Appenzell

Appenzell is such a marvelous little area! Hans Peter was telling Appenzeller jokes* on our last day together, making fun of the traditionally short men (thus, lower door openings where six-footers like myself could hit our heads.)  The jokes feel very much like a regional thing, a sharp rivalry.

*Why do the farmers in Appenzell laugh while running through the fields? The grass is tickling their noses. OR, "How does an Appenzeller commit suicide? By jumping off the carpet."

The next day we were eating at an old Swiss restaurant with a seasoned, lifelong Appenzell woman serving our table. When she heard that we had friends in Bern, she grew a mischievous smile and said, "Those Bern people are so slow. Slow, slow, slow! Appenzell people are quick and efficient." 

Diane and I couldn't stop laughing. We didn't tell her what Bern people thought of Appenzellers.