This is the end. The END.
Rob and I have been back in the states for about 3 months now and have compiling this list for awhile. We might keep adding on to it as time as goes on. We have truly enjoyed our experience as expats and wouldn't have changed a thing. In summary this blog has been an outlet for us. We were able to record our experiences, share our stories, and share our pictures. Thank you for reading. I am very much a list person and hopefully this list will encompase what we miss . . .
1. Asking for the bill. No push or rush to leave the table.
2. Fresh foods. Less processed packaged stuff. Farmer's markets close and abundant.
3. Clean yummy cold tapwater
4. Fresh baked bread from the Migros bakery everyday.
5. Walkable. Didn't take long to get anywhere.
6. Small tips. Servers on salary and not making their living off of tips.
7. Public transportation. We could both have beer out and not worry about who was driving us home!
8. Farmer's markets and locally grown foods. We will forever miss Ferney's Saturday morning market.
9. Yummy dairy. Cheese!
10. Well trained drivers and parallel parkers.
11. Small streets. Max 3 lanes.
12. Well connected to the rest of Europe. Feeling like we could be somewhere fun within minutes.
13. We miss not being able to understand everything. The mystery in language is gone. It was blissfull not knowing what everyone was saying.
13. We miss not being able to understand everything. The mystery in language is gone. It was blissfull not knowing what everyone was saying.
13. . . . will continue to add to this list as time goes on . . .
What we will not miss in Geneva . . .
1. SMOKERS
2. No free refills or ice
3. Too much pocket change
4. Expensive food when eating out.
5. "Hoarding at boarding". The idea that there is NO line when embarking on a plane or bus.
6. No Queue's and constant cutting in lines. Excuse me? I was here WAY longer then you. This goes along with . . .
7. Little consideration for others. Everywhere in the world has these types of people, but I seemed to notice them more here.
8. Lack of hot sauces and condiments.
9. Authoritarian assholes at the borders. This is a LONG story.
10. Lack of fountain sodas.
11. Lack of toilet seat covers. The spray to wipe the seat doesn't do it for me.
12. Impatient drivers. I'm sorry I didn't accelerate fast enough for you to the next red light.
Merci bou coup to all the followers this year! Especially to the other swiss expats and our family! Our adventure is over and life will move on in the states. We'll probably start a new blog eventually, but right now, things are too busy. Lots of Hugs! Au Revoir!
Posts
3 comments:
You're making me "homesick" for Switzerland! I'm American and currently in the middle of a six-month stay in the U.S., but will be moving back to Zürich soon.
My experience was similar except all the stuff about driving, since I've never had to drive in Switzerland.
Aside from that, I can second all of the items on your "pro" list except #13 about the language. I didn't like feeling culturally isolated, and have redoubled my efforts to learn German.
For the "con" list I'll heartily second #4, but not much else. The boarding buses customs must vary quite a bit -- they're amazingly organized in Zürich, see my tram etiquette post.
Right on. Agreeing with you on the "will not miss" bits.
I am certain my day as a 'Swiss expat' will come to an end as well. So, it's best to enjoy it while we can.
Think your blog is really interesting! love it! Reminds me of my expat days in Switzerland. Many things I miss, but at the same time, there are so many things I don't miss! We may move back there again. I've lived on the German side of Switz, and the French. Can definitely say I prefer the latter (also because my French is a darn site better than my Deutsch!). One thing I do miss profoundly is the attitude towards healthcare and how I could call my doctor 24/7 on her mobile. I live in Norway and that is just unheard of! lol!
Have you moved back to the States now for good? Would be interesting to read how you are re-settling back in.
Post a Comment