The Peach and the Coconut

It was explained to me today that in Switzerland American culture is viewed as a "Peach" soft on the outside with a small hardcore.  Americans are viewed as friendly and outgoing on the outside with smaller core of close family and a few friends on the inside.  Swiss German are similiar to a coconut with a hard outter shell and a liquid middle.  While in Basel you will learn/notice that the Swiss German's do not generally speak to strangers and stick mostly to themselves and immediate family.  However, once you are let into their inner circle they will love you for ever!