Dear Friends + Interlocutors,

I’m back in St. Moritz, Switzerland, ensconced in a broom-closet of a room in one of the grand hotels. I’m trying to relearn how to ski. Yesterday I started wondering if there were people here, say, 300 years ago. And if so, why? What did they do? There was no skiing or snow-boarding, no Cresta Run, no Bob sledding, no thermal baths or Corviglia Club, etc. 

Moreover, there were of course no railroads or cars or even, I guess, roads. St. Moritz is the last stop at the top of the world, with many mountain passes along the way. Well, then I looked out my window this morning and noticed a leaning bell tower, and I had my answer. The faded date on one side reads, “1570”. See below. Wow! That’s over 450 years ago! 

This is approximately 200 years prior to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia which led to the creation of the North American republic, the U.S.A., which entity now polices the wide world like the British Empire did before it. As a result, America is going downhill fast. In the meantime, the Confederation Helvetia is skyrocketing. At least, the Swiss Franc. Hence, my broom-closet.

Further investigation is required. I’m heading to the Engadiner Museum today on foot. But wait. It’s open only Thursday to Sunday. History takes a back seat yet again.

Patrick

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