Our Arrival in Switzerland

First and foremost, I am extremely glad that we brought a 2-year supply of deodorant from the US. Antiperspirant really does make a big difference. I'm also glad that I brought a whole lotta everything with us for that matter- they weren't kidding when they said it was expensive here.

With that said, we love Switzerland! I know we have only been here 5 days, so it is way too early for such statements, but so far, so good. I didn't expect the kids to adjust to the jet lag and upheaval of their lives so quickly, but by day 3 they were back to their routines. They have been such troopers and it really has made this transition go smoothly.

How was the flight over here? It really could have been worse. We flew out of Philadelphia on an 8 hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. The boys slept a little, but mostly just watched movies. They didn't complain, and neither did we. By hour 4 Afton was irritable and ready for bed, and after several failed attempts to get her asleep in his arms, Andrew finally laid her on the floor where she slept for at least 2 1/2 hours. This was actually suggested by one of the flight attendants, who were awesome! You can tell that almost anything goes on international flights. I also decided that Frankfurt is the worst airport I've ever been to- I've never walked up and down so many stairs. Sam was in tears, and at one point I really thought we were going to have to leave him behind while trying to catch our connecting flight to Basel.

The kids playing with their new Playmobil toys at the Philadelphia airport.

At any rate, we survived, and with the help of a relocation agency we made it to our temporary apartment. It's a nice little place- even if everything is white with straight edges. I kind of feel like we are living in an Ikea catalog. We do have a really large balcony which I love- it's been fun eating our meals out there.

Waiting for our landlord to arrive with all 8 bags of our luggage.

Ikea everywhere!

The boys eating on the balcony.

Our car has arrived in Switzerland, but we don't plan on getting it until we move into our "permanent" house (we won't get the rest of our belongings until then either). Instead we've been taking the tram everywhere. It's extremely efficient (most things in this country are), and convenient to use. It has also proven to be a great way to practice the few phrases of Swiss-German that I know. This includes, "Do you speak English?" and "I do not speak Swiss-German".

Here are a few of the random observations I have made so far:

• Basel has perfect weather (at least in August)- it has been 80 degrees, and sunny with no humidity.
• There are NO flies or mosquitoes here. NONE! I wouldn't believe this, but no one has screens in their windows, and there is no bug problem.
  
• Despite what we heard and expected, the Swiss people have been very friendly. They are definitely more reserved, but most of the people we have encountered have been encouraging and helpful.
  
• Middle-aged men love capris and "man bags". Is this a European thing?
• The cheese and chocolate selection really is amazing. In fact, when I was grocery shopping the only cheese I recognized was mozzarella. It was a little frustrating.

I know there is a lot more, but it was a long day with lots of walking and now I am tired. I leave you with some pictures we've taken to try and capture our new life here.

Andrew in front of his new work building- The Bank for International Settlements. I think that this building is hideous, but Andrew and Sam think that it is an architectural gem.

This is the view from the bridge we cross to get to our apartment. We are just a couple of blocks away from the river. Andrew and the boys took the little ferry you see crossing the river.

Luke and Andrew on the tram.

Eating at some middle-eastern restaurant. I love all of the outdoor eating areas for the cafes and restaurants.

Look at these narrow streets. I mus have been out-of-my-mind to bring my minivan here. I might be too afraid to drive it once I get it back!

The bakery at the grocery store....aghhh, pastries.

This is a village called Aesch. Andrew really would like to live here (I previously did too), but after spending a few hours in it, I decided it was too quiet. It is beautiful and charming, but I don't want to feel so isolated. We are now looking in the next village up called Reinach. It is a little bigger and has a ton of ex-pats living in it (the International School is close by). We have a viewing of a townhouse there on Tuesday which we are hoping will be as nice inside as it is on the outside. We shall see.