I love visitors. It creates enjoyable energy in our home and allows me to spoil people close to my heart. In South Africa, our annual family get-together was my highlight. Throughout the year, I gathered outing ideas and planned the meals and activities well in advance.

I turned a deaf ear when Charl rebelled against the extra mattresses and bedding I had loaded on the ship with our move to Switzerland. Even though our apartment was small, I wanted to ensure enough beds for everyone who wanted to visit.

My children

Fortunately, six months after our move, my children visited in December 2019. The time together was cheerful.

The first snow was a memorable event; we caught the flakes on our tongues like children. We shared the Swiss tradition of fondue and baked pancakes as we traditionally celebrate rainy days in South Africa.

After their visit, I gathered Swiss outings and meal ideas but had no opportunity to share them. Beautiful scenery, historic building or new experience is more fun if you share them with someone else!

Soulmates

My joy was great when Vanessa informed me about her visit to Zurich for a conference. I recalled various moments during our friendship. We shared many laughs and chats as young women in our office 20 years ago. 

Vanessa and I live in Europe with our hearts and family still in South Africa. Our reasons for the situation are broadly the same. Corporate jobs for our generation in South Africa are dwindling. We understand and have compassion for each other’s lifestyle adjustments.

Due to Covid, she had to spend her first year in Amsterdam alone in an apartment. These were her circumstances when she had to set up a new department at a large firm. I gained a new respect for her bravery.

A European heatwave arrived with Vanessa. Without any air conditioning in Switzerland, everyone suffered. After one attempt to go out, we decided to keep our apartment as dark as possible and shared our joys and challenges over a glass of cold white wine at home.

Welgemoed friends

Personal and professional reasons brought Martin and Marna to Europe. Their daughter Danielle completed her music studies in Belgium and the Netherlands. The performance for her master’s degree was in the Zuid Afrika house in Amsterdam. It consisted of South African wine, food, music, and poetry.

After the concert, Martin had to be in Zurich for work, allowing me and Marna to enjoy a wonderful time together. We walked on the promenade and ate Flammeküche while watching the swans in the lake.

We also visited the House of Lindt in Schokolandeplatz. It was the ideal place for Marna to get gifts for her family at home. Our visit ended with a visit to Switzerland’s Rose City, Rapperswil. We sailed the entire length of the lake back on a boat and watched everyone play in the water.

Before their European visit, Martin received an unexpected job offer from Dubai. As a result, they had to shorten their stay. We enjoyed our last meal together next to the lake. During dinner, a storm arose, and on the way to the car, the floodgates of heaven opened. We were soaking wet. The receptionist at their hotel reception could not suppress his laughter when he saw them!

Our friends are increasingly moving overseas

Our friends are increasingly moving overseas. Everyone needs to adapt to a new country, culture, and circumstances while longing and praying for family and friends at home. Discovering and exploring are exciting. However, loneliness and longing for loved ones are sometimes difficult. We agreed to be each other’s family abroad.

I greet you with the words from ʼn Antjie Krog’s poem that Danielle also used in her concert. Roughly translated into English, it says:

And even if you are not with me
I am proof of our commitment
Like flowers blooming in the twilight
I hear you tonight like a far-off train.

Kind regards

Emsia