Final notes on Switzerland

Here are a few of our final thoughts from our time in Switzerland:

[Disclaimer: These are just thoughts from 10 days in a small area of a country. We are by no means experts on Swiss culture. Since we are visiting many countries, we are hoping this will serve to help us remember our time in each country.]

--Cheese...and its Effects.  Since cheese is so integral to most Swiss food, this can cause some unwanted digestive issues.  Lactose intolerants beware of Switzerland.

--Speaking of the food, Scott and I often compared Swiss food to Midwestern food. I'm sure the Swiss would be insulted by this comparison but come on-- lots of cheese, lots of potatoes....sounds like some good down home Illinois cookin' to me.

--Cleanliness is of a high priority.  Never was I grossed out by any bathroom, which is a fairly regular occurrence in the U.S.  Notably, even their mountain-type restrooms were spotless.  I'm used to dealing with a pit toilet at a trailhead.  These mountain toilets were impeccably clean.  As cities go, Bern was probably one of the cleanest I've been to.

--Expensive.  This may be reflected in their wealth and high quality of life.

--Neutrality.  As we were going through the Bern Historical Museum, there were several references to Switzerland's notorious (and long-lasting) stand for neutrality.  One thing that we noted was how their neutrality has subsequently (sort of unintentionally) contributed to their success.  While the rest of Europe was literally picking up the pieces from various wars, they were able to carry on relatively unscathed, and perhaps even better off.  The feeling we got from the museum was that Swiss people today have mixed feelings regarding their lack of involvement, especially in WW2.

--Many advancements in science and technology have occurred here. Bern is particularly proud of the fact that Einstein developed the beginnings of his Theory of Relativity while he lived there.  Other examples:  Goldfish (yep, the crackers), fancy knives, watches, etc.  We presume their ability to innovate may also be related to their uninvolvement in foreign affairs.

--Tranportation. Incredible.  They have trams, cable cars, chairlifts, trains that go through mountains.  Anywhere you want to get, there's probably a way to get there without walking.  AND it will be on time.

--Mountain huts.  Scott and I wondered if we would miss backpacking and the "real" wilderness experience we have when we throw up a tent wherever we want.  The truth is, we really did feel like we had a true mountain experience, even when we were staying in a mountain hut.  They have managed to maintain some sort of "wilderness" despite putting buildings in incredibly remote places.

---STEEP TRAILS.  We can finally feel our calves again.

Auf wiedersehen, Schweiz!