Monday Monologue – Switzerland
It might not come as a surprise to you that my first observation was of a phonetic nature.
What I have found remarkable is that the Swiss say Zurich very differently to how you would assume it is said based on the spelling. We say Zurich while locals say the word like it rhymes with more with church. As in tsurch and the z is crisper than our lazy Zzzzurich for them it's Tzurch.
This is not to say that that is the only and correct way to say the name only that that is how the locals pronounce it. I have noticed recently that those endemic to a region have their own and unique if sometimes lazy way of pronouncing their country's name.
We are just as guilty. A Swiss might ask; "Are we in South Africa?" and we will say yes, ja, this is safrica... welcome to safrica.
I've noticed that those visiting South America from all walks of life say they are enjoying the World Cup in Brazil. We all know Brazil. We know what Brazil nuts are and we know that a Brazilian is a.....brazilian. Unless you are a real Brazilian from Brazil then you are from BrasEoo. Like BrasEoo.
Once we landed in Tsurtch surrounded by many nationalities including some from BrasEoo.
We were picked up by a taxi service with a name that any good South African wouldn't even attempt to pronounce spelled K-A-F-E-R
Call me a died in the wool New Safrican but if I need a ride somewhere in Tsurch -I'm going with; "TAXI!!"
And if they don't stop, I'll take the bus.
If you don't believe me, check out the taxi called K-A-F-E-R
Catch up with the team in Switzerland and follow their #SwissJol journery via Twitter: @darrenmaule and @NatarahNadesan