Letters Home - during our time in Switzerland as expats

My children are leaving the nest

12/01/2021 emsia.kruger

At the end of each year, a group of children leave school and start preparing for a new chapter in their lives. Initially, everyone is scared and uncertain with the start of the after-school chapter, and parents hope and pray for the best. However, it is a privilege to observe the transformation and growth in confidence in each of them. So far, I have experienced the development of Candice and Jacques, and Christo is now ready to start his new chapter.

Candice

Four years ago, as an insecure first-year student, Candice moved into a residence in Potchefstroom. She worked hard, made wonderful friends, seized more opportunities, and transformed into a beautiful young independent woman. Candice has just completed her education degree at NWU in Potchefstroom and is looking forward to a year of teaching with her friend Tristan in Thailand.

Christo

Christo moved to Matieland as a first-year student to study engineering. I would love to help pack and drive around to get the last necessities for Christo’s new chapter. I wanted to listen to the rector’s speech on a beautiful summer afternoon in Coetzenburg while I got excited about the wonder of being young. However, I could only sit on this side of the globe and look at residence moving-in photos with Stellenbosch’s blue mountains and green oak trees colouring the background. I watched the rector’s speech on a video that a dear friend sent me.

University of Stellenbosch

Years ago, I fell in love with Stellenbosch. I loved the Eerste River, old oak trees, and exuberant student cheerfulness. Already working, we enjoyed the Maties Vensters event and the festivity of the first-year students’ contributions to the entertainment program. I was looking forward to the day I could be part of my own children’s student years in this historic town. A few years ago, we bought an apartment in Stellenbosch between the Faculty of Business and Engineering so that the student accommodation for the boys was in place.

Jacques

Within a week after January 2018 arrived, I realised Jacques would not be Matie. I had to accept that our Heavenly Father had other plans for him. With a heavy heart and uncertainty about his future, I had to say goodbye to him on his journey to Potchefstroom, which is 1 300km away.

The first night he slept in Candice’s new empty apartment with a thin blanket as that was the only bedding that could fit into his suitcase. The rest was up to him. He used the blanket as a pillow and the curtain as a sheet. Many miracles later, he finally had a place to live in Campus Key and had to take care of himself.

NWU in Potchefstroom

Two years later, I can see a beautiful young man who quickly had to become independent, cook delicious food, make a difference in other people’s lives, and work hard on his future. Jacques is eager to complete the final year of his business degree at NWU in Potchefstroom so that he, as a born entrepreneur, can implement all his ideas and plans. I am very proud of him.

On 22 January 2020, Christo moved into Helshoogte men’s residence in Stellenbosch to start his chapter as a student. With his mother far away, there are many similarities between my two sons’ situations. He had to make plans by himself, make decisions and get help where needed. It is going well, and he enjoys all the new experiences and people. I am grateful for all the angels on our path who help with so much love and care. Just like I did with Jacques, I plan to visit Christo in Stellenbosch in April 2020 to see his new home and life. I cannot wait!

Christo moving into Helshoogte residence, Stellenbosch

These few years between leaving the nest and becoming a young adult, fly by quickly. It is a period of making new friends, testing values, discovering who they are and what role they want to play in society. The young people become independent and the relationship between parent and child changes to a relationship between two adults. It requires growth and adjustment for both parties.

Kind regards

Emsia

Our challenging first year ended on a high

07/01/2021 emsia.kruger

We have awaited the new year in many different places and gathered precious memories over time. Each country has its traditions, and we were curious about the Silvester experience, as they refer to it in Switzerland. It was our first winter experience, and with icy temperatures, it was very different from our summer experiences.

Rigi Kulm in the Alps

Candice and Tristan wanted to end their Swiss visit in the snow-capped Alps. As part of a day trip, we visited Lucerne and Mount Rigi Kulm. A cable car took us 1800 m high to see the pure white and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Slippery ice covered large areas, and we all got a turn to land embarrassed on our buttocks. Candice and Tristan’s visit ended literally and figuratively on a high.

Lausanne

In the last two days of 2019, we experienced Lausanne on the French side of Switzerland. The low temperatures forced us to look for indoor activities. Museums are usually not high on our tourist list, but our visit to the Olympic Museum was a highlight for me. I learned a lot of informative facts through visual and interactive activities.

Finally, the last day of the decade has arrived. Until 5 pm, the shops were still open, and the streets were full of people, but later on, there was almost no one to be seen anymore.

We marvelled at the champagne and wine chilled on the windowsills of the apartments. People were ready for the new year for the celebration.

New Year’s celebration

In our search for a festive New Year’s celebration, we finally found an area with street markets and music. I experienced a Quiet disco for the first time. Bodies moved around with illuminated headphones. The colour of the lights of the headphones distinguished the different songs they played at a given time. Dance partners could therefore listen to separate songs at a given time.

The visible policing was limited to three officers, who got off the train with coffee and snacks for the winter evening. We saw no fireworks. It was a stark contrast to Rio de Janeiro, where the police filled the streets with machine guns from early in the morning the previous year. Everything was a stark contrast to Rio, including the number of people, the noise, the temperature and the visual spectacle of fireworks that continued until early morning in Rio. The only common denominator was the strong smell of marijuana in both places.

The year ended in Lausanne with an organ performance in the city’s beautiful cathedral. I was so looking forward to attending, but the price of the entrance tickets made us turn around in our tracks. We went home for hot chocolate. We went back to the cathedral just before midnight with masses of people coming out of their cosy apartments. At 00:00, the cathedral’s bells began to ring deafeningly for 15 minutes, with red lights and smoke making it appear as if the tower was on fire. The Swiss welcome of the New Year in Lausanne was a memorable experience.

The ski town of Leysin

On New Year’s morning, we went to the ski town of Leysin to experience a Swiss winter holiday. It felt like a beach town in South Africa, only with a snow theme. This holiday village also has many tourist shops and a shortage of parking spaces. Instead of queues for the water park, there are rows of people waiting for the cable car up to the ski area. Instead of designer bikinis, the girls were wearing designer ski suits.

In the evening, everyone was exhausted from snow fun. In South Africa, the waves, building sandcastles and the sun were responsible for the exhaustion. A beach holiday in South Africa is much cheaper than a ski holiday in Switzerland. It is impossible to compare a Swiss cheese fondue or raclette with a South African braai or potjiekos.

May 2020 treat you all well and bring you pleasant surprises and opportunities. Since life is in balance, I hope we all find creative solutions to the challenges that cross our path and peace and acceptance with the things we have no control over. I look forward to our SA visit in April 2020.

Kind regards
Emsia

My children’s visit was my big Christmas gift

17/12/2020 emsia.kruger

As a South African, December holidays are synonymous with the sea, beach, long sunny days, barbecues, family, and friends. This prospect has helped me every year when my energy tank’s needle is touching empty. Preparation for the holiday and festive season is as enjoyable as the holiday itself.

I could hug my children

This year is a different experience. Winter in December for a South African is just as strange a concept as a sunny Christmas for any European. This year, I dedicated most of my planning and preparation to my sons and Candice’s visit in December. Despite the visa challenges and delayed flights, everything was worth it when I saw them walking through the doors of Zurich airport and could give them a good hug. Their visit was my Christmas gift!

Lake Zurich and Christmas markets

I was eager to show them the Christmas decorations in the main street on the evening of their arrival. We walked from the train station to the lake and enjoyed the festive atmosphere created by the Christmas markets.

I had to carefully plan to share all my discoveries with them in the short time they were here. We strolled through the forest near our house and explored the old town of Zurich. We took beautiful photos of the bridges over the Limmat River and the many church towers. With our flask of coffee and a lunch box full of sandwiches, we had a picnic next to Lake Zurich.

Rapperswil

We took the train along the lake to Rapperswil. It has a beautiful old town on the shores of Lake Zurich, and the Christmas markets and food stalls have created a cosy atmosphere. On the hill of the city is a beautiful 12th-century castle.

Lindt chocolate factory shop

A visit to the Lindt chocolate factory shop was a must to buy gifts for everyone in South Africa. The shop is next to the factory, and the chocolate smell hanging in the air is seducing. At the front of the store are all the beautiful displays of coloured chocolate treats, and at the back are the bargains available in bulk.

Our first snow experience

The highlight was the unexpected snow one night just before bedtime. We all became kids again and ran outside, trying to catch the snow, making snowballs and taking pictures. The following morning, a pure white layer of snow covered the world. Candice and Zander wrote letters to their friends in the snow. I will cherish the shared first snow moment forever.

Candice’s wish was to celebrate her birthday on 17 December in Amsterdam, and the three of them got on the plane with great excitement to meet Candice’s friend Tristan there and make their discoveries. They stayed in a youth hostel, met interesting people, and had exciting experiences. After Amsterdam, Jacques and Christo went to London to enjoy Christmas and New Year in the UK with the family. Candice and Tristan flew back to celebrate Christmas with us.

Christmas service in German in the Fraumünster church

We attended the Christmas service in German in the Fraumünster church. The church was packed. They lit the candles of the Christmas tree in front of the church with a long stick, and the choir sang Christmas songs.

Our Christmas lunch consisted of a mixture of South African and Swiss dishes. For the rest of the day, we enjoyed a playing card competition in our warm cosy apartment while it was freezing outside.
Even though I longed for all the other family who could not be with us, my heart was satisfied.

Kind regards
Emsia

Entertainment for dark winter evenings

09/12/2020 emsia.kruger

By five o’clock in the afternoon, it is already dark in Zurich. It is freezing and dark outside, and we must find things to keep ourselves busy. Over time, the Swiss created many customs and opportunities to entertain themselves. We participate and attend where we can to learn from them.

Turnip lantern festival

At the end of October, Halloween kicked off the winter program. In early November, there is a turnip lantern festival. People hollowed out large turnips and carved images into the walls to serve as lanterns for the festival. Zander and I attended the school’s turnip festival. The younger children created the most beautiful lanterns during school time, and children and parents went for a walk in the forest behind the school with the lanterns late afternoon.

The children sang Swiss folk songs in the middle of the forest next to a huge campfire. I understand the custom goes back to the 1800s when people ate turnips as a staple food. End of November, they celebrated the end of the harvest season with a thanksgiving service at the church and then walked to church while singing with the turnip lanterns.

Fondue and Raclette

We see a large variety of cheese and accessories for Fondue and Raclette in the shops. We were fortunate to be invited to a fondue dinner at the house of a colleague of Charl. I never thought dinner consisting of bread and cheese could be so special! The Swiss wine also made its contribution. After all the cheese, they recommend drinking Kirsch (cherry brandy) to assist digestion.

Raclette is a thick slice of Swiss cheese that is melted in a raclette oven and eaten with bread, boiled potatoes, or vegetables. The dinner invitation inspired Charl’s birthday celebration. He has a fondue set he received years ago as a gift after hosting a training session in Zurich.

Ice hockey and ice skating

Ice hockey is a spectator sport in Switzerland during winter. We had an opportunity to watch an ice hockey match in Lausanne, close to the French border. It is a fast sport and was an exciting experience. This time of year, the children celebrate their birthday parties on the ice rink. The ice rink has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and is a popular attraction.

Christmas markets and shopping street

In late November, officials switched on a Christmas tree decorated with Swarovski crystals to kick off the official Christmas celebrations. They decorated the shopping street between the Zurich train station and Zurich’s lake with the most beautiful lights that make it look like a starry sky. Everywhere there are stalls selling Christmas gifts, food, and mulled wine. The warm wine has a deliciously sweet spice flavour and provides some heat when it is so cold.

My Christmas gift this year will be the visit of Jacques, Christo, and Candice. In my heart, I will carry all who celebrate a Summer Christmas and picture everything on your Christmas table. I will sing with you – Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming – Give God all the glory. Grant us a bright Summer Christmas with many blessings in our country Lord!

I hope you experience a wonderful time together and a blessed time this December.
Kind regards
Emsia

God selects our angels here on earth

02/12/2020 emsia.kruger

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When we meet them, we do not know the significance of the role they will play in our lives. Only time will tell.

I firmly believe that with our journey here on earth, our Heavenly Father selected with great care specific people to be our angels here on earth. The way individuals crossed our paths and the unique role that each one plays in our journey confirm this for me. Many angels in South Africa still help and support in many ways. Fortunately, here in Switzerland, we have also started noticing the angels.

Zander’s teacher, Sandy Hill

Sandy Hill, the teacher of Zander, is an example of such an angel. She is of British descent and has years of experience as a teacher and a mother who knows how to handle pre-teens. She is also the coach of his indoor soccer team. Her passion for rugby contributes to Zander’s conviction that she is a perfect teacher for him.

The Friday before the 2019 rugby world cup final, she was dressed in her English supporter shirt. However, the Monday after the rugby final, she congratulated him on the Bok’s victory in front of the class. At tennis, the two British moms also congratulated me, and the Japanese mom told us how everyone in Japan is now suddenly rugby crazy.

At the end of the first term, we had individual parent-teacher meetings. After all these years, I am still nervous about meetings with teachers. In preparation for the discussion, I asked Zander what feedback I could expect from his teacher.

Oh, mom, I think she will say I am doing pretty well academically, but I talk too much in class. It is not a problem for me, but it may bother some other children.

Ms Hill confirmed with a smile that Zander provided a good summary. From her feedback, I could see that she made an effort to get to know the children individually.

Zander’s friend Nate and his mom Ellen

Zander’s friendship with Nate, the American from San Francisco, began on the first day of school. I ran into Nate’s mother, Ellen, independently on the same day and invited her for coffee. Over coffee, we realized that our careers and interests had many similarities. We have been hiking a few times and joined the same German class.

Pumpkins and Halloween

At the last weekend of the autumn school holidays, we visited a pumpkin farm. Zander could not believe his luck when Nate and his family also happened to arrive on the same day and time. We were amazed by the creative pumpkin exhibits. There was a delicious spice scent of pumpkin soup and mulled wine in the air and an opportunity to carve pumpkins in preparation for Halloween.

Halloween is a big event at the international school. We, as parents, had the opportunity to sign up for assistance with the Halloween celebrations. The options were decorating, baking for the cake sale, supervising at the disco, and making your car available as a “trick or treat” point with a boot full of sweets. I signed up for the cake sale and made chocolate oatmeal cookies with a sour worm. I only saw all the beautiful baked artwork when I handed in my cookies! I plan to supervise at the disco next year.

Our Swiss angels, Stephan and Barbara

Our Swiss angels are Stephan and Barbara, who live close to us. Stephan is a colleague of Charl. He has helped with a few lifts to work and many helpful tips and advice. He is qualified as a medical doctor, and his wife is a nurse. They own a few goats. They worked for a long time in Yemen, where their four children went to school.

He told me that he learned to speak and write Arabic when he realised that his interpreter was making recommendations far removed from his diagnosis. His story serves as an inspiration when I struggle with German. Barbara was so kind to invite me to an event at their church to make Advent wreaths and to her house for coffee and Swiss cake.

I finally started with my German classes. We are a group of 12 students representing 12 countries. I look forward to getting to know the people better over the next six months.

Only time will tell whether the people we meet come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Kind regards
Emsia

Celebration of milestone birthdays

25/11/2020 emsia.kruger

Birthday and Christmas celebrations make me nervous. It creates expectations whether you are on the giving or receiving end. Somehow someone is always left disappointed. I have made peace that our Christmas or birthday celebrations will never come close to the magazine or Pinterest pictures. Some planned celebrations can be an extreme disappointment, while other unplanned days become special, memorable moments.

My vision for a family get together

However, I was contemplating the possibility of using my fiftieth birthday in October 2019 as an excuse for a family get-together. I pictured us having a fun time along the banks of the Orange River. In my mind, I could hear children playing in the water and smell the barbequed lamb chops. I requested my two eldest sons to keep the 2019 October holiday free from other social events that might cross their path.

My fiftieth birthday celebration turned out very different from my initial plans! I celebrated my birthday on a wet, cold autumn day in Zurich instead of a sunny spring day along the banks of the Orange River. Instead of being with my family for a whole weekend, it was just Zander and me in Zurich who knew I was celebrating my birthday. Charl had to attend a conference in South Africa during the same week as my birthday.

Every get-together is a celebration

I am grateful that I have decided to approach this celebration differently. In my mind, I perceived all my last coffees, meals or social time with friends and family as a celebration. I saw the time shared and connection as my gift. In the beautiful Western Cape, I celebrated with friends every week. My celebrations with my family were among the big old camel thorn trees and red sand in the Kalahari. I had a special celebration with Jacques and Candice next to the Vaal River in Parys, Free State.

Our France visit

We visited Paris in France the weekend before my fiftieth birthday in October. We were amazed by the buildings that tell stories of times long before we walked on this earth. We discussed the French Revolution and how many people lost their lives on the same soil where we could peacefully sit and enjoy lunch. The highlight for Zander was when we visited Disney Paris to celebrate his birthday at the end of September. We had lots of fun on the roller coaster rides through Star War galaxies!

On my birthday, Zander and I stayed at home so that I could talk to everyone in South Africa without interruption. I saw every call and message as a gift because people made time for me.
The distance highlights how precious physical togetherness is. On my fiftieth birthday, I reminded myself that we must celebrate every day and see every moment we enjoy with those close to us as a gift, and free ourselves from all the magazine or social media expectations of celebrations.

Kind regards
Emsia

We live proudly South African

18/11/2020 emsia.kruger

While settling into a new environment, you tend to notice what is different. When you need to become part of and feel at home, it is essential to focus on the commonalities.

The Swiss people are incredibly loyal and proud of their Swiss nationality. The medals for economic prosperity, safety, and order hang brightly polished in a row. Most people here have many university degrees. The fact that all schools and higher educational institutions are free for Swiss citizens promotes the situation.

The official languages in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the official languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh. The people who speak these languages have many differences in terms of culture. If you socialise with the Swiss in Switzerland, they will inform you about their cultural origin. However, if you meet them in Germany, France, or Italy, you realise they are proudly Swiss.

Hirslanden, part of the South African Mediclinic group

When Charl joined the Hirslanden group in Switzerland, which is part of the MediClinic group in South Africa, changing legislation which affected them negatively, challenged them. Different computer systems at the various hospitals, acquired over time, needed to be integrated.

These challenges cause a significant number of computer projects. With this information as a context, one can understand that Charl’s new role as Head of Information Systems started with many business challenges. His arrival also meant that people had to speak English instead of German during management meetings. He is, therefore, the cause of frustration when everyone struggles to express themselves in a second or third language.

Leadership

The managers Charl works with were used to an autocratic leadership style. Coming from South Africa, we learned expensive leadership lessons about leadership from experience but also examples. Good leaders focus on teamwork to achieve common rather than individual goals. They understand the need to create space for individuals to make unique contributions and create opportunities to unlock potential. With a team accustomed to one kind of leadership style and then subjected to another, their feedback and response are not contributing to anyone’s self-esteem.

We as South Africans have many things in common

It is during challenging times like these that we had to remind ourselves about what we as South Africans have in common:

We are excellent at making plans and innovation because we do not always have everything readily available.
We are resilient because since birth, regardless of the year, we have learned to adapt to many new situations and changes.
We have experienced diversity on many levels and therefore understand the strength of diversity.
We have learned to find ways to overcome political problems, economic crises, power outages, water constraints, fires, draughts, etc. We make plans, create forums, WhatsApp and Facebook groups, and tell jokes about our dilemmas.
We do understand that we human beings have very similar basic needs. We are all looking for opportunities to use our talents as part of living our purpose, want to see progress and need recognition.

Change and adaptation take time and require a lot of perseverance. However, we have experienced personal growth and development because of our journeys as South Africans. We can call ourselves South African with pride.

Kind regards

Emsia

Synchronicity is never accidental

11/11/2020 emsia.kruger

There are many instances when we hear things, meet people, or have experienced them when we need them most. We know that it is not accidental but more a case of synchronicity. The psychotherapist Jung created the term synchronicity (syn = with, Chronos = time). It describes events or coincidences that seem to have no specific cause but are very significant.

I see it as a way of God talking to me or giving me the answers I need. When I am in despair or doubt about the right step or decision, I walk into a bookstore with a prayer. “Oh Lord, please give me a sign or an answer”. Soon a book will catch my eye and usually have the answer I need.

It also often happens to me that I think about someone incessantly or need to say something to someone, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. The result is usually the person who confirms that my words or support made a difference. The reverse happens too. People will call out of the blue or show up with just the answer, help or advice.

Charl’s path crossed mine in a synchronistic way

Charl’s path crossed mine in a synchronistic way. After my divorce, I allowed myself one year to be in the doldrums and worked through it. At the end of that year, I went on holiday with my mom and the boys to Sedgefield. On the last day of our holiday, I went canoeing on the lake and prayed aloud. I explained to God that I was ready to move on. I kindly asked him to send me someone who loves Him, loves me, but will also love my children.

On Sunday evening, after we arrived home in April 2006, Charl called me to ask if I would go to the musical Mamma Mia with him. He bought the tickets before his divorce and did not want to let them go wasted. He told me afterwards that he postponed that call a few times. One thing led to another, and we married one year later, in April 2007. I know God answered my prayer and that his call was not coincidental.

The number 11:11

For the last two years, I have noticed the number 11 everywhere. It happened numerous times that I looked at my watch at 11:11. I was curious and tried to find out if there was any meaning to it. According to my research, the number 11 is the master number and is the way of the Universe or God, making us aware to read between the lines and notice that there is more to our current situation than we are aware.

11 October 2019 was the last school day for Christo. It was only the final school exam standing between him and his future. In my mind, I was with him all morning, attending the last hall meeting and listening to the school principal’s speech. In addition, there were a few uncertain situations for which I could not see or control the outcome. I felt heavy with emotion. When I got up from behind my computer for a cup of tea, I quickly looked at my cell phone and became aware of the time and date – 11 October 11:11.

Ladybugs

After my tea, I cleaned the house and opened the windows. As I entered the living room, I noticed all the ladybugs. There were almost fifty of these beautiful little insects. As children, we believe they bring happiness when they sit on us. Their presence was comforting.

Early the following morning, I went for a walk at the lake. By the water, the most beautiful white swan swam against the orange background of sunrise. I experienced peace. Three signs that I can believe, trust and be calm. I know that when my mom sees a feather on the ground at her back door, that is her sign of hope.

Career

As far as my career is concerned, I have always had the vision to exchange my permanent role in a corporate environment for a self-employed business consulting role to focus on the things that I am passionate about and have more freedom. The ideal time for me would be around forty-eight because it would be enough time to get a business going before the risk aversion that comes with age kicks in too badly.

However, I was afraid to exchange a good monthly salary for a start-from-scratch self-owned business. Due to a restructuring at work, my employer terminated my position during the same October as my 48th birthday. Exciting coaching and consulting opportunities came my way from the strangest places, and I enjoyed every moment of my new role.

Before I turned fifty, a strange twist in my career plans caught me a little off guard. Since I knew Charl, Switzerland has been one of his favourite places. The natural beauty, technological advancement, precision, and food contribute to his love of Switzerland. Although I enjoy the adventure and the learning and growth that such a change brings, I am still uncertain how it fits into my life plan.

However, I know that now I am still staring at a dim mirror and that I will receive the necessary answers and perspective as the story unfolds. I am looking forward to it!

Kind regards
Emsia

Autumn is a preparation period for rest

04/11/2020 emsia.kruger

Mother Nature, with her orange and rust-brown dressing gown, is getting ready for a period of rest here in Switzerland. We are still unsure what exactly this period entails. All we know is, “Winter is coming!”

Farming activities

It is the farming activities around us that give us a definite indication that the people are preparing for a new season. The farmers have ploughed the fields. Next to all the barns, we can see how the bales of hay and fodder are accumulating quickly. The stacks of neatly cut wood also get higher. The livestock farmers mainly own cattle, sheep and llamas that graze higher up the mountains during the summer months.

It is a celebrated event when the animals come to the villages during September and early October. The cows, with bells around their necks, are decorated with flowers. The farmers and their families dressed in traditional clothes accompany the animals on their descent.

Cows coming to the villages for the winter period

Mushroom and hunting season

The mornings are already chilly. Temperatures are between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, and there is a thick fog in the early mornings. In the forests are carpets of autumn-coloured leaves and a variety of mushrooms. In Europe, there are apparently six thousand different types of mushrooms. This time of year, mushroom inspectors at the municipalities look at the people’s picked mushrooms to advise on which are edible or poisonous.

Autumn is hunting season, and people hunt deer in the forests. Hunting licenses are strictly regulated. Venison is a common item on restaurant menus, and a mushroom sauce to go with it is a popular choice.

Pumpkins and Halloween

The most beautiful varieties of yellow and orange pumpkins are for sale. Different pumpkins, marked with a sales price, are displayed on the shelves of wooden stalls all over. You choose your pumpkin and put your money in the dedicated box. The fact that there is no salesperson is beyond my comprehension. The pumpkins create excitement for Halloween. I understand that Halloween is a big event at the school. A mom committee is organising the Halloween party for the end of October.

Oktoberfest

October is known for its Oktoberfest in German-speaking countries. Twenty-five years ago, I attended such a fest in Munich, and I only remember masses of happy people with one-litre beer mugs in the one hand and a giant Pretzel in the other. Young women in beautiful traditional dresses were serving them. Beer tents appear in Zurich in preparation for the Octoberfest, and it is heart-warming to see the young Swiss people, proud of their culture and origin, in their traditional clothes.

Charl’s colleagues warned that the darkness, rather than the cold, creates a challenge during winter. During winter, Zurich is covered in a dense fog layer for almost four to five months without any sunshine. The daylight period is also short. My understanding is that many people struggle with depression during this time. The locals own weekend homes in the mountains above the clouds to experience some sunlight.

The school informed us that the children should have three different pairs of shoes for school purposes. In addition to sports shoes, they should have shoes for indoors as well as outdoor shoes. Every child should have a snow jacket because they play outside during breaks, regardless of rain or snow.

As children of a country with ample sunshine and without snow experience, we look forward to a white Christmas, playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate. However, we are still figuring out how to prepare ourselves for the winter season.

Kind regards
Emsia

Choose your lens for each situation wisely

28/10/2020 emsia.kruger

A few years ago, I watched a short video that spoke to me. In the video clip, “Finding the Right Answers”, Dewitt Jones, a photographer for National Geographic, shares his wisdom about what photography has taught him in life and business.

In challenging situations, we must choose the lenses through which we look. Sometimes you must look wider, other times deeper, and often you must choose to look from someone else’s perspective. The Swiss situation has forced me several times to choose another lens.

Refugee camp in Zurich

As part of the ICS Community Impact club, we visit a refugee camp in Zurich on Fridays. The refugees are mainly mothers and children who have fled from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan for various reasons. All European countries are required to accommodate refugees.

Most refugees enter Europe through Greece, where the Greek police have treated them harshly. From there, officials transfer them to different countries. They remain in the refugee camp for three months while their formal application for official refugee status is pending.

The refugee camp in Zurich is neat, has clean facilities for bathing and sleeping, and cooked food. However, trauma and insecurity are visible on their faces. The refugees speak different languages, and their English is very limited. They do learn to speak German when entering Switzerland.

Interacting with the refugees

We play games with the little ones and communicate using limited German, body language, sounds, facial expressions, and touch. I will never forget the little girl who climbed on my lap to draw a picture. While I was lightly rubbing her back, she looked up and kissed me.

As foreigners, the ICS moms understand the adjustment a new country requires. The big difference is that the refugees live in total insecurity, have only a few belongings, and cannot return to their own country. The experience significantly impacted my perspectives on change and adaptation in a new country.

Scooters and skate parks

With Zander’s approaching birthday, he requested a stunt scooter as a birthday present since all the boys his age own one. One afternoon after school, we went to the nearest scooter shop to learn more about scooter options. His new friend, Nate, was invited along, and I was grateful for his complete technical lesson on scooters. After another two days of research on the internet, I was well informed and ready for purchase.

In Switzerland, there are many skate parks where children can practice their stunts with their bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The scooter birthday present forced me to select a wide lens when looking at skate parks. Using my current lens, I see graffiti, teenagers with sagging pants and smoking funny stuff.

On his birthday, Zander wanted to hang out at the nearest skate park with his new scooter! I had to look through a different lens and see that it may be a good way for him to engage with other boys and get healthy physical exercise instead of sitting in front of his computer.

I baked cupcakes for his birthday and sent them to school with napkins with Afrikaans words on them. The Dutch children in Zander’s class were pleased that they were able to understand some of the Afrikaans words.

Lens of trust

I am still working on my levels of trust, but a recent incident contributed positively. In Switzerland, all children must wear a helmet when they ride a bike or a scooter. My OCD was so pleased when the turquoise helmet was the same colour as the new scooter of Zander.

One afternoon after school, I realised something was wrong when I noticed tears. The helmet stayed behind on the train. When Zander tried to get back on the train, the doors closed in front of him.

Out of desperation, I tested the systems and registered the helmet as a lost item on the train’s website. A week later, SBB informed me that they had found the helmet and that I could pick it up at Stadelhofen train station. I could not believe our luck. At school, the only locked scooter is the one belonging to Zander Goosen. The instruction came from his mother. Even though the bicycle parking is on the street side of the school, you will find no other locked bicycles or scooters.

When the glasses of my family members look half empty, I often tease them that they should clean their lenses and look at a situation again. Switzerland sometimes forces me to choose a new lens.

Kind regards
Emsia