We're here!

Greetings from Switzerland!  It's been a long time coming, but we are happy to say that we are now living in a house after 6 weeks on the road.  We had a wonderful summer vacation filled with family time.  Although it was Bob's sabbatical from work, it was really all about having fun with the kids!

We have been in our new country 10 days and are already starting to get a routine in place.  The learning curve is steep -  basic things that we took for granted in the U.S. are a challenge now.  Like figuring out post offices.  And recycling -- I'm still working on that one.

My Mom was with us for a week to help us get settled, and just left today.  It was such a help to have someone around to keep the boys busy if need be while I did errands or unpacked.  She really helped transition our new house into a home.  We were very sad to see her leave.

Aside from unpacking, we're also trying to get out and see the area.  We've already hiked to a castle, checked out the local parks, tasted Basel specialties and toured the city on tram.  Did I mention that we have cows that are neighbors?  We like to greet them as we drive or walk by.

I think we're going to really like living here.  The boys are both adjusting really well to a new house, new school, new car, etc.  Above all, we're all tackling new challenges.  So, here is a top 10 list of lessons learned since we arrived.  Keep in mind that we've only been here a short time, so these are in many ways, first impressions.  We'll see if they change over time.

• # 10:  I'm kind of amazed that I can legally drive instantly without learning about the rules of the road.  There aren't many significant differences, but enough to really require some focus while driving.  Thank goodness that the Swiss seem to be patient and very controlled drivers. 
• #9:  When does pepperoni not mean pepperoni?  In German, pepperoni translates to red and green peppers.  We'll have to order salami on our pizza.
• #8:  Looking for more parenting challenges?  Try jet-lag.  It brings out the, um, best in children.
• #7:  Chocolate is everywhere.  And really good chocolate.  It's a good thing we live on a hill, so I'm hoping it's easy to fit in exercise!
• #6:  The honors system really seems to work here, as it should.  It's not uncommon to find unmanned vegetable stands with a coin deposit box.  The tram tickets are primarily based on the honors system as well.  
• #5:  I feel like we need to use our "indoor voices" everywhere, even outdoors.
• #4:  Who knew that ping-pong would be so prevalent?  Every park/playground we've visited so far, has tables to bring your own paddles and ball to play. 
• #3:  I came here with very little German, and will definitely be seeking language classes. Some words are very easy to figure out the meaning.  (schule = school).  But others -- like dorf, which means village, just make me laugh.  And with no tv yet at home, I just had to look up an old "dorf" video on youtube.  I also like to keep a sense of humor at home by using a Swedish Chef or Mrs. Doubtfire accent.  Certain words just seem to ask for it.
• #2:  You'd think with all the cows in Switzerland, that we could buy milk in containers greater than 1.5L (less than half a gallon).  Oh yeah -- the refrigerators could never fit a 1-gallon container.
• #1: Sometimes just smiling, and saying "Ja" (pronounced yah) is a good way to fit in and pretend I know Swiss German.