What Smokey Said ??!!

Newsflash...I am no longer a part of the working force.  I have been fired.  Why?  Denn ich bin schwanger -Because I am pregnant. The separation letter states it loud and clear - Reason for Termination : Pregnancy.

You see, in Switzerland, many contractual requirements include a three months probationary period, in which, you can be terminated for any reason.  Well since this was a new job and I only worked for a few weeks before being placed on sick leave - it was bound to happen. So about five weeks into my sick leave I got the call, "Sorry, but we have to let you go!"

But I'm cool.  In Switzerland, it's pretty typical for women not to work during the pregnancy and for quite some time after the birth. 

BABY COUNTDOWN: 2 month 27 days 

Caio.

Only in Switzerland #1

It's pretty common to see this is Switzerland when we're lucky enough to have hot weather.

Check out the opened back door.  The car was unoccupied for hours.

Some Swiss don't have any qualms leaving their car doors not only unlocked, but opened to ensure their dogs get sufficient air.  I've seen this on occassion in several parking lots.  And my husband laughs every time I lock the door within seconds after entering the car.I can't help it...30+ years of programming.

Only in Switzerland can someone leave their car unattended with an opened door!

I'm Over This

INCONSIDERATE SWISS SMOKERS!
Moving to a new country means falling in love with a new way of life.  It can also mean, missing the little things... like designated smoking areas.  You see, many Swiss people smoke and without designated smoking areas it can be hell.  Hell for people like me; a nonsmoker who despises cigarette smoke.

In Switzerland, smokers have no qualms lighting up in shared areas...bus stops, train stations, outdoor cafes, park benches, lakefront picnic areas... If there is a crowd, large or small, you can guarantee several people will light up without consideration of the people around them.  Smokers in Switzerland don't care if the person next to them is a baby in a stroller or a fetus in a uterus; a crowd of spectators or a crowded outdoor market. They will smoke anywhere.  I'm over this!

FYI- It has only been one year since a nationwide smoking ban prohibiting smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, cinemas, and schools (YES, SCHOOLS) has been in effect.   

• Crazy is walking past a school and witnessing teachers and students gathered together smoking outside of the building.
• Crazy is having people light up two inches from you at a bus stop. 
• Crazy is having people blow cigarette smoke in your face while you order a sandwich from an outdoor sandwich stand. 

Caio.

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.

Doing Time...Swiss Style

No, these are not the offices of the international research centers nor the private sector science and technology corporations that the Swiss are widely recognized for...these are state prisons. Yes, violent (and non-violent) criminals reside in these plush, modern dwellings that only the Swiss tax payer will approve of.

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world (can't you tell by the pictures). I remember when I first realized how safe Switzerland is...I was walking to the train station after dark in the winter with my hood on...meaning I didn't have peripheral vision. I would have never done that in the states.

Would You Like Fries With That...GUN!

Check out what I came across at a Mickey D's. This was not the first time I witnessed a person carrying a gun in public in Der Schweiz (Switzerland).

The Swiss Army!

Yes, Switzerland is neutral, but they still don't mess around. Men are required to do military service at the age of 19 for 21 weeks of basic training. They take part in mandatory military training, and are considered "soldiers" from the age of 19 to 34. Meaning...if shit pops off, all men aged 19-34 are drafted. After training, as part of their militia obligations, they are required to keep their weapons at home. Switzerland has one of the highest militia gun ownership rates in the world.

Don't fuck with the Swiss!