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Good Morning,
Is it appropriate for middle age men to where dress shorts when touring Switzerland in August ? Is there some other limitations like men wearing shorts to restaurants, museums or Churches?
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Hi admiral72,
I think perhaps in churches one may have to have their knees covered. I know women do at some churches, not sure about men though.
Other than that no restrictions I am aware of. You might be out of place at some of the higher end restaurants however.
Just behave the way you would like foreign visitors to behave in your own country. Plus, remove that baseball cap when you sit at a restaurant table.
There are audible books I listen to about the cultures of the country I am visiting that prove very helpful to my immersion experience. Audibles Italy, Culture Smart is an example. While attempts to learn some basic language skills is worthwhile, understanding the culture of the country is maybe more important.
Contrasting the Audible German, Culture Smart book with the Italian book suggested there are huge cultural differences between the two countries, not to mention regional differences within each Country. One would act entirely differently in those to countries to respect their distinct cultures.
I could not find a book on Swiss culture. Is there a reference you could tell me to study?
As you say, there are considerable differences between the various regions of the world. But, normally, Italians and Germans would not hurt each other.
I don’t know where you come from (I’m Swiss). If you are US American, you may notice that Switzerland is pretty much americanized, although we hate to admit it. Just behave « smart casual », be yourself and be proud of it. I’ve mentioned baseball caps while eating (even if, alas, some Swiss have reached that point in their americanization…) Also, when chatting with someone in public, go near the person and turn the volume down. You’ll be fine. No need to read books or overdo it.
Thank you Snowman. I am from US with Austrian heritage. Your comment which I translated to, “lie down on the floor and remain calm” is well received.
Austrian heritage? Then your Lederhosen will be perfectly acceptable!
yes, the Family name is Spotts which was changed from Spatz at Ellis Island to Americanize. And the two Ts were added for flair.
I know your laughing now Snowman…… I know the slang.
I will be looking for a mountain guide practical version of a Lederhosen in my travels. Is there an online store you can suggest.
Gratitude,
Davit
As an Australian visitor, I find it fascinating to watch what people wear on holidays to places like Switzerland.
Where I live in Melbourne, all over black is the go. So it’s refreshing to see lighter colours worn in some European countries.
My thoughts are that European people tend to dress a little bitter when travelling. Whatever that means.
Again, as an Australian, I find Americans tend to stand out in the crowd. Distinctive. Some may say loud. Not me.
Many Australians dress down and appear sloppy when travelling. Again stand out in the crowd. Particularly bogan and feral types.
Guess it’s part of the travel experience? Be yourself. Enjoy your travels.
Rederence book on Swiss culture: try this one :
http://www.amazon.com/Switzerland-Culture-Smart-Essential-Customs/dp/1857338448/
Remember there are differences -sometimes considerable – between language areas, rural/urban, lowland/mountain, rich/poor, born here/born abroad, and (to a lesser extent) catholic, protestant.
Mountaineering gear. A few years ago I could have, based on your name, recommended you Spatz Camping. They went down, killed,by online business and chinese imports. They now subsist only by producing and repairing sturdy tents, boy scout style: spatz.ch/?lang=fr
Now, one of the reputable outfitter is Bächli. They sell online, although I ‘m not sure they’d ship abroad: http://www.baechli-bergsport.ch/fr (German/French only). Visit one of their stores, such as in Zurich or Lausanne.
At the Sundance Film Festival the people in all black are known as the PIBS by the locals.
I think your comments are helpful. I enjoyed your terminology and descriptions.
Besides black, Americans are distinctive because they wear Khaki pants. I am told Khaki is not well thought in European countries.
However, it is all black for me when the All Blacks are in town.
Thank you Snowman
Again, Thank you Snowman
>> My thoughts are that European people tend to dress a little bitter when travelling.
That reminds me of a Swiss lady from Einsiedeln, whom I met on a boat on the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne). She was on her way to do a hike on the Klewenalp. She was 87 years old, and an experienced hiker, who mostly hikes alone these days because so many of her friends are now in nursing homes.
What was she wearing for her hike? She was smartly dressed in a blouse and pants, but with proper hiking shoes and hiking poles. And a pearl necklace! Now that’s style 🙂
Alpenrose
This is an interesting discussion! Aside from cultural dress codes, I never wear shorts while hiking. Pants provide protection against sharp rocks, insects and the sun.
That opens up an new discussion point. Can you describe what you mean by proper hiking shoes?
Thank you.
>> Can you describe what you mean by proper hiking shoes?
Shoes that are made specifically for hiking. As the article Arno linked to mentions, there are various types. As a minumum, they will be sturdy, support your feet well, have soles designed to provide a good grip on rough ground, gravel, in mud etc, will be weatherproof, breathable, and ideally have ankle support. Usually you need to go to a shop that specialises in outdoor gear to get this type of shoe or boot.
If you google hiking shoes or hiking boots, you will get images of many different brands and types.
Alpenrose
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