Switzerland is idyllic. The countryside is endless foothills equally meadow and forest, behind which are the stereotypical snow-capped mountains. I had the great fortune to go hiking in the Swiss Alps on a marvelous summer day. There was still snow on the trail, but the sun was warm on our backs. The senses are overwhelmed somehow with the simplicity. The air is crisp, clean and quintessential perfect mountain air. The views are of green valleys, dotted with wooden houses with steep roofs, bordered by tall snow-capped mountains. But the sound is what I found most enchanting of all. Roaming the meadows of Switzerland are cows adorned with large cow bells. Drifting on the air is the sound of a continuous collect of bells, like a quiet distant wind chime.
Notice the big bell on the cow's neck:
The Swiss are an interesting people with a very great and deep appreciation of rules. I noticed this trait while waiting for lights to change. In the States, if you are waiting to cross the street and there are no cars coming in any direction, you don’t wait for the light to change. You cross the street against the light.
I never saw a Swiss person do this. Out of curiosity, I sat and watched people at a light. The light cycle was about four minutes. It didn’t matter. The Swiss would wait the four minutes for the light to cycle rather than cross against the light, even with no cars in sight for the entire cycle. I think this is indicative of the entire culture’s general attitude toward rules and regulations. There is a fundamental, inherit sense that rules and regulations exist for a reason and apply to everyone. This is quite contrary to the States, where we often feel that rules don’t apply to us or not in a particular scenario; if you doubt this, consider the last time you exceeded the speed limit.
One of the minor things I found so impressive about Switzerland was the roads. They were in perfect condition, everywhere. Since the country is so hilly, it is often more efficient to travel through the hills and mountains than around them. The network of tunnels was impressive.
And as if to emphasize that they are Swiss and time keeping is important, the time is posted above major roadways. OK, this is a bit of an exaggeration. They have sign posts where they can dynamically update information for drivers. (My friend indicated that they might be used for information about particular festivals or road conditions.) But lacking any announcements on road conditions, they post the time. I never saw an announcement. To me it just seemed like every few miles there was a sign post announcing the current time.
Let’s talk about food. The Swiss LOVE their cheese and their meat. It seems that half their markets are dedicated to an assortment of cheese and meat preserves of one type or another. Eating in Switzerland I noticed that cheese is a component of every dish. This makes sense in a way; all those cows idly chiming away can’t merely be for decoration.
Another aspect of Switzerland, which was so stereotypical and so true were the rustic wood houses with steep roofs and vibrant flower boxes. I wish I had taken more pictures of these houses.
Healthcare is a hot topic in America today. I found the way Switzerland addressed healthcare fascinating. All Swiss are required to have healthcare insurance which they pay for themselves. I have to admit that I like this solution but I also see the problem. There is simply no way we would achieve anywhere near compliance in the US. It has many benefits though. It fosters competition in the health insurance industry. People get to choose what insurance plan they pay for so there are many choices at a variety of prices. In some ways it is an additional tax, but I would rather pay my $120 to a competitive private health insurance company than to a government agency which does not have a fiscal incentive to be efficient. I think it is a great solution, but would also like to hear other people’s thoughts.
Lastly, one of my favorite things to do is take pictures of funny signs. This festival was clearly not named by a native English speaker.
And finally, stupid and cool.
Stupid: I honestly cannot think of anything stupid in Switzerland.
Cool: Everything about it, Switzerland: the alps, the cheese, the cows, the time, the appreciation of rules, the look of the houses, everything.
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