SWITZERLAND:
Impressions of a Filipino tourist
By Alberto de Joya

It was February of 1995 when I received a fax from a friend I met two years ago in Cebu, telling me to come to Switzerland to attend his wedding on the 10th of August of the same year. Using his invitation, I was granted a visa to the country I had no knowledge of except through the stories of this friend of mine. I got my ticket and prepared all the necessary papers for my travel. It was my very first trip out of the country and one that will take me halfway across the globe. I remember my excitement as I took the Emirate Airlines on August 4, 1995.

During the travel, we had a stopover Hong Kong then a 6-hour overnight in Dubai. It was there that I spent the night at a luxurious hotel, the accommodation of which was included in my airline ticket. The experience completely overwhelmed me. I took note of the difference of the scenery from my old hometown and the city I was seeing. The modern and luxurious quality of life that lay before me was a far cry from the natural beauty of my paradise town. It was there that I was confronted with a choice of life to take.

Upon reaching my destination which is Zurich airport, I saw my friend waiting for me just beyond the immigration control. He held a bottle of champagne in one hand and a glass in another. We had a warm welcome drink.

I can say I was lucky enough to enjoy a three-month holiday at one of the most modern and richest country in the world.

Switzerland is a country that is so rich in culture and tradition. It has four different languages: French-Suisse German-Italian-Romanish.

Switzerland is a white and green country with a landscape dotted with bright towns and villages. The first thing visitors will notice in this country are the beautiful snow-capped Alps mountains. Structures from the old architectural renaissance of the past European medieval era blend harmoniously with modern buildings. For instance, 5th century artifacts like castles, chateau, bridges and houses are preserved through government efforts. From there, one could see the progression and survival of culture from one century to another, from one era to the next. A visit to the museum displays the very first inventions of fire, metal and archeological artifacts among others.

In my opinion, this country is an example of our conquistadores that colonized our country during the 15th century. Comfort existed before our colonizers. The highlanders of the globe are the example of modern era in culture development and modern life. History is the basis and the foundation of culture, as well as the stability of means and ways of life.

Switzerland, like its neighboring countries in the European Community such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Holland, Finland, Belgium and Iceland can be regarded as the oldest culture of the world; the cradle of democracy. At present, the strong economic standing of the Federal Government of Switzerland does not really require it to be a member of the EU. But bilateral agreements were established to access trade and support to the EU nation for it lies exactly in the middle of EUROPE, topographically speaking.

Confederation Helvetica-(CH) (the old name of this country) opens its border to other EU countries for economic superiority, political neutrality, and preservator of peace. Its major cities are Zurich, Basel, Laussanne, Geneva. Capital is Bern.

Currency is Swiss Franc. Conversion to Peso is 40

Back to my story: On the day the wedding came on August 10, 1995, the occasion marked not just the union of my friend to his bride but at the same time, a celebration of friendship between an Asian traveler and my new Swiss friends. I took this opportunity to tell them of the beautiful things about the Philippines. Most of all, I talked about my paradise Romblon.