Thirty years ago, Switzerland felt like it was at the cutting edge of science and technology—innovative, precise, and ahead of the curve. But somewhere along the way, it got complacent. It rested on its past achievements and stopped pushing forward, especially when it came to environmental responsibility. The glaciers were already melting ffs.

In contrast, during 12 years in Oregon, I saw and felt real progress—conscious efforts to rethink energy, reduce waste, invest in green infrastructure, and build a more sustainable culture from the ground up. Things moved. People cared.

Coming back to Switzerland after that, it was striking how little had changed. The same habits, the same systems, the same quiet resistance to transformation. In many ways, it felt like the country had fallen behind—not in knowledge or resources, but in mindset. That cautious stability, once a strength, now feels like a barrier to meaningful action—especially in a world that’s already late in addressing climate change.

Now the glaciers are gone

That is a fun fact!

What Whisker likes today might not be appealing to him tomorrow, and he will ask for it in 2 months when you thought he didn’t like it. Don’t get me started on which brands he favors depending on which direction the wind blows. That being said, I got mine to eat his wet food by mixing pumpkin purée for human babies with it. It worked for almost an entire week.

Moooom, shut the door, I’m with my friends!!

Mine is not as loquacious

In Switzerland, it is not allowed to vacuum after 10 PM and, how my not all neurotic crazy neighbor reminded me, not on Sunday either.

That’s awesome to hear! I was just lamenting the lack of cute animals here. The garden is buzzing from all sorts of insects, including cute ones like fireflies and ladybugs, bees, etc. but realized that there is no hedgehog here helping me wage war against a serious infestation of slugs.

Tried to order a croissant at a gas station in Oregon once — I lived there, but my French accent turns croissant into a whole performance.

The Mexican woman behind the counter couldn’t see what I meant (glass case + clutter) or understand, we both laughed a lot, and I ended up with the croissant and a breakfast burrito.

Could’ve been worse.

“Better off Ted” had a bit of the same issue 16 years ago: https://vimeo.com/188033313

That innocent creature has another cat curled and sleeping on his tummy (I thought there were 2 cats at first quick glance)

Condolences to your poor butt btw.

These tummies are so nose burry-able! Don’t mind the scars

The queen is dead, long live the king! May he foster the unconditional love, and smooth the void and tenderize the grief.

Does Walther need to sneeze or is it his face?

Omghad those are very boopable.

Is Victoria’s Secret Marilyn Monroe short for something?

My bad, I confused my bleps from my mlems

are belong to us

Gants de velours

Blep

Aww, I hear so much love and attention in your words. I enjoyed your answer.

BOMBA CALABRESE. Sorry, I can’t say it in lowercase. It’s just crushed peperoncini and oil. Yummmmm I put it on pizza, in soup, curry, stew, I dip my cheeses and fingers in it.

Cholula for eggs but it’s hard to find around here.

I’ll be on the lookout for Valentina as it’s been brought up often in this thread.