This post is part of an archived series of blogs called The LeVine Line, written by former Ambassador Suzan G. LeVine during her time at U.S. Embassy Bern.
29 July 2014
One of the first questions I’m asked is whether I plan to visit all 26 cantons during my time here.
Well – I have some good news! Inspired by Reto Wild’s Migros Magazine article , I decided to go visit the Swiss Miniatur park in Melide Ticino myself.
Thanks to this fascinating and well-maintained park, I was able to go to all 26 cantons within 2 hours! As you can see from the photos below, we saw cable cars, medieval plazas, stunning cathedrals and more.
More seriously, I do appreciate the question I’m asked about visiting all 26 cantons – because it recognizes the importance for me, as a diplomat, to really get to know ALL of both countries and not just to hole up in Bern or just to get out to the major cities.
I suspect that I’ll make it to all of the cantons (and to Liechtenstein) over my time here. In fact, in less than 2 months, I’ve already made it to 8 out of 26 cantons and to Liechtenstein. However, I’d like to evolve the question. What I REALLY want to do, and that to which I’ll commit, is make sure I meet with and hear from Swiss and Liechtensteiners from all different areas and all different walks of life. In fact, I hope that the question they ask my successor is “Ambassador LeVine met with people all across both countries and from all walks of life. Do you plan to do the same?”
