I have reached the 6 months’ milestone of living in Switzerland. That is, if I don’t count the three weeks I just spent in Romania when I was fed as if I had come from a concentration camp or something. Apparently it’s time to lose weight. Ugh.

Aaaanyway…what I’ve learned so far: university here is much more ‘kick-ass’ than in Romania. You get in rather easily, selection processes are minimal, but it’s getting out that’s difficult. You work your bum off, but in the end, the diplomas are supposed to MEAN something to your employer, and not just be a piece of paper you forget in a drawer.

I’m having issues with the words ‘home’ and ‘here’. You see, I’m even having issues when it comes to talking to someone. Not that I forgot any language mind you, but that I start speaking in Romanian to Swiss people and in French to Romanians. I also now dream in English, French and Romanian. Interesting, huh?

I find out now more and more people want to go away from my country. Why? Probably because of the crisis, the lack of jobs and opportunities, the government, etc. But also, I find about their thoughts more quickly since I am seen as ‘the one who managed to leave’ and now apparently I can give advice for some reason. I can’t say I feel this way. Sometimes, I feel much more lost than I did when I was at home, planning it all.

It is also funny when I receive emails, messages, etc. with the same message: ‘I want to come to Switzerland. I don’t know any local language, I would like to study there and get a job on the side. Could you help me?’ . Well, unfortunately, there isn’t much help I CAN give. Just tell you that you should know at least one of their languages and be prepared to sustain yourself for 6 months before you will be allowed to get a job. Swiss law, mind you. Also, bear in mind it’s not easy. Getting a place to stay is virtually impossible without a permit, and getting a permit usually requires a long term accommodation. Vicious circle if you ask me. However, a certain job offer from here usually opens all the doors, to getting an apartment, a permit and everything else. It’s just that the Swiss are a tiny bit more eager to give their own people the jobs they have, instead of immigrants. However, I do believe it is possible. Hard, but not impossible.

All in all? I miss my friends at home, my family. But this is also home. I like feeling safe on the streets, I like the nice, polite people around me, I like it that now I get to meet people from different countries, backgrounds, cultures. It’s all so different and interesting.

Oh well, I’ll keep you posted

Not that Suchard would have a factory here anymore…but the chocolate here is sooooo great. I just hope i don’t gain (too much) weight while here, because they truly have amazing chocolate goodies. Like truffles, and pralnes, and fruits and chocolate, and biscuits and syrup and hot chocolate and aaaah. I bought some truffles from Walder’s and I really, really wanted to take a picture of them so I could show it to you. Tough luck, I ate them. Not by myself, but still. I was thinking of taking a pic of the empty box, but it really looked sad.

On a different topic, i am amazed on how on time these people are. Like buses are always on time. For example, I know the bus I take to the centre of the city is always there at “something and 9″ like 8:19, 8:29,…16:49… and so forth. Never late. I get in Place Pury in like 8 minutes. And then just 2 bus stops away, the Uni. Really close. And I am supposed to live “far” from the city center.

Had a rough time with Microsoft Office for Mac. Ordered it by mistake in German. And I couldn’t believe it was ONLY in German. Nope. Can’t change the language. So I either learn German or…anybody has a good idea for language changing? Help?

Great people here. Nice, warm, friendly. All nice and blonde with blue eyes. Still amazes me how people around me all have beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair ). And they speak great French and English too, so we understand each other just fine (I hope).

All in all? Beautiful mountains, beautiful lake, not so great weather (it’s been raining for the last few days) great people and great, great chocolate. I’ll say I’m good. Hope everyone at home is good too.

Hugs!

Enjoy!