on LGBT related museum objects is one of the wonders of 2013. Coming from the British Museum, you may expect quality in research and content; you won't be disappointed.

The Devil's Christmas Song

The Church has been responsible for the most inspiring Christmas music. They had the message to promote, the venues for the party, and the necessary cash to pay for it. Christmas music is terribly predictable; Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and angels are standard fare. How refreshing if you get an oratorio with a role for the devil.

The Feast of Epiphany and The Three Magi

Epiphany means the revelation of a man as God. The Christian feast is commemorated on the 6th of January (by Gregorian calendar). The Magi, or in European Continental standard the Three Holy Kings, form part of that legend. They gripped peoples’ imagination much more than the abstract revelation.

A Small Village with a Cathedral: Arlesheim Near Basel

The small village of Arlesheim is situated on the outskirts of the city of Basel in Switzerland. Mainly a farming community, it contains a cathedral and a town center built in the 17th century, two castles, and a large English garden. Arlesheim is worth a visit for its sights alone, but a must for music lovers to hear the world-famous Silbermann organ in the cathedral.

Palmanova: Italy's Star City

Towns are founded to succeed. Some do and grow out of all recognition. Some fail and disappear into the ground. Some few fall into a vegetative state and keep going without growing. They are the ones to visit like Palmanova in Italy. Like a time capsule, the town remains almost unchanged since the time of Napoleon. It was founded by the Republic of Venice as the ideal Renaissance town.

Saint Befana’s Day: Gifts From the Witch

In Italy and Southern Switzerland, January 5th is Befana’s Day. In the night before Epiphany, the witch Befana brings presents and sweets to children. If this reminds you of Saint Nicolas, Santa Claus, and Old Man Frost, then that’s no coincidence.