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Author: emsia.kruger

Dirt road lessons about balance

Dirt road lessons about balance

During the last few months of the year, there are more tasks than time. For large parts of my life, I have felt this way throughout the year.

Between raising children, a career, a clean home, healthy meals, exercise, and volunteering, having balance was a challenge. I later believed I had balance if things did not fall apart.

Dirt road lessons

However, I learned a valuable lesson about balance after getting a flat tire on a dirt road. After the mechanic helped me, he recommended that I balance and align the wheels and explain what damage the lack thereof can cause to a vehicle.

This preventative measure prolongs the life of the tires.  In addition, it has a positive impact on their performance and other aspects such as fuel consumption. Often the lack of balance and alignment are not noticeable. However, we can see and experience the impact of it when it is too late.

Balancing my car wheels was easy. The question, however, was how do I find balance in my own life? It was clear to me that the lack of balance could cause immense damage to my life and relationships. When you have balance within yourself, you manage to stay calm during chaos. Balance is a decision. However, it remains for me a pursuit and something I must consciously pay attention to, just as I must regularly balance my car’s wheels.

Life lessons about balance on the path of life

I learned some valuable lessons in my pursuit of having balance in my life:

  • One thing at a time. I can do anything I want, but I cannot do everything, especially not everything at once. I must decide what is important to me and give priority to it. It is important to focus on one thing at a time or, everything else suffers harm. I cannot write a report and listen to my child’s story at the same time.
  • Want-to-do activities are also important. I need to make time for both the must-do activities as well as the want-to-do activities. The things I do for pleasure or fulfilment help me complete the must-do activities with positive energy. Painting a picture or having a conversation with a friend may not seem essential.  However, it helps me be a friendly and patient wife and mom.
  • Live healthily. I need to eat healthy and nutritious meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. Sleep is critical to feeling fresh and full of energy. When I sleep too little, I am sensitive, and small challenges suddenly become mountains.
  • Learn to say no. I have an exaggerated sense of responsibility. It causes me to say yes to too many must-do-activities and to postpone too many want-to-do activities. I had to learn to say yes and no in line with my priorities. I had to learn to see and treat myself like a best friend.
  • Ask for help. I find it difficult to ask for help in the fear that I may bother someone or look incompetent. On the other hand, I experience it positively if someone else asks for my help, and I can contribute. I now understand that we need each other in marriage, family, circle of friends and community. We cannot do this thing called life alone.

Conclusion

Our lives, like a wheel, need balance. A tyre or wheel that is out of balance wobbles and causes damage. Sometimes it is necessary to stop for a while and do what is required to find balance again. You are welcome to contact me if a conversation with a coach can be of value to you.

regards

Emsia

Black Forest cake and cuckoo clocks

Black Forest cake and cuckoo clocks

We celebrated Zander’s 13th birthday in the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. It is known for its cuckoo clocks, black forest cake and The Grimm brothers’ fairy tales. From afar, the forest appears black because the trees grow so densely.

Triberg and tourism

We spent most of our time in the tourist town of Triberg. After we showed our Covid certificates, the owners of the hotel and restaurants received us very friendly.

I admired the most beautiful traditional clothes of the sales and service staff. The men wear leather pants with suspender belts and waistcoats. The women wear colourful skirts with white lace blouses rounded off with an apron. We could understand the area’s German quite well, and the people politely tolerated our efforts to speak it.

Cuckoo Clocks

The area is known for its cuckoo clocks. It is quite an experience to visit such a shop since the clocks play the most beautiful tunes, and the cuckoo sounds remind you of the forest. We also viewed the largest cuckoo clock in the world. It is therapeutic to look a the giant gearwork. Some of the cuckoo clocks are unique and sought-after collectable items.

A German clockmaker, Franz Ketterer, invented the first cuckoo clock with the cuckoo bird and sounds during the 1600s. Double bellows that send air through small pipes create the sound.

Forest and waterfalls

Germany’s highest waterfalls are in Triberg, and we visited the park. Several footpaths lead you to the 164m falls. The atmosphere is calm with the green forest that shows signs of yellow. I loved the sound of falling water mixed with beautiful bird sounds. We even saw some squirrels excited about the peanuts that the visitors handed out. The squirrels in Europe are much darker in colour than the South African squirrels.

Black Forest Cake

We promised Zander a big slice of black forest cake for his birthday. It is a popular treat, and guests can order it with or without alcohol. It consisted of several layers of chocolate sponge cake interspersed with cream and cherries and was rich and delicious.

The Hotel that was once a clock factory

We stayed in St. George on Saturday night. The hotel interested me because it used to be a clock factory for 130 years. In 2016 the new owners converted it into the hotel FederWERK with the restaurant FeinWERK. In the corridors, black and white photos of people working in the factory hang on the walls. 

We kicked Zander’s 13th birthday off with coffee on the veranda while we watched the sunrise over the Black Forest. I always feel a little emotional and deeply grateful on my children’s birthdays for having them in my life. Zander’s wisdom, compassion, and sense of humour are like sunshine in this Switzerland period. The weather was gracious with us because an hour later, during breakfast, it started raining with thunder.

The outing and the weather worked out perfectly.

regards

Emsia

Traditions connect generations and families

Traditions connect generations and families

Traditions represent a critical part of any culture or family. Our move to Switzerland helped me understand the valuable role traditions and customs play in our identity.

The celebration of traditions

Traditions tell a story of where we came from and remind us of the aspects that helped shape our lives. During family or cultural celebrations, we can reflect on the things that matter. We also have the opportunity to say thank you for the contribution someone has made. It connects generations when families come together and reconnect with friends. This feeling of unity and belonging is a precious way to create lasting memories.

Our exposure to other cultures gives me a sincere appreciation for the traditions, and I try to learn and understand more about them. I also cherish South African traditions more. You are welcome to read about our Braai tradition in Switzerland in another letter. Every cup of rooibos tea or traditional South African meal increases our longing. We crave rusks with our morning coffee and chutney with our curry and rice.

The Swiss tradition celebrating the cows coming from the mountains

The Swiss have many traditional celebrations, and we recently attended a spectacular one. During autumn, the cattle, sheep, goats, and alpacas come from the Alps to the villages for the winter months. The Swiss celebrate this descent of the cows’ event festively with market stalls, music, and delicious food. 

The cattle herders decorate the animals with seasonal flowers such as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, or dahlias. The people wear beautiful traditional Swiss clothes, sing yodel songs, and make music with the alphorn musical instruments.

We attended the Flimserstein festival. Early in the morning, the cattle herders moved down the spectacular rock walls of Flimserstein mountain with more than a hundred beautifully decorated cows. They arrived at Bargiz at lunch, where the villagers were waiting for them. After refreshments, they left again for Fidaz and Flims. Check out this video showing the descent of the cows, “Alpabzug”, at Flimserstein.

Our family get-together tradition

As a family, we have an annual week-long get-together tradition. Before we moved to Switzerland, we sometimes shared time in the Western Cape and other times in the Kalahari. During the Cape Town visits, Ansa’s children experienced the city. We visited historical places, white beaches, strawberry farms, and craft shops. At home, they played on our lawn and created their games.

During our Kalahari visits, my children experienced the farm. From the back of the bakkie, we watched the Kudu’s and Springboks, cooled down in the farm dam and admired the Kalahari sunsets.

As a family, we have agreed to maintain our annual get-together tradition, despite living abroad. However, Covid deprived us of the privilege for two years. We are planning a special family celebration along the banks of the Orange River in December 2021. A recent note from Marga, my sister’s daughter, reminded me again of the preciousness of this tradition through her eyes. She wrote:

Regards

Emsia

Newcomer to the social media community

Newcomer to the social media community

I grew up during a time when you went to visit someone for your social contact need and got lost in a magazine for escape. Magazines provided stories and an escape to faraway places. It also provided inspiration with beautiful things, new ideas and thoughts. Technology has changed the way we live and lately, social media addresses our need for socialization and escape.

Our ways of social contact and escape have changed

We carry our social networks and escape on our phones with us. The stories we read and the pictures we look at are about people we know. We choose the friends whose news and photos we want to see and can even comment on or joke about it. We can be part of groups with people with the same interests as us, get tips, ideas, and advice from people with shared passions and make new friends. Our interests determine the advertisements and information we receive.

How does social media work?

I wanted to learn more about the mystery of this new social world that I sometimes find intimidating. I researched Facebook as a platform and learned a few things. Social media platforms must ensure users find value during the time they spend on them. Facebook has, therefore, put Algorithms in place to make sure users get quality information based on their interests. It was good to see that the principles of the algorithms are very much in line with ordinary social behaviour.

Social behaviour principles

Participation and contributions are required. To be part of any social system, you must participate and contribute. Your contributions should be interesting to provoke conversation. It should be about topics that interest other people, make them laugh, give hope, inspiration, or new ideas. The algorithm ensures a contribution circulates as long as people comment or respond.

Promote participation. Conversations about topics that provide people with the opportunity to participate are winners. I enjoy contributions that make me think, evoke emotion and give me more information and the opportunity to comment.

Timing is important. You need to post when your social media friends are available online and will have time to respond. Businesses that use social media for advertising must determine the optimal time for their target market to respond. Good timing will, therefore, help to ensure that the ad stays in circulation.

Show reaction to encourage participation. It took me a lot of courage to become part of this online social network. I was so scared that no one would respond to my contributions. After conversations with my friends, I realized that this fear is only human. Humorous, thought-provoking or caring comments make people feel their contributions matter and are appreciated and encourage them to keep going.

Part of a virtual social community

It is a challenge for any new resident to join a community. As an introvert, I first watch before gathering all my courage to start participating carefully. Sometimes new residents have so many other things that take up their time, and their need is just for escape. In that case, it is enough for them to watch and not participate. We must respect people’s needs and choices.

I am grateful to every former resident of the social-media world who made me feel at home as a newcomer, and I undertake to do the same. In a new country with Covid constraints and a social need, I experience togetherness in this virtual social community. I discovered old friends from different stages of my life and met new friends with shared passions. I also gained better insight into the lives of acquaintances.

Even though I was initially sceptical, I can honestly admit that social media contributes to my life. However, I carefully assess the origin of posts and the time I spend on social media.

Regards

Emsia

Change helps develop our resilience

Change helps develop our resilience

Change is something we all will experience during our lives. We experience changes in our work, relationships, health, community, and the world. Sometimes we are planning a change and are aware that a change is going to take place. However, in many cases, the change appears unexpectedly in front of our doors and surprises us.

Our ability to handle change positively is called resilience. On the sports field, your fitness determines how fast you recover after intense exercise. In the same way, your resilience will determine how effectively you will recover mentally and emotionally after life-changing events. Fortunately, we can practice and improve our ability to handle change.

The phases of change

According to experts, change consists of three phases. The first phase is finishing, parting, and closing with accompanying loss and relief. Second is the in-between phase, as the trapeze artist in the circus lets go of the bar on one side but is uncertain if the bar will be on the other end at the right time and place. The third phase is the new beginning. It usually brings an element of excitement but also the uncertainty of whether you can handle the new challenge.

Reflection on my life changes

Leaving the nest

My first significant change was when I left my parent’s house after school. The distance and adjustment to residence and university life challenged me in many ways. At the end of my first year, I was 15 kg heavier and all my new clothes too tight. Every time I must adjust to change as an adult, I appear as a confused student in my dreams and do not know what’s going on or what class I should attend. In my dreams, I have visited many universities worldwide as a confused and insecure student.

Working in London

We went to work in London as young adults. This adjustment was next level, and I was out of my depth. My biggest problem was that I could not speak English properly. In addition, as a child from the Kalahari, city life and the grey weather were significant adjustments. London, however, helped me get to know myself better and improve my perseverance and resilience. I share more about my experience in England in my letter with the title, Grappling with Languages.

Divorce and remarriage

My adjustment as a divorced woman with two little boys was challenging on a practical and social level. We found a new routine over time, and I learned new home and garden maintenance skills. However, once we got comfortable in our new lifestyle, Charl started to form part of our picture. Charl’s adaptation was enormous as he suddenly had to help raise two boys even though he had never lived in a house with children. He did not have the faintest idea of what he was letting himself in.

Relocating to Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland is our most recent significant change. I shared more about it in my letter on Lifestyle changes in Switzerland. I know that every change and adjustment I have had to make so far has helped me prepare for the adjustments in a new country. Who knows what changes await me in the future?

Resilience during change

I learned that the following help with resilience as we go through change:

  • Identify the aspects that you do have control over. It’s easy to get entangled in the many situations you cannot control. It is, therefore, critical to seek opportunities to empower yourself to work towards change.
  • See change as an opportunity. Changes allow you to reconsider your priorities. You can decide how to spend your time and what is important to you.
  • Be your own best friend and take good care of yourself. It is normal to feel emotional during change. It is necessary to be patient with yourself and live with awareness. You should reflect on your thought patterns and ensure rational thinking. Both routine and regular physical exercise have a positive impact.
  • Talk to someone. When you try to explain all your many thoughts to someone, it helps with your perspective, and you feel lighter. If you are not comfortable chatting with friends or family, you are welcome to contact me as an independent coach.

All the best to you if you are dealing with change.

Kind regards

Emsia

Music speaks the language of my soul

Music speaks the language of my soul

Music speaks to my soul in ways that even words cannot reach. I do not have much musical talent. My dad played in a band, and my mom and sister had pure singing voices. I, fortunately, received the talent for appreciating music in generous amounts.

Songs tell stories of people, places, and times

During my childhood, there was always music playing in our house. There was a radio in every room, even in the bathroom. As teenagers, we recorded our favourite songs on the radio on cassette tapes. We gave my mother a list of songs she had to record while we were at school. My sister knew the words of every popular hit, and I just made up my own words.

With my mother’s 70th birthday, I put together a CD set of her 40 favourite songs as a gift. She chose songs representative of all her life stages and told me the story behind each one. During her birthday celebration, she handed out copies of the CDs to her friends and family. A particular song on the CD close to my heart is the Māori Love Song. She told me that song played on the radio in the car on the way home just after my birth.

I also put together a Top 40 iTunes playlist for myself and chose songs that remind me of people close to me. I listen to it every Thursday when I clean the house, and then my soul visits everyone while the song that connects us plays.

Music is the language of the heart

Music has a physical, emotional and spiritual impact on us. It has the power to excite and entertain an entire stadium but can also provide soothing comfort. Moviemakers use it very well to create emotion and feeling while the plot unfolds. People tell stories through musicals, jazz, rap, and opera. Music is a medium for worship and praise in churches. It also forms part of culture and folk music to give people a sense of unity.

Music in Switzerland

Music plays a critical role in Swiss culture. Many opportunities exist to develop and live out musical talent. In summer, there is an organ performance in Zurich’s mother church (Fraumünster) once a week. Different church organists can share their talent on the impressive organ in the historic Gothic building. My soul is in heaven when I listen to pure organ sounds.

During the summer, there are many music festivals and concerts. There are outdoor concerts where people can picnic while listening to symphony music along the lake. We attended the Lucerne Music Festival in the large (KKL) concert hall in Lucerne. Zander and I watched a Star Wars movie on a big screen whilst a live symphony orchestra provided the soundtrack. In December, we plan to experience the 007 Sky Fall movie with live music.

The Alphorn is a traditional Swiss musical instrument. Years ago, the shepherds used it to call cows from the pasture when it was time for milking. Later they used the Alphorn for folk music and tourism, and now it has become a national symbol. We often meet a person or group of people playing this Alphorn at touristy places.

I love Plato’s words:

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.

Kind regards

Emsia

When you receive the dreaded call

When you receive the dreaded call

On September 13, 2020, we got that call that everyone feared. It was the call to inform us that Justin, our nephew’s life here on earth, ended at the age of twenty-five. He would have started a new job on the 14th. Justin and Candice are like our own children. Charl chatted with Justin every week to share his joys and his burdens.

The cards that are handed out to us by life

We do not have a choice about the cards handed out to us by life. All we have control over is how we play our hand of cards. Justin received an impossible hand of cards and faced many challenges in his short life. He and Candice lost their father to Motor Neuron Disease in elementary school. However, he always tackled every life challenge with hope and new courage. His perseverance was inspiring.

Justin was a handsome and tall young man with a beautiful smile that he carried with him, despite life’s challenges. He always tried to make life better for others and was loving and protective of Candice. He spent most of his time in the gym, and his gym friends were like family. The Covid-19 lockdown deprived him of his time in the gym, which was his healthy escape and way of socialising.

We shared memories

We had a Zoom Remembrance session for Justin due to Covid restrictions. Family and friends worldwide had the opportunity to share memories. It was the first time the Goosen family was together in a very long time, and it was so good to see each other. It almost felt like we were all sitting comfortably in one big living room, talking about Justin. The honesty of some of the stories made us laugh through our tears.

Friends’ words

It was a privilege to meet the special friends in Justin’s life. They shared the most beautiful pictures, stories, and words. His girlfriend, Trish, read a moving letter about the impact of his life and love on her.

A childhood friend shared the following:

“I remember how Justin, Candice and I sat on the trampoline and ate sweet chilli chips. This afternoon I went to buy a pack of sweet chilli chips at our South African shop. I ate everything by myself. We spent so much time together as children. I cried like a baby when we moved to Australia! They were like my brother and sister xxx.”

Other childhood friends sent precious birthday party pictures along with the following message:

“Thank you for the lovely session today. It was very emotional but also assured us that Justin is in God’s hands. We ask for yourself and uncle Charl to please stay strong for the sake of Candice and God bless your family. In our language, we say, “ A robale ka Kagiso” which means “May he Rest In Peace” From the Mokgoadi Family.

It was remarkable how his friends since childhood were representative of all the different cultures in our country. It was great to know that everyone’s love for Justin is a common denominator, and it gave me incredible hope for a future in our beautiful country.

The last time we saw each other

Zander and I spent the last night before we flew to Switzerland sleeping in Justin’s apartment and had the privilege of meeting his beautiful girlfriend, Trish. Justin helped Zander and me to get to the airport. He was, therefore, the last person I greeted in South Africa before our flight. Little did I know this was the last time I would see him.

When confronted with death, it forces us to think again about life and how we use our precious time. The experience reminded me of our impact on the world and how others will remember us.

Regards

Emsia

I am a product of my decisions

I am a product of my decisions

We all must make some significant decisions during our lives. These decisions have a substantial impact on us but also affect the people close to us. The implications of these decisions can last for years or even decades.  As a result, it is sometimes stressful to make big decisions and requires a lot of courage.

The years directly after school

Young adults must decide how to spend their precious years directly after school. This time is crucial to prepare themselves for the rest of their lives. This decision impacts the knowledge they acquire, the skills they develop and the people they meet.

Some young adults are clear on what they want to do and work according to a plan. They have clarity on the why, what, and how questions. However, others are unsure how they want to spend these critical years. Their initial plans sometimes do not work out or are very different from their parents` views. It can be a very stressful period for young adults and their parents. In my letter, leaving the nest, I share more about my experience as a parent.

Relationships

Everyone makes decisions about relationships. Other people’s impact on you is significant, and you must therefore decide who you allow into your inner circle and where your boundaries lie. It becomes challenging when you realise it is time to end a close relationship. It usually happens because the relationship is no longer constructive, and long-term goals and values are no longer aligned. These decisions cause great conflict, loss, and sadness.

Career

In a rapidly changing world, a few people’s types or places of work remain the same during their careers. Career decisions affect your financial planning and personal growth. It also affects the level of fulfilment and peace of mind you experience. Sometimes you do not have control over career decisions. Businesses close, retrenchments happen or hiring criteria change to promote diversity in inclusivity. In these situations, you only have control over your reactions and actions.

Relocation

Career decisions, relationships, or life stages usually drive relocation decisions. It requires a lot of change and adjustment. In my letter entitled, big, difficult decisions, I share more about the decision and impact of our move from South Africa to Switzerland.

Lessons learned from my own life decisions

We seldom have certainty about what the right decision is in each situation. We take a step in faith and give it our best. Many of my life decisions did not work out as I had planned. I ended up with a career very different from what I studied, and my first marriage ended in divorce. However, I am infinitely grateful for the life experience and personal growth that resulted from the decisions.  They have contributed to a colourful journey.

I have also learned over the years that the lack of a life decision when it is needed can steal a lot of peace. Courage is also a decision.

Considerations during life-changing decisions

We often make life-changing decisions based on “gut feeling”. However, you must evaluate for yourselves how the decision:

• Influence your vision, life purpose and long-term goals;

• Affect different aspects of your life to avoid being so focused on one aspect and in the process fail to think about the impact on all other aspects; and

• Support your values. Personal values are the things that are important to us and have a significant impact on our happiness in life, sense of pride, and personal fulfilment.

No one can make life-changing decisions on your behalf. However, you are welcome to contact me if you need the help of an independent coach to help you arrive at your answer.

regards

Emsia

Technology changed the way we live

Technology changed the way we live

Technology has an increasingly changing impact on how we live. Digitization is a buzzword. I am embarrassed to admit that I do not welcome digitization with the same excitement as the rest of my family. I sometimes focus on the inconvenience of change rather than the incredible opportunities it creates. However, my family makes sure that I am not left behind.

Home automation

Charl works in technology and gets very excited about new developments. He implemented numerous automation in our house in South Africa and controlled the alarm, security cameras and garage doors from his phone. When he worked away from home, the automation allowed him to check on all the cameras.

Charl was already in Switzerland on the day of Christo’s 18th birthday and party. I turned off the outside camera that night because I was worried that Charl’s heart was not strong enough to watch a house party while adapting to a new job in a new country.

Charl bought a Google Home for our apartment in Switzerland. It plays music and provides the weather forecast on request. However, I get very annoyed when Google Home does not understand my accent and friendly tone of voice. It responds immediately to Zander’s instructions. I informed Charl and Zander that if they ever talk to me in the same instructive manner as with Google Home, I’m packing my suitcase home.

ICS School

The ICS school provides each child with a Chrome book on which they work at school and do homework. The school has licenses for various software that the learners use in different subjects, such as Design and Art. Even the library book lending system is automated. Parents can, therefore, also lend and read books online.

Supermarkets

At supermarkets, the buying and paying process is also automated. Customers must activate a scanner with their card at the store entrance before scanning each item they load into the trolley. After the purchases, they pay at a terminal. It came in quite handy during Covid-19. Staff members occasionally conduct samples on selected customers to keep them honest.

The first time they selected me for a sample was a traumatic experience. With the final scan before payment, large red letters, WARTEN, appeared on the screen. A shop assistant showed up and requested that I unpack my trolley, as she had to scan everything again. I could feel my temperature rise, especially when she pointed out to me that I forgot to scan the barcode of the yoghurt! I left the store without a criminal record but was very embarrassed.

A Blog for My Letters

My friends encouraged me to post my regular letters on ʼn Blog. My fear of technology and social media were the two factors that kept me from doing this for over a year. I had to see it as something new to try and learn.

Certain aspects were intuitive, but others were more challenging to figure out. I regularly wished for someone to sit next to me and help. The online world does not have a phone number or an email address. You rely on online articles written by people who have experienced a similar problem.

The whole experience reminded me of the following:

  • In a changing world, new and unknown things and experiences are a given. We must see them as doors that open new worlds.
  • It is very satisfying to manage to do something successfully after struggling with it.
  • We are part of history and have the privilege of witnessing rapid technological change.
  • Everybody needs the support and encouragement of other people to try something new. We must receive it with love and grace and distribute it in abundance.

Regards

Emsia

Lifestyle changes in Switzerland

Lifestyle changes in Switzerland

Sometimes it is necessary to reflect on the path you have walked, the choices you have made and their impact. To adapt in Switzerland, we have made several lifestyle changes. Some of our changes were by choice, and others were for economic or practical reasons.

Transport

We have made a significant adjustment in terms of transport. Space and parking are limited and we, like the rest of the people in Switzerland, regularly use public transport. We ride a bike or walk as an alternative. Zander has a lot of freedom between public transport and his scooter.

After our first year, we bought a car to expand our options. Charl had to take a practical driving test to obtain a Swiss driving license. I shared more about this in a letter, tests on the road. I have not been behind a steering wheel in the last two years. However, I am much fitter.

Eating habits

Our eating habits changed significantly. We enjoyed eating out or enjoying breakfast on a Wine Farm in South Africa. However, breakfast is not a big deal in Switzerland. The Swiss quickly get a “Gipfile” (croissant) or “Brezel” (giant pretzel) and coffee at the train station or a bakery.

Dining out is expensive, and the variety of options is limited. I can count the times we ate at a restaurant on my one hand. Drinking coffee in Switzerland is the most expensive in the world.

We live almost entirely vegetarian. Meat options are limited and very expensive. I occasionally spoil Zander with a hamburger or pork sausage, but I find the meat and especially the chicken tasteless. I, therefore, adjusted my weekly menu to a vegetarian menu.

Residence

We exchanged a large house with a lovely garden in South Africa for a small apartment on the first floor in a large apartment complex, Ankenbüel, in Zumikon. The cost of home cleaning assistance is 15 times more than the same service in South Africa. I am, therefore, grateful that our place is small because the cleaning task landed on my job description. The benefit of our living space is that we live lighter with less responsibility and obligations associated with home maintenance.

The smaller living area impacted our personal space at home. We initially saw it as a potential problem, but now we enjoy the togetherness. However, the Covid-19 restriction tested this aspect to the limit.

Diversity

Most people living in the apartment complex come from other parts of the world. Of course, the international school also consists of families from all over the world. We are, therefore, exposed to diversity on many levels. We experience a variety of food, cultural practices, language, and things we never knew existed. It helps us to look at diversity with new eyes and respect. It also causes us to have more respect and appreciation for our own country, its people, and its traditions.

Language

Our German vocabulary has expanded quite a bit, and our understanding of the language is already reasonable. However, we are not yet able to have a proper conversation in German. We often do not understand what is going on, and it is sometimes a big challenge. The expectation is that you should be able to speak the language of the country where you live. 

We enjoy the new opportunities and personal growth that it brings. The change certainly has a significant impact on our perspectives in a changing world. Situations often confront us with our outlook. Sometimes we must laugh at ourselves for the mistakes we make. Growth does not happen without the necessary growing pains.

Kind regards

Emsia