Apart from the extending mountain ranges and the breathtakin

Apart from the extending mountain ranges and the breathtaking beauty of nature, what does Swiss Confederation possess that commands admiration? To the author, the country owes its distinctive charm chiefly to its people.　　I had many first-time experiences while touring Switzerland.　　For the first time in my life, I lifted a machine-gun weighing 16 kg, and for the first time I watched military exercises within a distance of 400 meters.　　I had my first in-depth discussions on politics, people’s livelihood, and environment issues with foreigners, not counting interviews I had conducted as a reporter.　　I paid my first visit to the parliament premises of a foreign country. I took my first free walk on the parking apron of an airport rather than boarding for a flight.　　These flesh experiences speak volumes about the openness, democracy, and warm hospitality of the Swiss people.　　I felt relaxed on the scene of the army exercises, happily oblivious to the heavily guarded military facilities around. Along with us, there were some elderly veterans invited by the commander to the event. (176 words)