At least they do go around if you stand your ground, which is more than I can say for some other places.

They try to make it clear that they are NOT like the German but very often they behave very much the same.

See my last post. They will give way, they aren't as pedantic as the Germans. As I say* "How do you confuse a German? Walk on left."


* Along with "What's the difference between a German and a shopping trolley? A shopping trolley has a mind of it's own."

I disagree, on both counts. They will look away, but they won't give way.

This thing called "swiss efficiency", I'm sorry, but it sure sounded much nicer before I came here.

they not only in Switzerland call their cell phone a "handy", but also in Germany (and, as far as I know, in Austria) as well -- and it's really annoying !!!

but you must admit, the modern cell phones are really handy - compared to the first models in the mid 90's

Really? Maybe I look rougher than you Or maybe being so used to it in Germany I just take the brinkmanship to the point of physical contact and they don't. Anyway, I've never been jostled in Zurich.

You've been too long in Switzerland when...

You take offence at above, note that Germans call their portable "Handy", Swiss call it "Natel" and rant at length about the recent influx of Germans.

For all those that were jostled - were you moving slowly or did you hear something sounding like a sneeze ("Äxgüsi!") being shouted and ignore it? In which case, I'd be jostling you too, I'm afraid. I really hating slow-moving people (senior citizens and those with an impediment excepted) that don't budge when asked to. Particularly those five-in-a-row groups on a Saturday on the Bahnhofstrasse.

In over 7 years of living in Switzerland, I've never had someone ask to get past me, let alone ask somewhat politely. Particularly on Bahnhofstrasse. People look at me like I'm an alien whenever I do it.

it's the same in english speaking Asia

Whooo, I thought that was just me. Nothing makes me crazier than a group of 5 people meandering down a side walk or promenade taking up the entire thing. Well, except people who decide they need to stop in a door way in a busy area.

Or those that stop at the end of an escalator...or walk right in front of the end of the escalator.

The fact that I get all my banking correspondance in English .... cannot think of any other banking system that would do that.

My local gemeinde is now providing English documentation too .. which is nice

That could sometimes be down to the fault of the shop; they put an attractive array of items on "Aktion" right in front of the escalator or, maddeningly, the pile of shopping baskets in the tight space immediately next to the escalator which is usually full of people fighting for a basket.

Yes, this is sometimes the case, but not usually the case. Even so, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out there might be people on the escalator who could bang into you in that situation.

27. That the Swiss think it is a good idea to divide the area at the checkout where you pack your bags, with a moveable divider that is moved regulalry in order to squash your groceries.

28. That the Swiss think it is acceptable to wear the same clothes on 2, 3, 4, 5 consecutive days.

Never cross a zebra: they can hold a grudge for a very long time.

what's wrong with that? ok, 3, 4, 5 days is really stretching it but 2? Assuming we're not talking about underwear here

Hey, if it's not walking around on it's own...

Plus if you're a bit whiffy, you get your personal space back and probably plenty of room on the tram.