TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN

March marks our one-year anniversary of moving to Switzerland.  As the months have flown off the calendar, I find it hard to believe that it could already be that long since we've been here, and I've also found myself reflecting on the year.  Of course, my thoughts begin with looking back at what a struggle the first few months felt like.  When we arrived, every step of the day was such a challenge--small things like buying a train ticket, and feeling comfortable taking public transportation through the city with all foreign signage was intimidating.  Or trying to navigate the grocery store and come up with things to cook was a huge task.  However, I now feel fully acclimated, and maybe even OVER-adjusted.  Taking just food and shopping alone, we had several new changes to adjust to.  For example, the grocery stores tend to carry only one or two varieties of most products.  There is nothing even close to a Target here--with one-stop shopping and bulk options.  The produce and meat are all pesticide and hormone free--which is great for our health, but makes shopping a daily event since truly fresh produce goes bad in a matter of hours to days from when you get it home. And the prices are OUTRAGEOUS…for EVERYTHING.  I often found myself frustrated with my lack of choices, and the frequent trips to the store.  Now that I've been here long enough to find what I like, I don't miss the lack of variety as much, and actually sometimes find myself glad that I don't have so many choices.  I appreciate the smaller markets without all the excess consumerism and marketing.  You take what they have or leave it and move on! (although, I still find myself frustrated with cost and horrible hours)  

I also have come to appreciate how much pride the Swiss take in maintaining cleanliness and order.  When you first move here, the strict rules seem overly restrictive and suffocating, but after living in a society where everyone has a job, a high standard of living, and public streets, landscaping, restrooms, buses, ferries, trams and trains are all meticulously maintained it makes more sense as to why the Swiss tolerate the neurotic orderly approach they have to EVERYTHING.  (don't get me wrong, it can still be frustrating at times!)  Although I don't think their system would work when applied to a country that has the size and population of the US, I do think that they have a good thing going for themselves over here.  

I know when we move back home I will really really miss being able to take a train home after a night out with the girls.  No worries about driving, or taxis, or safety-being out by myself at night.  And speaking of GNO, one of the most rewarding results of making this move is the people we have met.  Although the Swiss tend to be very private and maintain only a small and close-knit group of friends, the women and families at the International School have been phenomenal.  They have been, in large part, the reason we have flourished here and have had such a positive experience.  I absolutely love the cultural diversity, stimulating conversations, genuine friendliness, and open mindedness of the people I have met and become friends with.  Looking at life through the perspective of so many different viewpoints and life experiences is enriching beyond belief.  

One of the hardest parts about being here is saying goodbye to such good friends who have been lifelines as they rotate back to their home countries, or move on to new adventures.  There is an ever-revolving door of expats, and it is difficult to let go of such great people so soon after getting to know them!  There are wonderful people who are generous in spirit and full of love from all over the globe!  Of course, the worst part of being here hands down, is being so far from our families.  I feel awful about taking my parents' only grandkids, and my in-laws' only grandsons so far away from them.  We are grateful for their support of us on this awesome opportunity to see and experience so fully daily life in another country.  

Without a doubt, it feels good to have really adjusted to life in a different country (and kudos to Luke for making the most complete transition, as he is a fluent German speaker in just a year).  Transitions are always difficult, and this one was the most difficult we have ever faced, but it feels great to know that it was all worth it.  We are all very comfortable and happy here, and have bonded as a family in a really special way.  Switzerland really does feel like our home away from home.  Chris and I were just saying yesterday as we were driving home from a day in the mountains how even after visiting Italy or France, we feel a sense of relief when we cross back over the boarder into Switzerland.  Maybe it's that we know all of rules--the speed limits, driving signs, grocery stores, and cultural etiquette…and believe it or not, the German is even sounding familiar!!  It is amazing how with the passing of time what once felt so foreign and intimidating now feels comfortable and enjoyable.  We are looking forward to exploring as much more of Europe as we can with our time left here, and will do our best to keep up with sharing! Thanks for reading!!