Splendid isolation

At the centre of Europe surveying all around them is the country which remains staunchly independent retaining its own currency and identity. They refuse membership of the European Union even though in many ways, they are the most European country of all with German, French and Italian regions. Switzerland has either been very shrewd or very stupid. When the global downturn came in 2008, you might have been forgiven for wondering whether the Swiss had even heard of it.

The country which has given us the technical brilliance of Roger Federer in many ways remains an enigma in international terms. In each of the two world wars, they took a neutral stance in a very loose sense of that word. It is now known that they harboured vast fortunes which had been sequestered from the millions who perished in the Nazi concentration camps. I read today that the Swiss intend to segregate asylum seekers away from public utilities such as libraries and swimming pools to try and avoid growing tensions from local residents.

It is a strange country because in the time I was there, I can't recall ever having seen any litter. To say it is unspoilt is an understatement. In a sense, you can only marvel at their obvious sense of pride in their country. Although you are made to feel welcome as a visitor, you can't help but feel that you are only being made to feel welcome up to a point. As I passed through Europe from one country to the next, the customs check points were little more than a cursory glance at you to be sure you weren't from Mars. The Swiss were rather more direct in their approach. As we arrived resplendent in flip flops, tea shirts and shorts, the gun-toting border guard asked the purpose of our visit. It was a challenge to desist from sarcasm. I chose to spell out that we were tourists because it was not obvious that humour was his strong point.

They were most definitely happy to take our money during our stay and for a good reason. Because they have held on to the Swiss Franc, they will change your Euros without complaint provided of course that the exchange rate works to their favour - and it always does. As reliable as their clocks and trains, their capacity to seek the best deal for themselves is second to none. I would definitely go back in the future if only to remind myself of its mixture of beauty and oddity.

Here in the UK we are considered isolated due to our being an island. To all intents and purposes, Switzerland is no different. They happen to be surrounded by land but not that you would know it. You may pass through but please don't ask to stay since refusal often offends!