ZuriGirl had the pleasure of interviewing Farrol Kahn, author of the newly released book: VALAIS Switzerland, An Undiscovered Swiss Canton.
Via Kahn’s insightful tips and personal story, ZuriGirl will tease and tempt your travel bug as we dive into an exploration of the author and his interesting perspectives.
Kahn Falls in Love
Although not a stranger to touristic travels in Switzerland, Kahn’s true Swiss adventures began two years ago when, after growing exhausted of Oxford, England’s gray skies, he journeyed to the Valais Region for a 1-year sabbatical to study the life of German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.
When Kahn first relocated locals glanced with bits of curiosity and skepticism as he regularly traveled between the German and French sides (and why not, they are only an hour apart). He quickly learned that the Valais villagers rarely left their own town borders and each had their own village identity, traditions and community. Although he preferred exploring various towns, he grew a deep admiration for the Valais way of life and was drawn by the unique lifestyles.
Perhaps it was this curiosity of the vastness and variety of the villages or perhaps it was waking up every morning 1200 meters above sea level able to see snow-covered peaks, Martian red clouds, fresh air and torrents of rushing water that determined Kahn to uncover the Valais Region.
The Region’s Uniqueness
Kahn’s interest in the villages’ traditions is shared throughout his book. He introduces readers to the individual lifestyles and village attractions. He promotes interacting with locals and discovering historical traditions and ways of life that still exist today.
One of his favorite uncoverings was “Death Cheese”. The Death Cheese tradition, only found in the town of Grimentz, involves newly married couples buying and storing a block of cheese. At the couples death, the cheese is shared and eaten by loved ones during the funeral.
Insider Advice
Of course you will have to read Kahn’s book to uncover all of his secrets, but here are a few quick hints for a day excursion.
- A Village Visit is ideal for admiring nature’s scenery and taking a fresh breath outside of Zurich’s hustle and bustle. For example, visiting Grimentz will give you a legitimate feel for a village. The car journey will mesmerize you with the mountain roads, the village architecture will enchant you with their romanticism and the people will charmingly intrigue you with their unique way of life.
- If traveling too far from a city centre gives you anxiety, try a more populated area like the oldest town in Switzerland, Sion. Sion, boasting with French influence, offers various cultural and historical experiences as well as elegant open-air cafes.
- For wine enthusiasts, there are a plethora of wine routes and vineyards. Kahn recommends calling ahead to ensure they will be open and prepared for you. “Prepared for you” might also mean having local meats and cheeses to compliment the wine, which you won’t want to miss!
Reader Expectations
Kahn hopes his 160-page book provides readers with a perception of Switzerland beyond the traditional watch-making big cities. He skips the already-known tourist drawn towns, such as Zermatt and encourages readers to embrace the unknown and be intrigued by undiscovered areas, operating (in some ways) 50 years behind the urban cities and possessing land filled with clean air, glacier water, natural panoramas, thermal baths, wine vineyards and most appealing…few tourists.
Purchase
Sold via Orell Fusli English Bookshop in Zurich and Amazon.
About Kahn
Originally, from Oxford, Kahn is by profession a researcher who found a new love for transforming his expertise in research and his experience in news journalism to leisure writing. Following a career as Founder of the Aviation Health Institute, he published several aviation health books and the travel books, Oxford and Riga & Its Beaches.
He currently resides in the village of Eischoll, with a population of 350 and his neighbors including black-nose sheep, bulls, black-net goats and fighting cows.
Eager for More
Kahn is the Chairman of the British Residents in Switzerland for the Valais Region and naturally enjoys showcasing the region. He would love to have you as his guest on a tour of the region or your specific area of interest (e.g., wineries, gardens, villages, etc.) He encourages curious travelers to contact him for a tour via email.
Kahn’s next book, available in late 2012, will focus exclusively on Valais wines.
