I worked in Zurich for a short spell a few years ago. The business people with whom I came into contact took themselves very seriously. Don’t get me wrong: They were great people and had most interesting things to say. I just couldn’t find a single soul who told a joke, or laughed at mine. Maybe that says something about my jokes. Regardless, I had formed a view that Swiss folk, whilst warm and friendly, have no sense of humour.

I am delighted to report that I was wrong. We’ve been in Switzerland for just two nights now and already we’ve met more happy, great-humoured people than we did within two weeks in France (excluding the young Belguim couple we met, who were great too).

Take Marco and Veronique; a couple that approached us on a petrol station forecourt to tell us that Yoko was leaking fuel. Within minutes of chatting to them (in fluent English, of course as the Swiss are masters of many languages) we were on the receiving end of a proud tour of their beautiful apartment, overlooking Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the Alps. Followed by coffee and help with our route planning around their marvellous country. Slightly confused as to why a local couple would be so welcoming to us strangers–and tour and host us in their home–I put the Swiss humour to the test by asking Marco “What are you selling?”

“Timeshare!” he delivered with perfect timing, forcing all of us into laughter.

So here’s my joke of the day (hope you find it funny!)

How do you make a Swiss Roll?
Push him down a mountain.

PS: To Marco & Veronique: Thanks for the bottle of wine that you gave us, we cooled it in Lake Geneva and enjoyed it last night whilst sat on our deck chairs on the edge of the lake, pointing towards the mountains.