Dehradun, May 19 -- Helvetia is what the Swiss call their homeland. It is a wonderful country, both because of its incredible scenic beauty and its exemplary form of government. We have visited it at least five times as travel writers.

For three hosted tours, Swissair had to get the permission of the Swiss cantons which they wanted us to experience.

Tiny Helvetia is divided into 52 Cantons which are, virtually, independent states with their own flags and crests. They, in turn, are divided into the German speaking, French speaking, Italian speaking and one which speaks Romansh. This language is to classical Latin what Hindi is to classical Sanskrit: the common language spoken by troops and traders.

In other words, the cantons of success...