Update

We're in school limbo in the canton (state) of Vaud; term begins today, but we meet with more Swiss school officials Tuesday to assess Michael & Jack; placement thereafter. Not worried about the French, the officials want to see how the boys function in their native language, so we're playing hookie from the start.

The Swiss system, like the US, is fiercely governed locally; not one national model - an oddity separating both nations from other nation-states. Indeed, the US was an early inspiration for CH's regional, autonomous approach, thus explaining its anomaly status within Europe - non-EU, non-Euro. Health insurance required, not nationalized.

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Money is, of course, a topic of major concern

The 1000 CHF note is a pretty purple and BIG; the denominations increase in size and value, as do their coins, with the exception of the .5o centime piece: small but mighty. The notes sport key literary, historical figures and now have fancy electronic imaging to prevent counterfeiting. In contrast to Euro notes:

which have generic images - types - of European architectural styles, since individual nations couldn't agree on whose national icons should emblaze which bill.

This trip suffers from a currency war in which the US is a key player; heavily indebted, having borrowed billions abroad (and domestically), to underwrite spending, we are paying back $s by lowering their value. If I owe you $1,000, I can pay back less by making it worth $800; something domestic vendors from Breyer's to Biolage have engaged in, shrinking containers, portions, and quality to offset costs. The last time we were faced with this, birthed the "fun-size" candy bar back in the 1970s.

Many nations made money off the USA's arrangement - we buy, they build - so guilt is everywhere. High CHF or Yen doesn't help the Swiss or Japanese export or tourism industry either, although it empowers them to travel, spend abroad. Older German investors, facing demographic demise, chose to invest in American subprime real estate, as well, for retirement income - no kids to support them - but lets just say that Americans abroad are caught in-between:

4 years ago, for $1, you got CHF (SwissFranc):

Today:

It's a sobering reality hard to accept, I think, to consider the decline of your own country. Christians have understood downward trends as cultural decadence for awhile, but usually not economic demise. Our own myths of inventiveness, drive, untapped creative energy, etc. keep the national ego strong - can't happen here - especially with elections looming.

Given that Christian theology is so rich in articulating debt, slavery, payment, etc, you'd think the Church would have more of a voice in these times. I am amazed that the first performance of Handel's Messiah was a fundraiser to liberate debtors.

I also wonder about the utopic promise of technology, geared more for personal distraction, turning to Charles Hugh Smith:

"'Innovation' stays safely corralled in the realm of toys, gadgets and social media. Real innovations in education, governance, the legal system, etc. that threaten the status quo fiefdoms and Power Elites are smothered at birth."

Serious thoughts for serious times.

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I leave you with some Swiss pics:

The Swiss version of water cooler can be hyper-elegant; choice of mineral, sparkling, non-sparkling, etc.

Swiss are the world's biggest per capita consumer of chocolate, so are always innovating their taste:

How about a chocolate chip chip?

Back to Migros, the main supermarket chain

Need to keep a 2 CHF piece handy for those carts - the coin releases the cart, and is refunded upon return.Jack heads straight for the bread!

I the mushrooms - these chantrelles were boxed in lovely wooden crates.

Stop for coffee break. Pain au chocolat for Jack,who runs to the window each time a train passes, counting each car; joyfully exclaiming when a double-decker pulls in.

Spectacular sunsets off our living room.