The next observed change is probably as a result of some of the events which have preoccupied me when I should have been writing this wondrous text for you (go on let me boost my ego a little). I suspect as a result of terror events in Madrid and London the transport systems in and around Zurich ( and probably elsewhere, although I haven't noticed) have grown video cameras to watch event occurring on them. These glass hemispheres have appeared with the minimum of fuss. Swiss efficiency at it best in my opinion.

Now for a moan about Swiss (and European for that matter) attitudes. The Euro 2008 football competition is being jointly hosted by Switzerland and Austria. In Switzerland this has involved a countdown for the last year towards the kick-off of the first match. I must in all honesty say my wife and I were grateful when England were knocked out in the qualifying rounds. It meant instead of having a flat full of footballing friends we have it and our sanity to ourselves. (We're both Rugby and Cricket fans - football is for wimps.)

Other changes which have impacted on our lives include things like the new Lotchberg Tunnel which has reduced the rail journey time from Zurich to Zermatt from over 5 hrs. to 3.5 hrs. A definite improvement making it possible to visit for the day if you are willing to start early.