If you ever have to bury someone in Switzerland (I mean legally, of course, silly!), actually there are many possible ways and styles. When our Dad died four years ago, he got cremated, and there was a service at the crematorium in St. Gallen with quite an attendance. It was followed by a big funeral reception at a posh restaurant. However, there was no actual funeral at the cemetery.

About a month later, we buried his ashes under a few pine trees on a clearing in a mountain forest that belongs to our vacation home, with a gorgeous view over the Lower Engadine with Tarasp Castle in the center of the panorama. I don't think the old chap cares much about the view, but we do whenever we pay him a visit with a bottle of Veltliner, a Bündner Salsiz and a nice loaf of fresh bread. We always have fun, and we are sure that's what Dad would have wanted us to have.

This really is a subject to think about you know. Relatives spent €16k / body to be transported to Ireland after a tragic accident in the states. This x 2 as two people died... It is insisted that a metal casket be used, hence the huge cost that the family must pay.. does anyone have insurance to cover this cost??? I doubt it.

I have warned my parents/family that I would come back to haunt them if they wasted good money to transport me anywhere. It truly is a pity no-one can bring me to the dump and dispose of me where they dispose of the dead animals. I'm sure at a cost, but a LOT less cost than being transported accross the world. For what?? Cause it's the "right thing to do" Right, well now there's a very Catholic expectation...

I have alternatively draughted a letter to Gunter von Haagens, in case he is interested in my body to be shown at a show in the near future. No funeral costs there and hey, you might recognise me!! Well, the birthmark on my leg at least

An idea and maybe a thought of what all you expats would want if you cough it here, rather than where you come from... what should your family pay for? Transportation or the black sacks with the 5 green stickers??