A book about Switzerland and tourism. Actually, about a country and its history.

A few words about a book I very much liked.

I finished reading this book exactly two years after I had moved out of Switzerland last November. In a strange way, the timing was right not only thinking of that two-year anniversary of mine but also considering the collapse of Thomas Cook in precisely the same weeks (or what was described as “collapse” by the media while events were unfolding).

Following the group’s journey from Geneva to Chamonix to Leukerbad to Interlaken to Rigi to Neuchatel to all their stops in between was simply fascinating. I couldn’t tell what captivated me more. Was it the mere fact of that ensemble’s brave and pioneering endeavour 150 years ago? I mean, you feel exhausted even thinking of the itinerary. Or was it the weird feeling that all these places seemed so strangely familiar? 150 years fast forward, and I totally saw a good bunch of exactly the same roads, hotels and views during my Swiss days.

My personal favourite? No other than “the city by the lake”. That put a smile on my face.

The book was a farewell gift from my then team lead, a talented woman from “Romande” (and some other part of the world to be fair – therefore extra talented). I had come to know plenty about Switzerland by that time, and yet, no idea about Diccon Bewes and his books. Better late than never.

A must-read for those who happen to keep Switzerland close to their heart.

Slow train to Switzerland
Diccon Bewes

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Image is my own.