First impressions

Going from Stockholm to Liechtenstein (yes, we had some time to spare so we drove a bit extra just to see the one place in Europe that voted away democracy) it is striking that there is only one thing reminding you of the fact that you have crossed a border: the SMS that informs you of the new operator you have just roamed unto. No border, no nothing. Sweet!

Once in Switzerland we drove around among the valleys and into the alp villages. In one of the most conservative (and most Swiss?) cantons; Appenzell Ausserrhoden (they gave women the vote in 1989) we found a restaurant where we could have our first Swiss meal. The place looked very promising, lots of stuff related to cheese making was displayed and the atmosphere was utterly genuine. We ordered and while the waiter disappeared into the kitchen the owner offered us some delicate bread. Not shortly thereafter we started sensing something was up. Both the owner and the waiter started to look stressed and ran around. We soon found out what was wrong. Within five minutes the waiter came and said that they could not find the Chef(!). After another five minutes the owner came, with the look on his face as if his entire life work had been brought to shame, deeply apologizing about something that had never ever occurred before. Since he was so obviously sad, and since the whole thing seemed so absurd, all we could do was to smile and walk away. Clearly the image of Switzerland as the most reliable place in the world got a severe hit already on the first day. However, since the owner was so sincere in his shame I would gladly go back and try to eat there another time.

On a purely positive note; I have found a place to stay. It went very fast and easy and is a bowling-ball throw (not an accepted expression perhaps, but you understand that it is very close) away from my university.

The address, for those who want to visit or send stuff is:
Varnbüelstrasse 13, 9000 St. Gallen

The phone number to the apartment is +41 (0) 71 222 49 61
(I will try to get a mobile number tomorrow, when school starts)

Ciao!