On 20th August, after completing all the usual preparations and some extra ones, David and I were delighted to be sitting in a plane about to take off.
About four hours later, we landed at Zurich Airport, ready to spend two glorious weeks doing what we love to do – hike, admire views, travel in boats.
You: Why did you go?
We needed a rest, a break from routine.
You: Why did you go abroad?
We live in a small, crowded and tense country. There’s plenty that we love about our country and what it has accomplished. But sometimes it’s nice to get away and experience something different.
You: Why did you choose Switzerland?
We’ve been there many times. We know what to expect. It’s perfect for hiking, with lots of footpaths and excellent public transport. The views are amazing. Our first choice would have been the UK, where we have family and friends and are at home with the language. But current restrictions there are too complicated and limiting.
Let me ask you a question. Why are you asking so many questions?
You: We’re still in a pandemic. Don’t you think you should stay at home?
We stayed at home for nineteen months, most of it literally at home. When we tried to visit places, we found we had to book, and the places we tried were always full for the times we wanted. The pandemic, we’ve realised, isn’t going away soon, so it’s time to get out and enjoy ourselves, taking whatever precautions we can.
You: What did you notice in Switzerland regarding the pandemic?
In general, people are good about wearing masks. The ones who aren’t, in our limited experience, tend to be young men, who sit in a train carriage for the whole journey with their can of drink, presumably so that, if challenged, they can claim to be drinking and hence exempt from wearing a mask.
Even in Switzerland (but less so than in Israel) we saw masks discarded on the streets and on footpaths – even on this path high up in the mountains.
Any more questions?
Miriam Drori, Author 