Versatile And Alluring.

My last post on the theme of Switzerland will include my recollection of our visit in pictures mainly.

In my opinion, the prevailing appeal of this landlocked country lies not just in its multilayered prosperity and aesthetic beauty, but also in in it's enormous diversity. Roughly, the North is Germanic, the West is French, the South is Italian and the East is Romansh; thus Switzerland acknowledges four national languages. This diversity is reflected not just in the population, but also in the appearance and attitude.

Traveling across the country is like traveling across a wast part of Europe, but somehow fitted into a narrow space. Within hours, moving either by highway or by train tracks, one can pass from one zone into the other with ease and efficiency, compliments of a well established and modern infrastructure.

The transition is smooth and tranquil, yet very distinctive, as one can very much sense when the internal borders are crossed. Signs appear in a different language, the architecture changes and even the weather; going from snow covered peaks to warm shores of lakes. Not to mention the scenery; anything from rolling hills, lake districts lined by palm trees, castles, meadows, mountains with rich forests and animal life, pristine villages, sleepy towns and international metropolis, bustling with life.

I dedicate this post to my sister and her family for making our stay an unforgettable one. The days we spend together will enter my recollection as one of the unforgettable moments of my life, due to the company that surrounded me, etching it forever into my memory as such.

(Please click images below for a larger view.)