Community

I appreciate that the Swiss (and Europeans in general) value a sense of community that is somewhat lacking in the United States. My first Sunday here, I remember walking through the deserted Old Town of Lausanne and later that day a park filled with families. The next day my teacher informed me that law prohibits (most) stores from being open on Sunday allowing the Swiss to spend more time with family. This is particularly startling in the United States, where Sunday is often just a day to finish all the work and errands that did not fit into the work or school week. While this is a government mandate, if the people did not value a work-less Sunday, the law would probably change. So the fact that people are willing to forgo profit opportunity for quality family time is refreshing. Also remarkable in Switzerland and throughout Europe is the ability to celebrate together successfully, which strengthens the sense of community. Oktoberfest, Electrosanne, and the Christmas markets are all massive celebrations where people from all over the world dance, talk, drink and shop together without much error. Similar events are less common in the United States and would require much more security to run smoothly and I think we are generally colder toward complete strangers than people abroad. The popularity of these celebrations is indicative of the Swiss and European recognition of community and the value they place on others.