I’ve been told in the past that I’m a lucky person, and my first few days here have been so full of pleasant surprises (and smiles) that I can’t help but wonder if it really is true. It started before I even set foot in Switzerland – the woman who barely spoke any English sitting next to me on the plane insisted I share her homemade cookies with her. Way better than airplane food! And when I stepped out of customs with my bags, there were Florian and Bella, my new family, waiting for me with a rose, an “I love you” balloon, and 5 full minutes of hugs and kisses. When we arrived at the front door to our apartment, it was decorated with a Welcome Home banner and balloons with the Swiss flag. Florian had given me a key in June and there I finally was, excitedly opening the door to our new home.
Monday came my first test – the cleaning lady was coming and she didn’t speak much English. I told her hello, good morning, and that I don’t speak German I speak English. Then later I told her I was going jogging (for those of you who know me well, yes there was more walking than running involved). I also said it would be pleasing to me to shower when I came home 🙂 Not too bad!
And let’s be honest, the Swiss don’t have a reputation for being the warmest and frindliest culture on the planet. Yet there I was in Ikea trying to lift an unsufferably heavy box and two small & skinny women asked if I needed help. When I told them I only spoke English, they quickly changed launguages to accommodate me and asked again if I would like their help. I’m pretty sure even the three of us still couldn’t have lifted the box, but it lifted my spirits significantly to know that the Swiss are so willing to help a stranger. Huge relief for the new girl in town.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the awe-inspiring beauty of the land here. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed little things like the daylight until 10pm and the gorgeous fresh air that blows through as we sit at our patio. I love that I can walk Bella safely at 11:30pm by myself in the pitch black and feel utterly and completely safe. And the natural flowerfields!!!!!! Around the corner is an insanely beautiful flower field where you can pick your own flowers!
But I’ve saved the best part for last… can you believe that when I was 14 I added to my bucket list that I wanted to run through a flowerfield? That’s where I’ll be this morning, picking my flowers fresh from nature to put around the house (in my new Ikea vases!) and frolicking about in the fields. Now that’s two things from my bucket list crossed off in 3 days (I’ve always promised myself I’d live in Europe at some point – check!).