Arrival and the Start of the Adventure with Surprises!

Today was my first day in my new home in Davos, Switzerland.  While I am still feeling the effects of jet-lag, nothing could stop me from beginning my exploration of my new surroundings.

Refrigerator and Counter

Stove and Dishwasher

My apartment is so sweet.  Have you ever watched the HGTV show, House Hunters International?  If you have, you have seen European kitchens - compared to American kitchens, they are small.  You also have seen where in some locations in Europe the kitchen,  all the cabinets and appliances are NOT included in the rental.  I know, that fact seems quite weird to the American mindset, but it happens here.  I am SO lucky that my apartment is fully equipped!!!  Small as it is, is has everything I need.  There is a lot of counter space, a dishwasher, 3 burner stove, convection oven and refrigerator  There is no microwave.  Apparently in Switzerland, microwaves are not used often and not included in most apartments.  But that is OK, as I rarely used mine except to thaw frozen food. 

Morning Yoga Views

On my first morning, I opened my yoga mat.  Facing the massive windows, with spectacular views of the Alps, I began my yoga practice.  What a great feeling!  See how low the clouds hang?  They are covering over the tops of the mountains on the opposite side of the valley.  Davos is already located a mile high and the mountain tops are even higher!  Our apartment is on the 8th floor of an apartment building, the top floor.  When I learned that we were on the top floor, I humorously called our apartment The Penthouse.  There are 4 other apartments up here, but ours has the best views.  The windows double as sliding glass doors and there is a balcony that runs the length of the windows.

After finishing yoga, I set out to explore and meet Ray for lunch.  We ate at the famous coffee house, Kaffeeklatsch.  KaffeeKlatsch is known for having the best coffee in the world.  We started talking with the server, who spoke perfect English.  Her sister lives in Colorado Springs, working with the Olympics as a nutritionist.  She recognized Ray as someone she had seen in Kaffeeklatsch before.  Ray said that he HAD been there the previous week.

KaffeeKlatsch Apple Cake

She asked if we were vacationing in Davos and we said no that we were going to live there for a year.  

Then when we finished our delicious meal she brought over a gift: a Swiss Apple Cake!   With a chocolate Welcome!! 

She said she was welcoming us to Davos!!!  What a delightful surprise.  

So, now it is time to make dinner.  One of the nuances I am experiencing is looking at the clock and realizing the vast difference in time zones we are in.  As I awake in the morning, my friends in the states may be just going to sleep.  And when I am finished with my day, they are still deep within the middle of theirs.  I feel as though I am ahead of them, as there is a 6 hour time difference, with the sun rising in Switzerland long before it shines on the US.  Even though I know it is all relative and none of it matters, it is a strange sensation of being out of sync.  And realizing at the same time that we are all together on this one planet, enjoying life at the same time.

Bis folgendes Mal Tschüss! (until next time, bye!)

Marybeth

PS I love to hear from you.  Do you have a question or comment?  Is there some aspect of travel, Switzerland or living abroad that tickles you?  I am so happy to correspond with you.  Share your thoughts in the 'Comment' block and I promise to respond.

Counting the Days

Yes, I am counting the days until I am actually in Davos.  On Monday, August 26, I will awaken in my new home in Switzerland.  While it has taken months to complete all the details of my arrival in Switzerland, I am in the final moments before my departure.  Now there are so many good-byes.  It has taken leaving the place I have lived in for the past 28 years to realize the love I feel for this place and most importantly, the love that I feel for all the people I have come to know.

There have been so many "Good-Byes."

There have been 'Good-bye Parties, Lunches and Dinners', good bye waves from the man who I meet each time I walk Indy,  good-byes and warm wishes from colleagues and friends.  

Scarf from Joyce!

Then last night my dear neighbor, Joyce came over to say Good-bye.  She arrived bearing gifts!  I have been thinking I would like to buy a scarf, one of those scarves that are in a loop instead of one long piece of material that you wrap around your neck.  The ends of these scarves are sewn together to create a circle.  Well, I never bought one, but I wished I had.  Joyce's going away gift was 2 scarves and one was a 'circle scarf'!  Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes...it was like a little miracle.  Joyce brings me the kind of scarf I wanted to buy, but didn't.   Magic moments.  

Full Moon Over Davos

So now I prepare for the magic moments that await me in Davos.  Moments like seeing a full moon shining it's glow through the clouds, illuminating the outline of the Alps.  Here is a picture of that full moon taken by Ray from the balcony of our apartment.  I look at this moon and realize it's the same moon that shines it's light on everyone on earth;  all my friends here in the states and all the new friends I will meet in Switzerland.  

While I am filled with gratitude for all the expressions of love shown me as I leave, I feel deep appreciation for what I will experience in Davos - and beyond, for who knows what adventures I will have, or who I will meet, or where I will go.  How can I feel sad and excited at the same time?  Easy, when there is so much love, everywhere I look.

Bis zum nächsten Mal., auf Wiedersehen (until next time, good-bye)

Marybeth

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

A view from an Alps hike

Indy

Ever feel like you are taking two steps forward and one step back?

Well, I have lately.  There have been delays in my departure to Switzerland.  Yes, that's correct: my departure.  Ray left two weeks ago.  The details of the job became unclear and we were unsure it would even happen.  Ray's entrance visa (something you need when you intend to work in Switzerland) was about to expire. He had to enter Switzerland by July 31 or risk starting the entire process of obtaining a new entrance visa all over again. So, he had to go.  And I remained in the states, holding down the fort, waiting for word that the entire adventure was still 'on'.

Three days ago, we received the official word: the one-year commitment was received!!  Now I am readying the house, cars and doggie, Indy for our adventure.  No, Indy is not coming with us.  He will go on a doggie adventure, and live in Maryland with my sister-in-law!

A serene pathway

So, while Ray has been in Switzerland for the past 2 weeks (!), he has been working, learning where the shops and restaurants are and going on 3 and 4 hour hikes in the Alps!  Wow.  Included here are some pics he took while on some of his walks.

Wondering what will happen with my house?  My girlfriend is going to live in it!  What a gift that is.  And our cars?  We sold one and the other will be driven to NJ and rest in my brothers driveway for a year.  Now there's lots for me to do to get ready, and I am so excited!

I have to be honest though, sometimes I feel a little anxious.  Why?  Have you ever heard a voice in your head that tells you things you don't want to hear?  I do.  Right now mine is telling me that there won't be anyone there I will know.  True, except for Ray.  That I don't speak the language.  True.  That I won't know how to fill my day.  True.  That I will be lonely.  That one feels true.  Overwhelming heavy, negative thoughts that float through my head. I am learning to allow that voice to have its say and offer the reply, "Thank you for sharing."  I am determined to listen to the other voice.  The one that says, "All is well, Marybeth.  Nothing stands in the way of a joyful, uplifting, abundantly inspire-filled experience except your focus on the lack of it."

Everything, and I mean everything has worked out in miraculous ways.  Why would that stop now?  The answer is: it won't, unless I stop it with my thoughts of something less than that.

So, today I am cleaning out my kitchen in preparation for it's new occupant.  Then I pack!  ...for a year!  What on earth do you bring to Switzerland? <grin>

Until next time: Auf Wiedersehen (see!  I'm learning!)

Love and hugs,

Marybeth