So tragically half-pie, Dr. J Murray Robertson himself would churn in his grave
The Robertson House can best be likened to a grandly malfunctioning clockwork orange - pretty when viewed from outside, yet hardwired wrong aplenty beneath. Its state of affairs is intuited as either being: a) near non-existent, or b) in utter dishevelment, take your pick. Anyways, cutting through the flannel, here's a laundry list setting forth what went thumpingly skewwhiff during our ill-fated sojourn.
Checking in lasted forever. Some tourist backlog stretching longer than the Chungking Express that thronged the hotel lobby was encountered upon arrival, while just two front desk counters remained opened for chugging things along. Consequently, at least 45 minutes elapsed before we received any sort of attention. Strike one.
Guest room rife with shortcomings. Tightass, near unmanoeuvrable quarters and FUBAR air conditioning aside, our deluxe queen booked sprung other nasty surprises. First off, the espresso machine's previously undrained water carriage (god knows why) had all but gotten the bedside table inundated. Then there's this curious case of a precariously wobbly power outlet later deemed by the onsite electrician to constitute a potential fire risk should an arc fault eventuate; as such we were, after laborious haggling transplanted couple floors up. Strike two.
Another room, another unforeseen problem. Moments past midnight, 'em lights, TV, A/C, even landline suddenly....died simultaneously. Ah, big fat outage swathing us in total caliginosity for 600 whole goddamn seconds, how "charming". NOT. Strike three.
More at https://www.hotelsandphotos.com/the-robertson-house-by-the-crest-collection-review-august-2024
Switzerland has reiterated its desire to strengthen defence capabilities at a time when the European Union, under pressure, is investing to re-arm.
This agreement will enable the two countries to deepen their collaboration, particularly in the area of arms procurement, the government said in a press release.
In the medium and long term, this strengthening of existing relations will benefit both Switzerland’s defence capability and its industry, it adds. The two countries collaborate in particular on drones, robotics, technological forecasting and anticipation.
The Federal Council wants to strengthen its defence capability by deepening its relations with its international partners, it adds. All the while respecting its “obligations under the law of neutrality”.
This announcement comes against a tense backdrop in Europe. In recent weeks, Europe has been working hard to find a way of re-arming itself in order to compensate for American disengagement and confront the Russian threat.
Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an €800 billion plan to re-arm Europe
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/switzerland-joins-forces-with-singapore-for-its-weapons/89010069