So far, my experience says it's possible. I go to the restaurant and go sit on a stammtisch if we knew anyone sitting there. I'd drop by a friend's house Saturday's for lunch if I feel like it (according to the rule of "planned spontaneity" since Saturday lunch at a friend's house is declared as open house day), Swiss friends drop by the house for apero. After such a "surprise visit" (still on the "planned spontaneity" rule since polite friends visit after work, sunday brunch time etc.) with an empty fridge, I've made sure I've stocked up on drinks and party snacks. Basically we run on a semi-open house mode.

Perhaps all these are possible because:

• My partner is Swiss and it does not hurt that he owns a local shop and his family was active in local politics

• I learned the language (6 months intensive private lessons and Schweizer deutsch in daily conversation)

• I patronized local shops (metzgerei, cheese shop, deli, etc.) and am now on "Hoi" level with some of them.

• I live in a small town. City and town people are different.

Of course I don't have it easy as it sounds, I'm Asian living in one of the most traditional/conservative communities than most [think landsgemeinde and the last canton to allow women voting rights].

The suggestions of joining local clubs is an excellent idea. A friend's parents (Italian immigrants) joined a lot of local clubs and were well integrated. To feel part of the community, one has to participate.

Cheers,

E.