by Emily Ser

Created on: March 15, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

Switzerland, of course, houses museums and beautiful churches and all the things a tourist destination is made of, but truly it is the place to go if you seek relaxation and relief from stress.

Switzerland's political neutrality is mirrored by the laid back, friendly attitude of its inhabitants. When you hop on the tram in Zurich, you are met by smiles and greetings. Nothing is rushed. The streets are clean because the people want them to be. You can buy a bottle of vodka at any convenience store and the cashier will hand you complimentary paper cups and wish you a fun evening. Teenagers are free to congregate and drink in the open air without incident. No one is interested in harming anyone else and the police force is just not necessary. I spent two weeks in Switzerland and never heard a voice raised in anger. Even the German spoken sounds less harsh than that spoken in Germany. It is an incredible place.

It is also home to unadulterated nature. The Swiss Alps bloom in a hundred different colors in the summertime. The grass grows tall, beaten back only on the footpaths traversed by hikers. As the snow melts from the mountain caps, the water runs downward in waterfalls throughout the Alps. If you know where to go, you can even pass behind some of them. The view from behind a waterfall is not to be missed. Little towns of log huts have been constructed and an occasional restaurant provides a brief stint of shade, but neither detracts from the experience. The locals are kind, tending to their herds of cattle that roam freely in the mountains. One farmer even allowed us to taste the milk from his goat.

Visiting Switzerland is like visiting a simpler time but with modern conveniences.

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