Dear Mom,

Since I decided to make Switzerland my home nearly two decades ago, you and I have unfortunately not been able to spend a whole lot of quality time together.

We are victims of geography, so to speak.

So this week, when you told me that you will be coming all the way from California to spend a couple of weeks with me this summer, you can bet that I was pretty happy to hear the news.

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During a weekend visit to Zurich a few weeks ago, my cousin made a comment about how green the city is: trees, flowers, potted plants, grassy lawns, woods, and yes, even the occasional weed, overlooked by the city’s diligent gardeners.

She also pointed out the fact that even on one of Zurich’s most famous and busiest streets, the Bahnhofstrasse, you can find large trees providing shade for the throngs of shoppers, tourists and bankers that march up and down the road each and every day. (more…)

Dear Switzerland,

It’s that time of year again. The time when I will request a C-Permit. Again. (more…)

I’ve only been die Mom for six months now, but if you’re like me, below are nine things you’ll notice as an American mom in Switzerland:

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Whenever I visit the US (where I am from), friends and family always want to know how much longer I am going to be living in Switzerland.

The original answer was three years. But now, almost six years later, there is no answer.

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Naturally, as an expat in Switzerland, I have given serious thought to the state of my apartment should someone with Swiss nationality stop by.

Like what if the authorities finally decide I’m worthy of a C-permit? Or my neighbour determines my gutter needs to be shined again? Or the Billag guy wants to see the clock radio that wakes me every morning with its static? What will I do then? (more…)