What Steve said regarding research is very true. I went to Switzerland this past fall and did as much prep work as possible -- lots of resources on the web. Pinpointed towns to visit and mapped them out -- get a map from Swiss Tourism (on the web) and Swiss Consulate (also on the web) can be of help for any questions you may have -- they will send or fax info on researching your ancestors. I had a "loose" (this allowed me to spend more time if needed in certain areas) itinerary before I left. However, I didn't pack any of my info in a suitcase -- I was the only person who could lose it... I used a lightweight report folder with clear sheet holders -- and only copies of my info went in them and a backpack along with pen and paper and camera and carried it on the plane. You don't want to worry about handling or damaging original "stuff". I organized it in the order of places and family members that I was researching. I'm first generation American of Swiss parents and Swiss and German grandparents, etc. So there were quite a few places that I planned to visit. Also, where your family is born is not necessarily where they "originated." Family origin is based on where the family name originated. So you can be researching in many places for 1 person: the town the family originated, the birth town and they can also be listed if they moved to a different town and there is also the State Archives. And you also need to work around time schedules of lunch (everything closes). You should also look into a Swiss Pass if you plan to travel quite a bit. Once purchased it is good on trains, postal buses, and boats, cable cars, most transporation -- except excursions. If it doesn't pay for all there are discounts using the pass. Also most people speak English, and if they don't they usually have someone in the archives that they can call upon to translate. The French area is more difficult. If you can advise them that you are coming that is good too. I made 2 connections via the internet that allowed me to set appointment dates. Most is not on the web. But people are really receptive and helpful. Have a good time Claire And Steve is right -- there can never be enough time -- you also want to experience the sights and sounds and beauty of Switzerland and know somewhat what your ancestors experienced. It's a wonderful experience. > Well, speaking from my blunders; you should compile a summary of what you do > know and have two copies incase the airline loses a peice of your luggage. > Find out the address's of the archives that would concern you for country > and municipality if possible. This really depends on how much time you have > in Europe. You should also prioritise just what is most inportant for you, > and what is most realistic to acheive. I cannot speak for Switzerland, as I > only visited Germany and the U.K.. But you should really do as much as you > possibly can before you go. No matter how much time you have, it's never > enough; and you want to maximize your experience! > -----Original Message----- > From: SWITZERLAND-D-request@rootsweb.com > <SWITZERLAND-D-request@rootsweb.com> > To: SWITZERLAND-D@rootsweb.com <SWITZERLAND-D@rootsweb.com> > Date: Friday, January 07, 2000 9:05 PM > Subject: SWITZERLAND-D Digest V00 #10 > > > > > ==== SWITZERLAND Mailing List ==== > Support RootsWeb! Help provide FREE genealogical resources on the > Internet: http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html >