In our modern lives, so many things have become instant. Wanna watch a movie? There's a bunch to choose from on Netflix. Wanna a quick bite? Pop something in the microwave and 4 minutes later - voila! Wanna talk to someone? Give them a call, text, or even see them with Skype. Wanna buy something? Hop on Amazon and a couple clicks later it's yours.
But isn't there something magical about anticipation. Remember those childhood memories at Christmas time putting up the tree, writing your letter to Santa and anticipating all those gifts! Remember looking forward to your birthday and to a summer vacation?
I picked up this fun book called "A Book That Takes It's Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness" by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst. Inside Lisette Thooft talks about CELEBRATING THE WAIT. She reveals that "Things and experiences gain value when you have to wait for them," and "Instant gratification makes them worth less." And the book goes on to state: "Because of ubiquitous instant gratification, something paradoxal happened in our society. Because we have so little time to long for something, there is a kind of restlessness in our lives which leads us to enjoy ourselves less. If you always get everything you want right away, you're constantly on the treadmill of dissatisfaction, always on the lookout for the next product, the next set of new clothes, the next new gadget, without ever reaching the stage of quiet enjoyment and being satisfied with what you have."
And isn't this a wonderful discovery that can apply to travel. It means that the travel planning and the travel exploration process can be a wonderful way to extend your joy and build up anticipation for your next trip - plus you get to learn a lot and find those secret hidden spots to check out along the way.
In the spirit of helping you get excited for your next trip to Switzerland and increasing your joy, here are the essential 5 books and guides I highly recommend to help you plan your perfect trip and learn more about beautiful Switzerland.
Celebrate the Wait with These 5 Books
1. Swiss Watching by Diccon Bewes
My absolute favorite book on Switzerland! After reading this you will understand everything about the country and it's people - including history, the political system, how people like to spend their free time, favorite foods, and even salad folding. That's right I said salad folding, which I won't get into here but the Swiss have a very particular way of eating salad. Diccon has created a wonderful read that is fun and sprinkled with his humorous take on the Swiss.
2. Rick Steves Switzerland
Let Rick Steves help you decide where to eat, where to sleep, where to hike and more! You can always count on his advice, wherever you are in Switzerland. Rick's guides have been invaluable to me on my trips and many of the best hikes I have been on my life have been highly recommended in his guides. Plus he can help out with all of the logistics - the best way to get around, tipping etiquette and more.
3. Slow Train to Switzerland by Diccon Bewes
Another interesting read from Diccon if you want to dig into the history of travel in Switzerland. Diccon follows the route of an English lady who took Thomas Cook's first conducted tour of Switzerland in June 1863, which changed both Switzerland and the world of travel forever. A very eye opening look at travel in the mid 1800s that will surely make you appreciate how easy we have it now!
4. Switzerland - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Kendall Hunter
A handy little guide that's more practical and informational than Diccon's "Swiss Watching" but covers a lot of the same topics. After reading this you'll have a solid understanding of the Swiss and how to navigate the customs and culture appropriately.
5. Swiss Life: 30 Things I Wish I'd Known by Chantal Panozzo
Allow an American living in Switzerland to enlighten you on what's it's really like to live with the Swiss.
I hope you find these 5 picks helpful! And please feel free to reach out and share your top picks for Switzerland book. Is there a book I am missing?
I hope you find these 5 picks helpful! And please feel free to reach out and share your top picks for Switzerland book. Is there a book I am missing?