My impressions of Switzerland the first time I went there, in May 1987, were nothing
short of sparkling. The second time I went, in June 1988, was just as great.
I'll admit that they were both short, coach tours, and I only spent a total of four nights
in the country, but they were four of the most awe-struck nights I have ever had! The
scenery is unbeatable in my opinion; the towns and villages are spotless and orderly, and the winding
roads in the Alps go around, and around, and around, until you are dizzy! Then, when you look
back down on where you have been, you feel like you have been on a twister carnival ride. I guess
I'm just a mountain lover, but who wouldn't love those quaint Swiss chalets, the cows' bells,
the big alpine horns, Toblerone candy bars and the William Tell Overture?
In sixth grade, Michael, one of my best friends, moved to Switzerland for one year
because his parents decided to go there on sabbatical leave. I don't remember where they moved
to exactly, but it was somewhere in the French speaking region. I was impressed with the way
the family pulled together to prepare themselves for the challenge of moving. They possessed
a great amount of excitement about the move and seemed to handle a lot of decisions rather
democratically as a family unit. They even started taking French lessons well in advance.
I observed this behavior with a certain amount of curiosity, disbelief and wonder. Like, WHY
on earth would they want to leave America for some little country in Europe (that I knew
hardly anything about) for a whole year? This deeply perplexing question bothered me for a
while, and I developed resentment toward Switzerland, simply because my friend was leaving my
little world to go there, and to add insult to injury, he seemed delighted at the prospect! All that
took some time to get-over--but before I knew it, the year was over and he was back and our
friendship continued unabated until we finished high school and then went our separate ways to
college and adulthood. Michael's experience abroad sounded kind of interesting whenever we
talked about it, especially his stories about attending a French school, or skiing in the Alps.
I didn't think I could ever do it myself, but his gung ho attitude about all things foreign or
exotic definitely colored my impression of the world of travel and its possibilities for
enrichment. So, naturally, this is part of my travel background, and two short visits to
Switzerland.
Places where I have spent the night in Switzerland are: Arth-Goldau (Hotel
Terminus Steiner), Basel (Hotel Bernina), Bivio (Hotel Solaria, near the Juliar
Pass), and Stans (the Stanserhorn Hotel, a little south of Lucerne). I have
been to the Rhein Falls at Schauffhausen, Lake Konstanz, a little side-trip to
Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, St. Moritz, the St. Gottard Pass (twice),
Lugano, and to the top of (over 10,000 foot tall) Mt. Titless! I have been to the old
covered Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, and to the Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument. It commemorates the
Swiss that died in the French Revolution in 1792. Mark Twain called it "the saddest and
most moving piece of rock in the world." And, true to my routine, I've climbed the wall and
towers of Lucerne's remaining medieval defenses. Without a doubt, I think Lucerne is
one of the most charming cities on the planet (despite the touristy label some might give it),
and Swiss trains are the most punctual, just as they say. I wish I could spend a lot more time
in Switzerland, of course, but it happens to be a very expensive country to visit. That's why a
lot of people can only afford to go there by economy coach tours, or by Eurail, staying in
hostels. Switzerland is truly one of the most affluent countries in the world, and I am
thankful to have at least been there.
An interesting note about the Swiss is that they are well known for
their hospitality. I heard once that if you meet any Swiss people they will often extend an
invitation to come visit them whenever you go to Switzerland--even if you have only just met
them. Well, one time I was traveling on a train in France and I met a Swiss family, and after
a fairly short conversation, they gave me their phone number, and invited me to stay with them
the next time I came to Switzerland. I was humbled by their generous offer, but unfortunately,
I have never been able to go back to Switzerland to take them up on it. Too bad, I'm sure it
would have been enjoyable, and one of these days I hope to go back and do at least a moderate
amount of hiking, and sing at least one tune from the "Sound of Music!" (I know, I know that
took place in Austria, but forgive me.)
"There are certain scenes that would awe an atheist into belief, without the help of other
argument." --Thomas Gray (1739) on viewing the Alps
MySwitzerland.com
