Ok, It's been a while since my last post - as usual. I am now living in postcard pretty Zurich with Anita - the gal I me in Ecuador and caught back up with in Rio before traveling together down to Buenos Aires. Obviously it was her fault that I was too distracted to continue my blog posts. A few people have asked me if I will fill in the blanks + I want to for posterity so I have pulled out the notebooks and will make up the rest.
I may even write a bit about whats going on in Switzerland, unlikely though as the snow has just started falling and my feet are itching to get on a board.
Whats news in Switzerland now? well, of course the vote went against Aus for 2022 World Cup - damn Qatar, they must have bribed more than we did. More importantly, and sadly, like Australia, Switzerland has a strong racist seam. These people are represented by the SVP party with policy that could have been penned by Pauline Hanson (although rather more slickly packaged). The Swiss democracy is strong in that it is structured to allow more parties to have influence - keeping clear of the policy shadowing farce of Australian politics with parties hoping to win elections by "showing the real Julia". The obvious downside is that parties like the SVP can wield considerable power even though they cause embarrassment to a large percentage of the population. Even the SVP's adds are not thinly veiled:
It seems the Swiss would have a referendum to change a street sign. Unfortunately this referendum went the wrong way (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11857438). It sucks, but you have to admire them for their confidence (in their economy) not to pander to external opinion.
PS. Sorry for the negativity first up, but that's the news. I have generally found the people to be as nice as the countryside (I will assume its not just because I'm an English speaking Caucasian).
If you want to know what went down in South America: Venezuela was unforgettable.
2 comments:
Well Chris, as a dutchie who is yet to settle in Holland I guess you would be more aware of immigration attitudes than most - having said that there were times I was forced to question my own existence in Tassie - such as why my surname was pronounceable, why wouldn't I want to work at woollies forever and what the hell was I thinking...the ollibollen festival IS fantastic. Such inner searching led to my mainland quest for acceptance...the search continues.
It is interesting that both you and Dirk sought international girls and yet remain so firmly intertwined here in Australia - we haven't met Anita yet but then again we didn't think Ana existed either (No doubt about Harry's penchant for women though)and every time Bailey visits, Dirk puts on his pious polo top and insists on the spare room - call me a cynic but this wasn't an issue in India or even Boat Harbour. Nevertheless...fact or fiction I will enjoy reading of your European adventures...and look forward to meeting either Anita or Stefen one day soon. Merry Xmas - Marty xoxox
Stefan changed his name by deed poll to Anita some time ago ... hope that clarifies things for you. We will catch you in about 6 weeks. Until then, good luck with Kili
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