First Impressions + First week

Now that I've lived here for about a week, I feel it appropriate to give my point of view of Switzerland. At a glance, everything I'd thought when I heard the word "Switzerland" was true. As soon as I stepped off the plane into Geneva I saw watch and chocolate adds :)

Chocolate

The Swiss are very proud of their chocolate. I don't think I understood the gravity of this statement until I actually went grocery shopping and found myself standing in the chocolate aisle (yes, an entire aisle dedicated to this delicious treat) for about 10 minutes deciding on what kind and what brand of chocolate I wanted. I haven't even set foot in an actual Chocolatier yet!

Watches

So far I don't have much to comment on this because I haven't been able to actually LOOK at watches yet. The bit I did see, however, blew my mind. Which brings me to my next observation...

Switzerland is Expensive.

Okay, I heard this one a million times before I left Houston- but it's not quite the same until you experience it for yourself. I knew what I was getting into, but I have to admit I wasn't prepared for the prices I see now. From what I've seen, clothing, and rent are almost the same as the United States: it just depends on where you go or where you live. It is possible to find an inexpensive place to live if you're willing to be a bit off the beaten path. The main thing that bothers me is the price of food. I have a hard time justifying 10-12 Swiss Francs (about $9/$10) for a half gallon of ice cream. I just can't do it no matter how much I love the stuff. I am definitely learning to become a thrifty shopper.

First Week

So far, my first week in Switzerland has been great! There are a few things I need to get use to though. The first one being that everything closes early and nothing is open on Sunday. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this. My first Sunday here I managed to find a tiny shop that sold various food items (nothing expansive like a grocery store, but the food got me through the day). The store also sold "Taxcards", a card that you can use for a pay phone so you don't spend an arm and a leg calling your mom and boyfriend back home :)

Finding out the name of this card was one of the more frustrating things I've been through so far. I must have asked at least 5 different people (in 5 different ways) where I could buy a phone card. None of them knew what the heck I was talking about. The closest I got to someone understanding me was when I accidentally asked for "une carte de mobile" meaning a pre-paid minute card for a cell phone. When I finally managed to explain what I was really looking for, the owner told me they didn't have what I needed. Fed up and frustrated, I decided to just use my debit card to call home. It was in the phone booth that I discovered what I needed was a "Taxcard".

People and "Les Draguers" aka the guys who try to pick up chicks

The people I've encountered in Switzerland have been extremely nice. No one has copped an attitude with me (a stereotypical trait of French speakers- also not true from my experience) and most people seem willing to help. There are those of course, who like to help a little... too much.

I am referring to "les draguers" (translated as "flirts" I guess). I'm currently trying to train myself to not let my eyes wander while I'm walking down the street. When it does happen (while I'm looking for something usually), I meet the eyes of a guy who thinks I'm trying to pick him up. Some take this as an invitation to start talking to me (or in one case, yelling at me from a balcony). Of course not all European men are like this, and this has only happened to me maybe 2 or 3 times since I've been here. There was one time when I sneezed while walking down the street and a guy, who was in his car with his windows rolled down, yelled "Santé!" (God Bless you) to me. I actually found this to be pretty amusing and told him thank you. :)

Institut Richelieu

My class at Institut Richelieu has been pretty intense- but in a good way. I feel like I'm learning French very thoroughly, which is exactly what I need. The professor can be a little much at times (because she talks and talks and talks and talks), but she's very helpful.

My classmates are also very nice. I haven't been able to hang out with any of them on a one on one level though. Hopefully that will change. A few of them are married (and seem to hang out with each other and their husbands), while others have jobs right after class.

Planète Bleue

This is where I've made most of my friends so far. I adore my roommates. I live with two guys from Turkey, Elnour and Ibrahim, as well as a girl from Spain, Susana. I hang out with Susana the most, but from time to time I hang out with Elnour and Ibrahim :) There are other people at Planète Bleue I've hung out with as well, but I tend to be around my roommates the most.

Welp, it's time for bed on my end- I hope this finds everyone well :)