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(as of Sep 01, 2024 22:44:46 UTC – Details)
New updated edition, new statistics and Epilogue One country, four languages, 26 cantons, and 7.5 million people (but only 80% of them Swiss): there’s nowhere else in Europe like it. Switzerland may be almost 400 km from the nearest drop of seawater, but it is an island at the centre of Europe. Welcome to the landlocked island. Swiss Watching is a fascinating journey around Europe s most individual and misunderstood country. From seeking Heidi and finding the best chocolate to reliving a bloody past and exploring an uncertain future, Diccon Bewes proves that there’s more to Switzerland than banks and skis, francs and cheese. This book dispels the myths and unravels the true meaning of Swissness. In a land of cultural contradictions, this is a picture of the real and normally unseen Switzerland, a place where the breathtaking scenery shaped a nation not just a tour itinerary, and where tradition is as important as innovation. It’s also the story of its people, who have more power than their politicians, but can’t speak to one another in the same language and who own more guns per head than the people of Iraq. As for those national clichés, well, not all the cheese has holes, cuckoo clocks aren’t Swiss and the trains don’t always run exactly on time.
ASIN : B007L0H0SC
Publisher : Nicholas Brealey; 2nd edition (March 9, 2012)
Publication date : March 9, 2012
Language : English
File size : 2252 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
Print length : 338 pages
Customers say
Customers find the book really insightful and great for travelers interested in Switzerland. They also appreciate the excellent hand-drawn maps and rich history. Readers describe the writing style as amusing, enjoyable, and light and conversational. They say it’s a great read for anyone who plans to go or has been to Switzerland. Customers also mention that the book is easy to read and provides a good grounding in the culture.
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