Do you know the difference between a beggar in Washington, D.C. and in Geneva?
In Washington, D.C., they are the biggest symbol of un-welcomed group of people because in a capitalist society, they represent the poverty and the unfortunate ones with no money and no power. The concept is no different when you step into London, Seoul, or any other society that you consider money centered, which is the world that I was used to seeing. So when I saw one smelly beggar enjoying his morning black coffee peacefully at a nice outdoor cafe in Geneva I was surprised. In fact, for the locals this was a common scene. Him sitting among a grand parent couple and two business people sharing morning coffee was not a problem to the locals, which only surprised me more. Was I the odd one to feel this unusual?
In Geneva, and most other cities in Europe, as a socialist society money is secondary to human well-being. So even though a penniless beggar asks for some cash in the street to have a coffee, people say 'why not, they are human too who also have the right to enjoy their morning coffee.' I began to see how people here did not obsess over money, work, or power the same way they do in other capitalist societies. Because though money is an important measure of wealth, it is just one single part of life and is believed not to be the goal of life for many people.
That is probably the same reason why you rarely see (or actually I never saw any during my time at Geneva for eight months) any store that opens 24hours. The grocery stores close sharp around 6:00 and does not open on Sunday's. Other than the restaurants that open to serve lunches, the post office, banks and pharmacies are mostly closed during the two hour lunch break most people take. In fact, restaurants and cafes are open only for certain hours so you might make a trip by mistake forgetting that its a day they do not open.
At first, being someone who was used to taking the 24 grocery market to kill time at midnight, these living conditions was troublesome. Especially, having lived my first few months with a local Swiss landlady, I witnessed the visible difference in the meaning of consumption. At first, I just thought it was a few things she wanted to keep the old style. But soon I realized the reason why all her furniture, products were old was because the mentality of Swiss people was that 'you fix and reuse the item you own until it breaks down, but you rarely would go exchange it out for a complete new version.'
The lesson was important for me as someone who grew up all her life in two capitalist cities, Korea and the United States. In the US or Korea, it was the complete opposite. In Korea, for instance, following the most popular fashion, the most well paid job, and the most recognized title was a big-must-trend. Thus, at one point, you realize that the majority of people become identical. But people can't stop avoid doing because they don't want to be considered the 'old fashion.' Plus, it's much easier to buy the big new version that is not only cheap with a discount but also convenient at the 24 hour store across the street. But no, in Geneva, you reuse the old kitchen facility that you had since the 1980s because this is how it has been.
Now being back home in Korea working and witnessing the dynamic city run around money and these title again, I remember what I had felt while observing that beggar few months ago in Geneva. And just as this beggar, my time in Geneva taught me not only how to enjoy life as it is and follow your true passion, but also how to appreciate taking rest and all ups and downs as an experience. Big dreams are good, but it is not necessary to stress out on the competition or become the ultimate workaholic to hurt your health. Beggars in Geneva not only get morning coffee and pensions but are also full of smiles. At Geneva, I had promised myself to live a happy life of my own not influenced by money or society.
So far, I think I am keeping up with that promise, and will be in this new year too.
