Nowt strange as folk

Swiss Music
Originally uploaded by Michael Rys

For anyone who hasn't been to Yorkshire, England, saying 'nowt strange as folk' indicates to the listener that there are some pretty funny folk out there. None more so, perhaps, than in my adopted place of work - Switzerland.

At the heart of Europe lies a small country of 8 million people with one of the world's most stable, wealthy, and organised set ups on the planet. Not to mention gorgeous scenery and the best horn players in town (pictured).

But it is also a country of contradictions - no surprise when you consider the non-fighting army. Undoubtedly rule-conscious, the Swiss are not tolerant of rule breakers. Despite their peace-loving reputation, on the occasions that I've crossed the road when the little red man was showing (probably risking deportation), drivers have actually speeded up in an attempt to run me over and teach me a lesson.

You would think that with banking as one of its main sources of pride and jobs, the current crisis would be causing a few ripples through all this calm and prosperity. And I suppose it has, with UBS being one of the biggest losers, but the evident richesse on the streets of Geneva is so enduring that it has a feeling of 'can't touch this' about it.

My watchmaking clients have never had it so good, selling watches so expensive that the box they come in will set you back 20,000 euros. Not the sort of present you would want to leave on the bus......

Anyway, bref, as the French would say, what is the point of all this? Well, just to point out that with the financial hurricance ripping through the heart of the financial world, the Swiss have been busy legislating on smoking (reversing the decision to ban it in public places before it gets too cold outside), and, er, guinea pigs. I joke not. A law has just been introduced banning the Swiss from buying just one guinea pig, as it might get lonely, and insisting on a two-some. Need I say more?

In a typically contradictory way, cats are still being kidnapped from Haute Savoie for their skins and if our feline friends escape this fate, they are said to be a very popular Swiss delicacy. Gastronomes beware!