So I thought that title might catch your attention. Why is an American who lives in Italy joining a Switzerland forum? Well my name is Allie and I have only been living in Italy for 2 and a half months, and yet I have already been to Switzerland 4 times (5 if you count my layover in Zürich airport, lol). I have been to Zürich, Lucerne, Olten, Bern, Thun, Spiez, but spend most of my time in the Interlaken area. I basically feel in love once I went there and vow to live there someday. Since from where I live in Italy it is only a 5 hour train ride or 8 hour bus ride, I will be spending ample time in Interlaken for the next few years until I finish university in Italy and decide where to go from there.

I am also a bit adventurous and trying my best at learning a bit of Berndeutsch/Bärndutsch, and I do know some basic phrases, as well as some basic phrases in German. I have even started my own blog about it

So I guess I decided to join this form to get some ideas on how to maybe get a seasonal job when not in school, to meet new people, and really just to inform myself more about life in CH. I have already learned a lot from this forum, and have found people I know post on here too, ha!

Welcome to the forum. Which part of Italy do you reside in presently ? Lombardy probably is my guess.

Welcome from another American!!

All good, except for Interlaken...my least favorite place in Switzerland

Actually I live in Florence, although I just went to Milan for the first time on my spring break (this past week) and it was gorgeous! (Also went through Austria and Switzerland of course backpacking)

awwww thats upsetting. Where there a specific place in Interlaken, or just the area in general? Interlaken bei Matten is like my home away from home! Although I do admit I think that Thun was probably my favourite place, it was quite similar to Lucerne but a lot more "homey" feeling. Zürich was great, but I am not a city person... plus I love snowboarding and the mountains

I do love the mountains around Interlaken, I just find the town of Interlaken pretty charmless by Swiss standards, especially in the summer when it is loaded with tourists. Some people love it, though.

AH yeah I understand, I feel the same way about Florence with all the tourists. Although I have yet to see Interlaken with all the tourists so i guess we will see when summer comes...

to the EF, fellow lover of Switzerland!

Let me gently suggest that there is, in fact, far more to Switzerland than any one town or area. Explore!!!!

I have my own favorite place, Évolène in the Val d'Herens, which I visit on every trip to Switzerland. But I also visit other areas, "something old, something new" on every trip.

And, come to think of it, you might well want to explore the Italian side of the spectacular mountains that separate the two countries.

I have to agree, not a fan of Interlaken. I'd much rather be in Florence. But diversity makes the world go round!

You won't be able to work without the proper authorization, permits.

Welcome to the forum.

Oh most definitely. I would like to go to Basel, and would love to go to St. Moritz (I really want to see what the Romansh language and culture is like, I took a bit of latin but I severely doubt that will help at all, lol.) Of course Geneva is a must and going to places like Lugano would make an interesting comparison to living in Italy.

I should be going back 21st of April... which is primarily to see my friend in Thun and Interlaken, but I do want to visit this place which now I cannot think of the name, this museum type thing where there is an exhibit for each kanton in switzerland, like the exhibit is in the shape of the kanton, its just outside of interlaken....

anyways I wonder where I should stop by this trip... maybe Lugano since it is kinda on the way....