The Swiss Life: Random Observations

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Given that my summer in Switzerland has come to a close, it’s time to share with you some random observations that โ€“ for me โ€“ makes Switzerland unique. This is the Swiss Life.

I may not have โ€œconquered the countryโ€ and snapped pictures of the many postcard destinations Switzerland has to offer, but by traveling without moving for much of the time, I’ve had a chance to observe some of the finer aspects of life in Switzerland (which for me is a huge incentive for my full-time travel lifestyle). Here are my random observations of the Swiss life:

This post was originally published in 2012. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

Here's a peek into Swiss culture and daily life through a series of random observations that come together to paint a picture of sorts. #Switzerland #ExpatLife #FullTimeTravel #TravelPlanning #BudgetTravel #TravelTips #TravelLifestyleGuides
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It’s Clean….Almost too Clean…

Okay, maybe it isn’t too clean, but Switzerland as a whole is impeccable, top to bottom. Even the tractors and farm equipment I’ve seen is polished to a gleam.

Two separate people who came to visit me this summer each remarked that they feel it’s almost uncomfortably clean….broaching on sterile. (I believe this is a backhanded compliment of sorts on their part).


No Really, it’s CLEAN!

sitting by the river in Zurich

I was first struck by the cleanliness of the water in Switzerland when I visited Lucerne and saw people swimming in the lake that Lucerne is built on. Even in Zurich, just steps from the central train station, people line the banks of the river that runs straight through downtown – sunning, picnicking, and swimming.

diving in off the bridge into the river in Zurich Switzerland

The river has a good current so people like to jump off bridges, drift along with the current, get out, and walk back up to the bridge for another round. Only suckers for punishment try to swim back upstream.


It’s Dirty

naughty shops in Switzerland

If the Swiss are clean on the outside, I think they might make up for it by being dirty (in a good way) on the inside. Sex shops and naughty bars are dotted everywhere (at least everywhere to my North American eyes) seemingly regardless of neighbourhood demographic; sometimes they’re next to toy stores, sometimes they’re set up as massive standalone warehouse-sized megastores. And browsing through the local classifieds reveals a fairly active culture with various types of clubs catering to the sexually liberated.


Smokers Abound

Despite Switzerland’s almost sterile cleanliness, a surprising number of people smoke. Even in Zurich’s main train station (which is fully covered and more an inside environment than outside), people chain smoke at the โ€œmeeting pointโ€ in the main hall.

Smoking is banned in most indoor establishments, but there always seems to be good compliment of smokers on patios. (This is lovely in the summer, but I wonder how many people suffer their addictions to the same extent during the winter months, since outdoor heaters are banned for their environmental unfriendliness).


Drinking in the City

fountain in Zurich

Water fountains are all over Switzerland. Zurich has over 1,200 fountains in the city centre alone. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re all pumping out perfectly drinkable water. I love being in a place where bottled water is not necessary – or even popular.


Recycling is an Epic Task

As a very clean and environmentally friendly country, the Swiss take their recycling seriously. Unfortunately it’s a big chore; items are separated a million different ways (I counted 10 different kinds of recyclables), from different colours of glass to different types of plastic, right down to water filters), and although some of it is collected, most of it needs to be dropped off at collection points often located at grocery stores or train stations. Ironically, not every drop-off point allows you to deposit all kinds of recyclables, making the task of recycling even more onerous.

I suggested to a Swiss friend that such a labour-intensive convoluted system wouldn’t fly in many other countries, and I commended the Swiss people’s commitment to recycling. What’s the incentive? Garbage bags are pre-paid (and expensive), so the Swiss are consequently more predisposed (pun intended) to recycling so they can reduce garbage fees.


Garbage Gets Recycled into Power

Even garbage gets recycled, in a way. Switzerland uses an incredibly advanced form of incineration; one that emits none of the toxic fumes we associate with burning garbage, and actually turns the heat generated from the incineration….into power. Wow! Why isn’t the rest of the world doing this? The facilities are incredibly expensive to build, but with the power generation and reduction of need for landfill space and resources, I’d suspect it could pay for itself very quickly.

Let’s get on this, people.

See also: My Zero-Waste Kit for Travel (and Home)


An Honourable Honour System

You could probably get away with not using pre-paid garbage bags (although you’re subject to a fine if you’re caught). Then again, you could get away with riding the local train most of the time, parking for free, and any number of other tasks that operate largely on the honour system, with only periodic spot checks. The Swiss are not only clean and environmentally aware, but apparently well-behaved too.


It’s Rural

rural Switzerland

I think of Zurich as a fairly large city, but the house I’ve been caring for (which is a mere 15 minutes by train from the centre of Zurich) is certainly in a rural neighbourhood. The house looks out on corn fields, and the occasional smell of cow poop wafting through the yard confirms that I’m most certainly in a rural area. I wrote about this rural/urban combo last year when I passed through during the Ultimate Train Challenge.

It’s the best of both worlds, since five minutes by car takes you to a nearby town with absolutely everything you could want (including, of course, at least two mega-sex-shops. I’m just saying.)


It’s Efficient and On-Time

As a country/culture known for its fine attention to detail (hence their propensity towards banking and making watches as examples), it stands to reason that everything is incredibly efficient. If the train is scheduled to arrive/depart at 10:42, it will be at 10:42 on the dot. It’s refreshingly reliable.

I learned that the train drivers get a hefty bonus for being on-time; it’s a great incentive to keep the country running like (ahem) clockwork.


It’s Expensive

Although I was forewarned by many people that Switzerland is very expensive, I wasn’t terribly shocked by the prices here…except for the trains. Every time I get on the local train it costs over 8 Swiss Francs, which cuts deep into any traveler’s budget.

I guess you’ve got to pay for all that cleanliness and efficiency somehow.


Organic Isn’t Expensive

I was delighted to discover a huge amount of organic produce (labelled as โ€œbioโ€) at grocery stores, and even more delighted to discover that it’s only slightly more expensive than the non-organic alternatives. In some cases it’s the same price, and sometimes it’s actually cheaper.


Bread, Glorious Bread

Although this is not necessarily limited to Switzerland, their love of (and variety of) bread is noteworthy. Even local gas stations bake fresh bread โ€“ and at least five different kinds no less.


Cheese, Glorious Cheese

eating fondue in Switzerland

Need I say more?


Four National Languages

Although the common conception is that Switzerland has three national languages (German, French, and Italian), there are actually four โ€“ including Rumantsch (a Romanic language which only 1% actually speaks). German is by far the most commonly used (74%), with French and Italian spoken more in the South.

Each language has its own โ€œSwissโ€ dialect which differs from standard German, French, and Italian, just to confuse things further.

Given all these different languages and dialects, it’s not terribly difficult to get around speaking only English, which seems to be a common denominator of sorts. Having said that, in the โ€œruralโ€ area where I’ve been staying, English is less common (especially among older folks). Asking for headache tablets at the pharmacy was a fun exercise in charades, replete with me hitting my head on multiple surfaces. (Hey. Go big or go home. I do have a flair for the dramatic.)


It’s Beautifully Mountainous

Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo, hanging out in the Swiss mountains

A huge portion of Switzerland is incredibly mountainous, and even if you aren’t in the mountains, you can probably see them in the distance. This beautifully clean alpine environment with rolling green hills and cows grazing (bells and all) really brings to life so many of the stereotypical images you might have of Switzerland. Check out this video to see (and hear) it for yourself.

Or have a peek at my latest Swiss Montage video, which includes the sights and sounds of both city and country life:


It’s Full of Pride and Culture

Swiss flag

You don’t have to go far to see a Swiss flag; they’re everywhere. Heck, if I lived here, I’d be proud too.

And Swiss National Day in the mountains was full of national costumes and old traditions that I would have thought were long forgotten, but remain alive and well. This is a beautiful tribute to Switzerland as a country and culture.

Swiss National Day celebrations in Sorenberg


Wilkommen to Switzerland

The warm welcome I’ve had from everybody in Switzerland has been almost overwhelming. I’ve rekindled old friendships with Swiss people I met abroad, and formed new friendships with so many people – some as random as the person sitting next to me at a pub or on a train. The sheer number of strangers who welcomed me to Switzerland with kisses and hugs on Swiss National Day is a testament to the warm atmosphere that has made my summer in Switzerland a beautiful experience, and which has solidified my commitment to return…..someday soon.


Where to Stay in Switzerland

Accommodation in Switzerland ain’t cheap (which is why I love house-sitting), but it’s as efficient as the trains – which is to say extremely so. Check out what Switzerland has to offer here: 

Booking.com


Things to do in Switzerland

I’m a big fan of taking (good) tours. It’s a way to cover a lot of territory, have cool experiences, and learn from a local. I learn so much about wherever I’m visiting by taking a tour at the beginning, then building out the rest of my experience at that destination based on what I learned from my tour guide. Here are some best-selling tours in Switzerland to consider: 

Here's what I learned about Switzerland after three months of house-sitting in Zurich and the mountains near Lucerne. #Switzerland #randomfacts #traveltips #travelobservations #Swisslife #TheProfessionalHobo
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14 thoughts on “The Swiss Life: Random Observations”

  1. Hello !

    Glad that you liked Switzerland and made such a great post about your travel.

    I just commented to add that there is daily or weekly cards that will lower the costs for trains and buses available. If any traveler has the chance to come to Switzerland make sure to find a Swiss friend that will purchase one for you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Bis bald, ร€ bientรดt, Ciao per ora,

    Yvan.

    Reply
  2. @Yvan – Thanks for the suggestion! I used a ride card that gave me six rides for the price of five (I think). From what I could tell the daily and weekly cards are good value, but you have to be prepared to take at least 3 trains/buses each day to “break even”. Then again, if you’re visiting a new place, that might not be a stretch! (I generally prefer to walk if I can). ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. My thoughts exactly! Loved Switz. when I visited back in 2005. Great list Nora ๐Ÿ™‚

    – Maria Alexandra

    Reply
  4. Just moved to Switzerland (Zurich)! It’s my second week. Although I grew up here, I spent 20 years of my life abroad. So I’m experiencing it like you described it. And after 8 years in Italy, this country feels like I’ve found paradise. Very happy!

    Reply
  5. thanks for sharing your insights abou the Swiss life. Haven’t been to Switzerland yet but I also heard its a clean and beautiful country from my relatives there. Love that photo with the Swiss flag and the one where you’re standing in a mountain. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. @Michele – That’s fabulous! And I’m glad my random observations rang true for you as well. What is the biggest difference between life in Italy vs Switzerland for you?

    @pinaysolo – Thanks! Switzerland was very kind to my camera; it’s hard not to point it just about anywhere and come out with something akin to a postcard! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Haha, it was so funny to read all this.. and I must agree with the majority of the points based on what I have heard about it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
      • No, I have not been yet, but have experience with Swiss people ๐Ÿ™‚ I even asked one about your post, who confirmed that your points were right ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
  8. Sexshops everywhere? Lol… you took the Stรผssihof pic in the red light district in Zurich where sex sells… yes, there are sexshops around but are they really everywhere? My eyes must be blinded after living in this country for over 50 years. I’m sure there are more garbage bins in Switzerland than Sexshops… And we spend Millions & Millions of Francs on cleaning and there are actually rats running around in the night at Zurich main station… did you see them? I agree it’s a little paradise!

    Reply
    • Hi Margarita,
      I can only report on what I saw – and I wasn’t just in the “red light district” in Zurich; I stayed in small suburban towns, traveled through mountain towns, larger cities, etc.
      There may not be as many sex shops as garbage bins(!), but like I said, in comparison to North America, there is generally a much more open mentality towards sex. (This is not a bad thing!)
      And yes, Switzerland is one of the cleanest countries I’ve ever visited. At least you can rest assured the rats are clean too! Ha ha.

      Reply
  9. Great article. I thought I want to live in Switzerland for a few months. Now I know I do!

    We’re actually only a few miles from Switzerland right now, in Pallanza, Italy. Pallanza is on a peninsula in the middle of Lago Maggiore. On both sides of the peninsula you can see the snow-covered Swiss Alps in the distance. And of course, Italy has its share of great mountains as well, including the largest wilderness area in the Alps, just above us about 20 minutes away.

    Thanks for giving us such a vivid view of Switzerland. Where would you choose to spend a few months in Switzerland if you could go anywhere?

    Bob

    Reply
    • Hi Bob,
      I loved the areas I was in, which was both near Zurich and about 30 minutes from Lucerne in the mountains. If I had a chance to go back and could stay anywhere (for free, like last time – LOL), I might want to check out some of the even more mountainous areas further south.
      I hope you make it to Switzerland – it’s a beautiful place.

      Reply

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