Comedy of masks

The pandemic is almost forgotten, but a train ride from Zurich to Munich and the different rules for wearing a mask have comedic potential.

In Switzerland, for several weeks travelers are not obliged to wear a mask on trains, ships, trams and buses, i.e. in what is called public transport. Here and there people are still seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the pandemic, which is here, among us, although it has obviously lost its frightening potential. When you see masked people on the train, they look a bit alien, a relic of a bygone era.

Train passengers from Zürich to München are not obliged to wear a mask up to the Austrian border. Before the train enters Austria, the conductor warns that passengers must wear an FFP-2 mask, i.e. a protective mask, which is different from a simple mask, as FFP-2 offers greater protection. The same passengers now carry FFP-2 masks. This doesn't last long because after 15-20 minutes the train enters Germany - other rules apply there: on long-distance trains a hygienic mask is enough.

A man does not wear a mask. He listens to music and loiters by the window of the train. The conductor comes and slowly wakes him up to let him know that he must wear a mask. "No", says the man, "I asked and you don't have to wear a mask". Conductor: "Where did you ask?" - "I asked the office for information on German railways", he replies. The conductor doesn't let go, he tells him the rules that apply in Bavaria. Once, while the train passengers shake their heads in surprise or displeasure at the traveler's stubbornness, he obeys and puts on the mask.

At the train station in Munich, notice boards with information about refugees from Ukraine stand out. Different masking rules apply on the subway. A simple mask is not enough here, an FFP-2 mask is needed. A few minutes later, in the editorial building of the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" newspaper, a simple mask is enough. You can take it off when you sit down. The next day, in the bookstore, you should not wear a mask. What is the difference between a newsroom and a bookstore?

For two days and within a distance of 300 kilometers, the traveler experiences a comedy of masks.

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The diversity of masks is also reflected in the German language. "Mask" is a mask. But in northern Germany, the mask is also called "Schnutenpulli" (the northern German says "Schnute" for the mouth, while "Pulli" means the sweater). In southern Germany, people say they carry "Maultaschen", which translates directly into Albanian: bag for the mouth.

The world could be that simple. The terrestrial globe proves this to us: it will always remain a globe. A round body. Which sometimes becomes a mess. Similarly on today's train from Munich to Zürich. But there is hope. The next stop is St. Margaret. In Switzerland. And in Switzerland you can take off your mask. In train. "Welcome to Switzerland".