fleur de bri: switzerland

The most important thing you need to know about Switzerland is that it is NOT Sweden.
Oh, and "Swiss" isn't a language. So if you read all of this and have only retained those two bits of knowledge I will be very very happy. In this post you will learn some little tidbits about CH. I will dedicate other posts to certain Swiss towns.

Mini Lesson about Switzerland

Abbreviated as "CH" for Confoederatio Helvetica
There are 26 cantons (like states). I live in the canton of Vaud. My canton of origin is Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
A third of the size of New York state
There are 4 national languages (again not "Swiss): Swiss-German, French, Italian and Romansch
The national day is August 1 [same as Colorado Day ;)]
It is bordered by 5 countries and is really a central location for traveling
There hasn't been an international war since 1815, but all Swiss men are required to join the Army
It is not a member of the European Union
The capital is Bern but the largest city is Zurich, then Geneva
It's one of the richest countries in the world
The currency is Swiss Francs (CHF) but Euros can be taken in some of the big cities like Geneva and Zurich
James Bond's mother is Swiss, and so was the first Bond girl
We have the second best public transportation (after Japan). But it's expensive :P
The water here is amazing and you can find a potable fountain almost everywhere
The song "Smoke on the Water" is about the smoke from the Montreux Casino fire on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
You are never 10 miles away from a Lake or River
You have to name your child in regards to the approved list of names
You have to bring your own grocery bags to grocery shop, or else you pay for each bag
It is really difficult to find housing in the big cities (like mine)
In certain cantons you are only allowed to throw away your trash in the official white trash bags (like mine, and they are expensive)
Roger Federer is pretty much the national hero
Famous people include: Heidi, William Tell, Carl Jung, Hermann Rorschach, Simon Ammann and others
The Swiss are very punctual. 10am means 10am not 10:02 am
You do not leave tips (unless they did really really really really good) and tax is included
The flag of the Red Cross is the Swiss flag with inverted colors!
Velcro was invented by a Swiss guy
Famous residents included Freddy Mercury, Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, James Joyce, Shania Twain, Yoko Ono, the guy that created Ikea, and many more
Bank Accounts, Cheese, Swiss Army Knives, Chocolate, Fondue, Raclette, Cuckoo Clocks, Watches, and skiing of course
Traditional drinks include, well obviously wine, but Kirsh (a cherry brandy), Absinthe, and Appenzeller Alpenbitter, to name a few
The two biggest airports are in Geneva and Zurich (for all of you that want to visit me)
And much more to come!!!