Switzerland Tidbits...

This blog-post marks one week until we leave for Rome.


I thought posting a nice sunset from outside our kitchen window was appropriate. As of next Friday 28-01-2011, we will be moving officially to Italy. I thought I would end our stay in Switzerland by giving everybody a little insight to the Suisse and their interesting ways...

> For us smokers and/or pet lovers...

 - A smoking lounge inside the mall (right). Cool! 

 - Every corner an ashtray/waste dispenser with pet 'doodoo' bags included (left). I thought Richmonders did a lot with their pets but the Suisse take to a different level (a surreal level). The Suisse take their dogs everywhere: dining, shopping, and on all forms of transit. I am overwhelmed with the decorum they display. They do not bark at each other, they will sit peacefully under a table while their humans eat, and they walk sweetly next to their humans - strolling the streets. 

> Taking things to a different level...

 - Neatness: They vacuum the sidewalks and streets (left).

 - Space Utilization: Due to the refrigerators being smaller in Europe, the Suisse are inventive.  Many keep cabinets, food items, and wine on their balconies (right).  Because of the constant cold temperature and the direction of the sun (not directly on their balcony) they utilize this space to buy extra food and keep it cold...

> Getting Around...

 - The bus and train systems (tl & CFF) are astonishing.

 - In each bus station there is an electronic board telling you exactly when the bus will arrive (and it actually shows when it's supposed to).

 - Everything is prompt, often, clean, and expensive...

 - Just make sure you have a proper ticket or the 'transit police' will ticket you on the spot (basically - $80 per offense).

 - I have to thank the local transport systems for taking me to so many wonderful places.

> Odd-n-Ends...

 - Buying milk (not refrigerated) and having it last for a minimum of 2 months.

 - Different varieties of meat at your disposal: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Veal, Horse, Rabbit, Turkey, Ostrich, and Duck.  All these are available all the time at your local Market. 

 - Having a checking account but no checks - the Suisse do not use checks. If you want to pay a bill you bring to La Poste (the Post Office), take a number, and pay it at the counter. They take your money, stamp a receipt, and take care of the rest for you.  PS - Their postal personnel are pleasant and well adjusted.

 - Conditioner?  The hair in this country needs conditioner - nobody uses it.  Someone could make a fortune if they could talk the Suisse into buying and using hair conditioner.  I think Split-ends is a national hair style.

We will be leaving this country in a week but I know I will be back (at least to visit). There are still many more things I want to experience and see. As I have described in the past - it is a Cleaner Disney!  After being able to be here for a short period - I find that Switzerland is an untapped gem of Europe. 

I would recommend to anyone a visit to this beautiful country...just bring conditioner!

With Love Always, Ciao

Ron