There are pearls on the internet, and pebbles… here’s a pearl. Let’s polish it a bit:
> You enter the third floor of a building, and the first question people ask you is “Oh, why didn’t you take the elevator?” Hmmm, why should I actually use it? But well, this happened to me yesterday. Not to mention air conditioners, water coolers, and the second layer of plastic bags…
> You find Singapore a beautiful place. That’s strange, but real: “You come from Switzerland? What a nice place.” — “Yeah, but I like Singapore, too.” — “Really? It’s not nice, it’s so artificial. You should go to Malaysia, Vietnam…”
> You understand the poor boys of Singapore, who have to do National Service (=Army) for two years1) before they can start their studies.
> You feel a bit ashamed each time somebody asks you about the Swiss currency or the visa you need to enter Switzerland.
> You miss cheese ;-)
Still, it’s a nice country, and I thank God to be born there. I hope I’ve been able to share some tiny bits of our culture with you, and if ever you come to visit Switzerland, be sure to give me a call.
1) Actually, it depends on your weight: Usually, the service takes two years. Obese people do another three to six months of training in order to lose weight! Anyway, a looooong time.