St-Cergue  Tourist Office is offering a "Fondue and Snowshoe walk" at just CHF 35 per person. The price includes rental of  snowshoes and sticks,  a map with recommended walking routes followed by  a fondue in a partner restaurant in St-Cergue (see list below). For further info and to reserve the offer, contact the tourism office in St-Cergue.   022 360 13 14 - info@st-cergue-tourisme.ch Check out the webcam from St-Cergue. There seems to be a lot of snow around! Participating restaurants in the offer Auberge des Cheseaux: +41 (0) 22 360 04 11  La Poste: +41 (0) 22 360 12 12 La Trélasse: +41 (0) 79 401 75 76 Les Cytises: +41 (0) 22 360 40 02 Maison de Ville: +41 (0) 22 360 01 10 Point du Jour: +41 (0) 22 360 25 45 Restaurant du Jura: +41 (0) 22 360 11 31

In our series of interviews with expatriates who live in the Nyon area, here is an article with Nicola Mackley. Nicola helps non-native English speakers in business situations. Read on to find out why Nicola loves living in Nyon and the cultural differences that she discovered between living in Switzerland and in the U.K. Photo above - Nicola Mackley Interview by journalist Rachel Beacher Even the best qualified trailing spouses can find it a challenge to slot into the local jobs market in Switzerland, especially when they leave behind a well-established network back home. Some new expats take this opportunity to launch their own businesses, using the skills they have spent years developing in their previous careers. Nicola Mackley is a business skills trainer and teacher who has worked internationally including training teams in France, Spain and South America and at language schools in France and Italy. She came to Switzerland three years ago with her husband, who took up a job in Geneva. Nicola established her agency ‘ Natural English at Work’ in Nyon where the couple live, and she now offers services to individuals or small groups of up to four people who want to be more effective in English. Photo above - Nicola in front of the Julius Caesar statue in Nyon Helping clients through difficult business situations “I train people to improve their English at work. It's about helping people who are not native speakers, who might be struggling in a particular business situation such as a meeting” she explained. “ I ask my clients to describe the situation, and also to think about the different personalities in the meeting. For example, there are people who only listen to facts, others who respond to a more personal approach; that has an impact on the English you use. In a professional situation, your use of language can be the difference between an idea being listened to or not being listened to. By working together I aim to make sure clients are as effective as if the meeting was being held in their own language” Nicola has developed her own teaching method, called APPA to help her clients through the difficult business situations they experience– to Analyse the issue, Prepare options, Practise in the training room and at work, and then review what works and Apply it to work situations. “My training is aimed at people who have a reasonable level of English but who lack confidence or who are not getting the recognition they want; they feel frustrated that English is holding them back in their career ” she explained. Nicola moved to Nyon from Ampleforth, a village in Yorkshire which is famous for its rugged countryside. She said: “We were living in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park in beautiful surroundings. However, I feel really fortunate to have moved to another beautiful area. I am a real outdoors person so I try to get out walking somewhere as often as I can – strolling around a village, or along the lake here in Nyon is a real tonic whatever the weather.” Photos above C. Nelson-Pollard - The Yorkshire Dales and a wine producing village in Vaud. She has noticed some cultural differences between Switzerland and the UK and has grown quite fond of them, especially the way the Swiss value their traditions. “When I worked for Nestlé, I visited the head office in Vevey several times so I had already seen that the day starts early, people have a proper lunch rather than the English habit of sandwiches and you finish work at a reasonable time and have the evening to unwind. The big shock to me was Sunday. I was used to shops being open on Sunday and fell into the habit of doing my grocery shopping then. At first I found it hard to adapt but now we make sure we do something nice on a Sunday, we get together with friends or enjoy lunch out as a couple.” Nicola has also been able to indulge her wide taste in music whether it is seeing a classical concert in one of the venues in Nyon, visiting Les Docks in Lausanne or attending one of the many festivals in the area such as Montreux Jazz Festival or Caribana Festival . “The music festivals were a real surprise. We’ve been able to see lots of bands in the local area –we loved seeing James Bay at Caribana last year despite the rain.” This year's Caribana Festival takes place from 7 to 11 June and will feature Rag'n'Bone Man, Kungs, L.E.J., Ira May and Alvaro Soler. Photo above - C. Nelson-Pollard  - Caribana festival If you would like to hear more about being more effective in English at work, then contact Nicola at  naturalenglishatwork.ch   Nicola was interviewed by British journalist Rachel Beacher .  Rachel lives near Lausanne and is a writer, editor and communications specialist.

The February Living in the Know 2017 podcast is now out.  On this podcast, Lisa explains the new French law that came into force on January 15th 2017 regarding minors (children under 18) travelling without their parents. Catherine recounts the carnival season and suggests some carnivals to visit and what to expect. Lisa also teaches Catherine a French expression: something used to describe appearance... tune in to find out what it is! Click on the link at the bottom of this post to hear the podcast. This podcast is a collaboration between Catherine from Living in Nyon and Lisa from Know-it-all passport Carnival time! Cover up your drink so the confetti doesn't fall in it! Photos above and below taken at the Carnival of Sion, Bro c and Basel - copyright C.Nelson-Pollard Carnaval de Bulle – 17 -19 February - famous for its children’s parade. Carnival de Genolier - 4 th March Carnaval de Preverenges - 1 st April Carnaval de Sion 23- 29 Feb  Saturday 25 th Feb at 14:00 Main parade with music and decorated trucks, confetti, fun for the children Brandons Payerne 3- 6 March 2017-  Children's parade on the 4th March If you don’t want to go to Venice than head off to the carnival in Annecy on the 10 th - 12 th March . Lots of great photo opportunities at this carnival. Note there are many other carnivals taking place on lots of towns around the country over the next few weeks. Check your area out to see if there is one happening near you. Check your area out to see if there is one happening near you.

The traditional Roller Skate Party will open the ball of the 7th edition of the Festival Antigel from 18:30 onwards on Friday the 27 January. The Antigel festival takes place from 27 January to 19th February across 21 municipalities of Geneva to brighten up the cold winter with concerts, dance and sports shows, classical music, parties, a pop-up restaurant and more. Check out the programme here Closer to home in Nyon  Saturday 28th January Indie Pop at the Parenthèse with Swiss band Take me Home  from 22:00 A 90s Music party with DJs at the Usine a Gaz  from 22:00 - 04:00 Sunday 29th January The monthly flea market will take place along the lake side from 08:00 - 18:30 There will be a special photography day at the château of Prangins linked to the Swiss Press Photos exhibition. Details here Check out on what's on at Nyon cinema here Vignette A reminder to drivers to buy the motorway vignette/ sticker before the 31st January 2017. You can buy it at post offices, garages etc. Details here

Nyon's new hostel was officially inaugurated on 23rd January and will be open to the public from February 2017. The hostel has a capacity of 128 beds comprising of 6 bed dormitories  with WC and sinks (and showers on each floor), a ground floor room with disabled access, single rooms , double rooms with WC and shower and a family suite with six beds . The hostel is in a completely renovated, environmentally sustainable building a nd the rooms are bright and very modern. Photos above and below - C. Nelson-Pollard Prices start at CHF 32 for a bunk bed in the dormitory, (each bunk bed has a lamp, USB, Swiss and EU style outlets integrated in the headboard of the bed), linen and a towel are also included in the price. There is free WiFi and computers available for use in the common room. All dormitories are equipped with lockers and there are also lockers in the basement for storing luggage. Photo above - USB outlets in the headboards of the bunks! Photos above - Lockers in the rooms There are bike storage facilities in the basement of the hostel and you can even charge up an e-bike. There is a washing machine, and a tumble dryer in the hostel (additional charge for use), a common room and a chill out room, free use of the kitchen and a self-service breakfast included in the room rate price. The hostel has balconies situated off the dormitories and bedrooms. The hostel operates an online booking system (live from February onwards) and is in English, German and French. For more details, click here The hostel can be found at Chemin des Plantaz 47 in Nyon which is approximately a 10 minute walk from Nyon railway station or a four minute bus ride. Illustration below - courtesy Nyon hostel. The ground floor plan of the hostel.   Want to know more about hostels in other parts of Switzerland? Check the Swiss Hostels site out here

The film La La Land , winner of seven Golden Globes and nominated for several Oscars, will be screened in English on Monday 23rd January at Nyon Capitole Cinema at 20:30. Other events coming up Want to take part in a traditional Swiss event? Every January there are lots of LOTOS going on around the town. These events are big fund raising events for local organisations and clubs. The event works in the same style as a Bingo game, a caller calls out a number and contestants cross off numbers on a grid on a sheet that they have purchased (this contributes to the fund raising). It's fun, fast, and an interesting experience. Most LOTOS are held in the Salle Communale in the centre of Nyon. See poster below. Music  La Parenthèse   Friday 20th January -  Music - Sonic Trip Hop from Tunksten, band from Switzerland performing at 22:00 Saturday 21st January  - Music - Singer Luke Elliot from the U.S performing at 22:00 Usine a Gaz Saturday 21st January - Music - Electronic music Max Cooper from the U.K. Concert begins at 22:00

There are two First Aid Courses coming up over the next couple of months, both with instruction in English. The first on January 28 is on  Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Babies, Children and Adults  and will run from 09:30 - 13:30  and the second, First Aid for Children & Adults will be held on February 4th, also from 09:30 - 13:30.   Both courses will be held in Geneva. To find out more about these courses, see the Health First Website. Health First is run by two British doctors - Dr Michelle Wright and Dr Penny Fraser  Click here for more details. Photo above -courtesy Health First.

There will be a "Women's March for Dignity" on Saturday 21st January in Geneva from 11:00 - 13:30 starting at the Jardin Anglais. There are hundreds of other marches planned in 50 countries on the same day, along with a Women's March on Washington.   Sign up details here Everyone welcome, men, women and children! Full details on the Facebook page here The Geneva Women’s March for Dignity will be addressing the following issues: 1. Women's rights are human rights: Promoting the #HERS framework for women's rights - Health Economic Representation and Safety. 2. Protecting the rights of minorities of all kinds including refugees and migrants. 3. Defending and promoting democracy and democratic institutions in Eastern and Western Europe. 4. Recognising the importance of climate change, and the role of environmental sustainability in supporting human rights and development. 5. Standing in solidarity with all women — whether they are in the Global North or South, indigenous, poor, LBTI or part of other historically marginalized groups — as they advocate for promotion and protection of their inalienable human rights.

The Bise wind is back and is making the Nyon area a very cold place to be at the moment! The wind, combined with the current cold temperatures often produces some spectacular ice sculptures by the lake. These photos below were taken on Tuesday morning on the 17th January 2017. However these are not nearly as impressive as the ice formations that were created back in 2012, many of which made it into the world's press such as this report from Seattle in the USA. There was also a book produced entitled "Léman Arctique" by Sandor Szabados. See video below. The wind also knocked over Nyon's Christmas tree in front of the château. Thankfully there were no injuries after this incident.

Nyon Capitole cinema is offering readers the chance to win tickets to its next series of classic films:  The Ghost and Mrs Muir   on the 21st February, The Asphalt Jungle on the 4th April and finally,  Ninotchk a on the 16th May There are three pairs of tickets per film. Email info@capitole-nyon.ch with name, address and the title of the chosen film and you will be informed if you have won tickets. The Asphalt Jungle - Trailer below Note: the Next Monday movie in English on the 16th January at 20:30 will be "Collateral Beauty" starring Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren and Keira Knightley. Paléo festival wins "Best Medium-Sized Festival Award" On Wednesday evening, in Groningen in the Netherlands, Paléo Festival received the "Best Medium-Sized Festival Award" during the European Festival Awards ceremony, presented by the Festival Eurosonic and YOUROPE, the European festivals association that regroups more than 90 members from 27 countries. For more details click here Congratulations to Paléo from Living in Nyon!

What is the future of jobs and which of them have a future? -  Challenges and opportunities in the digital revolution Artificial intelligence has reached new frontiers with machines now surpassing humans in activities that require creativity and intuition. As a result, half of today’s jobs could potentially be automated in the future. On the one hand some researchers argue there won’t be enough new positions created to make up for the lost ones; on the other, machines could be absorbing the most routine aspects of our jobs, freeing us up to concentrate on more creative and value-added activities. The next Career Women's Forum WAVE Conference will discuss the risks and opportunities of the digital revolution. There will be presentations and a moderated panel discussion by leaders and business experts on the Digital Revolution. The following questions will be addressed: How can we prepare for this faster-than-ever paced technological revolution? Which jobs may stay and which new ones will be created? What could future factories look like? How will we work in the future? What will the impact be on the individual? Speakers include:  Dr. Matthias Kaiserswerth Senior Consultant, Headlights Group AG Haig Alexander Peter Executive Consultant, IBM Research THINKLab Zurich Jean-Luc Favre Managing Director, ABB Secheron Ltd Myriam Rosenkranz Denk Human Capital Lead, Deloitte Prof. Christian Hildebrand Professor of Marketing Analytics, UNIGE Shanthi Flynn Chief Human Resources Officer, Adecco Moderator - Muriel Gabus-Siki, Independent Journalist This conference (held in English), is being organised by the Career Women's Forum (CWF) Founded in 1982 in Geneva, CWF is a non-profit association reuniting some 250 executive women, representing more than 30 different nationalities, professionally active in all economic, political and social sectors of life. The CWF’s principal goal is to encourage women’s professional development through sharing and exchanging of ideas, promote networking, and influence socio-professional life to achieve recognition and status as active and engaged professional women. Fore more details of the Career Women’s Forum, click here  The registration deadline  for the conference is the 20th January 2017

Les Hivernales , the winter indoor rock festival that takes place in Nyon from the 23rd- 26th February has released the line up for its 2017 programme. Bands and solo artists from Ghana, the U.S, Belgium and many artists from Switzerland are due to play at twelve different venues across the town. Volunteers wanted The festival is also looking for  music lovers volunteers to help make the event a success.  Click here for more details ( details are in English ) Check the Les Hivernales 2017 promotional video out with an extract of the music below. Another local festival looking for volunteers is Visions du Réel , the renowned documentary festival which will take place in Nyon from the 21- 29th April 2017. A fantastic opportunity to get in touch with the collaborators, around 200 volunteers, the guests of the Festival and approx 1,300 cinema professionals every year! Contact Alexandre Démétriades - Staff Coordinator  ademetriades@visionsdureel.ch 022 365 44 51