Ten Unexpectedly Good Things about Switzerland

In an effort to keep this blog from devolving into an extended rant, I've decided to post something that focuses (almost) entirely on positive things. It seems like 90% of the stuff I talk about with my labmates is "back in the US, it's better because ..." which, I hate to say, is true about a lot of things around here. For instance, there is absolutely nowhere to get a burrito on campus. Terrifying, I know.

That complaint out of the way, here is a list of ten things (in no particular order) that I've found to be pretty cool about the country, despite it being a horrible, desolate, burrito-less wasteland.

1. Yogurt

Fig. 1: It's healthy, because it's yogurt.

Yogurt here is fricking awesome. I'm really not a big yogurt fan back home, but here, I enjoy almost a cup of yogurt a day. Why? I guess the answer is simple: the yogurt here is "full fat," i.e. it's not specifically aimed at dieting secretaries. Thus, they don't need to add gelatin to thicken it -- which is a plus for all of us who don't really enjoy eating the ground up cartilage of felled animals -- and it just tastes great. Also, the fancy brand (which costs 1.05 CHF versus 0.65 for the store brand) comes in exciting flavors like stracciatella, aka chocolate chip. It has to be tried to be believed.

2. Migros

Fig. 2: A sampling of the M-Budget products in my apartment.

Migros is one of the national grocery store chains. Practically a religion around here, most Swiss people seem to have a nearly irrational love for the company. You can have a Migros bank account, a Migros cell phone, take English classes at a Migros school, fill your car up at a Migros gas station, and then play around of golf on a Migros golf course. For me, and other people of limited financial means, the chief attraction of the stores is their discount product line, M-Budget. For everything from milk and eggs to soap, deodarant and dog food, Migros budget delivers huge savings.

3. Thunderstorms

I'd certainly heard of thunderstorms before, but I've probably only experienced a few in my entire life. When I think of storms, I think of: horrible, all day rains that make it impossible to do anything fun at all. Here, though, summer thunderstorms float across the lake in the evening time, dump a bunch of water and about 100 lightning strikes all within about 20 minutes. It's pretty fun to watch, as long as you're indoors.

4. Stairways

Fig. 3: Part of my route home every day.

Since the city is built on a bunch of hills, it is loaded with really quaint, old-timey staircases. They're cool enough that it almost makes you forget that you're constantly schlepping up and down hills if you want to get anywhere.

5. Outdoor events

Fig. 4: Even "India Jones et le Royaume du Crâne Crystal" couldn't be that bad if you saw it here.

People really relish the summer weather while it lasts, so there are plenty of outdoor activities all summer long. A couple weeks ago, I went to see WALL-E on a giant, outdoor screen. They gave out free ice cream during the intermission, and bottles of water at the end. It was a great movie (even in French) and a great crowd. Definitely one of my favorite experiences, so far.

6. Markets

Fig. 5: The central market: the place to see and be seen.

There are flea markets, farmers markets, "unemployed persons" markets (le marché des chômeurs), and artisans markets. Although the prices aren't particularly great, they are -- as one of my labmates put it -- "an important place for socializing."

7. Department store cafeterias

Fig. 6: View over the lake from the Coop City terrace.

The three major department stores downtown (Coop City, Manor, and Globus) all have cafeterias on the top floor where you can buy over-priced prepared food. Or, you can buy a coffee (reasonably priced) and sit on the terraces that all have beautiful views of the city.

8. Total lack of concern for public safety

Fig. 7: This play area is called "The Strangulator"

Fig. 8: Having jumped off of the diving board myself (not the high dive) I can assure you that the water is no deeper than 6 or 7 feet.

Fig. 9: A playground in Geneva made entirely of donated used bicycle tires. This is a concept which is obviously way too much fun to exist in the US. Serge's nephew is the one in the red hat.

Children's playgrounds around here are unbelievable. Every time you see one, the first thought that comes to mind is, "My goodness, that's a lawsuit waiting to happen."

9. Public water fountains

Fig 9: One of the many fountains within a block or two of my apartment.

They're all over the city, and some are very cool. I guess if you are surrounded by rivers and lakes, water doesn't have to be conserved in quite the same way as if you live in a desert.

10. Free newspapers

Fig. 10: Another scoop for 20 Minutes.

Every morning, I get to choose between Le Matin Bleu and 20 Minutes, the two free newspapers that are available all over town. The 15 minute metro ride from downtown to EPFL is just enough time to read about the latest pregnant starlet, yesterday's Swiss soccer league results (I've decided that my favorite team is "Young Boys"), and other important things. Also, you can read Garfield in French -- il déteste les lundis et il aime beaucoup les lasagnes!