Talking To The Locals- Scott Smith & The Fruit Vendor

When traveling on the train back to Leysin, my brother and I sat by a young college student named Scott Smith. Scott was 20 years old and studying in England. He currently is working in Thun, Switzerland and plans to return back to school after serving his mandatory time in the military. He explained, in perfect English, how he grew up very international. His dad works for an escalator business and traveled all over the world. Scott grew up living in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, and now Switzerland. Of all these places, he calls Switzerland home. Blake and I asked him many questions, but the most fascinating thing he explained to us was about the military. He explained that each young man is required by law to complete a minimum of five months serving in the Switzerland Military. He was excited to do it because of the pay. They get about 1700 franks a month for doing it with possibilities of staying on afterwards. Scott's older brother is still serving and moving up ranks and he loves the pay. We asked what Scott's feelings were towards government leadership and of America's leadership. He seemed very casual and said, "Switzerland will never give up their neutrality. Serving for them will be very safe and America is the least of our worries." This was a consistent remark comparing to other people I've talked with here while regarding race, age, and gender. I still haven't talked to many people, but we did get to speak to another man who was a fruit vendor and he had similar views. One specific remark of the fruit vendor was he mentioned that Switzerland's healthcare was too expensive, but very good. He seemed to be of lower societal class, but non the less a good man. Scott didn't mention healthcare, but seemed to be in the middle class with a promising future. He was finishing up his Engineering degree and planned to possibly attend IMD down the road.