Interesting Swiss Tidbits

Of course I immediately went out and purchased a book to 'learn up' on how life would be in Switzerland. Here are a few things I have found so far:

1. Most Swiss speak Swiss German, but write in German German. From what I understand Swiss German is like American English to people from England...only on crack. Now, it's impossible to write in Swiss German as the written language doesn't exist - in fact the government can't even decide how to spell 'Swiss German'. (The Swiss also speak Swiss French and Swiss Italian - I can only assume that also is like listening to a toddler speak with a mouth full of crackers)

2. Married, foreign, white women are basically useless in the Swiss culture. Although they do offer part-time jobs it is almost impossible to be able to have a career and a family. Apart from not having a work visa (surprisingly not the biggest hurdle to finding a job) I wouldn't be fluent in the language (any of them), my husband would be there to support me, I know nothing about skiing, I wouldn't be willing to live in a bunkhouse, or work 90+ hours a week, everyday, for below minimum wage (I do that already at my current job!). So basically my mere existence in Switzerland is a burden (until I become rich and only come to 'summer').

3. Switzerland is the safest and has the highest quality of living in the world! (Now at least I'll be comfortable being the armpit stain of the country.)

4. The largest religions in the country charge a 'church tax' that is taken out of your paycheck without your permission or knowledge. (it's about 1% - those of you that live/work in KCMO know how quickly that adds up!) You can ask them not to take it out and if they do take it out you can request a refund (plus interest) but it's one of those sneaky things they do. The major draw back to not paying the tax is that you can't get married or buried in the church and your children cannot receive religious education at school. Good thing for me I'm a married ex-pat that's to lazy to want to have kids!

Oh, for those of you that don't know where Switzerland is here's a map (it's ok, I wasn't sure where it was either):

As I continue to read my book I will make sure to fill you in on all the wonderful-wonderfulness that is Switzerland (you know, even if we don't get to go I'll learn something...)