For me, one of the great pleasures of a vacation abroad is spotting the differences between that country and the Netherlands. Involuntarily, different cultural customs, services, and layouts of cities and countries stand out sharply.
Usually, you think: Oh, is that how they do it here? It is much better organized here. But also, sometimes: I wish they had this in the Netherlands. If only it were like this with us.
August 1 is my birthday. This has been a national holiday in Switzerland for 732 years. My parents used to tell me with restrained pleasure that all those bonfires on the tops of the mountains were lit especially for me. I was a child and didn’t know any better. Such fireworks were banned this year due to the extreme drought. In the tiny remote mountain village, a state council came to visit. The supreme administrator of the canton. Fulfilling a promise for Corona. He gave an extremely inspiring speech in the fan tent set up, especially, for him. Surprisingly modern, too. Standing between two ladies in traditional dress. The address focused on the youth, with particular regard to this place, which simply needs them. The importance of mobility, accessibility, tourism, and agriculture, please go vote – not necessarily for me. It all passed by.
We have lived here in peace for centuries because of our unique political system. Don’t be overconfident. Be grateful. Cherish what we have built. And let’s focus on an international future. A rather impressive hum of assent sounded in the town square. Music. Singing. Dance. Drinking. Roasts. Facilitated by the local volunteer association. The state council thanked circumstantially, visibly gilded with a large basket of local produce.
The highway is wider, the asphalt better, and the road marking lines more generous. The people are friendly. The extensive network of (Auto) trains, streetcars, (trolley) buses, post cars, ferries, and cable cars make transportation an experience. Multimodal hubs with these features can be found in the metropolitan areas of Zurich and Basel but also in towns like Lucerne. Hardly larger than Helmond. Which also makes the surrounding countryside easily accessible. Manicured fields. Tunneling the entire country. Hydropower. Renewable energy. Sustainable timber construction. Thriving industry and services based on tradition and modernity.
It’s exemplary how you can maintain such a high level of amenities with relatively few people. The rules are strict. But everyone abides by them. You can set your clock to that.
