It seems that there is a difference between Austria/Switzerland/maybe Germany and English speaking countries in judging about the "coolness" of walking sticks. At least in the Alps the modern, aluminium based walking poles are standard when hiking. I rarely do see the good old wooden walking stick when rambling the woods here in switzerland or Austria. I do regret this though and try to hold against itInteretsing article on sticks good job theres translation icon on the computer. Not sure if i agree with the statement as sticks being hopeleslly old fashioned .It seems to amuse/entertain and teach quite a lot of skills to people here