Okay, so maybe this move to Switzerland could have been smoother. But honestly now, does any of it really matter? There are people out there with real problems, so today I’m all about being grateful for what’s right in my new corner of the world.
Sure, our apartment is small and apparently lacking in any kind of soundproofing, but with windows grand in scale and many in number, it’s filled with Swiss sunshine (same as Canadian sunshine only more expensive). And yes, the bathroom is small but the water pressure is strong enough to blast the grit and grime right off me. I’ve decided that will compensate for the pink tiles, however the one toilet issue remains an ever present threat to the marriage.
The whined about cuisine is finally finished and it scores a 10 on the snazzy scale—granite counters, shiny new Miele appliances, a swanky sink with sprayer and integrated soap dispenser, even a utility cupboard with a built in thingy for vacuum storage. It’s all very high-end, so I’ll probably forgive the landlord for making me wait for it. The washer and dryer are stacked in a corner in there as well, which means for once in my life I will be required to enter this strange and magical place called … kitchen.
So far, 700 square feet seems to be holding one giraffe and one Big Red with minimal bloodshed but to be fair these are early days. What our apartment here on Avenue de La Paix (from this day forward to be called the Peace Palace) lacks in space, it more than makes up for in location. There are two fantastic grocery stores, an absolutely beautiful pharmacy, a promising looking gym and physiotherapy clinic, the previously mentioned Chinese restaurant, several bakeries, a train station, a post office, and a lake called Geneva all within a 5 minute walk from our front door. And a mere 20 minute lakeside stroll away, the gorgeous market and all the shops and services of Vevey, including a swishy Swiss department store, are found in fine form.
In fact, there are endless petite perks here at the Palace. The cable TV brings not only football (for hooligan husband) but also a vast number of music stations (for anti-hooligan wife) and the internet is lightning fast compared to the ‘speed’ of connectivity in Semur. Also, I’ve graduated from a tiny deskette squeezed on a landing to a substantial desk in a sunny corner of the living room. Of course my story is that I’m a fancy-pants published author deserving of a proper space for her craft. The fact that Neil’s office is far too small to house the gorgeous desk for grown-ups is totally beside the point.
But my friends I’ve saved the best for last. For those who’ve read the blook: anyone remember the the last line? For those who haven’t bought a copy, Christ almighty, just do it already. This freeloading lifestyle of mine isn’t going to pay for itself. Anyway, if you remember the missing ingredient for a joyful life, there are two plastic containers in my fridge, two tiny pots that complete me. Sour cream. Switzerland, you had me at hello.
What town are you in?
I went to school in Versoix — close?
I’m in La Tour-de-Peilz between Vevey and Montreux. Versoix looks to be about an hour away.
“Of course my story is that I’m a fancy-pants published author deserving of a proper space for her craft.”
You are a fancy-pants published author.
Oh yeah. Everybody remember that the next time I totally humiliate myself.
But if everything was perfect in your life – what on earth would you write about?
I can just imagine the sun pouring through your windows, making everything right. Looking forward to hearing about all your new adventures.
Thanks MSB, I’m sure there will be a few!
Expensive Sunshine sounds like the title of a piece of concept art.
Glad you’re settled in nice and cozy for your first Winter in Switzerland. I hear the snow there costs 3,000 Euros a square meter but everybody says it’s worth it.
Indeed it does, I’ll get on that right away.
Sour cream, Miele appliances AND a Chinese restaurant? I don’t think any of us are going to feel sorry for you now. ;) Enjoy the good moments, Bobbi! And here’s to smoother sailing ahead.
I know! Lots of apartments here, even the low end ones, have upscale kitchens. Neil is digging that!
You had me at integrated soap dispenser.
It’s the only thing in there I know how to work.
I’m half way through your great book, so I’ve contributed my part to your loafing life style, and I’m hoping some of it will rub off on me.
Since you are a doctor, you may want to read my post about what this adorable but pathetic patient endured.
http://www.AFrenchOpportunity.com
Debbie Ambrous
Thanks Debbie!
I’m a visual person—need some snaps of this wondrous place–te-he. Enjoy, it sounds fabulous!!
Oh we’ll try and rustle up a photo or two ;)
It sounds perfect to me. I love the Ikea demo suites of a compact apartment. What I learned on the Camino is carry a small pack. A small home in a beautiful place, lovely!!
Less is more dear Arlene!
I have just finished reading your book and really,really enjoyed it. I am from New Brunswick, Canada and went on a hiking trip in Newfoundland in August. Bought your book while there. You are a great read and I am looking forward to reading your blogs.
Wow! Can’t wait to see some snaps as well! Especially of your new watering hole and snow on them yonder hills.
Finally, we fellow Canadians found and bought a copy of your book to take with us on our first overseas trip ever. We brought too much luggage, but dragged our arses and your book through Dublin, Belfast and London. It’s true we never did take the picture with it as planned at Carrick-A-Read Rope Bridge on the Antrim Coast (alias I-Be-A Crappin’ Bridge) because my legs were shaking too badly, but while reading it on our long, return trip it kept me sane, Bobbi, even if I didn’t sound it – cackling like a madwoman….thank you for that. PS – so glad you got your sour cream.
Thank you Katie! Glad you enjoyed it.