Say What?! 8 Unexpected Aspects of Swiss Life

Say What?! 8 Unexpected Aspects of Swiss Life

Alex
Life in Zurich

As we are approaching our one-year anniversary in July (“expatversary,” if you will), I started thinking about all of the things that really surprised me when we first moved to Switzerland. It’s actually a bit funny writing these out now, because as we have adapted to the Swiss lifestyle, we’ve simply gotten used to most of these things as a way of life. I’ve written about my unexpected favorites, things Switzerland does well, and things they could work on, so this list is a new mix of all three. Some affect my daily life, some don’t, some things I love and some still leave me a bit bewildered, but they all contradicted a previously held notion in some way.

Part 1 - Truffles in Tiny Towns: Istria, Croatia

Part 1 - Truffles in Tiny Towns: Istria, Croatia

Alex
Travels Elsewhere

I’m not sure if Istria is one of the “best-kept secrets” in the country, but I had certainly never heard about this region before planning our trip. And even then, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Previously, when I thought of Croatia, a couple standard things came to mind: Dubrovnik, the blue blue blue water of the Adriatic, and Plitvice National Park with all it’s waterfalls. Northern Croatia never really even crossed my mind. But I am so, so happy we made it there.

What I've Read: Spring 2019

What I've Read: Spring 2019

Alex
Other Stories

For this season of book reviews, I mixed things up a little bit: There was a compelling nonfiction, a memoir of personal challenge and triumph, a fiction book written like a documentary, a break-your-heart-wide-open book (there needed to be at least one), a though-provoking slow burn novel, a book from an old favorite author, and a book from a new favorite author. They weren’t all great, but this list is certainly the most varied. A book here for everyone!

How to Say Hello in Swiss German

How to Say Hello in Swiss German

Alex
Life in Zurich

I’m at the point. THE point. If you’ve learned a foreign language, you know this point. The point when you can understand much more than you have the ability to speak. Even if I don’t recognize every word of German that is spoken, I can generally understand the comprehensive meaning of what was said. However, when I’m left to my own devices to reproduce the words, I’m at a loss. Ugh. Welcome to phase two.

A City in the Alps: Innsbruck, Austria

A City in the Alps: Innsbruck, Austria

Alex
Travels Elsewhere

From here on out, whenever I hear the phrase, “a city nestled in the Alps,” I will always think of Innsbruck. You hear that phrase a lot, mostly in travel writing, especially in articles about Switzerland or Austria. But if there was ever a place that accurately embodies this phrase, Innsbruck is it.

The Surprising World of Swiss Apartment Life

The Surprising World of Swiss Apartment Life

Alex
Life in Zurich

Apartment living can sometimes be more than just a place to lay your head and store your things: it can be an adventure in of itself. I have such fond memories of every place I’ve lived, and in some ways, each one has become a framework of that specific stage of my life. That apartment, this neighborhood, that landlord, this roommate. Each apartment comes with it’s own quicks, intricacies, and sometimes, a mirror to reflect the culture of the city itself. Swiss apartments, in this way, are no different.

Bavaria, Biers, Brats: Nuremberg, Germany

Bavaria, Biers, Brats: Nuremberg, Germany

Alex
Travels Elsewhere

Nuremberg. Famous (more like infamous) for yes, the WWII war crimes tribunals and hosting massive Nazi party rallies, but also more breweries per square capita than anywhere else, a charming medieval old town, teeny tiny little sausages, and an area literally named after Switzerland (Franconia Switzerland) because it, well, looks just like Switzerland.

By Women, About Women: Books for Women's History Month

By Women, About Women: Books for Women's History Month

Alex
Other Stories

I’ve always believed that books are one of our strongest and most important tools to generate knowledge and change. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are 10 standout books, by women from across the world, all different sizes, shapes, colors, and identities. Hopefully, reading one (or all!) of these authors will strengthen the collective voices of women, and serve to educate us all. Happy reading!

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