My friends and relatives are on my case because my blogging has gone the way of the dinosaur. It's not that I don't have time. I could blog any night I come home from work with nothing else to do except make a sandwich and watch Big Bang Theory. It's just that this started out to be a funny (well, intended to be funny) blog. Now that I've been living here for a year, things that used to seem funny are just now real life!
So, bowing to peer pressure, I'll attempt to keep up the blog, but my ability to keep it funny is questionable. It also means I'll have to branch out from only writing about Switzerland to also writing about my travels. There is only so much you can say about beautiful views. One weekend, my friends and I piled in the car and headed to Italy to spend two days enjoying smiling people and good (and affordable) food, both of which aren't exactly plentiful in Switzerland.
Tomorrow will probably be our last big hike of the season as I have to start several weeks of business travel soon. I'll get back to you with some funny accounts if possible. If nothing funny, I may have to wax poetic instead. Get ready!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Something the Swiss Got Wrong
What is with all the coins? The smallest paper note in Switzerland is a ten. For anything smaller, there is a coin, including a five-franc coin that weighs about as much as a bottle of wine. Imagine carrying four or five bottles of wine around in your purse! Hmmm. Come to think of it....
Anyway, I digress.
In the U.S., I was always topping up my payments so I wouldn't end up with too much change. Here, I hoard my coins as change is a necessity, needed for parking (which is almost never free, even at the grocery store), laundry and the bus. Also, if you want to make a quick purchase and not wait to use your ATM card, bring on the change. No such thing as a one-dollar bill. I have even been known to go into a store, buy a bottle of water, pay with a 20-franc bill, and ask for all my change in coins. Then, because the change weighs about a kilo, I stockpile part of it and keep what I can carry in my purse.
Finally, there is one tiny brass-colored coin that is worth 0.05 francs and can buy you absolutely nothing. It does not even fit in machines which accept (require) coins. Given the cost of living in Switzerland, one would think there would not be much use for any denomination under a 20, which could buy you dinner at McDonalds (seriously). What are the Swiss thinking?
Anyway, I digress.
In the U.S., I was always topping up my payments so I wouldn't end up with too much change. Here, I hoard my coins as change is a necessity, needed for parking (which is almost never free, even at the grocery store), laundry and the bus. Also, if you want to make a quick purchase and not wait to use your ATM card, bring on the change. No such thing as a one-dollar bill. I have even been known to go into a store, buy a bottle of water, pay with a 20-franc bill, and ask for all my change in coins. Then, because the change weighs about a kilo, I stockpile part of it and keep what I can carry in my purse.
Finally, there is one tiny brass-colored coin that is worth 0.05 francs and can buy you absolutely nothing. It does not even fit in machines which accept (require) coins. Given the cost of living in Switzerland, one would think there would not be much use for any denomination under a 20, which could buy you dinner at McDonalds (seriously). What are the Swiss thinking?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Burger craving satisfied
Ok, people, don't get used to this blogging every day thing, but I have to share one thing...
God bless the cheeseburger. After a very Swiss meeting in French today, I needed a beer and a cheeseburger. So, for the first time since moving here, a friend and I went to a very un-Swiss bar and had a very un-Swiss gourmet burger and un-Swiss beer (German, in fact). The burger was served on "American bread" which turned out to be a regular old hamburger roll. Good grief, I hope the Swiss don't think that a hamburger roll defines America. Although that's probably better than some of the things they think of us!
God bless the cheeseburger. After a very Swiss meeting in French today, I needed a beer and a cheeseburger. So, for the first time since moving here, a friend and I went to a very un-Swiss bar and had a very un-Swiss gourmet burger and un-Swiss beer (German, in fact). The burger was served on "American bread" which turned out to be a regular old hamburger roll. Good grief, I hope the Swiss don't think that a hamburger roll defines America. Although that's probably better than some of the things they think of us!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A good thing I forgot!
I forgot one of the most important and amazing things about Switzerland in yesterday's blog. Fortunately, one of my good readers pointed it out and now I'll wax poetic about it...
Another thing the Swiss got right
Moving money around is a science here. And, it is fantastic. Like everything else Swiss, the banking system is quite orderly. Lots of rules, but at least you know what they are. All, and I mean ALL, of my bills are paid online via "orange slips" that enable managing all my bills, both regular and one-time, based on the invoice. I realize you can sort of do this in the U.S., but the standardization here is so advanced that it makes this the easiest money management I've ever done.
Checks are not even possible here. I received some checks from the U.S. and took them to my bank. The teller touched them like they were infected and told me that, well, yes, they COULD accept them, but there would be a $30 charge for each check and it would probably take about six weeks to clear! Apparently, checks are so 20th century. You can't even write a check to pay your neighbor for picking up your groceries. But, you CAN make an online transfer. Sounds like this could be a negative, but not. It's a beautiful thing.
Another thing the Swiss got right
Moving money around is a science here. And, it is fantastic. Like everything else Swiss, the banking system is quite orderly. Lots of rules, but at least you know what they are. All, and I mean ALL, of my bills are paid online via "orange slips" that enable managing all my bills, both regular and one-time, based on the invoice. I realize you can sort of do this in the U.S., but the standardization here is so advanced that it makes this the easiest money management I've ever done.
Checks are not even possible here. I received some checks from the U.S. and took them to my bank. The teller touched them like they were infected and told me that, well, yes, they COULD accept them, but there would be a $30 charge for each check and it would probably take about six weeks to clear! Apparently, checks are so 20th century. You can't even write a check to pay your neighbor for picking up your groceries. But, you CAN make an online transfer. Sounds like this could be a negative, but not. It's a beautiful thing.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Dogs, trains and other good things
Yes, it has been a LONG time since I've posted, as many of my friends have been pointing out. But, never fear, I've been busy collecting observations while I've been gone! Some thoughts (...pitter...)...
What the Swiss got right
An absolutely amazing public transportation system. I know this is fairly well known around the world, but it can only be truly appreciated when you've actually scheduled your walk to the train to arrive 30 seconds before the train will leave, and it is there when you get there, and you don't panic because you know it will leave precisely on time. The bus is the same way. It actually arrives on schedule! I am so accustomed to this now that when I took the train on Sunday, I was a bit miffed that the 16:01 train actually didn't leave until 16:02.
Dogs in restaurants and stores. In general, Swiss dogs behave better in restaurants than many toddlers, so why not? I have yet to see a dog have a meltdown at the next table because his mother gave him too many drink choices. However, I have been a bit startled in the middle of a glass of French champagne by an unexpected tiff between canine neighbors under the table.
The scenery. Yes, I know this wasn't a conscious choice by the Swiss, but every time I look out my living room window, I am impressed.
And, I can't leave this section without mentioning...the cheese. Of course. My latest find was an amazing Roquefort. I realize it's not technically Swiss, it's French. BUT, the selection of cheese at any grocery store here is truly amazing. So far, only one totally inedible version. And, actually, it wasn't inedible, it's just that it smelled so God-awful that I couldn't keep it in the house. I found myself choosing tap water to drink because I was afraid to open the refrigerator. I made the mistake of telling my friends about the olfactory horror in the icebox. After one of my parties, they took the cheese with them and disposed of it in the neighbor's dumpster. Honestly, it didn't taste bad. They did not believe me.
Next time...what the Swiss got wrong...
What the Swiss got right
An absolutely amazing public transportation system. I know this is fairly well known around the world, but it can only be truly appreciated when you've actually scheduled your walk to the train to arrive 30 seconds before the train will leave, and it is there when you get there, and you don't panic because you know it will leave precisely on time. The bus is the same way. It actually arrives on schedule! I am so accustomed to this now that when I took the train on Sunday, I was a bit miffed that the 16:01 train actually didn't leave until 16:02.
Dogs in restaurants and stores. In general, Swiss dogs behave better in restaurants than many toddlers, so why not? I have yet to see a dog have a meltdown at the next table because his mother gave him too many drink choices. However, I have been a bit startled in the middle of a glass of French champagne by an unexpected tiff between canine neighbors under the table.
The scenery. Yes, I know this wasn't a conscious choice by the Swiss, but every time I look out my living room window, I am impressed.
And, I can't leave this section without mentioning...the cheese. Of course. My latest find was an amazing Roquefort. I realize it's not technically Swiss, it's French. BUT, the selection of cheese at any grocery store here is truly amazing. So far, only one totally inedible version. And, actually, it wasn't inedible, it's just that it smelled so God-awful that I couldn't keep it in the house. I found myself choosing tap water to drink because I was afraid to open the refrigerator. I made the mistake of telling my friends about the olfactory horror in the icebox. After one of my parties, they took the cheese with them and disposed of it in the neighbor's dumpster. Honestly, it didn't taste bad. They did not believe me.
Next time...what the Swiss got wrong...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tickets and snow
My last month has consisted mainly of moving violations and weather. Fortunately, they were not related. My speeding ticket has not come yet (see my previous post about that). But, I did manage to get a parking ticket. And, not even in a spot I knew was illegal (because sometimes you KNOW.) So, now I'm thinking that if I can manage to get less than one ticket a month, that will be a good average. For some reason, I had actually thought I would get through my entire stint in Switzerland without a ticket, since it had been 25 years since I had my last one! Um, wrong.
Other than that, it's been cold as ****. (Insert your own expletive.) There is really not a lot to do in Switzerland that is inside, so when one of my daughters came to visit a couple weeks ago, we made a valiant attempt to sightsee. After a few near frostbite experiences touring castles and cathedrals (on hills), we finally retreated to the closest coffee or wine bar (depending on the time of day we finally gave up.)
I had three ski days planned that were cancelled for weather. Because glorious skiing is right outside your door here, you can be pretty picky about the conditions you ski in. I thought back to a few times I skied in the Sierras in California with the snow coming down sideways and decided I had been way too tenacious. Here, if it's too cold or the visibility is not just right or the snow is not to your liking, there is always another ski day.
But, I finally rallied a group to go last Saturday and we were rewarded with a beautiful day. Blue sky, sun, and good croute au fromage and wine for lunch. All my sporting friends know my m.o. I run so I can eat as much as I want. I cycle if we are biking TO breakfast. I hike to restaurants. So, breaking for what was essentially an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of wine was right up my alley.
We're going again this Saturday. I'm taking the bus so my risk of a new ticket is minimal. I wonder if jaywalking with skis is a fineable offense here?
Other than that, it's been cold as ****. (Insert your own expletive.) There is really not a lot to do in Switzerland that is inside, so when one of my daughters came to visit a couple weeks ago, we made a valiant attempt to sightsee. After a few near frostbite experiences touring castles and cathedrals (on hills), we finally retreated to the closest coffee or wine bar (depending on the time of day we finally gave up.)
I had three ski days planned that were cancelled for weather. Because glorious skiing is right outside your door here, you can be pretty picky about the conditions you ski in. I thought back to a few times I skied in the Sierras in California with the snow coming down sideways and decided I had been way too tenacious. Here, if it's too cold or the visibility is not just right or the snow is not to your liking, there is always another ski day.
But, I finally rallied a group to go last Saturday and we were rewarded with a beautiful day. Blue sky, sun, and good croute au fromage and wine for lunch. All my sporting friends know my m.o. I run so I can eat as much as I want. I cycle if we are biking TO breakfast. I hike to restaurants. So, breaking for what was essentially an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of wine was right up my alley.
We're going again this Saturday. I'm taking the bus so my risk of a new ticket is minimal. I wonder if jaywalking with skis is a fineable offense here?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Blue...and how
To those who think I am living the glamour life here in Europe, let me just point out to you my Sunday was so boring I read my car owner's manual. That did, in fact, come in handy today when I needed to set the windshield wipers to auto sense for the snow. I felt fairly smug that I knew how to do that. And, then I quickly felt fairly lame that I had actually spent a weekend day on my couch with new car guides.
But, what else to do? I had cancelled my ski plans for weather and there are no errands you can run in Switzerland on a Sunday! All retail is closed. For those of you who remember blue laws in the U.S. (sorry, I do not), I hear it is akin to that. It makes me crazy. There was a week in mid January when I got home from a business trip on Saturday night and literally ate peanut butter on crackers for lunch and dinner on Sunday because I could not go grocery shopping! Yeah, right, I should have had stuff in the freezer. You people are the ones who put your meat out to thaw in the morning before work, too, aren't you?
I could have gone to a museum, but I'm saving up the museums for when my family and friends visit, as there are sure to be Sundays we will need to fill.
After I chickened out because of weather, a colleague of mine told me today that the skiing was amazing this weekend, which made me pause since everyone had told me how misty, foggy, blustery and downright miserable it had been. This guy pointed out to me that it is best to ski in the trees at such times because the trees provide shadows that make it easier to see in the fog.
Huh???
I'm thinking that trees will make it easier for me to smack into one in the fog. I can't be sure. I'm just saying.
So, since this weekend was a bust in the ski category, my first ski outing should be this Friday. After a beautifully mild winter, this Friday is supposed to be minus 20 (C) or something like that. For those of you on Fahrenheit, let me just say that minus 20 is still freaking cold.
I'll let you know how it turns out. I imagine I will make one run and then head straight for the fondue and mulled wine! Or heck, if it is too bad, it's Friday, so at least I can go grocery shopping!
But, what else to do? I had cancelled my ski plans for weather and there are no errands you can run in Switzerland on a Sunday! All retail is closed. For those of you who remember blue laws in the U.S. (sorry, I do not), I hear it is akin to that. It makes me crazy. There was a week in mid January when I got home from a business trip on Saturday night and literally ate peanut butter on crackers for lunch and dinner on Sunday because I could not go grocery shopping! Yeah, right, I should have had stuff in the freezer. You people are the ones who put your meat out to thaw in the morning before work, too, aren't you?
I could have gone to a museum, but I'm saving up the museums for when my family and friends visit, as there are sure to be Sundays we will need to fill.
After I chickened out because of weather, a colleague of mine told me today that the skiing was amazing this weekend, which made me pause since everyone had told me how misty, foggy, blustery and downright miserable it had been. This guy pointed out to me that it is best to ski in the trees at such times because the trees provide shadows that make it easier to see in the fog.
Huh???
I'm thinking that trees will make it easier for me to smack into one in the fog. I can't be sure. I'm just saying.
So, since this weekend was a bust in the ski category, my first ski outing should be this Friday. After a beautifully mild winter, this Friday is supposed to be minus 20 (C) or something like that. For those of you on Fahrenheit, let me just say that minus 20 is still freaking cold.
I'll let you know how it turns out. I imagine I will make one run and then head straight for the fondue and mulled wine! Or heck, if it is too bad, it's Friday, so at least I can go grocery shopping!
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