In Switzerland, people are generally restrained in their interactions with people in public. With the exception of the greeting of the day, there isn't much else said.
Here on the other hand, conversations get personal, quickly.
Todays example....
I went to the store to get some sandwiches. At the counter I said "hello" to the woman working there, whom I have never seen before. By the time I had the sandwiches I was made aware of the following things;
- She has a son
- Her cousin and her just bought a duplex together
- she is moving this week
- She is missing her nieces ice cream social today
- She is divorced
- Has a boyfriend but he "doesn't understand"
- Every month she gets $350 in child support
- Two hours after moving into the new duplex, her son damaged the floor
- The floor is hardwood laminate
- The boyfriend "still doesn't get it"
- She was very thankful I was there for her to vent to
So there you have it, a MAJOR difference between Zurich and Sacramento.
You don't get that in the Subway on Sihlstrasse.
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