How Do You Know You're In Switzerland...

...when you

1. Are charged and taxed for garbage pick up.  Let me explain.  Swiss cities charge between 120.00 and 150.00 CHF (up to $178) a year for garbage pick up.  Plus, in order to throw out the trash, you need to buy region specific garbage bags which have a disposal-tax included .  This means that ONE garbage bag may cost between 2.00 and 3.00 CHF.  I like this because if you are required by law to pay a ridiculous amout for ONE garbage bag, I can guarantee that you will reduce, reuse, & recycle as much as possible.  And this is the kicker...the city that I live in has a weekly garbage pick up.  NOT TWICE A WEEK.  Trust me, since moving here, I have learned how to limit waste.
2. Are required as a dog owner to obtain a dog license.  And your dog is required to attend a training course with learning programs that include basic obedience exercises (like walking on a leash), socialization of the dog, and a course in town (getting on the elevator, taking the bus and train…).  And believe me, the dogs here are so pleasant.  The training is evident on the trains and in outdoor public areas.
3. Are required to get a number plate for your bicycle.
4. Pay a voluntary church tax.  NO COLLECTION PLATES HERE.  Each person's religious affiliation is documented through their state and a voluntary tax (up to 3%) is withheld from their annual income.   

This Swiss are sooo un-American.

My Long-Awaited Day Off

I've been ghost for the last few weeks... WHY?
Because of work.  I work Mon-Fri, 42.5 hours a week.  By Swiss terms this is considered working 100 percent. 
100% + long commute = tired ass.  Therefore, I'm not in the mood to write new posts on a daily and sometimes on a weekly basis.
But I do enjoy receiving emails inquiring about my life in Switzerland and your plans to visit Die Schweiz.  So keep them coming!!

Today, my husband and I hopped the fabulous Swiss train and made our way to Gornergrat, 10,000 feet above sea level.  We enjoyed our day.  It was quite warm; the sun was shining (I haven't seen the sun in days maybe weeks).  There were plenty of American tourists who made their selves known.  Many people complain about Americans traveling abroad; Americans are too loud, they complain, they dress, well, sooo American.  But it was refreshing to be amongst my people.  I say this because I am beginning to get the painful American questions at work.  Just to list a few:

• Are most Americans overweight?
• Is it true that Americans eat McDonalds for dinner?  (I find this one to be hilarious.)
• Is it true that Americans eat pizza with their hands?
• Why do Americans talk loud? 

My response to the last question was, "Maybe, because we are more outgoing and inviting.  We are not stiff and we appreciate a good time."  And the Americans I came across today proved this to be true.  They initiated conversation, asked questions, laughed, shared stories of their travels in Europe.  I loved it.  Moral of the story:  I'm American and damn it, SO WHAT!

Ciao.

Solothurn - Swiss City

A few days ago, I went for a stroll through Solothurn.  A city located a few minutes from my home.  The old town was developed in the 1500s.  It's such a beautiful city with centuries-old structures and cobblestone streets.  But I must say, at night it can be pretty frightening.  There are old statues that appear to glare at everyone who walks by; there are dark, narrow streets and passageways; and there are sounds of creeping doors and heavy footsteps.  Added to this is that the old town is quite deserted at night.

Soon, I will continue my Deutsch language lessons in Solothurn which will require me to walk through the old town after dark.  I'm not too thrilled about that. 
If I'm brave enough to stop or slow down, I will snap a few photos as proof.

Mein Gott

Upon moving to Switzerland, I immediately fell in love with the architecture.  Instead of tall buildings and skyscrapers, of which I am accustomed to, my eyes were drawn to the stunning cathedrals, churches and chapels that seem to litter every inch of this country.

Church steeples are the tallest structures in most villages, towns, and cities.  And they are everywhere.  I cannot walk more than half a mile without having the pleasure of seeing a beautiful church; many of which were built centuries ago, and suitable to Swiss fashion, many of the church bells ring every 15 minutes.  (The Swiss truly value time)

Being able to look in every direction and see such beauty makes me believe I'm in heaven.

Beautiful Switzerland!

  

 

Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland

Solothurn, Switzerland

The old town, which was built in the 16th century, is less than one mile wide, but has 11 churches/ chapels.