Dean Whitbread 2020
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The swallows here in Münchenstein are busy making a summer.
“Week-week-week-week-week” they call as they devour the valley’s bugs and feed swallow babies.
I have learnt a lot since April 7th 2011, the day I moved out of the flat I inhabited for 27 years. Switzerland has been very interesting, a perfect place for these very interesting times. I’ve been disappointed and rewarded in equal measure.
I learnt about Swiss bureaucracy, and the magic B words Betreibungsamt and Beziehungen. I learnt that bicycles need to have a yearly license displayed on their frame. I learnt that you must have your name clearly written on the place where you live, and that helpful Landlord deals with the postman are worse than slightly dodgy.
I learnt that in the theatre of European life, actors rarely end up playing the roles they first assume. I learnt that cooperative structures are a time-honoured way to start an enterprise without tying up your equity. I remembered that no matter how intelligent you are, vulnerability can make a fool of your best intentions. I avoided a love affair based on need and convenience.
Here at the hinge of the year, I will try to swim the Rhein through the city of Basel before I head north, as requested by spirit.