Switzerland tidbits

A few random thoughts about Switzerland:

--Nationalism. The Swiss seem to have much more national pride than many other Europeans. The Swiss flag is displayed everywhere. They refuse to join the EU, and they have maintained their own currency, electrical plugs, and ability to make things run exactly on time. However, I find it odd that they do not speak their own language throughout the country. Switzerland is divided into French-speaking and German-speaking territories, with some other dialects thrown in.

--Very nice people. Things here often work on the honor system. For example, in our guesthouse, you use the internet and pay by marking talley marks on a piece of paper, with no monitoring. You can purchase food from the little store by leaving money on the counter.

--Very clean. Everything, even buildings from the 16th century, appear brand new. There is no litter. They are also very particular about their toilets--each have some sort of witty sign asking you to sit down. E.g., our hostel in Interlaken had one that said "Stand up for your rights, but sit down to piddle."

--Very resource-conscious. The lights are often automatic, and there are water conservation systems. We are supposed to shower for no more than 3 minutes.

--Ingenious engineering. Trains and cable cars can take you up the tallest and steepest mountains in a jiffy. The construction on the sheerest cliffs is simply amazing.

--Beauty. Of course the nature is fantastic. But the cute little wooden houses, with flowers in all the window boxes and colorful shutters, gardens with flowers, vegetables and garden gnomes, and painted fire hydrants really make the towns charming as well.