The time we discovered Little Switzerland in Asia

Our dear friends, Olivia and Rafael, are quite the globetrotter couple: They have taken an entire year off to explore the world, and they are sharing their experience with the rest of us.

While crossing Asia and North America, they have come across cutesy "Little Switzerland" communities with cutesy Swiss restaurants, Swiss cable cars and even a Swiss ice rink!

How about this Swiss cable car in Hong Kong?

Swiss Chalet in Tokyo, Japan

It seems that abroad, stereotypes about Switzerland appear in an amplified fashion. I think that this is understandable though, because the further (and longer) someone is separated from their "Heimat", the more these stereotypical memories prevail.

At least this is what I experienced while living abroad: over the years, memories of Switzerland boil down and become ever more generic. Swiss foods, holidays and traditions become essential. And even occasional Swiss folk music becomes an option!

Here's a Swiss themed ice rink in Manila, Philippines:

Has anyone else been to Bruno's Café & Restaurant in Baguio, Philippines?

Get ready for this one: a replica of Interlaken in Shenzhen, China!

 
 (This photo of OCT East Shenzhen is courtesy of TripAdvisor)

(Source: Blogspot)

Now, check out Oli and Rafael's update from Little Switzerland in North America. And here is the very last picture of their around-the-world trip, taken from the window seat above the Pyrenees:

(Pictures courtesy of Oli & Rafael, copyright by TIME)