A Swiss Watch

I'm back home now...where crickets chirp and the forests drip with rain. In last week's essay I was in the North and West of Switzerland. This week we'll look South and East. I want to try to give my take on the local people rather than the tourists. The title of this essay describes much about the country...it runs like a Swiss watch...with precision. However there are strong regional differences...much like the US (despite it's smaller size). I'm no Rick Steves, but I'll also give you few of my travel tips. So if you would like, join in and take this last ride though Switzerland with me.

A Swiss Watch

I've been in Switzerland the last three weeks. The natural beauty was the big draw, plus the great public transportation system designed for citizens and tourists. It is an interesting country...really a confederation of cantons, cultures, and languages - German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The CH designation of Switzerland comes from Confederation Helvetia. The Romans founded their province of Helvetia in current Switzerland in 15 BC. The idea of a country focused on neutrality in conflicts and solidarity among its disparate groups is appealing. It's often ranked as the happiest country on Earth. In part because it is one of the wealthiest (minimum salary is 3600 Swiss francs/month), in part because they provide public services and care for their citizens, and in part because it is so beautiful. So hop aboard and join me in my exploration.

This evening's music features Chicago blues guitarist and singer Byther Smith.