Recently having temporarily moved to the one and beautiful Switzerland, there are so many things I am learning. Of course, there are challenges whenever one moves. It could be within the same town, country, or it could be half way across the world.
We don't realize it, but there are so many cultural patterns that we don't even realize we have- or don't have, with out the comparison of something different. In Switzerland, the people actually have the right and freedom to sleep. Across Switzerland, it's different, but in my specific region this is highly enforced and taken VERY seriously.
Between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, it is 'quiet hours' in the town I reside. One can be loud in the club, pub, or bar but the streets need to be quiet and inside of your house too. So what’s a young person to do?
Well lately I’ve been realizing just exactly how loud Americans are- we talk loud, we eat loud, we sing loud, we’re just typically loud people.
So when you’re in a foreign country you have to abide by the current culture’s rules. But it’s easier to do so when you find the reasons behind them. And by realizing the motives, you appreciate the rules. So here is my ‘bright side’ list to the obscure rule:
1. On those nights that you need your sleep- you don’t have obnoxious parties going on everywhere. It’s quiet and peaceful (except the fast cars and mopeds, but that’s another blog!).
2. You become more aware of your surroundings when it’s nighttime. You may be less likely to get lost when it’s dark because you’re less focused on all the talking and more on the walking. Probably a good thing in a new country!
3. Better conversations. For starters, you’re not constantly talking over each other, nor are you listening to such loud music so that one CANT have a conversation.
The Swiss are a funny people, but if you can get to know and understand the motives behind their ways, you might just feel a little Swiss too.
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