The Frau is
celebrating eight years in Switzerland today. In honor of that milestone, she’s
put together a list of eight things she loves about Switzerland. Today she’ll
begin with the first four.
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One: Freedom
This may
sound strange coming from someone who hails from a country that bills itself as
“The Land of the Free,” but the Swiss people are much freer on many accounts
than Americans. As one of the world's oldest democracies, Switzerland can teach the rest of the world a bit about how to do democracy well. Number one tip? Don't allow only money to talk. The Swiss people have power no matter how much or little they earn because they have the freedom to propose a law
themselves and force a national vote on it, as long as they can collect 100,000
signatures.
Number two tip? Don't let lawyers rule the world. When this happens, as sadly is the case in the United States, it has huge implications for freedom on all levels of society. But when lawsuits aren't allowed to run rampant, it
means healthcare costs are controlled (because doctors don’t need expensive
insurance for sue-happy people), it means children learn personal
responsibility young (two-year olds carry candles in parades in Switzerland and it’s no big
deal), it means dogs can hang out in restaurants and public transport, and it
means people can decide for themselves whether to dive into a swimming
pool or walk into a construction site. When a society takes responsibility for its
own actions instead of being allowed to blame someone else for them, true freedom reigns.
Two: Public
Transport
The train
connects to the bus that connects to the cable car that brings you to the
middle of nowhere in time for lunch. But the broader result of a transport
system that works is a less-stressed society. When you are 99% certain that
your transport will be reliable, dependable, and hassle-free every day–even on
days you need to work late–then you have less stress in your overall life. An
easy, traffic-free commute has huge implications on quality of life.
Three: Vacation Time
Time off is
sacred in Switzerland. You do not mess with someone’s vacation time here. You
do not expect someone to work on Christmas Day. Or the week after Christmas,
for that matter. And employers are required by law to provide a minimum of four
weeks off for everyone. Crazy? Actually it’s more sane. Because here’s what The
Frau has learned: A society that can relax and recharge properly is a more
productive and happy one.
Four: Cities and
Nature Together
You’re
never far from a hiking trail, a lake to swim in, or a bike path in Switzerland,
even in the center of Zurich. Cities and nature are not separate concepts in
Switzerland. There are no such things as forest preserves. Just forests. And that
is something else to love.
What do you
love about Switzerland?
