Just on the walking thing - it is definitely not a phenomenon restricted to Zurich. We used to live in China (Shanghai), and there, people not only walk into you, but they also stop suddenly without any regard for who may be behind them. It has something to do with a big sense of self and lack of awareness of other people. Also, it has a lot more to do with the fact that in Chinese society, they are so accustomed to overcrowded (or what we consider as) situations, and there is no concept of personal space. Its 'selfish' to want to have your own personal space (especially around you while walking, or while talking or interacting with someone), yet many of us consider it selfish to not make allowances for the rights of someone else to walk down a public street without getting a whole lot of bruises!! It takes some getting used to, thats for sure....