| Hi from Bäch
Hi everyone,
When I first came to Switzerland, there was no such thing as English Forum or internet. My new employer, an older dentist, met me at the airport, and took me to a room, where I was to live. From that point on, I was on my own! It took years before I even realized there existed things like American Club or International Schools. Talk about GREEN....I had never seen a passport or known anyone who had! Plus, my high heels, leather pants and strawberry blond hair certainly stood out! I just kept wondering what all those men wanted, as I was a "nice" girl from West Texas, coming to Switzerland to work! Something told me they did not think my profession was dental hygiene.... Oh, my!
During that famous year, I did meet a very nice patient, who happened to have a French mother, so he thought all my glamour was normal. He invited me home for dinner and I fell in love; with his mom! After our wedding, we lived in a tiny village, outside of Baden, where I walked to the farmers for milk each day. I still did not know about the internationals in Zürich. After the birth of our second child, my husband was transferred to Barcelona. I thought I was a COMPLETE idiot, as I did not understand their Spanish (which was Catalan). We had another surprise baby (gosh...birth control..?) and moved to Madrid. The Spanish improved (Castellano) and I discovered a strange entity called the American School. I shall not forget how I felt the first day, as I stood by the gate and heard other Americans....How could it be? Well, new chapter....called expat life...
Later we moved to Mexico City, which I LOVED and then to Lisbon, which I also LOVED....The houses and "service" were incredible, as well as all the perks of expat life. Life was good. Then, my husband was made redundant and we moved out of the villa.
Since returning to Switzerland and non-expat life, nine years ago, there has not been much time to join clubs or socialize. We entered into the normal work force and the full time endeavor to continue with the international education of our children. It seems to be a job, without end, as two are now in university in USA and one continues locally in a private school. The last is learning disabled, which is a whole story in itself. Whew...!
Fortunately, all along, I worked in the various locations. One can say; I learned the languages "through the teeth". I actually loved it and discovered my passion, which is promoting preventive dental health. I feel pretty lucky, as many of my peers suffer from mid-life crisis and empty nest syndrome. Not me....I am glad to have my profession.
Anyway, you now have far too much information and are probably wondering why this woman is going on and on. I imagine my journey is not unlike many of yours. Isn't it incredible to be able to connect like this, via a great site, like the English Forum. Well done!
Thanks for listening! Looking forward to hearing from you.
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