Thank you for writing a compelling topic, because when Americans go to Switzerland or New Zealand, we are enamoured and often dream of moving there! We were in the Graubünden and Valais for a few weeks this August and of course, loved it. A few thoughts:
1) We can't move there. They want our money and us, but only temporarily. We did have lunch with friends who pulled it off - Permanent Residency - but they projected it for 15 years.
2) I also have two friends who are native Swiss and left - it seems the culture was stifling for them.
3) The Swiss take pride in their engineering - my brilliant plan was to give away all my posssessions, become a homeless person, and just live on the super-comfortable swiss trains.
4) Fully agreed on the Engadin - we were there for 8 days and it was much quieter than many areas in the Valais or Oberland (not to mention Chamonix). And excellent SUPing on the lakes!
5) We're thinking of renting an AirBnB somewhere in the upper Rhone next summer, like Brig or Visp. The trains are so good one can go anywhere and back in a day.
6) The Swiss mostly adhere to a concept called the "Common Good". This to me is as impressive as their mountains - if a policy is good for the whole country, they support it - it's not me-me-me. Many people (not all) are happy to pay taxes because it improves their country. This is in very sharp contrast to the US.
It does look and sound like heaven on earth. I can't wait to hike in Switzerland.
Ok. Fess up. The Switzerland Tourism Board paid you for this post, right? ;-) Sounds wonderful!
Beautiful descriptions, as only you, who personally experience the depths of meaning, can do.
It sounds like it was truly a perfect day!
Thank you for writing a compelling topic, because when Americans go to Switzerland or New Zealand, we are enamoured and often dream of moving there! We were in the Graubünden and Valais for a few weeks this August and of course, loved it. A few thoughts:
1) We can't move there. They want our money and us, but only temporarily. We did have lunch with friends who pulled it off - Permanent Residency - but they projected it for 15 years.
2) I also have two friends who are native Swiss and left - it seems the culture was stifling for them.
3) The Swiss take pride in their engineering - my brilliant plan was to give away all my posssessions, become a homeless person, and just live on the super-comfortable swiss trains.
4) Fully agreed on the Engadin - we were there for 8 days and it was much quieter than many areas in the Valais or Oberland (not to mention Chamonix). And excellent SUPing on the lakes!
5) We're thinking of renting an AirBnB somewhere in the upper Rhone next summer, like Brig or Visp. The trains are so good one can go anywhere and back in a day.
6) The Swiss mostly adhere to a concept called the "Common Good". This to me is as impressive as their mountains - if a policy is good for the whole country, they support it - it's not me-me-me. Many people (not all) are happy to pay taxes because it improves their country. This is in very sharp contrast to the US.
Maybe see you there next year!
Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter! I do hope our paths cross next year.
1.) You are correct. I have one leg in because I am married to a Swiss citizen, but it’s still a big process and not a guarantee even if I apply.
2.) I have heard the culture can be difficult to deal with — rigid, lots of rules, xenophobic, etc. I’ve not had to deal too much with this yet.
3.) Swiss engineering is incredible. There are so many bridges over trails that seem to be built just because they could.
4.) Love the Engadin. I was impressed with all of the windsurfers on those frigid lakes.
5.) Valais is my favorite part of Switzerland. We spent more time in the upper Rhone last summer, it’s a great spot.
6.) Agreed! Thanks for your comments.