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This year Living in Nyon is delighted to have two reviewers  at Visions du Réel. Trish Thalman (who reviewed films for this site last year) and newcomer Kathy Morf. They will both be giving their reviews of the films that they have seen at the festival. Many of these reviews will be of films that will be shown again so keep checking the site on a daily basis to see what's coming up. The first review from Kathy is of  "Born under Z"  which will be shown tonight  8th April at 20:00  at the Capitole 2 Cinema.   This film is a world premiere here in Nyon. Kathy says "this is a deeply moving film and door to the past of what really happened to one of the 5,000 children that was separated from his Vietnamese mother and sent to France in 1954 and definitely worth seeing". Children sent to France to strengthen the Motherland A ship filled 5,000 children leaves the Saigon harbour (actual Ho Chi Minh City). It is 1954 after the fall of Diên Biên Phu, Vietnam. The French are sending home carefully selected, healthy children to France. They are needed to strengthen the motherland. These half-cast Indochinese children’s French blood overpowers the Vietnamese blood and gives them the right become a French citizen.  Robert Vaesa is one of the children sent to France at the age of ten. He lived with Vietnamese mother and knew his French father for two years before he was injured and sent back to France. Robert is sent to a strict Catholic boarding school with other half-caste children like himself. They are taught in French and little by little loose their Vietnamese identity to be replaced with a French one. Robert recalls having received everything a child could need: food, clothes and an education. The only thing that was missing was a family. Waiting in vain by the school gate for his mother Robert's mother, Mrs. Khiem worked for the French. When Robert is first sent to boarding school she comes to visit him every Sunday. He waits for her by the gate every week. As the months go by she comes less and then no more. He still waits for her every Sunday until he is forced to realize that she will not come again and that he is now alone. He is deeply hurt and feels abandoned.  Today Robert now lives in France with his wife and ttwo children. He slowly begins to reveal the separation with his mother that he has, until now, buried deep down. He never knew if he even had any relatives. He never saw his father again and grew up in an orphanage in France. His French cousins tried to locate him for years, having heard of him through their uncle, Roberts father. They searched under the name Vaeza (with a z) but couldn’t find anyone. His name had been intentionally changed to Vaesa (with an s) to blur out any hope of ever finding a family member. When the older cousin retires she redoubles her search efforts and finally locates Robert. She leaves him a message asking if he could be the long lost cousin they have been looking for. Robert makes the trip to meet the family he never knew existed. The camera follows a gentle but shy man that hesitantly walks towards these strangers who warmly welcome him.  Cousin Sylvia explains that when she was sick her mother gave her a box of photos to look at as a girl. She discovers Roberts picture and asks her mother who the Vietnamese boy is. When she finds that he has been ripped away from his mother and sent to France she feels a great injustice. As a teenager she begins her search to find him and does not give up until 50 years later. Robert listens carefully to his newfound family and begins to remember the past he tried to forget so long ago. He never told his children about his previous life. A door to the past has been opened   A party is organized with some of the Indochinese orphaned children. He hasn’t seen them in over 40 years. They exchange stories of their childhood and how they remember playing together. A door to the past has been opened. Robert travels to Paris, visits the overseas archives and finds his file. He stares at a picture of himself as a young boy and chuckles. He cannot understand why he was abandoned if he was not bad looking and had been well behaved. What had he done wrong? He discovers a letter written by his mother to the school asking for his news. He looks hurt that this information never reached him while he waited in vain by the school gates week after week for his mother to visit.  He walks along the streets of Paris searching for links to the Indochinese colonial past in sculptures, buildings and street names. He tries to understand what happened 50 years ago and begins reading books about the children of the colonial past. He is shocked to learn that the departure of the ship that he was on was well planned in advance. France was doing them a favour by saving them and bringing them “home”.   He meets veteran soldiers that served in the French army at the time. They reveal to him how they were first struck by the appalling poverty and how the army was cruel and unjust with the locals. Pretty Vietnamese women were forced into prostitution. It was a custom for many of the soldiers to marry a local woman, even if just for a month.  He feels foreign in his own country Half a century after his departure, Robert is ready to travel to Vietnam with his wife and children. As he steps out of the taxi in the busy, noisy and colourful streets of Ho Chi Minh he does not recognize anything. He searches the streets he once knew for sings of his early childhood. An elderly Vietnamese man helps him and asks the locals if they remember any of the places Roberts draws on paper out of his memory. He looks at the boarding school, Catholic Church, French prison, streets and buildings he once knew and does not recollect anything. He feels foreign in his own country as if he does not belong here or really in France. His biggest wish is to find his mother: to hold her and to tell her that he is not angry with her anymore and that he forgives her for what happened which was out of their control. Film directed by Frédérique Pollet Royer - France/ Belgium 75 minutes length  Kathy Morf works as a graphic designer in Geneva. She loves to travel and write about her adventures on her blog (click on link )  kathyand theworld . She grew up in Quebec, Canada and moved to Switzerland at seventeen. Her love for writing encouraged her join the Geneva Writers’ Group and a small critique group that meets once a month. She is currently taking an online journalism course and will travel to London this spring for a travel writing class.

Les Arbitres / The Referees  by Jean Libon and Yves Hinant in cooperation with UEFA Film review by Trish Thalman Michel Platini never had a red card.  It’s true! The iconic French International Football Team member and then manager, Juventus player, and now President of UEFA, Michel Platini gleefuly states his claim of ‘no red card’ to a large group of smiling and relaxed, professional European football referees gathered in Vienna at a kick-off event for the June 2008 UEFA European Cup Championship. He nervously said he had never been in the presence of “so many referees at one time”. What follows is an exciting, fast-paced, lively, ‘passion-for-football’ film at the June 2008 European Cup Championship which was shared between Switzerland and Austria. It's not a film focussing on the young, highly talented, sometimes handsome, (not always disciplined ) well-paid football players. What we see is an accessible film relating the impressive and surprising insight into the lives of the world-class, well trained, extremely fit, mature and emotionally disciplined referees, who make the important and final decisions about the rules of playing ‘the beautiful game’. These referees are the generally unacknowledged, often threatened, men on and off the field, who spend their professional careers running backwards, while looking forward, reaching into their shirt pocket to pull out the dreaded red or yellow card, writing a name in their pocket notebooks, or standing very tall and still, firm jaw, arm extended with finger pointing to the exit tunnel and ordering a player or team manager ‘out, get out’. Using modern recording technology, the referees and their assistants (the ‘trios’) wear radios and headsets, so we have the ‘front row experience’ of hearing uncensored swearing, out-of-breath players yelling at a referee in their native language (what did he say?), and personal conversations between referee and assistants during the matches making sure they agree on the calls. The filmmakers and recording technicians are given agreed, liberal access to the referees during the entire four weeks of the Championship. We get clear, in-depth telephoto shots of the referees on the playing fields dealing with decisions and disputes, facing up to the adrenalin-fuelled, often aggressive, players who hope to change the decisions by using either charm and pleading body language, or if that fails, down-right ugly language. Yellow card! We are taken into the quiet hotel rooms where the referees-as-fathers are wistfully looking at photos on the TV screen while missing their children, the referee’s stadium dressing room with high tension before a match, the half time rest/discussion concerning a call, “good game” and celebratory atmosphere among the ‘trio’ at the end of the match. The film is spontaneous and ‘happening now’, with close-up shots of referees and players, hand-held cameras bumping along following referees into and out of the stadiums, or panning across the tight-knit brows of the men at the critical referee meetings where the names of those who will go forward into the next tier of match play are announced. We enjoy the captivating, leading-edge audio and visual technology that goes into the production of this very ‘organic’ film. But we also learn at a major UEFA meeting concerning the persistent call for ‘video replays’ of referee’s decisions, that the players still do not use any technology during a game. They know the rules. They make mistakes. The game has referees who know the rules and make decisions according to what they know and see at the moment of a rule-broken. They make mistakes. The game is not foolproof. Football is not perfect. A remarkable achievement for a film that looks into the professional (and in a few cases private) lives of the extraordinary men who devote their lives to ensuring that football is played to the highest standards of fairness and success for all. Some of the referees even receive a handshake and “thanks” from delighted players at the end of the match - when they win! I think that was a smile on the face of Roberto Rosetti after the last whistle of the Euro Cup Final match. This film was shown on Monday night in Nyon as part of the Visions du Reél festival and there were questions and answers afterward with the film makers and two of the referees featured in the film. A DVD of the film will be on sale in Switzerland from 18 May 2010 in French and German. You can see a clip here on U tube which gives you a good flavour of what it is about.

If you've walked through the centre of Nyon on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, you could well have seen and heard a harpist standing in front of Manor entertaining the passers by. If so, then you will have heard the beautiful Paraguayan music of David Franco Llamosas. David comes over to Switzerland for three months each year and plays in Lausanne, Solothurn, Lausanne, Geneva, Morges, Nyon and other Swiss cities. For the other nine months he helps his on his father's hacienda by selling fruit and teaching harp at the Conservatoire of Asunción, but it's his Swiss summer work that really helps supplement his income. David came to Nyon by default three years ago one summer, en route to somewhere else. On a whim he got off the train to take a look at the town, he started playing and discovered that the people of Nyon liked and appreciated his music which is why he returns. But he says: "I try never to outstay my welcome, I only play two mornings a week here, I am careful in alternating the cities that I visit so people don't tire of the music". David is married and his wife Raquel de Franco travels with him and she too, plays the harp. If they are playing in the same city, they never play in the same spot and in certain towns they even have allocated times when they can play. "In Lausanne there are quite a few street musicians so we register our names on a list to play so everyone can get a fair share." David has relatives who moved to Geneva and Morges over 26 years ago so he and Raquel always have accommodation for when they are here. When I asked him if the cost of the flight from Paraguay doesn't wipe out any money he earns he says: "It is still worth our while to come here, but then we do play every day of the week apart from Wednesday and Saturday afternoon when we give ourselves (and our hands!) a bit of a break. We have seen some lovely parts of Switzerland doing this job and on a summer's day it's good to be out and entertaining the public. But it it's hard work, as some mornings we start at 07:00 to earn money and of course it's tough when it's raining and the weather isn't good". At some stage David and his wife would like to stop their itinerant lifestyle and stay permanently in their own country, to settle and raise a family of their own, but says: "Until our economic situation improves, this is what we do". I wondered about the logistics and cost of bringing the harps over to Switzerland so asked if he had to pay a heavy luggage charge on the plane when he flies over each year. "No, the harps stay at my aunts here in Switzerland, we have others back in Paraguay. My two brothers also play, so there are always instruments available in our family". When I asked him why he plays near Manor and not nearer the castle (where there are possibly more tourists), he said: "It's the people of Nyon who are the most generous, not always the tourists". David and his wife return to Paraguay on the 1st October so there are a few weeks more for you to catch his music if you are out and about in Nyon on a Weds or Saturday morning. If you think South American harp music might provide the right atmosphere for any social event you may be organising then David and Raquel do play at private events. David can be contacted on 078 842 43 39 or email mensajerodelarte@hotmail.com

For those of us who are lucky enough to live in this area we know how beautiful Lac Léman can be. Throughout the seasons it remains a source of inspiration to writers, photographers and artists.Not only is Lac Léman the deepest lake in Switzerland but Nyon even has a museum dedicated to it. For walkers there are many paths along its shores or above it to enjoy its beauty. Erik Chrispeels is a local author who loves Lac Léman with a passion and has written and compiled various books about it, one of them a book for walkers and another a collection of paintings by local artists. His book "Regards sur le Léman -75 promenades pour toute la famille" (Views over the lake - 75 walks for all  the family) is a handy pocket sized book which features circular walks of various lengths and difficulties, but all with one thing in common: a view of the lake. Erik originally from Belgium, has been living in  Switzerland for 40 years, he worked for the UN as a legal counsel and now lives in Prangins . Living in Nyon met Erik down by the lake (where else?) to talk about his various publications and to ask him what inspired him to write and compile them. "When I first starting walking in this area I followed other hiking books but I often became disappointed as not all of them had a view of the lake. Where it did, there were often electricity pylons spoiling the view, the walk wasn't interesting or it led you to an area at a ski station which out of season, looked a bit forlorn. I also wanted a circular walk that did not involve complicated logistics in getting back to the start point. So I decided to write my own book which not only had good walks but included interesting perspectives. I tried out each walk on average at least four times, it took me around three years to get to the stage where I felt I knew them well enough to recommend them. Once the book was published, 30 of the walks were then reproduced in La Côte newspaper and they seemed to be very popular. Ed's note: Even if you are not fluent in French, this book it easy to understand, and if you translate a few words before you set off walking, you should not have any problems. The maps are clearly laid out and there are practical tips such as where to park, the length and difficulty of the walk, which maps cover the particular walk, and suggested places to eat along the way. All the walks are circular. Erik continued, "Although the title of the book means "views of the lake" it can also means "perspective" of the lake, and the book is essentially my perspective of it". "Through this book of walks I then became interested in other peoples' perspectives of the lake: in this case, those of local artists. I come from Belgium where the landscape is basically flat, whereas here the topography is so varied and the different landscapes around the lake can produce many emotions. I was keen too see how others felt and interpreted it through their art. So that is how the next project came about. I visited artists in the Léman area and I asked fifteen of them to each submit five paintings for a book on art of the lake. One of the criteria in choosing the artists was that they must  have been living here for at least twenty years, so they must really know the area. What resulted was "Le Léman - Regards de peintres contemporains", a collection of panitings from watercolours to oils, all painted by very different artists with their unique style. Some of them were happy to talk about their work and explain how they had  interperated the lake, others were reticent to talk, believing the art spoke for itself.  Some of the artists have been painting all their life. One of them, Walter Mafli is now in his 90s. Some artists are famous and their work sells for a considerable sum - others maybe not as well known but what they all have achieved is bringing the lake to life in a lovely art collection. Ed's note: This book would make an ideal Christmas present. Erik Chrispeel's books sell in the Libraire du Château in Rolle, in La Combe shopping centre in Nyon, in La Librairie in rue des Fossés in Morges.  See Erik's own website, for details of his publications and names of all the artists in the book.

The Aula theatre of Nyon will be transformed into a little bit of New York this weekend (29/30/31st August) when the Really Youthful Group (part of Geneva Amateur Operatic Society ) put on "Guys N'Dolls". If you don't know the show, it's a musical comedy set in New York and evolves around Nathan Detroit, the organizer of a "crap" game. He bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. The next girl he sees happens to be Miss Sarah Brown, a Salvation Army-type reformer. Needless to say there are complications on the way and as always, great songs, music and dancing. Some of the songs you may recognise from this musical are "Luck be a lady tonight"and "Sit down you're rocking the boat". These productions have a tradition of being performed at the end of the summer holidays. It's a great way to send the audience back to work and school with a "feel good" factor and an opportunity for Anglophones to catch up with other at the bar during the interval. Tickets are available to book online at Theatre in English . There's map on there too of how to get to the theatre. Always allow a few minutes to walk from the car park to the theatre. The photo above is of the cast in rehearsal. Also, there is now a new and updated version of Know-it-all passport out in the bookshops right now. Last time I looked there were two copies in Payot in La Combe Shopping Centre in Nyon (look under the section "Voyage Tourisme"). You can order them if they have run out. This book is jam packed with useful information on Geneva,Vaud and neighbouring France and has categories on renting, accommodation in the area, health issues and well-being to jobs and money matters, shopping, trips out. It's an absolute mine of information and gets better each issue. You might like to take a look at page 599 where the section on Paléo Festival was written by yours truly.

Useful links updated February 2010 Nyon tourist website Brand new site with lots of information and details here on tourism, culture, sport, commerce, clubs and details of council services. The site has an English section. I prefer to direct you to this site first rather thn duplicate all their information. "Living in Nyon" will focus more on adding colour, my personal experiences and insights to the town. If you want to visit the office to pick up brochures or talk to them, they are at Avenue Viollier 8 in Nyon, which is just next to the car parking in Place Perdtemps. Best to call first as they have restricted opening hours, especially in winter. Tél : +41 (0)22 365 66 00 Email info@nrt.ch Nyon TV Local Television. Daily Nyon news broadcast in French at 18:00 on their programme "Info Hebdo". News repeated at other times of the day. Archived interviews on the site. La Côte Local newspaper in French. They usally deliver a free copy to Nyon letterboxes on a Thursday. OTHER LINKS News and information sites for Nyon area and further afield Swisster "Local news and global views". Information on regions and events. Very good "health corner" page with a list of duty doctors in different regions, question and answer section on health insurance. List of vital telephone numbers in an emergency. Also profiles individuals who are making the news in the area. Provides twice weekly online newsletters. Has a useful quick online translation service, links to TV programmes, weather forecast, and world financial markets. Bloggers on the site include a Geneva based political analyst, a food critic, Bruno Giussani on technology and media trends and a blog on a Russian perspective on Europe and Switzerland. I am also delighted to announce that Living in Nyon is one its bloggers. Swisster also has a radio programme in English. New link! Updated June 2009 Leman Events . An event management company organising seminars, courses and events for the English speaking expatriate community. Check out their latest events Genevalunch "A Community Newspaper online" This (recently re designed) site includes daily updated news, has online guides such as managing your finances in Switzerland and France. Events, resources, links to Geneva airport and railway time tables. Photos. Bloggers include yours truly ( Nyon Notes ) plus there are travel bloggers, a blogger on books, wine, and gardening. Swissnews English-language monthly, focusing exclusively on Swiss news and events, but from an expatriate's perspective. Now in its 27th year of publication. Levratte a website for the Levratte area in Nyon. Events and happenings and articles on this good little local site. La Redoute a website for the residents of La Redoute in Nyon.  Check out the post from 4th Feb 2010 on Braulio Mora one of the residents. Are you a Francophone and would like help with your English? Check out the  website of this friendly English mother tongue teacher.

If you about to move to this area or have just arrived, there are various publications that can help you with info and advice, some of which I've listed below. In addition I've suggested a couple of other books, not really for their practical advice, but because one is interesting to read and the other has great aerial photos. Firstly, a magazine. It's called " Bon a Savoir" which means "good to know" Essentially it's a consumer guide magazine and compares and contrasts products and services in Switzerland. It's in French but the charts and graphs are well laid out and it easy to see the results of research on each product. This month's issue compares winter related products, from ski sun protection creams and goggles, to cough syrups and bubble bath. They include articles on various retail issues too so it's especially useful if you have just moved here and are stocking up on consumer items. The nearest comparison to this publication on the British market would be Which magazine. " Bon a Savoir" is monthly and available from newsagents at CH3.50 or on subscription. Secondly, two must have books. All though I have said it many times before, I can't stress how useful these two following publications are. Know-It-All Passport to Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France by Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman. This is absolutely jam packed with very useful advice about living here and provides hundred of useful addresses, websites, and information. and Living and Working in Switzerland by David Hampshire. This is essential reading too, the photo below shows my copy which is an old one (it is now on its 11th edition ) Finally , The two books below aren't essential, but would make great gifts. The first one, How an Alpine Pass became a Country by Joelle Kuntz is interesting to read and calls itself an "Historical primer for English speaking visitors".There are sections on the history of Swiss towns including Geneva and Lausanne, and a section on how Switzerland became a player in the world economy. Joelle Kuntz the author, is a columnist with the newspaper Le Temps in Geneva. Finally there's the book Les Rives du Léman vue du ciel by André Locher. Translated, it means "The shores of Lake Geneva seen from the air." Its' a book that takes you on a photographic journey right around the lake. There certainly are some fabulous properties that hug this shore line and you get to see them via superb aerial shots. There's a photo of the UEFA building on the outskirts of Nyon, the Bonaparte family chateau and the Chateau Worth in Prangins, (this chateau which was built by the Parisian couturier Worth back in 1900). There's also a shot of Michael Schumacher's new place in Gland, (there looks to be plenty of space for parking).....