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