Let’s start with what are sometimes known as the dumb laws in Switzerland. Take for example, the old chestnut that “men may not urinate standing up after 10 p.m.”
(Keystone)
To my knowledge, it’s not actually a law at all, although I do recall seeing something like it in the general rules when I lived in an apartment in Bern.
Those who criticise the rule always fail to see it from the point of view that you really don’t want to hear your neighbours peeing when it’s quiet late at night.
It’s therefore quite reasonable to assume that they don’t want to hear you either. The rules presuppose a live-and-let-live attitude that I for one find perfectly acceptable. Most of the time.
What I struggle with is that loud noise after midnight seems to be no problem at all here at certain times, like Mardi Gras, August 1, and whenever your neighbours organise a street party.
It’s taken me a long time to work out why rules which work brilliantly for 360 days a year can so readily be suspended. But finally I think I have the answer.
The Swiss are actually Vulcans (like Mr Spock on Star Trek) in disguise.
It’s a hard one to take on board, I know, but hear me out on this.
True, I haven’t spotted any pointy ears, or witnessed anyone rendered unconscious by a neck pinch, or seen any funny salutes that you can only do if you push your fingers into place with the other hand.
But compare the serene and peace-loving ways both Vulcans and Swiss go about their daily lives. And, crucially, consider the pon farr.
For the non-trekkies among you, this is a key aspect of Vulcan physiology. The only way they can sustain their long periods of peace and tranquillity is to have infrequent loud and violent blow-outs when absolutely anything goes.
Just like the Swiss. Or just like my neighbours, anyway.
You still don’t buy it? Never forget that Vulcans and Swiss share a common credo: live long and prosper.
Tags: laws, Life in Switzerland, noise, rules, Spock, Star Trek, Swiss, Vulcan
Social bookmarks:
I couldn’t agree more that the Swiss are a bit hypocritical when it comes to their rules. I lived through Badenfahrt and it was 10 days and nights of non-stop “music” right below my balcony until 4 am every single night. (Think Swiss rap music so loud that a concrete apartment building shakes). I didn’t sleep for 10 nights straight and felt jet lagged for days. But now I’m not supposed to recycle a few glass bottles on a weeknight? Give me a break.
Tolerance is key
What’s OK for the Swiss is certainly not the case for the foreigners. Some foreign friends of mine had a late night party the other week. The neighbours called the police about the noise after 10pm (at a weekend !). The next day, the resident’s association met and my friends had to move, despite the fact that the Swiss residents in their appartment often have parties until the early hours.
When talking about the Swiss love of laws and regulations most people come up with that one about going to the toilet standing up, and there’s another one that it is illegal to mow your front lawn dressed as Elvis, though I can’t imagine why and I haven’t found it in any of the official statutes.