Embarking on a journey from Zurich to Nice is more than just crossing geographical points; it’s an immersion into diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich histories. My recent trip, much like a spontaneous splash of color on a canvas, was filled with unexpected discoveries and open-ended thoughts that I’m eager to share, hoping to inspire your own memorable travels. Get ready to Have Nice Travel as we recount this European adventure.
Art and Culture: Zurich’s Kunsthaus and the Masters
Following a family tradition of art museum visits in new cities, Zurich’s Kunsthaus became an immediate highlight. Just a short walk from my friend Guy Spier’s office, this museum unveiled the captivating world of Oskar Kokoschka, an Austrian expressionist artist (1886-1980). His cityscapes, far from being mere depictions of buildings, pulsed with the vibrant energy of urban life. You can explore his compelling works here. Discovering Kokoschka was a delightful surprise, broadening my appreciation for Expressionism, a movement that amplified emotions onto canvas, diverging from the impressionistic focus on capturing fleeting moments.
Impressionism, born in France with masters like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, emerged partly as a response to the rise of photography. While photography captured reality with precision, Impressionists aimed to record their impressions of the world, prioritizing mood over minute detail. Expressionism, taking root in Germany in the early 20th century, pushed this further, expressing the painter’s inner emotions and mood, sometimes abstracting from real-life objects entirely, as seen in the works of Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky. Art, in its essence, is a powerful mood enhancer, a personalized “drug” that evokes emotions. In museums, I gravitate towards late 19th and early 20th-century art, finding a profound connection with Impressionists and Expressionists whose work ignites my imagination. The Kunsthaus boasted an impressive collection, some of which you can view in these pictures.
The Majestic Alps: A Contrast in Landscapes and Societies
Colorado’s mountains are a familiar sight to me, yet the Swiss Alps possessed a unique allure. The stark contrast of black rock, pristine snow, and azure skies was breathtaking. Our drive from Zurich to Klosters, near Davos, offered stunning vistas, captured in these photos. The Swiss Alps presented a two-toned beauty, sharp and cold, evolving as we journeyed south towards France.
The French Alps unfolded with a different character. The sharp black and white gradually softened into warmer blues and muted tones. The landscape became multi-layered and inviting, prompting reflections on how nature shapes societies. Generalizing, one might associate the Swiss with orderliness, punctuality, and a reserved demeanor, perhaps mirroring the starkness of their alpine environment. Conversely, the French, with their softer language and warmer disposition, might reflect the more gentle and varied landscapes of the French Alps. This observation sparked a thought about the influence of geography on national character, extending beyond geopolitics to consider the subtle ways nature molds societal norms and values.
Switzerland: Cleanliness, Safety, and Societal Norms
Switzerland impressed with its stunning beauty, delectable food, and impeccable cleanliness. Even the mountains seemed pristine. The country’s low crime rate and minimal police presence contribute to a sense of safety. While crime statistics might appear similar to the US in overall numbers, the definition of crime differs significantly. Violent crime, for instance, is considerably lower in Switzerland.
However, Swiss society maintains strict order, particularly regarding traffic laws. Speeding violations carry severe penalties, potentially linked to income and even jail time. Even minor infractions can impact residency and citizenship applications, highlighting the emphasis on rule adherence. The process of gaining Swiss citizenship can be quite involved, sometimes even requiring village votes on an applicant’s suitability.
Witnessing the independence of Swiss children, like five-year-olds walking to school alone, was striking. Yet, it also raised questions about the balance between safety and individual freedom, and the experience of living in a highly structured and homogenous society. It’s a matter of personal preference whether such an environment aligns with one’s ideal lifestyle.
VALUEx Klosters: Insights Beyond Investing
Guy Spier’s VALUEx Klosters conference surpassed all expectations. Having attended previously, this year’s event felt even more enriching. With 75 attendees, each presenting, the conference offered a wealth of stock pitches and, more memorably, presentations on diverse topics tangential to investing, such as geopolitics and parenting.
The discussions on geopolitics were particularly thought-provoking. While US investors in the 20th century could largely disregard macro-economic worries due to America’s economic strength and geopolitical stability, European investors faced a different reality, navigating through wars and economic upheavals. America’s geographic advantages, strong economy, and stable democracy fostered its rise as a global power. However, the rise of globalization, populism, and increasing debt levels raise questions about the future resilience of American prosperity – another point to ponder.
The parenting presentation highlighted the importance of praise in child development. Consistent positive reinforcement, emphasizing a child’s capabilities and potential, can instill crucial self-confidence. This resonated with my own upbringing, where parental praise served as a powerful motivator, helping overcome challenges and fostering resilience. The example of Masayoshi Son, CEO of Softbank, whose father consistently praised his genius, further underscored the impact of positive parental messaging, as highlighted in this interview.
My own presentation at VALUEx Klosters involved a bit of playful rule-bending. Knowing the time constraints, I presented a stock idea with a humorous slide reveal, extending my presentation time from three to five minutes, much to the amusement of the audience.
Jeffersonian Lunch: Fostering Meaningful Conversations
Guy Spier also introduced me to the concept of the Jeffersonian dinner, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s practice of hosting focused, single-conversation gatherings. A pre-conference Jeffersonian lunch with twelve attendees fostered engaging discussions. The format, starting with personal highlights and then delving into shared topics, effectively broke the ice and encouraged meaningful interaction beyond superficial small talk.
Another Jeffersonian-style experience unfolded during a walk to a remote restaurant in the Swiss Alps, followed by a carriage ride back. This journey became an opportunity for sharing favorite books of 2018, further enriching connections. Photos from this walk and carriage ride are here. The Jeffersonian approach to conversation is invaluable for fostering learning and eliminating the awkwardness of typical dinner table discussions. I’m considering implementing Jeffersonian dinners in Denver.
While skipping skiing due to jet lag, long walks with conference attendees in Klosters provided ample opportunity for connection and reflection. Pictures from these walks can be found here. Evening walks with my brother Alex in Klosters, captured in these artistically inclined photos, further showcased the beauty of the region.
Lausanne and Charlie Chaplin: A Sentimental Journey
Post-conference, my brother Alex and I embarked on a road trip to Nice, starting with Lausanne. Arriving at sunset, Lake Geneva’s beauty was immediately captivating, as seen in these pictures. Lausanne holds a special place due to Charlie Chaplin, a childhood icon from my Soviet upbringing. His silent films transcended language barriers, making him universally beloved. The Great Dictator remains a powerful and frequently watched film in our family.
Chaplin’s move to Lausanne in 1953, after being barred from re-entry to the US amidst McCarthy-era accusations, adds another layer to his story. Decades later, MI5 files revealed no evidence of communist sympathies. His Lausanne home is now a museum, a deeply memorable experience that transported me back to the sets of The Kid and The Great Dictator. Pictures and videos from the Chaplin Museum are here. Introducing my five-year-old daughter to Charlie Chaplin’s world, starting with The Kid, is a joyful new chapter, reliving cinematic history through her eyes.
Provence and the French Riviera: Ancient History and Artistic Inspiration
Continuing our journey, Geneva was a brief stop, missing the Patek Philippe Museum but visiting the Reformation Wall (pictures here). Annecy, the “Venice of the Alps,” charmed with its 15th-century architecture and stunning lakeside setting (pictures here). Lyon, France’s second-largest city, followed (pictures here).
Grenoble, birthplace of Hector Berlioz and host of the 1968 Winter Olympics, offered cable car views from a mountain fortress (photos and videos here). Avignon (pictures here) and Arles (pictures here) transported us to Roman times, with Arles boasting two Roman amphitheaters (pictures here).
Arles’ connection to Vincent van Gogh was palpable, yet surprisingly, the Van Gogh Museum lacked original paintings. However, rooftop views of Arles (pictures here) and a thought-provoking photography exhibition compensated.
Cannes (pictures here) and Monaco (pictures here) showcased the glamorous side of the French Riviera, filled with yachts and luxury. However, the smaller villages of Eze and Saint Paul de Vence were more enchanting. Eze, a “village museum” (pictures here), and Saint Paul de Vence (pictures here), with its art galleries and Chagall’s legacy (pictures here), offered picturesque streets and artistic immersion.
Nice, our final destination (pictures here), initially felt like another Cannes. However, venturing into the old town, with its narrow streets and car-free zones, was like stepping back centuries in time. This encapsulates Europe’s charm – the seamless coexistence of the old and new, often just steps away from each other. This journey from Zurich to Nice was a rich tapestry of experiences, reminding us that to have nice travel, one must embrace both the planned and the unexpected, finding beauty in contrasts and connections across cultures and landscapes.
