Oct

1

Goodwill Bags

Filed Under Consumer Concerns, Faith & Values, Home Management, Society & Culture, Swissness | 2 Comments

I’m amazed that we were still able to give away some of our clothes and shoes — all in good condition — to charity in late August, despite the fact that we had already filled up those Swiss charity plastic bags as well as sent medium-sized boxes filled with slightly used clothing and footwear to a church in Ukraine prior to our recent SoliTex contribution. (SoliTex has a similar system like TEXAID’s.)

We don’t really spend lots of money on clothes here since the prices, as my Czech friend would say, are “nicht normal” (not normal). And we buy shoes only when necessary. So, yes, we’ve been a bit thrifty when it comes to fashion. It rather goes well with my natural inclination towards the ‘minimalist look.’ So kein Problem.

So, how were we able to give regularly to Swiss charitable organizations like TEXAID and SoliTex (those are SoliTex bags in the picture)? Beats me. I can’t really account for it.

It’s a mystery — and a great one at that. I believe God is behind this; He has always been. His continuous provision never ceases to amaze me. His economics goes beyond human understanding.

I hope my favorite pair of black suede boots will make somebody’s feet warm and comfy this coming winter.

Thanks, SoliTex (and to TEXAID), for allowing us to take part in your noble vision in our own small way.

(Note: Founded in 1996, SoliTex is a Swiss organization that spearheads a systematic collection of used clothes, shoes, and house articles for charity, in partnership with five relief organizations. It’s one of the four organizations — the three others being TEXAID, CONTEX, and SATEX — that collect used textiles all over Switzerland for ‘purpose-driven recycling.’)

May

11

Rivella Rave

Filed Under Consumer Concerns, Food & Drinks, Health, Swissness | 6 Comments


Who cuts a fine figure? Those who drink Rivella Blue do.

A little over a week ago, a young lady handed me a free bottle of Rivella Blue at Uni. I’m no Rivella drinker, but my Swiss husband is. So I took the sampler and hied off to the train station.

Rivella Blue is the low-calorie version of the original Rivella Red. It’s meant for those who are conscious of their figure. (Note: I personally think it tastes worse than Rivella Red, but that’s just me.)

To those who are unfamiliar with Rivella, well, it’s Switzerland’s all-natural softdrink made from whey (or milk plasma). It’s the undisputed ‘Swiss national drink’ that comes in three flavors: Rivella Red (original), Rivella Blue (low-calorie), and Rivella Green (with green trea extracts). It contains no preservatives or artificial colors.

While it’s a constant hit in its homeland, Rivella never really swept America off its feet. After only a year of distribution in the US, this Swiss drink, packed with all those minerals, was reportedly retracted from the US market in 2005.

However, not all non-Swiss dislike the taste of Rivella. The drink is said to be very popular in the Netherlands. A local franchisee there produces and distributes Rivella in a totally different packaging.

I blogged about Rivella in November 2005. The Rivella blog post elicited some interesting comments from Rivella fans from different parts of the globe. Here are some of them:

CAK: “My only explanation why we Swiss like Rivella is that we start drinking it long before knowing something about its ingredients. When I read years after my first Rivella that it was made of milk serum I was shocked. Fortunately, I was already a Rivella addict.”

Andrew: “Of course, I enjoyed Rivella thoroughly when I was in England around 1999. Never once have I seen it in the US from 2001-2006. I wonder where it was sold. Anyone know any Swiss or Dutch stores that sell it online?”

Raymond: “I have just returned from Switzerland, and I discovered Rivella … all three flavours, and I just love it. Trying to find an outlet in the UK. Fast going into withdrawal symptoms!”

Arty Garfunkel: “Personally, I like Rivella. I thought it was any old soft drink when I tried it…. a bit of a funky flavor, but not bad. Not until afterwards that I found out it was made out of milk whey, which I thought was odd. It seems entirely a Swiss thought, leaving no part to waste. Too bad more Americans don’t enjoy it.”

Swiss Tony: “I spent a fun-filled 15 months in Zurich and have returned several times since. The first thing I do at the airport/train station/customs, is look for the kiosk machine and get my fix of Rivella rot! I fell in love with Rivella for the taste, the amazing hangover remedy properties and the ‘Swissi-ness’ about it…Hopefully someday a Migros will replace my local Tesco Express, and once again I can enjoy my glass of Rivella with blood sausage and chips — truly an autumn meal to cherish.”

Peter: “Married to a Swiss Lady with a daughter missing her Rivella. I have been following the posts with great interest. Is there any information when Rivella will hit the shelves again (Waitrose did try a few years back) in the UK? Regards from Middlesex.”

In July last year, commenter Bob Davies announced on my blog that he would be bringing Rivella Red and Rivella Blue on UK shores. In December, he confirmed through a follow-up comment that Rivella could now be ordered online by the case (24 x 500 ml bottles) via the Genorel Soft Drinks website.

This is great news for all UK-based Rivella lovers. I can’t understand how they can stand the taste of this Swiss milk serum softdrink, but I’m truly happy for them. I guess, for these Rivella-crazed drinkers, it was love at first sip.

(Note: Rivella fans can also order their favorite drink — all the three flavors, including Rivella Green — via the online Swiss shop Swissmade.com. For residents of Switzerland, Rivella is now available in Migros supermarket outlets.)

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