In God we Trust?

Since coming to live in Switzerland, we have been pleasantly surprised at the level of trust which we would not normally take for granted. The Swiss are a very “trusting” lot and examples of this are everywhere.

One that stands out for us is this local flower shop/garden centre on Wettingen’s main street. These plants are on the footpath and remain there 24/7. No chains, fences, barricades, razor wire, guard dogs, security cameras!


We were bought up in New Zealand, which has the second highest “least corrupt” country status, after Denmark, but I think even there these plants would be at risk?





Having lived in Ireland for the past 8 years we were learning to understand about a corrupt (maybe a little harsh?) society even though they are at no 14 on the above rankings. In Ireland car yards cannot display their cars outside business hours, for fear of theft or vandalism. Butcher’s vans have known to be burgled in Dublin while waiting at traffic lights. (imagine an Irishman running up the road with a side beef over his shoulder!). Routine currency movements between banks are accompanied by police, army, special forces all equipped with automatic weapons.

Living in Switzerland is a breath of fresh air by comparison.