SwissCommunity 1/800 000 The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces. Today’s puzzle piece is … … Vanessa Meister, 44 years old, living since 2010 in Kerala, India. She is a designer and creative consultant. What does it take for you to be able to say, ‘This is my home’? For me, it was when I felt I could have children in India. It took a while until I understood the culture well enough and found a daily rhythm that made it possible to imagine giving birth here. It was worth the wait – and to break a few healthcare clichés: both my birthing experiences were amazing and unforgettable. Is it possible to have several homelands? Yes, I believe it is. The connection with the homeland that raised me – Switzerland – and the one that welcomed me – India – is of a different nature but equally powerful. Both are filled with deep respect, immense gratitude, and a loyalty that runs very deep. It’s not about choosing one or the other – it’s about embracing both with trust and strength. How and when do you show your Swissness in your everyday life? I am punctual and reliable – in life and in work. I think I inherited that steadiness and quiet power from the mountains and rivers of Switzerland. Which dish makes you think of home? At Christmas, my relatives usually send me a parcel that makes me cry profusely every time: Nussstängeli biscuits, Paprika chips, Thomy mustard, Gruyère cheese, Tourist chocolate, and Cenovis (food paste). I savour these and share them – very sparingly – only with my closest friends. Do you ever feel like a foreigner when you visit Switzerland? Yes, I do. Not exactly a foreigner, because I blend in easily and know how to adapt and play the role, but I do feel a little disconnected at times – and probably behave terribly according to Swiss rules of politeness. What do you miss the most about or from Switzerland? I miss the change of seasons – that moment when summer turns to autumn, the chill in the air, the golden light. I miss long walks and cycle rides with my dad and coming home afterwards to a warm cup of tea and chat with my mum. Do you have any specific expectations of Switzerland? I expect Switzerland to stay sharp, remain at the top of its game, set a high bar, and push for a fairer world. I have a sense that Swiss people can achieve a lot and should carry that responsibility with care. I also hope that a certain rigidity can soften into gentleness – without losing structure. www.revue.link/puzzle3 BE PART OF THE PUZZLE Would you like to create your own puzzle piece and add to our colourful, varied and multilingual picture of the “Fifth Switzerland”? Visit www.revue.link/puzzle3 to see all the previous puzzle parts and find out who to contact if you wish to join in. Each person featured in the puzzle series receives an extensive list of questions, of which they can pick out and answer a minimum of four and a maximum of eight. Discussion Switzerland in shock following Trump’s tariff announcement, “Review” 4/2025 ANDREA ESSLINGER, THAILAND Consumers in the US will have to pick up the tab for the tariffs – not the Swiss economy or Swiss exporters. The duties affect goods destined for America as opposed to those going out. This will mainly fuel US inflation. And Swiss exporters will simply have to find other markets. The US under Trump is not a reliable partner and will soon go bankrupt. SUSANNE BOSS, OLDEN, NORWAY The answer is quite simple: slap a reciprocal 39 per cent tariff on US goods! Then let’s see how the Americans fare. RUDOLF MEGERT, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Shocking indeed! The whole world, including the American people, will now end up paying for Washington’s trade deficit. Switzerland was hit where it hurt, because it keeps blaring out that it is a wealthy country (which it hasn’t really been for some time). JEAN-MARC SALVADÉ, SPAIN The US tariffs are not some form of punishment or sanction. It is normal that Donald Trump should defend his own interests. Just as the Swiss government should defend our interests, propose alternatives or take countermeasures. Or are our politicians too weak to protect our nation’s interests? 35 Swiss Review / December 2025 / No.5
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